The number of confirmed coronavirus cases around Australia is sitting at 5,362.

New South Wales remains the state with the highest number of cases.

In this update:

1:07 - NSW Health is defending its call that the Ruby Princess cruise ship — now linked to seven deaths and more than 600 cases of COVID-19 — was allowed to offload passengers in Sydney despite being told of multiple ill people before it docked.

4:08 - The number of coronavirus-related deaths continues to climb in the US with fatalities in New York almost doubling in three days.

5:50 - The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended people cover their faces when leaving home, especially around others.

8:34 - Across Europe, the daily death tolls paint a sobering picture. Spain recorded another 932 deaths, although that was slightly down on the day before.

11.34 - Authorities in the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza say the coronavirus is set to devastate a vulnerable population of two million people.

Read more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-04/coronavirus-updates-new-york-reports-deadliest-day/12120784

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