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Coronavirus live news: Fauci warns against Trump rallies; health fears in Australia over BLM protests Coronavirus live news: Fauci warns against Trump rallies; health fears in Australia over BLM protests
(32 minutes later)
Brazil death toll becomes second highest in world; Dr Anthony Fauci says gatherings are a ‘danger’; Australia’s chief medical officers warns against Black Lives Matter ralliesBrazil death toll becomes second highest in world; Dr Anthony Fauci says gatherings are a ‘danger’; Australia’s chief medical officers warns against Black Lives Matter rallies
Refugee activists have defied a court order and taken to the streets in Syndey Australia, but the small event fizzled out without confrontation with police.
A group of around 70 protesters chanted slogans, stood in front of Town Hall and did laps of the block as part of the “Free the refugees: national day of action” event on Saturday, with 100 police officer watching on.
The Refugee Action Coalition pushed ahead with the event, despite the New South Wales Supreme Court on Thursday night ruling it a prohibited public assembly. NSW Police opposed the event on health grounds amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Just under 300 people registered their intention to attend the event on Facebook, with another 1200 expressing their interest, but, the turnout was far smaller.
Organisers had planned to hold an “exercise protest” by having participants jog and cycle around the streets to get around the 20-person limit on public gatherings. Instead, about half the protesters walked laps of the block chanting slogans such as “free, free the refugees”, while another group stood in front of Town Hall.
James Supple, from the Refugee Action Coalition, defended the decision to go ahead with the rally.
“People are attempting suicide, their mental health is deteriorating rapidly, their medical issues are not being properly treated, there’s an urgent issue there for the people who need to be released,” Supple said.
Prior to the rally, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian begged protesters to stay home, while NSW Police warned anyone taking part that they risked being fined or arrested.
People joining the Black Lives Matter demonstrations on Saturday must be off the streets by 5pm, according to conditions laid down by the Metropolitan police.
The force fear the anti-racism protests – that were sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US last month – could be met with counter-demonstrations by far-right groups.
On Friday, statues in Parliament Square including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were boarded up to prevent them being targeted by either side.
“Obviously there are some people who are generally concerned about the protection of their statues and monuments, but many people are coming for a fight, and they are talking openly about it on their social media accounts,” Nick Lowles, chief executive of the activist group Hope not Hate, told BBC radio this morning.
Met commander Bas Javid, brother of former chancellor Sajid, said he understood the depth of feeling of protesters, but asked people not to come to London while lockdown rules were still in force.
“If you were planning to come to London, I again would urge you to reconsider, but if you are still intent, please familiarise yourself with what the conditions are,” he said. “Please keep yourself safe by complying with government guidance on social distancing.”
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Here is the latest global report on Covid-19 from The Guardian.Here is the latest global report on Covid-19 from The Guardian.
Authorities fear rallies and protests will present an infection risk, a Brazilian city prepares to exhume bodies to free up more space, and fresh domestic cases cause alarm in Beijing.Authorities fear rallies and protests will present an infection risk, a Brazilian city prepares to exhume bodies to free up more space, and fresh domestic cases cause alarm in Beijing.
Protests are well and truly underway throughout Australia.Protests are well and truly underway throughout Australia.
About 300 protesters are blockading a Brisbane hotel, accusing the government of seeking to silence detained asylum seekers by moving them. Supporters of about 120 detainees have vowed to continue preventing authorities from accessing the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk previously warned people not to attend the rally due to coronavirus fears.About 300 protesters are blockading a Brisbane hotel, accusing the government of seeking to silence detained asylum seekers by moving them. Supporters of about 120 detainees have vowed to continue preventing authorities from accessing the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk previously warned people not to attend the rally due to coronavirus fears.
