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Coronavirus live news: Russia cases pass 660,000; Indonesia reports record daily infections rise Coronavirus live news: Sweden's cases pass 70,000; Tokyo confirms highest new case tally in two months
(32 minutes later)
Worst-hit nation records another new daily record of infections; Middle East at ‘critical threshold’ says WHO; NZ health minister David Clark resigns Russia cases pass 660,000; Indonesia reports record daily infections rise; Middle East at ‘critical threshold’ says WHO
Sweden’s number of confirmed Covid-19 crossed the 70,000 mark on Thursday, while deaths rose by 41 to 5,411, health agency statistics showed.
Sweden recorded 947 new cases to put the total at 70,639. Expanded testing has seen daily new cases soar over the past month, eclipsing rates elsewhere in the European Union, but deaths and hospitalisations have tumbled from peaks in April.
The country adopted a softer approach to fighting the new coronavirus, spurning a hard lockdown, which put its pandemic strategy in the international spotlight.
Sweden’s death toll has been many times higher relative to the size of the population than that of its Nordic neighbours, where authorities took a stricter approach, but lower than in some countries that locked down, such as Britain, Italy and Spain.
The end of the coronavirus lockdown in Spain failed to bring a surge in employment as government data showed that the 900,000 jobs lost at the pandemic’s peak had not been regained, while the tourism sector has not yet returned to regular activity, Reuters reports.The end of the coronavirus lockdown in Spain failed to bring a surge in employment as government data showed that the 900,000 jobs lost at the pandemic’s peak had not been regained, while the tourism sector has not yet returned to regular activity, Reuters reports.
The number of people in Spain registering as jobless rose by 0.13% in June from a month earlier, or by 5,017 people, leaving 3.86 million people out of work, Labour Ministry data showed on Thursday.The number of people in Spain registering as jobless rose by 0.13% in June from a month earlier, or by 5,017 people, leaving 3.86 million people out of work, Labour Ministry data showed on Thursday.
The number of registered jobless people had risen in May by 0.68%. Overall there were 847,197 more jobless people in June than in the same month a year ago.The number of registered jobless people had risen in May by 0.68%. Overall there were 847,197 more jobless people in June than in the same month a year ago.
A net 99,906 jobs were lost in June.A net 99,906 jobs were lost in June.
The hospitality industry is the sector that has lost the most jobs yearly, with almost 300,000 jobs shed.The hospitality industry is the sector that has lost the most jobs yearly, with almost 300,000 jobs shed.
The opening of bars and restaurants in June helped 20,000 people to find employment in the sector, but it was insufficient to compensate for the massive loss of jobs at the peak of the pandemic.The opening of bars and restaurants in June helped 20,000 people to find employment in the sector, but it was insufficient to compensate for the massive loss of jobs at the peak of the pandemic.
No tourists travelled to Spain in May for second month in a row because of the lockdown, dragging income by more than 60% in the first five months of the year, the National Statistics Office (INE) said on Thursday.No tourists travelled to Spain in May for second month in a row because of the lockdown, dragging income by more than 60% in the first five months of the year, the National Statistics Office (INE) said on Thursday.
More on this story here.More on this story here.
Wearing face coverings will become mandatory in shops in Scotland from 10 July, PA Media reports.Wearing face coverings will become mandatory in shops in Scotland from 10 July, PA Media reports.
At her daily briefing, first minister Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed the 2-metre rule would be retained in the country with exceptions for some sectors, including hospitality, from the end of next week.At her daily briefing, first minister Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed the 2-metre rule would be retained in the country with exceptions for some sectors, including hospitality, from the end of next week.
More on this story on the UK coronavirus and politics live blog.More on this story on the UK coronavirus and politics live blog.
African countries have lost almost $55bn in travel and tourism revenues in three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the African Union commissioner for infrastructure and energy said on Thursday.African countries have lost almost $55bn in travel and tourism revenues in three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the African Union commissioner for infrastructure and energy said on Thursday.
Amani Abou-Zeid told a news conference that due to the prolonged lockdown and border closures to curb the spread of the virus, the air industry will be greatly impacted.Amani Abou-Zeid told a news conference that due to the prolonged lockdown and border closures to curb the spread of the virus, the air industry will be greatly impacted.
“Some airlines in the continent will not make it post-Covid-19,” she said.“Some airlines in the continent will not make it post-Covid-19,” she said.
It comes as Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, said Covid-19 was “the heaviest economic hit on sub-Saharan Africa since the 1970’s” and called for a unified international response to support the continent.It comes as Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, said Covid-19 was “the heaviest economic hit on sub-Saharan Africa since the 1970’s” and called for a unified international response to support the continent.
