In most countries, mosques are off-limits or access to them has been restricted. The possibility of food shortages is a source of concern. In Kuwait the call to prayer has been changed, with people urged to pray at home. Sunnis and Shias split over the pandemic and fasting.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends the lockdown on businesses and travel until 3 May. More than 120 million day labourers have become destitute all at once. “I thought I could help my family by coming to Mumbai to work.  But now I have nothing,” said one labourer. The Pahunch charity has provided food parcels to 800 tribal migrants.

Communist Party leaders fear incidents similar to those that broke out on the border between Hubei and Jiangxi. While fighting the pandemic, law enforcement agencies must be loyal to the regime. The cases in Inner Mongolia, Henan and Sichuan. "Social stability" is the fundamental concern for the CCP.

Half a million masks were delivered yesterday to the warehouse of Italy’s Civil Protection near Rome. The gift stems from the "serious situation" in some countries. For De Siervo, from Civil Protection, the people of Taiwan “demonstrated great friendship”. Taiwan’s ambassador said she was “happy and honoured to be able to help” and that “we can do it together”.

The two leaders fail to agree before last night’s deadline. Israel’s President Rivlin has given the Knesset 21 days to pick a new candidate for prime minister. After that an election is likely with the polls favouring Netanyahu thanks to his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

The person and work of Mgr Nicholas Marcus Fernando, 7th archbishop of Colombo, were remembered during his funeral on Monday. “He was blessed with many qualities and we know he used them all for the glory of God. For this reason, we wish Archbishop Marcus eternal rest and the love and care of the Lord Jesus.”