Supporters of about 120 detainees have vowed to continue preventing authorities from accessing the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel. Protesters say authorities are intent on relocating asylum seekers who’ve staged a series of balcony protests over their long-term detention at the hotel. About 40 men holding signs stood on the hotel’s balconies waving as the protest kicked off. Some of those at the hotel have been in detention for years after coming to Australia for medical treatment.Supporters of about 120 detainees have vowed to continue preventing authorities from accessing the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel. Protesters say authorities are intent on relocating asylum seekers who’ve staged a series of balcony protests over their long-term detention at the hotel. About 40 men holding signs stood on the hotel’s balconies waving as the protest kicked off. Some of those at the hotel have been in detention for years after coming to Australia for medical treatment.
The organisers are also demanding the men be granted freedom of movement. “They cannot go out to exercise for their health. We demand they be allowed to walk around and get some fresh air,” protest spokesman Sam Watson said.The organisers are also demanding the men be granted freedom of movement. “They cannot go out to exercise for their health. We demand they be allowed to walk around and get some fresh air,” protest spokesman Sam Watson said.
Meanwhile protesters are meeting across eight Melbourne locations to call for freedom for refugees stuck in indefinite detention. They are spreading out in order to comply with health authority social distancing and gathering requirements.Meanwhile protesters are meeting across eight Melbourne locations to call for freedom for refugees stuck in indefinite detention. They are spreading out in order to comply with health authority social distancing and gathering requirements.
At a hotel in the northern suburb of Preston, Mantra Bell City, where some refugees have been held for at least seven months, up to about 30 protesters are standing outside. Asylum seekers who were transported from Manus Island for medical treatment can be seen peering out of hotel windows to watch the rally, AAP reports.At a hotel in the northern suburb of Preston, Mantra Bell City, where some refugees have been held for at least seven months, up to about 30 protesters are standing outside. Asylum seekers who were transported from Manus Island for medical treatment can be seen peering out of hotel windows to watch the rally, AAP reports.
In Sydney, a small rally for refugees is being held in the city. Protesters there are also adhering to social distancing rules.In Sydney, a small rally for refugees is being held in the city. Protesters there are also adhering to social distancing rules.
But thousands of people have now gathered in support of Black Lives Matter in Perth at Langley Park. The Western Australian premier urged protesters not to gather due to health risks, but health minister Roger Cook revealed on Friday his wife Carly Lane, would attend the rally.But thousands of people have now gathered in support of Black Lives Matter in Perth at Langley Park. The Western Australian premier urged protesters not to gather due to health risks, but health minister Roger Cook revealed on Friday his wife Carly Lane, would attend the rally.
“Roger’s wife Carly is her own person,” McGowan told reporters.“Roger’s wife Carly is her own person,” McGowan told reporters.
“This is about trying to save people’s lives and stop any potential community spread of the virus. We’ve been very clear with people organising the rally and the police have been in contact with them to that effect. This is about trying to save people’s lives and stop any potential community spread of the virus.”“This is about trying to save people’s lives and stop any potential community spread of the virus. We’ve been very clear with people organising the rally and the police have been in contact with them to that effect. This is about trying to save people’s lives and stop any potential community spread of the virus.”
EU leaders are set to join Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday for talks on jumpstarting the nation’s economy, but opposition figures have shunned the hastily organised – and roundly criticised – initiative.EU leaders are set to join Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte on Saturday for talks on jumpstarting the nation’s economy, but opposition figures have shunned the hastily organised – and roundly criticised – initiative.
Despite a bevy of A-list political speakers, Italians such as far-right leader Matteo Salvini planned to sit out Conte’s conference, casting it as a media stunt designed to boost the premier’s profile, AFP reports. Although his approval ratings rose during the coronavirus emergency, Conte now faces political challenges as the country faces a deep recession.Despite a bevy of A-list political speakers, Italians such as far-right leader Matteo Salvini planned to sit out Conte’s conference, casting it as a media stunt designed to boost the premier’s profile, AFP reports. Although his approval ratings rose during the coronavirus emergency, Conte now faces political challenges as the country faces a deep recession.
He has convinced European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to join via video conference, along with International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva, according to the Italian news agency AGI.He has convinced European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to join via video conference, along with International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva, according to the Italian news agency AGI.