UK to lift ban on non-essential travel to up to 90 countries. Overseas holidays and visits to up to 90 countries will be possible for Britons from Monday without the need to quarantine for 14 days on return. The Foreign Office is expected to lift its ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU countries, British territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Australia and New Zealand.UK to lift ban on non-essential travel to up to 90 countries. Overseas holidays and visits to up to 90 countries will be possible for Britons from Monday without the need to quarantine for 14 days on return. The Foreign Office is expected to lift its ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU countries, British territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Australia and New Zealand.
Indonesia reports record daily jump, with 1,624 new coronavirus cases. Indonesia reported 1,624 coronavirus infections on Thursday in its biggest jump in new cases since the epidemic began, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said. Reuters reports the daily increase brings the total number of infections to 59,394.Indonesia reports record daily jump, with 1,624 new coronavirus cases. Indonesia reported 1,624 coronavirus infections on Thursday in its biggest jump in new cases since the epidemic began, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said. Reuters reports the daily increase brings the total number of infections to 59,394.
China’s local governments must increase testing capacity to prepare for potential outbreaks. Local institutions should ramp up and reserve coronavirus testing capacity in preparation for increased demand amid potential outbreaks, Reuters reports, citing national health authorities.China’s local governments must increase testing capacity to prepare for potential outbreaks. Local institutions should ramp up and reserve coronavirus testing capacity in preparation for increased demand amid potential outbreaks, Reuters reports, citing national health authorities.
Kazakhstan will implement a second, softer lockdown. The country will close down again for two weeks from July 5 to help combat a surge in coronavirus cases, the government said on Thursday. Reuters reports authorities will close some non-essential businesses, limit travel between provinces, cut public transit services’ hours of operation and ban public gatheringsKazakhstan will implement a second, softer lockdown. The country will close down again for two weeks from July 5 to help combat a surge in coronavirus cases, the government said on Thursday. Reuters reports authorities will close some non-essential businesses, limit travel between provinces, cut public transit services’ hours of operation and ban public gatherings
Russia’s coronavirus case tally passes 660,000. Russia on Thursday reported 6,760 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide tally to 661,165, Reuters reports.The authorities said 147 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 9,683.Russia’s coronavirus case tally passes 660,000. Russia on Thursday reported 6,760 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide tally to 661,165, Reuters reports.The authorities said 147 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 9,683.
Covid-19 cases have passed 10.6 million across the globe. There are now 10,694,288 cases of coronavirus worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, with at least 516,210 deaths.Covid-19 cases have passed 10.6 million across the globe. There are now 10,694,288 cases of coronavirus worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, with at least 516,210 deaths.
Greece’s tourist season has begun on a beam of light with health authorities announcing that all 250 tests conducted on passengers landing in Heraklion, the Cretan capital, on the first day of regional airports reopening to international travellers yesterday have come in negative.Greece’s tourist season has begun on a beam of light with health authorities announcing that all 250 tests conducted on passengers landing in Heraklion, the Cretan capital, on the first day of regional airports reopening to international travellers yesterday have come in negative.
Some 6,500 tests, based on information garnered through passenger locator forms that incoming visitors are obliged to fill 48 hours ahead of arrival, were conducted nationwide according to the Greek Daily, Protothema. The results will be released throughout the day.Some 6,500 tests, based on information garnered through passenger locator forms that incoming visitors are obliged to fill 48 hours ahead of arrival, were conducted nationwide according to the Greek Daily, Protothema. The results will be released throughout the day.
In what is seen as a test run for the tourist season, Greece’s 18 regional airports received their first international flights on Wednesday with over 40 planes landing at Crete’s Heraklion and Chania airports.In what is seen as a test run for the tourist season, Greece’s 18 regional airports received their first international flights on Wednesday with over 40 planes landing at Crete’s Heraklion and Chania airports.
Staff at the island’s university hospital conducted the tests.Staff at the island’s university hospital conducted the tests.
In contrast to many other European countries, the tourist-dependent nation has managed to keep infection rates and Covid-19 fatalities low after enforcing lockdown measures early on.In contrast to many other European countries, the tourist-dependent nation has managed to keep infection rates and Covid-19 fatalities low after enforcing lockdown measures early on.
