This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jun/13/coronavirus-live-news-fauci-warns-against-trump-rallies-health-fears-in-australia-over-blm-protests

The article has changed 45 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 31 Version 32
Coronavirus live news: Beijing back into partial lockdown as new cluster emerges Coronavirus live news: Beijing back into partial lockdown as new cluster emerges
(32 minutes later)
Anthony Fauci calls Trump rallies a danger to health; Australia’s chief medical officers warns against BLM ralliesAnthony Fauci calls Trump rallies a danger to health; Australia’s chief medical officers warns against BLM rallies
Chile’s president Sebastian Piñera has sacked the country’s health minister Jaime Manalich, the La Tercera newspaper reports. Three activists of Algeria’s Hirak protest movement were ordered to be held in pre-trial detention for offences including “endangering the lives of others during the [coronavirus] confinement period”, a prisoners’ defence group said on Saturday.
The Hirak movement led peaceful protests in 2019 after Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced his candidacy for a fifth presidential term, calling for Bouteflika’s immediate resignation.
The National Committee for the Release of Detainees (CNLD) said that Merzoug Touati, Yanis Adjila and Amar Beri appeared in court in the northeastern town of Bejaia.
The three formed part of a group of around 20 people arrested on Friday for trying to hold a protest in support of the release of other Hirak activists. The rest were detained only briefly and released, Agence France-Presse reports.
They are to go on trial 17 June for incitement, “publication that could damage the national interest” and b“endangering the lives of others during the confinement period”, CNLD spokesman Kaci Tansaout said.
He said Beri also faced charges of “damaging the person of the president of the republic”, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Weekly anti-government protests rocked Algeria for more than a year and only came to a halt in March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with the authorities banning marches.
According to the CNLD, some 60 people are currently detained on charges linked to the protest movement, most of them over posts on Facebook.
Airlines are slowly trying to return to business after the pandemic grounded entire fleets of planes around the globe for months and put their very existence in doubt.
My colleague Gwyn Topham reports.
Chile’s president Sebastian Piñera has replaced the country’s health minister Jaime Manalich, the La Tercera newspaper reports.
After just one year in office, his departure comes amid criticism of the health ministry’ reaction to the pandemic, mainly in two areas: the delay in taking preventive measures, such as quarantines, and a controversy over the number of total deaths due to Covid-19.After just one year in office, his departure comes amid criticism of the health ministry’ reaction to the pandemic, mainly in two areas: the delay in taking preventive measures, such as quarantines, and a controversy over the number of total deaths due to Covid-19.
Enrique Paris, currently the president of the national medical college and reportedly a supporter of abortions, will take over as health minister. Piñera thanked Manalich for his “noble service”, and replaced him with Oscar Enrique Paris, a former president of the national medical college and reportedly a supporter of abortions.
Chile has so far 167,355 confirmed coronavirus infections, and 3,101 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.Chile has so far 167,355 confirmed coronavirus infections, and 3,101 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.
In late May, Piñera had warned that the country’s healthcare system was “very close” to collapsing, following a rapid rise in infections over a short period of time that brought the country’s total infections close to 70,000. At the time, Chile had recorded 718 deaths from Covid-19.In late May, Piñera had warned that the country’s healthcare system was “very close” to collapsing, following a rapid rise in infections over a short period of time that brought the country’s total infections close to 70,000. At the time, Chile had recorded 718 deaths from Covid-19.
Coronavirus studies carried out in haste can lead to errors among researchers that can have fatal consequences, a leading scientist has said.Coronavirus studies carried out in haste can lead to errors among researchers that can have fatal consequences, a leading scientist has said.
Jonathan Kimmelman, the director at the Biomedical Ethics Unit at McGill University in Montreal, told the Die Zeit newspaper that faulty or incomplete studies on effective treatments for Covid-19 led to patients being given medication “that is ineffective at best and dangerous at worst”, as in the case of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.Jonathan Kimmelman, the director at the Biomedical Ethics Unit at McGill University in Montreal, told the Die Zeit newspaper that faulty or incomplete studies on effective treatments for Covid-19 led to patients being given medication “that is ineffective at best and dangerous at worst”, as in the case of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.