Other top European Union officials were also reportedly on board, while European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde was scheduled but had yet to confirm, AGI said. As of Friday afternoon, Conte’s office had not published a public agenda for the closed door sessions that were to continue through Monday.Other top European Union officials were also reportedly on board, while European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde was scheduled but had yet to confirm, AGI said. As of Friday afternoon, Conte’s office had not published a public agenda for the closed door sessions that were to continue through Monday.
Conte publicly launched the idea last week, saying he wanted to unite “the country’s strongest forces” and compile the “most effective ideas” for an economic rebound following two months of lockdown. The EU’s third largest economy is expected to contract by at least 8.3% in 2020, under the most optimistic estimate from Italy’s national statistics agency.Conte publicly launched the idea last week, saying he wanted to unite “the country’s strongest forces” and compile the “most effective ideas” for an economic rebound following two months of lockdown. The EU’s third largest economy is expected to contract by at least 8.3% in 2020, under the most optimistic estimate from Italy’s national statistics agency.
Some protests occurring throughout Australia today are clearly exceeding limits set by health authorities for public gatherings. Statues of public figures have also been targeted in the protests, organised by refugee and Black Lives Matter advocates.Some protests occurring throughout Australia today are clearly exceeding limits set by health authorities for public gatherings. Statues of public figures have also been targeted in the protests, organised by refugee and Black Lives Matter advocates.
Bronze busts of former Australian prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard have been sprayed with red paint in the regional town of Ballarat, Victoria. The statues along the Prime Minister’s Avenue in the Botanical Gardens were defaced with paint on Saturday morning, Victoria Police said. The bust stands were also daubed with offensive symbols between midnight and 2.15am, a spokesman confirmed.Bronze busts of former Australian prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard have been sprayed with red paint in the regional town of Ballarat, Victoria. The statues along the Prime Minister’s Avenue in the Botanical Gardens were defaced with paint on Saturday morning, Victoria Police said. The bust stands were also daubed with offensive symbols between midnight and 2.15am, a spokesman confirmed.
“Our city does not condone any form of graffiti or vandalism on its public assets, regardless of people’s beliefs or rising public sentiment, and I am certain our residents will be equally as disgusted by these actions,” City of Ballarat chief executive Janet Dore said.“Our city does not condone any form of graffiti or vandalism on its public assets, regardless of people’s beliefs or rising public sentiment, and I am certain our residents will be equally as disgusted by these actions,” City of Ballarat chief executive Janet Dore said.
On Friday, Perth police charged a man after the Captain James Stirling statue on Hay Street outside Town Hall was spray painted. The statue’s neck and hands were painted red and an Aboriginal flag was painted over the inscription at the base. Thousands have gathered for a Black Lives Matter protest in Perth again on Saturday, despite calls from the premier Mark McGowan to delay them. However, the protesters, from images, appear to be socially distancing.On Friday, Perth police charged a man after the Captain James Stirling statue on Hay Street outside Town Hall was spray painted. The statue’s neck and hands were painted red and an Aboriginal flag was painted over the inscription at the base. Thousands have gathered for a Black Lives Matter protest in Perth again on Saturday, despite calls from the premier Mark McGowan to delay them. However, the protesters, from images, appear to be socially distancing.
China reported 11 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, including six domestic cases in the capital that raised concerns about a resurgence, AFP reports.China reported 11 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, including six domestic cases in the capital that raised concerns about a resurgence, AFP reports.
The majority of China’s cases in recent months were overseas nationals tested as they returned home, with the domestic outbreak brought largely under control after the disease first emerged in the central city of Wuhan last year. But the new cases have prompted Beijing officials to delay the return of students to primary schools, and suspend all sporting events and group dining.The majority of China’s cases in recent months were overseas nationals tested as they returned home, with the domestic outbreak brought largely under control after the disease first emerged in the central city of Wuhan last year. But the new cases have prompted Beijing officials to delay the return of students to primary schools, and suspend all sporting events and group dining.
City authorities on Friday also closed two markets visited by one of the known cases.City authorities on Friday also closed two markets visited by one of the known cases.
