VENICE CANALS GET A CLEAN-UP, WHILE CHELSEA FC PROVES A GOOD SPORT

Every day in this column, The Daily Telegraph will seek out and report snippets of comfort as the world fights coronavirus ♦

A Japanese flu drug called favipiravir has been deemed “clearly effective” in treating coronavirus. Patients with

Covid-19 trialled the medicine in China and tested negative for the disease after a median of four days. Lung conditions improved in 91 per cent of patients, compared with 62 per cent of those not given the drug.

The British Red Cross has ♦ seen 10,000 people sign up to volunteer to help others in the past week. The community reserves are providing doorstep support – dropping off milk, delivering food parcel and the daily paper – and this is set to expand in the coming days. ♦

Venice canals, usually bogged down with tourists in gondolas and motorboats are now crystal clear. Those that venture out into the city and peer down into the water may even see little silver fish swimming around.

Oxford ♦ scientists have developed a test that provides results in just 30 minutes – three times quicker than the current fastest methods.

The equipment is relatively simple and researchers say it could help detect coronavirus in the earlier stages of infection.

Chelsea ♦

Football Club is making its Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available to NHS staff, to support those working long shifts who may not be able to travel home. Club owner Roman Abramovich is covering the costs of providing the accommodation.