“We know that the drug can have dangerous side effects, but that it actually helps patients has not been proven. A few rushed publications claimed that giving it was helpful, while others claimed that it increased the risk of death, neither of which has yet been confirmed,” Kimmelman said.“We know that the drug can have dangerous side effects, but that it actually helps patients has not been proven. A few rushed publications claimed that giving it was helpful, while others claimed that it increased the risk of death, neither of which has yet been confirmed,” Kimmelman said.
“There have always been medical studies with significant weaknesses. The force with which the corona crisis hit us, of course, creates the need for rapid growth in knowledge of Sars-CoV-2. The corresponding studies are therefore usually published in a great hurry. It is no wonder that they often have deficits in design, implementation and evaluation because time, money, employees and the number of subjects are limited. Researchers should work particularly carefully right now,.” “There have always been medical studies with significant weaknesses. The force with which the corona crisis hit us, of course, creates the need for rapid growth in knowledge of Sars-CoV-2. The corresponding studies are therefore usually published in a great hurry. It is no wonder that they often have deficits in design, implementation and evaluation because time, money, employees and the number of subjects are limited. Researchers should work particularly carefully right now.”
The president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, reproached citizens on Saturday for their reduced adherence to health measures designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.The president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, reproached citizens on Saturday for their reduced adherence to health measures designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“The respect of measures by our dear people has been great” and 80% or people had played by the rules between 20 April and 20 May, Agence France-Presse reported him as saying in a televised speech.“The respect of measures by our dear people has been great” and 80% or people had played by the rules between 20 April and 20 May, Agence France-Presse reported him as saying in a televised speech.
He said it was disturbing, however, to see that the proportion “has greatly diminished... with only 18 to 20 percent of people respecting” the rules since.He said it was disturbing, however, to see that the proportion “has greatly diminished... with only 18 to 20 percent of people respecting” the rules since.
The health ministry on Saturday announced 71 new deaths from the disease over the last 24 hours and 2,410 new infections.The health ministry on Saturday announced 71 new deaths from the disease over the last 24 hours and 2,410 new infections.
Rouhani also expressed concerns about measures at the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Razavi province and a main pilgrimage site in the country.Rouhani also expressed concerns about measures at the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, the capital of Khorasan Razavi province and a main pilgrimage site in the country.
“Officials must make greater efforts - reports on mask wearing, social distancing and collective prayer are not satisfactory,” Rouhani said.“Officials must make greater efforts - reports on mask wearing, social distancing and collective prayer are not satisfactory,” Rouhani said.
Since announcing its first cases in the Shia holy city of Qom in February, Iran has struggled to contain what quickly became the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak of Covid-19.Since announcing its first cases in the Shia holy city of Qom in February, Iran has struggled to contain what quickly became the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak of Covid-19.
Official figures show that 8,730 people in the country have of the disease and 184,955 have been confirmed as infected.Official figures show that 8,730 people in the country have of the disease and 184,955 have been confirmed as infected.
There has been scepticism at home and abroad about Iran’s official figures, with concern the real toll could be much higher.There has been scepticism at home and abroad about Iran’s official figures, with concern the real toll could be much higher.
Italy’s official coronavirus death toll rose by 78 to 34,301 on Saturday, according to officials.Italy’s official coronavirus death toll rose by 78 to 34,301 on Saturday, according to officials.
The total number of confirmed infections in the country climbed by 346 to 236,651.The total number of confirmed infections in the country climbed by 346 to 236,651.
Operators of nightspots in Japan will have to keep a record of their customers’ names and contact information and ensure physical distancing rules as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, according to government guidelines released on Saturday, the Kyodo News agency reports.Operators of nightspots in Japan will have to keep a record of their customers’ names and contact information and ensure physical distancing rules as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, according to government guidelines released on Saturday, the Kyodo News agency reports.
Twenty-four new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Tokyo on Saturday, with four cases from nightspots in the Shinjuku entertainment district bringing the total for the capital to 5,497.Twenty-four new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Tokyo on Saturday, with four cases from nightspots in the Shinjuku entertainment district bringing the total for the capital to 5,497.