It has now resorted to “smart testing” of incoming travellers, applying algorithmic software to the information downloaded on passenger forms to try and detect potential coronavirus carriers. On the basis of barcodes they receive after completing the form, visitors are told whether they have to be examined or not, with 24 hours of self-isolation required at the address stated on the form until the results come through.It has now resorted to “smart testing” of incoming travellers, applying algorithmic software to the information downloaded on passenger forms to try and detect potential coronavirus carriers. On the basis of barcodes they receive after completing the form, visitors are told whether they have to be examined or not, with 24 hours of self-isolation required at the address stated on the form until the results come through.
Despite the precautionary measures, Athens’ tourism minister Harry Theoharis admits that opening the country is still a “calculated risk.”Despite the precautionary measures, Athens’ tourism minister Harry Theoharis admits that opening the country is still a “calculated risk.”
Greece has recorded 3,432 confirmed coronavirus cases since February and 192 Covid-linked deaths.Greece has recorded 3,432 confirmed coronavirus cases since February and 192 Covid-linked deaths.
Amsterdam’s red light district has reopened with new rules in place for sex workers and clients to curb the spread of infection.Amsterdam’s red light district has reopened with new rules in place for sex workers and clients to curb the spread of infection.
The coronavirus shutdown saw brothels close in mid-March and the Netherlands originally intended to keep them shut until September, but the date was brought forward as coronavirus cases fell.The coronavirus shutdown saw brothels close in mid-March and the Netherlands originally intended to keep them shut until September, but the date was brought forward as coronavirus cases fell.
As with Dutch hairdressers and masseurs who have also started to resume business, sex workers are encouraged to verify that their clients don’t have Covid-19 symptoms.As with Dutch hairdressers and masseurs who have also started to resume business, sex workers are encouraged to verify that their clients don’t have Covid-19 symptoms.
Precautions will include checking whether the client or any members of their household feel unwell or have symptoms, avoiding face-to-face (i.e. no kissing), and disinfecting everything touched by the client after they leave.Precautions will include checking whether the client or any members of their household feel unwell or have symptoms, avoiding face-to-face (i.e. no kissing), and disinfecting everything touched by the client after they leave.
Felicia Anna, chairwoman of the Red Light United trade union, said many sex workers had run into financial trouble during the lockdown and were glad to be able to go back to work.Felicia Anna, chairwoman of the Red Light United trade union, said many sex workers had run into financial trouble during the lockdown and were glad to be able to go back to work.
More on this story here:More on this story here:
Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Thursday the government would consider increasing budget spending by 1.8 trillion roubles ($25.6bn) to fight the coronavirus and support the economy, Reuters reports.Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Thursday the government would consider increasing budget spending by 1.8 trillion roubles ($25.6bn) to fight the coronavirus and support the economy, Reuters reports.
Some economists have said Russia’s regulations surrounding budget spending have hindered its ability to adequately fund anti-crisis measures.Some economists have said Russia’s regulations surrounding budget spending have hindered its ability to adequately fund anti-crisis measures.
Germany will keep reviewing travel advice for Turkey, foreign minister Heiko Maas told his Turkish counterpart on Thursday, saying any decisions were coordinated with the EU and based on reliable data on infections and the health situation.Germany will keep reviewing travel advice for Turkey, foreign minister Heiko Maas told his Turkish counterpart on Thursday, saying any decisions were coordinated with the EU and based on reliable data on infections and the health situation.
Turkey is disappointed that the EU has excluded it, along with the United States and others, from a list of countries recommended for non-essential travel and has called on it to correct its “mistake”.Turkey is disappointed that the EU has excluded it, along with the United States and others, from a list of countries recommended for non-essential travel and has called on it to correct its “mistake”.
Speaking to reporters after talks with the Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Berlin, Maas said reviews of the situation took place every two weeks.Speaking to reporters after talks with the Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Berlin, Maas said reviews of the situation took place every two weeks.
“Further steps will follow,” said Maas, adding that family visits were excluded from the travel warning. This is crucial for the large Turkish community but Germany is also an important source of tourism for Turkey.“Further steps will follow,” said Maas, adding that family visits were excluded from the travel warning. This is crucial for the large Turkish community but Germany is also an important source of tourism for Turkey.
“This is about how we guarantee safe tourism in the corona crisis,” said Maas, welcoming the latest information on the situation given him by Cavusoglu, adding, however, that could not prejudge future decisions.“This is about how we guarantee safe tourism in the corona crisis,” said Maas, welcoming the latest information on the situation given him by Cavusoglu, adding, however, that could not prejudge future decisions.
