April 9 coronavirus news

By Ben Westcott, Julia Hollingsworth, Adam Renton, Jack Guy, Meg Wagner and Mike Hayes, CNN

Updated 10:36 PM ET, Thu April 9, 2020

109 Posts

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1:43 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

Sweden reports large increase in coronavirus-related deaths for second day in a row

From CNN’s Seb Shukla and Tim Lister

People pass by the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden, on Wednesday, April 8. Swedish authorities have advised the public to practice social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic, but still allow a large amount of personal freedom, unlike most other European countries. Andres Kudacki/AP

Sweden has reported a rise in the daily death rate from coronavirus of at least 100 for two days in a row, taking the total number of dead to 792, according to data released by the Swedish Public Health Agency.

The total number of cases across the country has increased to 9,141 with 719 in intensive care.

Stockholm, the capital, is the epicenter of the outbreak.

Sweden has not implemented a nationwide lockdown like other European countries. Instead they are asking those aged 70 and over to stay at home and for other to observe respected levels of social distancing, but public meeting places such as bars and restaurants are open.

1:33 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

New Jersey governor says social distancing is beginning to the slow rate of infection

From CNN's Kristina Sgueglia

Gov. Phil Murphy called the slowing rate of infection in New Jersey a sign of "progress" today during a press conference.

“Our social distancing is in fact beginning to show affect here,” he said.

Social distancing is “beginning to slow the rate at which the numbers of folks are getting infected," Murphy added.

1:24 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

New Jersey reports 1,700 coronavirus deaths

From CNN's Kristina Sgueglia

The state of New Jersey is reporting an additional 3,748 cases over the last 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 51,027.

There has also been an additional 198 deaths in the past 24 hours.

The statewide death toll is now 1,700, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

This is "well north now of two times the fatalities – blessed fatalities — that we suffered in New Jersey on 9/11," he said.

1:17 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

UK's foreign secretary has not spoken to Boris Johnson since taking over his duties

From CNN's Schams Elwazer

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has not spoken to Prime Minister Boris Johnson since taking over his duties.

“I think it’s important, particularly while [Johnson] is intensive care, to let him focus on recovery. We in the government have got this covered,” Raab said during the daily Downing Street press conference.

Johnson has been in intensive care since Monday – one day after being admitted to St. Thomas hospital — and the government has insisted his condition continues to improve and he is in “good spirits.”

CORRECTION: This post has been updated to reflect that Johnson was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, and entered intensive care on Monday.

12:53 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

United Kingdom coronavirus death toll nears 8,000

From Seb Shukla in London

The number of people who have died of Covid-19 in the United Kingdom hospitals has increased to 7,978, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Thursday – an increase of 881 since Wednesday’s update.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases has reached 65,077, an increase of 4,304.

12:45 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

8 members of US Capitol police positive for coronavirus

From Sunlen Serfaty

In the past three weeks, eight United States Capitol Police (USCP) personnel have informed the department that they have tested positive for coronavirus.

“The health and well-being of USCP employees is the Department’s top priority,” spokesperson Eva Malecki told CNN, “We are implementing a number of proactive measures to respond to the pandemic.”

The USCP has adapted what they are calling a “progressive staffing posture” aimed at preserving employee health.

They have issued personal protective equipment (PPE) to all police officers, have enhanced agency-wide telework capabilities and are providing the option of temporary lodging for on-duty officers and civilian employees to address concerns about the potential of community transmission to family members.

The department is also delivering daily box lunches to on-duty officers and civilian employees to help employees practice responsible social distancing while on duty.

In addition, USCP sworn personnel who are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 may receive priority testing.

12:29 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

Maine's Department of Education gives tablets to students for remote learning

From CNN's Melissa Alonso

Maine's Department of Education is distributing WiFi-enabled tablets to students without internet for remote learning, according to a release from the department.

"The 500 devices were procured through a collection of donations, and are being offered in Piscataquis County first because data shows they have the highest percentage of students without connectivity," the release said.

Maine schools will continue virtual learning for the remainder of the academic year, the DOE said on its website.

12:30 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

Almost 20% of the New York Police Department is out sick

From CNN’s Shimon Prokupecz

Roughly 20% of the NYPD is out sick, according to a law enforcement official.

As of today, there are 7,155 uniformed members out sick, which accounts for 19.8% of the force.

At least 243 members have returned to work after being out sick.

Overall, there have been 3,119 members who have tested positive for coronavirus. Of those, 508 have returned to work.

12:23 p.m. ET, April 9, 2020

Dallas mayor closes all parks for Easter weekend to maintain social distancing

From CNN's Hollie Silverman

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson announced that he is closing all parks in the city for the Easter weekend in an effort to maintain social distancing and continue to combat the spread of coronavirus, he said in a tweet Thursday.

Johnson said that keeping the parks open and staffed to enforce social distancing would have put staff, public safety personnel and the public "in harm's way."

Instead, he encouraged residents to celebrate the holiday at home.