Other measures in the guidelines included maintaining a distance of at least one metre and the use of face masks or shields.Other measures in the guidelines included maintaining a distance of at least one metre and the use of face masks or shields.
High-fives with the audience are to be avoided in live music venues, and nightclubs are urged to adjust the volume of music to lower levels to prevent customers from talking loudly and emitting droplets during face-to-face socialising.High-fives with the audience are to be avoided in live music venues, and nightclubs are urged to adjust the volume of music to lower levels to prevent customers from talking loudly and emitting droplets during face-to-face socialising.
The mayors of two neighbouring cities in Poland and Germany hugged and celebrated with champagne on Saturday as Poland opened its border for the first time in three months.The mayors of two neighbouring cities in Poland and Germany hugged and celebrated with champagne on Saturday as Poland opened its border for the first time in three months.
René Wilke, the mayor of Frankfurt on the Oder river, and Mariusz Olejniczak, the mayor of Słubice, shook hands and embraced as a border fence was opened.René Wilke, the mayor of Frankfurt on the Oder river, and Mariusz Olejniczak, the mayor of Słubice, shook hands and embraced as a border fence was opened.
When the border was closed in mid-March, commuters were initially unable to go to work, but some later qualified for a special permit to cross the border.When the border was closed in mid-March, commuters were initially unable to go to work, but some later qualified for a special permit to cross the border.
Poland’s border with Lithuania was opened on Friday, Euronews reports.Poland’s border with Lithuania was opened on Friday, Euronews reports.
The European commission has recommended all of the bloc’s internal borders should reopen by Monday.The European commission has recommended all of the bloc’s internal borders should reopen by Monday.
Hello, I’m taking over from my colleague Mattha Busby. If you have any relevant updates to flag, please feel free to either email me or message me on Twitter @JedySays.Hello, I’m taking over from my colleague Mattha Busby. If you have any relevant updates to flag, please feel free to either email me or message me on Twitter @JedySays.
The countdown to the tourist season in Greece has begun with the country’s leader promising that no concessions will be made when it comes to health and safety.The countdown to the tourist season in Greece has begun with the country’s leader promising that no concessions will be made when it comes to health and safety.
Ahead of international flights resuming on Monday, prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has flown to the Cyclades island of Santorini, one of Europe’s most popular destinations, to deliver a message that Greece is open for business again.Ahead of international flights resuming on Monday, prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has flown to the Cyclades island of Santorini, one of Europe’s most popular destinations, to deliver a message that Greece is open for business again.
“We want visitors to come and feel safe,” he said after visiting the island’s general hospital. “Our intention is to welcome without making any concessions on safety and security.”“We want visitors to come and feel safe,” he said after visiting the island’s general hospital. “Our intention is to welcome without making any concessions on safety and security.”
The tourist-dependent nation is hoping to capitalise on the success it has had in handling the pandemic after enforcing stringent lockdown measures early on. With infection rates far lower than other European states, the death toll to date remains below 200.The tourist-dependent nation is hoping to capitalise on the success it has had in handling the pandemic after enforcing stringent lockdown measures early on. With infection rates far lower than other European states, the death toll to date remains below 200.
Tourism accounts for 20% of Greece’s GDP, and reopening the sector is key for an economy that had only started to recover from a decade-long debt crisis when the epidemic hit.Tourism accounts for 20% of Greece’s GDP, and reopening the sector is key for an economy that had only started to recover from a decade-long debt crisis when the epidemic hit.
The centre-right government is also aware, however, that admitting tourists is a calculated risk and one that could backfire.The centre-right government is also aware, however, that admitting tourists is a calculated risk and one that could backfire.
It announced draconian measures on Friday to boost health systems on islands, many of them small and remote with only rudimentary services.It announced draconian measures on Friday to boost health systems on islands, many of them small and remote with only rudimentary services.
The measures included a network of doctors and support staff being deployed to the outposts, medics in floating ambulances, increased Covid-19 testing facilities and futuristic “transit capsules” to transport patients to intensive care units.The measures included a network of doctors and support staff being deployed to the outposts, medics in floating ambulances, increased Covid-19 testing facilities and futuristic “transit capsules” to transport patients to intensive care units.