“After evaluating the situation based on the objective criteria, Turkey should be listed within the safe and secure countries,” said Cavusoglu.“After evaluating the situation based on the objective criteria, Turkey should be listed within the safe and secure countries,” said Cavusoglu.
Reuters reports that Tokyo confirmed 107 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, its highest daily tally in two months, but Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said there was no need to reintroduce a state of emergency.Reuters reports that Tokyo confirmed 107 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, its highest daily tally in two months, but Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said there was no need to reintroduce a state of emergency.
The Japanese capital, home to 14 million people, had initially sought to hold new daily cases at fewer than 20 after the government lifted the state of emergency on 25 May, only to see its tally consistently exceed 50 over the past week.The Japanese capital, home to 14 million people, had initially sought to hold new daily cases at fewer than 20 after the government lifted the state of emergency on 25 May, only to see its tally consistently exceed 50 over the past week.
It’s daily count last rose above 100 on 2 May. On Wednesday, it confirmed 67 new cases.It’s daily count last rose above 100 on 2 May. On Wednesday, it confirmed 67 new cases.
Tokyo’s governor Yuriko Koike said about 70% of cases on Thursday were among people in their 20s and 30s. She said:Tokyo’s governor Yuriko Koike said about 70% of cases on Thursday were among people in their 20s and 30s. She said:
Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters he didn’t think there was a need for a fresh state of emergency:Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters he didn’t think there was a need for a fresh state of emergency:
Officials have also said the medical system can handle existing infections and that increased testing partly explains the rise in confirmed cases.Officials have also said the medical system can handle existing infections and that increased testing partly explains the rise in confirmed cases.
Despite more cases in the capital, Japan, with about 19,000 cases and 976 deaths, has reported a lower overall rate of infection than many countries.Despite more cases in the capital, Japan, with about 19,000 cases and 976 deaths, has reported a lower overall rate of infection than many countries.
This week, Tokyo said it would move away from numerical targets in favour of more reliance on expert advice to rein in the virus and avert more economic damage.This week, Tokyo said it would move away from numerical targets in favour of more reliance on expert advice to rein in the virus and avert more economic damage.
A strain of Covid-19 that has infected more than 300 people in Beijing since early June could have originated in south or southeast Asia, according to a study by Harvard University researchers.A strain of Covid-19 that has infected more than 300 people in Beijing since early June could have originated in south or southeast Asia, according to a study by Harvard University researchers.
The virus found in the Beijing cases is an imported strain of Covid-19, according to the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.The virus found in the Beijing cases is an imported strain of Covid-19, according to the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Harvard study took three of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences collected in Beijing last month and compared them to 7,643 samples worldwide. The three genomes showed the greatest resemblance to cases in Europe from February to May, and to cases in south and southeast Asia from May to June.The Harvard study took three of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences collected in Beijing last month and compared them to 7,643 samples worldwide. The three genomes showed the greatest resemblance to cases in Europe from February to May, and to cases in south and southeast Asia from May to June.
They were also similar to a small number of infections seen in China in March, suggesting the strain could have appeared first in China and then returned to the country three months later, the authors said.They were also similar to a small number of infections seen in China in March, suggesting the strain could have appeared first in China and then returned to the country three months later, the authors said.
Here is the full story from Reuters.Here is the full story from Reuters.
Hello everyone. I’m Lucy Campbell, taking over the live blog for the remainder of the day. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a news tip or story to share.Hello everyone. I’m Lucy Campbell, taking over the live blog for the remainder of the day. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a news tip or story to share.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly walks on the track wearing a protective face mask with team members ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, as F1 resumes following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly walks on the track wearing a protective face mask with team members ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, as F1 resumes following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease.
Overseas holidays and visits to up to 90 countries will be possible for Britons from Monday without the need to quarantine for 14 days on return.Overseas holidays and visits to up to 90 countries will be possible for Britons from Monday without the need to quarantine for 14 days on return.
The Foreign Office is expected to lift its ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU countries, British territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Australia and New Zealand.The Foreign Office is expected to lift its ban on non-essential travel to nearly all EU countries, British territories such as Bermuda and Gibraltar, and Australia and New Zealand.
Popular holiday destination Turkey is also expected to be included in the list.Popular holiday destination Turkey is also expected to be included in the list.
The announcement confirmed by government officials, and due on Friday, effectively puts an end to the air-bridge or travel corridor policy that has been pursued by the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, for several weeks.The announcement confirmed by government officials, and due on Friday, effectively puts an end to the air-bridge or travel corridor policy that has been pursued by the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, for several weeks.