The chairman of the Xinfadi meat wholesale market told state-run Beijing News that the virus was detected on chopping boards used to handle imported salmon.The chairman of the Xinfadi meat wholesale market told state-run Beijing News that the virus was detected on chopping boards used to handle imported salmon.
Major supermarket chains including Wumart and Carrefour removed all stocks of salmon overnight in the capital, but said supplies of other products would not be affected, Beijing Daily reported Saturday.Major supermarket chains including Wumart and Carrefour removed all stocks of salmon overnight in the capital, but said supplies of other products would not be affected, Beijing Daily reported Saturday.
AFP reporters saw dozens of police officers deployed at the two markets. The novel coronavirus is believed to have jumped from an animal to humans at a Wuhan market that sold wildlife.AFP reporters saw dozens of police officers deployed at the two markets. The novel coronavirus is believed to have jumped from an animal to humans at a Wuhan market that sold wildlife.
The first new case in Beijing after two months – who had no recent travel history outside the city – was reported on Thursday, and authorities confirmed two more infections the next day. The other five cases reported Saturday were brought in from overseas.The first new case in Beijing after two months – who had no recent travel history outside the city – was reported on Thursday, and authorities confirmed two more infections the next day. The other five cases reported Saturday were brought in from overseas.
Black Lives Matter protests have begun around Australia, with more set to start throughout the day.Black Lives Matter protests have begun around Australia, with more set to start throughout the day.
In the Northern Territory, 700 to 1000 people have gathered, walking slowly through the streets of the capital city, Darwin. Currently, the legal gathering limited in the NT is 500 but organisers lodged a safety plan with the government allowing the protest to go ahead. The territory currently has no active cases of Covid-19.In the Northern Territory, 700 to 1000 people have gathered, walking slowly through the streets of the capital city, Darwin. Currently, the legal gathering limited in the NT is 500 but organisers lodged a safety plan with the government allowing the protest to go ahead. The territory currently has no active cases of Covid-19.
In Queensland, a protest has begun in the city of Rockhampton, and in the town of Innisfail in the state’s far north, where around 300 people turned out in the rain. Attendees had to register to join the march and Queensland police have discouraged residents from attending the rallies.In Queensland, a protest has begun in the city of Rockhampton, and in the town of Innisfail in the state’s far north, where around 300 people turned out in the rain. Attendees had to register to join the march and Queensland police have discouraged residents from attending the rallies.
More protests are set to begin shortly around Australia including in the state capitals of Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.More protests are set to begin shortly around Australia including in the state capitals of Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
Police in New South Wales have warned anyone attending the Sydney protest risked being fined and arrested.Police in New South Wales have warned anyone attending the Sydney protest risked being fined and arrested.
Last weekend, tens of thousands of people protested in downtown Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane against racism and the deaths of Indigenous Australians in custody.Last weekend, tens of thousands of people protested in downtown Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane against racism and the deaths of Indigenous Australians in custody.
Matilda Boseley reports that attendees of Friday night’s Black Lives Matter protests in Sydney say they were left terrified after an officer appeared to flash a hand symbol associated with the white power movement.Matilda Boseley reports that attendees of Friday night’s Black Lives Matter protests in Sydney say they were left terrified after an officer appeared to flash a hand symbol associated with the white power movement.
Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in the Sydney CBD to draw attention to Australia’s record on Indigenous deaths in custody, despite health warnings not to gather due to health risks from Covid-19. Protester Jen Atherton filmed the video after the group was moved out of Hyde park by dozens of police officers and both parties made their way to Town Hall.Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in the Sydney CBD to draw attention to Australia’s record on Indigenous deaths in custody, despite health warnings not to gather due to health risks from Covid-19. Protester Jen Atherton filmed the video after the group was moved out of Hyde park by dozens of police officers and both parties made their way to Town Hall.
“It was just really shocking,” Atherton said.“It was just really shocking,” Atherton said.
The symbol is extremely similar to the “OK” hand gesture but has been used by white power movements in recent years. “You can’t really ever confirm but … I don’t see why he would be saying everything was OK in that moment,” Atherton said.The symbol is extremely similar to the “OK” hand gesture but has been used by white power movements in recent years. “You can’t really ever confirm but … I don’t see why he would be saying everything was OK in that moment,” Atherton said.