“Each island will be attached to a fully equipped mainland hospital,” said the health minister, Vasillis Kikillas, as he presented the policies.“Each island will be attached to a fully equipped mainland hospital,” said the health minister, Vasillis Kikillas, as he presented the policies.
Not everyone, however, is happy. Syriza, the leftwing main opposition party has accused the government of being lax, insisting that health services need to be further reinforced especially on Covid-free islands now bracing for tourists.Not everyone, however, is happy. Syriza, the leftwing main opposition party has accused the government of being lax, insisting that health services need to be further reinforced especially on Covid-free islands now bracing for tourists.
Greek epidemiologists advising the government say it is inevitable that as the country opens up the virus will be imported with visitors, making for what the opposition Syntaktwn newspaper described as a “an explosive mix in the coming months.”Greek epidemiologists advising the government say it is inevitable that as the country opens up the virus will be imported with visitors, making for what the opposition Syntaktwn newspaper described as a “an explosive mix in the coming months.”
Russia has more than doubled its official coronavirus death toll for April to 2,712 after changing how it classifies fatalities.Russia has more than doubled its official coronavirus death toll for April to 2,712 after changing how it classifies fatalities.
Officials warned that May’s death toll was likely to be even worse in Russia, which has the world’s third largest number of cases with 520,129.Officials warned that May’s death toll was likely to be even worse in Russia, which has the world’s third largest number of cases with 520,129.
The country has today reported 8,706 new cases after its number of new infections peaked in mid-May. The capital Moscow - the nation’s worst affected city - lifted tight lockdown measures last week.The country has today reported 8,706 new cases after its number of new infections peaked in mid-May. The capital Moscow - the nation’s worst affected city - lifted tight lockdown measures last week.
We reported earlier (see 9.01am) that Russia had reported 8,706 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of people who have been infected by the virus to 520,129.We reported earlier (see 9.01am) that Russia had reported 8,706 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of people who have been infected by the virus to 520,129.
Authorities said 114 people had died of the virus in the last 24 hours, raising the official national death toll to 6,829. It comes after 8,987 new cases were announced on Friday.Authorities said 114 people had died of the virus in the last 24 hours, raising the official national death toll to 6,829. It comes after 8,987 new cases were announced on Friday.
Russia’s death toll has been much lower than in other countries with large outbreaks, raising questions over possible underreporting of deaths.Russia’s death toll has been much lower than in other countries with large outbreaks, raising questions over possible underreporting of deaths.
The April figures from Rosstat, the official statistics agency, include 1,270 deaths where the virus was the main cause. But they now also include deaths where the victim tested positive for the virus but it was not the main cause of death, AFP reported.The April figures from Rosstat, the official statistics agency, include 1,270 deaths where the virus was the main cause. But they now also include deaths where the victim tested positive for the virus but it was not the main cause of death, AFP reported.
In April there were 435 deaths where the virus had a “significant influence” and 617 where it was present but did not play a major role, the agency said. The statistics also include 390 cases where the person initially tested negative to coronavirus, but it was later ruled to be the main cause of death.In April there were 435 deaths where the virus had a “significant influence” and 617 where it was present but did not play a major role, the agency said. The statistics also include 390 cases where the person initially tested negative to coronavirus, but it was later ruled to be the main cause of death.
The previously announced toll for April was 1,152.The previously announced toll for April was 1,152.
A further 80 people have died from coronavirus in the UK, according to official figures showing deaths recorded in the last 24 hours.A further 80 people have died from coronavirus in the UK, according to official figures showing deaths recorded in the last 24 hours.
The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will publish its overall toll later. It usually differs from the cumulative totals because of variations in data collection.The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will publish its overall toll later. It usually differs from the cumulative totals because of variations in data collection.
DHSC said on Friday that 41,481 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Thursday, up by 202 from 41,279 the day before.DHSC said on Friday that 41,481 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Thursday, up by 202 from 41,279 the day before.
The government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK, which is thought to have passed 52,000.The government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK, which is thought to have passed 52,000.
Far-right protesters in London, UK, have clashed with police throughout the day, after organisers cancelled an anti-racist protest for fear of violence.Far-right protesters in London, UK, have clashed with police throughout the day, after organisers cancelled an anti-racist protest for fear of violence.