This would have involved setting up reciprocal arrangements with a core of Mediterranean countries including France, Greece and Spain to not quarantine each other’s citizens.This would have involved setting up reciprocal arrangements with a core of Mediterranean countries including France, Greece and Spain to not quarantine each other’s citizens.
Since 8 June nearly all passengers have been required to go into self-isolation for 14 days at a declared address when they arrive in the UK. People who fail to comply can be fined £1,000 in England.Since 8 June nearly all passengers have been required to go into self-isolation for 14 days at a declared address when they arrive in the UK. People who fail to comply can be fined £1,000 in England.
All of the countries due to be included in the new travel list are likely to be on the government’s green list of low-risk nations for coronavirus, or from the amber list, which is medium risk.All of the countries due to be included in the new travel list are likely to be on the government’s green list of low-risk nations for coronavirus, or from the amber list, which is medium risk.
Indonesia reported 1,624 coronavirus infections on Thursday in its biggest jump in new cases since the epidemic began, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.Indonesia reported 1,624 coronavirus infections on Thursday in its biggest jump in new cases since the epidemic began, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.
Reuters reports the daily increase brings the total number of infections to 59,394. The country also reported 53 new deaths, taking cumulative COVID-19 fatalities to 2,987.Reuters reports the daily increase brings the total number of infections to 59,394. The country also reported 53 new deaths, taking cumulative COVID-19 fatalities to 2,987.
China’s local governments and medical institutes should ramp up and reserve coronavirus testing capacity in preparation for increased demand amid potential outbreaks, Reuters reports citing national health authorities.China’s local governments and medical institutes should ramp up and reserve coronavirus testing capacity in preparation for increased demand amid potential outbreaks, Reuters reports citing national health authorities.
Local authorities should have emergency response plans to be able to swiftly expand nucleic test capacity, the National Health Commision said on Thursday in a guideline on its website.Local authorities should have emergency response plans to be able to swiftly expand nucleic test capacity, the National Health Commision said on Thursday in a guideline on its website.
Nucleic acid test results should be delivered within six hours for patients at fever clinics and within a day for those who volunteer to be tested, according to the guideline.Nucleic acid test results should be delivered within six hours for patients at fever clinics and within a day for those who volunteer to be tested, according to the guideline.
What kind of face mask gives the best protection against Covid-19? Hannah Devlin answers your questions on what type of mask to wear to cut the risk of getting Covid-19.What kind of face mask gives the best protection against Covid-19? Hannah Devlin answers your questions on what type of mask to wear to cut the risk of getting Covid-19.
She reports:She reports:
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Until recently, the majority of coronavirus cases that Dr Quinn Snyder, an emergency doctor at one of Arizona’s largest emergency departments, saw were older people. But since mid-May, when the state’s stay-at-home order was lifted, and particularly after the Memorial Day holiday, the demographic has shifted.Until recently, the majority of coronavirus cases that Dr Quinn Snyder, an emergency doctor at one of Arizona’s largest emergency departments, saw were older people. But since mid-May, when the state’s stay-at-home order was lifted, and particularly after the Memorial Day holiday, the demographic has shifted.
Snyder says he has seen an “explosion” in cases among 20-44 year-olds.Snyder says he has seen an “explosion” in cases among 20-44 year-olds.
Some of those, he said, are coming in severely ill – requiring oxygen, intubation and ventilators. “We even had people in that age group die, unfortunately. So it’s very troubling and it’s very difficult to watch young people die from this disease. It’s horrible.”Some of those, he said, are coming in severely ill – requiring oxygen, intubation and ventilators. “We even had people in that age group die, unfortunately. So it’s very troubling and it’s very difficult to watch young people die from this disease. It’s horrible.”
As cases continue to soar at record levels across the US, which now has over 2.6m cases, there is growing alarm about a surge in younger people getting the virus. On Friday, vice-president Mike Pence said half of new cases in the US in recent weeks were adults under 35.As cases continue to soar at record levels across the US, which now has over 2.6m cases, there is growing alarm about a surge in younger people getting the virus. On Friday, vice-president Mike Pence said half of new cases in the US in recent weeks were adults under 35.
Speaking ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, health experts in hotspot states – which include Arizona, Texas and Florida – warned numbers will continue to rise and that if young people do not take better precautions, hospitals will reach capacity and states could be left with no choice but to completely shut down.Speaking ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, health experts in hotspot states – which include Arizona, Texas and Florida – warned numbers will continue to rise and that if young people do not take better precautions, hospitals will reach capacity and states could be left with no choice but to completely shut down.