Loan firms accused of ‘cashing in’
hours after record coronavirus deaths were revealed at 832 in 24 hours – but the latest toll was lower, at 674, last night.
A total of 5,812 have now died. More than 72,240 people have been infected, including 40,630 hospitalised and 4,575 in intensive care.
Another 12,285 have been cured. Nearly 10,000 infected have been health workers. Emergency health director
Fernando Simon yesterday claimed the disease may have passed its peak in some parts.
is on lockdown with PM Leo Varadkar announcing high risk people will be “cocooned” until Easter Sunday after the death toll rose to 22, with 2,121 cases. Restrictions follow the UK’s.
was last night warned that it faced “catastrophe” as cases neared 33,000 with nearly 2,000 deaths. PM Edouard Philippe said the epidemic was “submerging our hospital system with remarkable strength”.
Hospitals chief Frederic Valletoux said: “We will be at capacity limit in 24 to 48 hours.
“If we let every hospital cope by itself we’ll be heading towards catastrophe.”
In police were on the streets of Johannesburg after the country went into lockdown on Friday.
Armed cops battled to disperse queuing shoppers not social distancing.
The country has reported two deaths among 1,170 infected so far.
Meanwhile, the Chinese city where the pandemic began partially re-opening yesterday.
Passengers were pictured arriving at
train station, with people allowed to enter but not leave,At least 3,000 citizens died, but new infections have now fallen into double figures.
PAYDAY lenders have been accused of cashing in on the crisis by offering health tips with loans.
Loans2Go and LoanPig are among firms with rates over 1,000 per cent.
Another offers 695 per cent and vows: “Cashfloat is here for you during the coronavirus crisis.”
Firms say they are acting responsibly but a watchdog called them “loan sharks” and demanded an interest freeze on credit.
■■The CBI expects retail sales to drop by 47 per cent in the next quarter.