Around 200 demonstrators near the Cenotaph – a war memorial outside the prime minister’s residence – were facing off with police with some trying to push through the barriers following a day of disorder. Several hundred anti-racism demonstrators have also gathered in Trafalgar Square.Around 200 demonstrators near the Cenotaph – a war memorial outside the prime minister’s residence – were facing off with police with some trying to push through the barriers following a day of disorder. Several hundred anti-racism demonstrators have also gathered in Trafalgar Square.
All protesters must disperse by 5pm, though many are now being contained by police lines. It comes after the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, urged people to stay away from central London and defended the decision to board up the statue of Winston Churchill and other monuments.All protesters must disperse by 5pm, though many are now being contained by police lines. It comes after the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, urged people to stay away from central London and defended the decision to board up the statue of Winston Churchill and other monuments.
Peaceful anti-racism protests were held elsewhere in the UK.Peaceful anti-racism protests were held elsewhere in the UK.
Moving back to the anti-racism protests, about 2,000 people have demonstrated in Paris to denounce police brutality and entrenched racism which many believe France’s national doctrine of colour blindness has failed to eradicate.Moving back to the anti-racism protests, about 2,000 people have demonstrated in Paris to denounce police brutality and entrenched racism which many believe France’s national doctrine of colour blindness has failed to eradicate.
Myriam Boicoulin, 31, who was born in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, said she was demonstrating because she wanted to be heard.Myriam Boicoulin, 31, who was born in the French Caribbean island of Martinique, said she was demonstrating because she wanted to be heard.
“The fact of being visible is enormous,” she said. “As a black woman living in mainland France, I’m constantly obliged to adapt, to make compromises, not make waves to be almost white, in fact. It’s the first time people see us. Let us breathe.”“The fact of being visible is enormous,” she said. “As a black woman living in mainland France, I’m constantly obliged to adapt, to make compromises, not make waves to be almost white, in fact. It’s the first time people see us. Let us breathe.”
The march in Paris was led by supporters of Adama Traoré, a French black man who died in police custody in 2016 in circumstances that remain unclear despite four years of autopsies. His death marked one of France’s most high-profile cases of alleged police brutality.The march in Paris was led by supporters of Adama Traoré, a French black man who died in police custody in 2016 in circumstances that remain unclear despite four years of autopsies. His death marked one of France’s most high-profile cases of alleged police brutality.
“We are all demanding the same thing – fair justice for everyone,” Traore’s sister Assa told the crowd. There were no charges made following his death.“We are all demanding the same thing – fair justice for everyone,” Traore’s sister Assa told the crowd. There were no charges made following his death.
Associated Press reported that angry shouts rose from the peaceful and racially diverse crowd as a small group of white extreme-right activists climbed a building overlooking the protest and unfurled a huge banner denouncing anti-white racism.Associated Press reported that angry shouts rose from the peaceful and racially diverse crowd as a small group of white extreme-right activists climbed a building overlooking the protest and unfurled a huge banner denouncing anti-white racism.
Police did not arrest the counter-demonstrators, but residents in the building tore part of the banner down, one raising his fist in victory. Officers prevented people attending the main rally from approaching the far-right activists.Police did not arrest the counter-demonstrators, but residents in the building tore part of the banner down, one raising his fist in victory. Officers prevented people attending the main rally from approaching the far-right activists.
Officers surrounded the intended march route, bracing for potential violence after scattered clashes at some previous demonstrations around France also inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd’s death in the US.Officers surrounded the intended march route, bracing for potential violence after scattered clashes at some previous demonstrations around France also inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd’s death in the US.
Paris police had ordered the closure of restaurants and shops, which had recently reopened after the coronavirus lockdown because they were along the route of the march (see 11.46am).Paris police had ordered the closure of restaurants and shops, which had recently reopened after the coronavirus lockdown because they were along the route of the march (see 11.46am).
Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands have signed a contract with AstraZeneca to supply European citizens with a coronavirus vaccine, Italy’s health minister said on Saturday.Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands have signed a contract with AstraZeneca to supply European citizens with a coronavirus vaccine, Italy’s health minister said on Saturday.
