7,503 Covid-19 sufferers have died in Italy, the highest fatality rate in the world. The number of deaths in Spain, 3,647, has surpassed China’s total, prompting an extension of Spain’s lockdown. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the Spanish congress on Wednesday that the pandemic is worsening in Spain, and no easing of restrictions can be permitted. He said: “Quarantine is inevitable as we combat the coronavirus. I’m seeking congressional approval to prolong the lockdown. An extension of the current state of emergency is not easy on the government, the congress, or the Spanish public, who are already suffering. But I believe social distancing is the only effective way to drive back the coronavirus.”   

The UK’s Prince (Photo: VNA)

The UK’s Prince Charles tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. Britain's Parliament is set to shut down for at least four weeks, starting Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron visited a military field hospital recently built in Mulhouse in the Grand-Est region, one of the hardest-hit areas in France. Macron called for unity to fight the pandemic:  “Several days ago, I told you that we are in a war with an invisible enemy, the coronavirus. This region is where we have received wounds. We have just one goal, to be united against the virus, because when we go to war, we must commit fully and mobilize in unity."

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a postponement of Russia’s constitutional amendment referendum due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  

The government of Paraguay has closed all border crossings until Sunday to slow the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, in Panama, the government has expanded a curfew and will require people to remain in quarantine at all hours beginning Wednesday.