NSW police have denied the gesture was in any way related to the white power movement.NSW police have denied the gesture was in any way related to the white power movement.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:In a statement, a spokesperson said:
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
China reported 11 new Covid-19 cases and seven asymptomatic cases for 12 June, the national health authority said on Saturday. The National Health commission said in a statement that five of the new confirmed patients were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas. The six locally transmitted cases were all in Beijing. The commission reported seven confirmed cases and one asymptomatic case a day earlier.China reported 11 new Covid-19 cases and seven asymptomatic cases for 12 June, the national health authority said on Saturday. The National Health commission said in a statement that five of the new confirmed patients were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas. The six locally transmitted cases were all in Beijing. The commission reported seven confirmed cases and one asymptomatic case a day earlier.
The total number of Covid-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,075, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms, as confirmed cases.The total number of Covid-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,075, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms, as confirmed cases.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson said last week that removing statues of controversial figures is “to lie about our history”, as he argued that national protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US had been taken over by extremists. In a lengthy Twitter thread in response to the boarding up of the Cenotaph in Whitehall and Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, the prime minister expressed anger at the targeting of monuments, the Guardian reported.UK prime minister Boris Johnson said last week that removing statues of controversial figures is “to lie about our history”, as he argued that national protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US had been taken over by extremists. In a lengthy Twitter thread in response to the boarding up of the Cenotaph in Whitehall and Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square, the prime minister expressed anger at the targeting of monuments, the Guardian reported.
Well, Australia’s treasurer Josh Frydenberg has now weighed in on Twitter, saying Churchill “saved families and the world from Nazi tyranny”.Well, Australia’s treasurer Josh Frydenberg has now weighed in on Twitter, saying Churchill “saved families and the world from Nazi tyranny”.
His comments prompted a swift backlash, with many telling Frydenberg he needed to educate himself on Churchill’s views on racial hierarchies and eugenics.His comments prompted a swift backlash, with many telling Frydenberg he needed to educate himself on Churchill’s views on racial hierarchies and eugenics.
In an opinion piece, Richard Toye wrote for CNN that:In an opinion piece, Richard Toye wrote for CNN that:
Similar calls to remove statues are occurring during Black Lives Matter and refugee protests in Australia, with rallies to be held throughout the country on Saturday despite Covid-19 health restrictions banning mass gatherings.Similar calls to remove statues are occurring during Black Lives Matter and refugee protests in Australia, with rallies to be held throughout the country on Saturday despite Covid-19 health restrictions banning mass gatherings.
In Sydney, Australia, a refugee activist group is planning to flout a supreme court ban by holding an “exercise protest” in the city. The Refugee Action Coalition is pushing ahead with the event, planned to take place at Town Hall at 2pm on Saturday, despite the court on Thursday night ruling it a prohibited public assembly.In Sydney, Australia, a refugee activist group is planning to flout a supreme court ban by holding an “exercise protest” in the city. The Refugee Action Coalition is pushing ahead with the event, planned to take place at Town Hall at 2pm on Saturday, despite the court on Thursday night ruling it a prohibited public assembly.
Organisers say they would still hold the event. However, they are now planning an “exercise protest” to get around regulations. Under public health orders, a gathering of more than 20 people is prohibited in New South Wales, however, public exercise is not.Organisers say they would still hold the event. However, they are now planning an “exercise protest” to get around regulations. Under public health orders, a gathering of more than 20 people is prohibited in New South Wales, however, public exercise is not.
The organisers posted this on Facebook:The organisers posted this on Facebook:
NSW Police has warned that anyone attending the protest risks being fined and arrested. A 24-year-old woman was fined $1,000 for disobeying a police move-on order during a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney city on Friday night.NSW Police has warned that anyone attending the protest risks being fined and arrested. A 24-year-old woman was fined $1,000 for disobeying a police move-on order during a Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney city on Friday night.