The contract with the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company is for 400m doses of the vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford. The trial phase is already advanced and expected to end in the autumn, Roberto Speranza wrote on Facebook.The contract with the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company is for 400m doses of the vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford. The trial phase is already advanced and expected to end in the autumn, Roberto Speranza wrote on Facebook.
He added that a first batch of doses would be made available by the end of this year. However, AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, could not guarantee the vaccine would work in an interview last month and said several would be required, though he expressed confidence.He added that a first batch of doses would be made available by the end of this year. However, AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, could not guarantee the vaccine would work in an interview last month and said several would be required, though he expressed confidence.
The European commission received a mandate from EU governments on Friday to negotiate advance purchases of promising coronavirus vaccines, the EU’s top health official said, but it was unclear whether there would be enough money available.The European commission received a mandate from EU governments on Friday to negotiate advance purchases of promising coronavirus vaccines, the EU’s top health official said, but it was unclear whether there would be enough money available.
It comes after AstraZeneca secured a deal with two US government agencies and Vanderbilt University to create antibodies to be used to treat and prevent Covid-19, Bloomberg reported.It comes after AstraZeneca secured a deal with two US government agencies and Vanderbilt University to create antibodies to be used to treat and prevent Covid-19, Bloomberg reported.
AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford announced in April their agreement for the global development and distribution of the university’s potential vaccine aimed at preventing Covid-19 infection.AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford announced in April their agreement for the global development and distribution of the university’s potential vaccine aimed at preventing Covid-19 infection.
“We’re trailblazing here because we are not following the standard process, we are partnering with regulators both in the UK and the US, we’re working hand in hand with the [Food and Drug Administration], we are sharing data on a day to day basis and they have committed themselves to help look at our data as they come so by the time we finish the first [trial] program in August they can rapidly approve the vaccine,” Soriot told CNN in May.“We’re trailblazing here because we are not following the standard process, we are partnering with regulators both in the UK and the US, we’re working hand in hand with the [Food and Drug Administration], we are sharing data on a day to day basis and they have committed themselves to help look at our data as they come so by the time we finish the first [trial] program in August they can rapidly approve the vaccine,” Soriot told CNN in May.
He claimed that drug companies are competing against the virus, not against each other, and that AstraZeneca – among other manufacturers – was doing this for no profit. It has received $1bn from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the development, production and delivery of the vaccine.He claimed that drug companies are competing against the virus, not against each other, and that AstraZeneca – among other manufacturers – was doing this for no profit. It has received $1bn from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the development, production and delivery of the vaccine.
The prime minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, called today for a “courageous plan” when he launched virtual talks with EU and IMF leaders to rescue Italy’s economy and society from the “unprecedented shock” triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, AFP reports.The prime minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, called today for a “courageous plan” when he launched virtual talks with EU and IMF leaders to rescue Italy’s economy and society from the “unprecedented shock” triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, AFP reports.
European Union leaders “must show that they have understood that it is about defending mutual interests,” Conte said in an opening speech transmitted to leading executives in Brussels.European Union leaders “must show that they have understood that it is about defending mutual interests,” Conte said in an opening speech transmitted to leading executives in Brussels.
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.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.
To stimulate activity in EU countries most affected by the Covid-19 crisis, the European Commission has proposed a €750bn recovery plan – €500bn in grants and the rest in loans. Italy is expected to receive around €172bn of this sum.To stimulate activity in EU countries most affected by the Covid-19 crisis, the European Commission has proposed a €750bn recovery plan – €500bn in grants and the rest in loans. Italy is expected to receive around €172bn of this sum.
“We must also take advantage of (the moment) to transform the crisis into an opportunity to eliminate all the obstacles that slowed (the country) down for the last 20 years,” Conte said.“We must also take advantage of (the moment) to transform the crisis into an opportunity to eliminate all the obstacles that slowed (the country) down for the last 20 years,” Conte said.
He said he shared European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s view that “we cannot allow ourselves to return to the pre-crisis status quo”.He said he shared European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s view that “we cannot allow ourselves to return to the pre-crisis status quo”.
Conte’s approval ratings rose during the coronavirus emergency. He has suggested a task force headed by former Vodafone chief executive Vittorio Colao to come up with recommendations on how to get Italy’s economy back on track.Conte’s approval ratings rose during the coronavirus emergency. He has suggested a task force headed by former Vodafone chief executive Vittorio Colao to come up with recommendations on how to get Italy’s economy back on track.
Proposals include digitising Italy’s onerous public administration, modernising infrastructure and restructuring the national university system.Proposals include digitising Italy’s onerous public administration, modernising infrastructure and restructuring the national university system.
New clothes? New rules. In the UK, which had the second highest death toll from Covid-19 until Brazil overtook it late yesterday, England is planning to relax government restriction on retail on Monday.New clothes? New rules. In the UK, which had the second highest death toll from Covid-19 until Brazil overtook it late yesterday, England is planning to relax government restriction on retail on Monday.
For one of the country’s biggest department store chains, John Lewis, that means new shopping diktats – including not trying on clothes, and a gap of eight steps between people on escalators.For one of the country’s biggest department store chains, John Lewis, that means new shopping diktats – including not trying on clothes, and a gap of eight steps between people on escalators.
Department stores, bookshops, electrical outlets and toy retailers will be among the businesses opening when non-essential shops welcome back customers after an enforced three-month shutdown.Department stores, bookshops, electrical outlets and toy retailers will be among the businesses opening when non-essential shops welcome back customers after an enforced three-month shutdown.
The first domestically transmitted cases of Covid-19 in Beijing for 55 days have seen a city recently returned to normal life do an about-face, as China fears a second wave.The first domestically transmitted cases of Covid-19 in Beijing for 55 days have seen a city recently returned to normal life do an about-face, as China fears a second wave.
Partial lockdown has been instituted in some residential areas of the capital, and thousands of people will be tested after dozens of cases were confirmed at the city’s largest wholesale meat market.Partial lockdown has been instituted in some residential areas of the capital, and thousands of people will be tested after dozens of cases were confirmed at the city’s largest wholesale meat market.
Lily Kuo in Beijing and Emma Graham-Harrison are following the story:Lily Kuo in Beijing and Emma Graham-Harrison are following the story:
Researchers in Thailand began collecting samples from horseshoe bats to test them for coronavirus amid concerns they may pose a threat to local residents, the government has announced.Researchers in Thailand began collecting samples from horseshoe bats to test them for coronavirus amid concerns they may pose a threat to local residents, the government has announced.
They plan to collect 300 bats over three days from a cave in the Chanthaburi province in the south-east of the country. The bats will be released following the tests. Thailand has 23 species of the horseshoe bat but there has not been an investigation before.They plan to collect 300 bats over three days from a cave in the Chanthaburi province in the south-east of the country. The bats will be released following the tests. Thailand has 23 species of the horseshoe bat but there has not been an investigation before.
The source of the virus remains a matter of debate after it emerged in China late last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) in April said all available evidence suggests it originated in bats in China but it was not clear how the virus had jumped the species barrier to humans.The source of the virus remains a matter of debate after it emerged in China late last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) in April said all available evidence suggests it originated in bats in China but it was not clear how the virus had jumped the species barrier to humans.
The research team in Thailand includes Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, who identified the country’s first case of Covid-19 in January as it became the first country outside China to record a case of the virus. It has so far reported 3,134 cases and 58 deathsThe research team in Thailand includes Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, who identified the country’s first case of Covid-19 in January as it became the first country outside China to record a case of the virus. It has so far reported 3,134 cases and 58 deaths
“The reason we need to investigate the horseshoe bat is because there are reports from China that the Covid-19 virus is similar to the virus found in the horseshoe bat,” Supaporn said.“The reason we need to investigate the horseshoe bat is because there are reports from China that the Covid-19 virus is similar to the virus found in the horseshoe bat,” Supaporn said.
Researchers from the National Parks department, Chulalongkorn hospital and Kasetsart University entered the cave on Thursday evening and re-emerged in the early hours of Friday with samples of bat blood, saliva and faeces.Researchers from the National Parks department, Chulalongkorn hospital and Kasetsart University entered the cave on Thursday evening and re-emerged in the early hours of Friday with samples of bat blood, saliva and faeces.