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Coronavirus live news: Sweden's cases pass 70,000; Tokyo confirms highest new case tally in two months Coronavirus live news: Sweden's cases pass 70,000; Tokyo confirms highest new case tally in two months
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Sweden records 947 new cases in a day; Tokyo confirms 107 new coronavirus infections; Russia cases pass 660,000Sweden records 947 new cases in a day; Tokyo confirms 107 new coronavirus infections; Russia cases pass 660,000
More than 140 research teams across the globe are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Covid-19, but how close are we?More than 140 research teams across the globe are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Covid-19, but how close are we?
This handy Guardian explainer breaks down the stages in vaccine development and where things stand with the vaccines currently in clinical trials.This handy Guardian explainer breaks down the stages in vaccine development and where things stand with the vaccines currently in clinical trials.
The Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández will be sent home from hospital to continue his recovery from coronavirus at home, Reuters is reporting. The Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández will be soon be discharged from hospital to continue his recovery from coronavirus at home, Reuters is reporting.
A military doctor said the president has demonstrated “a gradual improvement in general state of health”. One of his doctors said on Thursday that the president has demonstrated clear improvement. Alicia Jimenez, a doctor at the military hospital where Hernández was being treated, said:
Hernández. 51, was hospitalised with pneumonia after testing positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago. His symptoms were said to be mild and he was reportedly in good condition.Hernández. 51, was hospitalised with pneumonia after testing positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago. His symptoms were said to be mild and he was reportedly in good condition.
The US president, Donald Trump, celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8m jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% last month, when states began allowing businesses to reopen from strict shutdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.The US president, Donald Trump, celebrated a government report showing the country gained 4.8m jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% last month, when states began allowing businesses to reopen from strict shutdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.
“Today’s announcement proves that our economy is roaring back,” Trump said, rattling off different sectors that saw job gains according to the monthly report.“Today’s announcement proves that our economy is roaring back,” Trump said, rattling off different sectors that saw job gains according to the monthly report.
“These are historic numbers,” he said.“These are historic numbers,” he said.
The president took the victory lap as the coronavirus resurges in states with large economies such as California, Texas and Florida, prompting local governments to once again shutter bars and other businesses where the deadly respiratory disease is thought to spread easily.The president took the victory lap as the coronavirus resurges in states with large economies such as California, Texas and Florida, prompting local governments to once again shutter bars and other businesses where the deadly respiratory disease is thought to spread easily.
A separate report on Thursday said that 1.43 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the final week of June.A separate report on Thursday said that 1.43 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the final week of June.
Despite the swelling loads of new cases, Trump said he expected to see good employment numbers in the coming months and that the third quarter gross domestic product report, due days before the November presidential election, would also be strong.Despite the swelling loads of new cases, Trump said he expected to see good employment numbers in the coming months and that the third quarter gross domestic product report, due days before the November presidential election, would also be strong.
Thursday’s report, Trump said, “suggests that workers are confident about finding a new job.” He added, though, that the White House and Congress continue to negotiate on another round of stimulus, frequently called “Phase 4” to help the economy withstand a pandemic, now in its fourth month.Thursday’s report, Trump said, “suggests that workers are confident about finding a new job.” He added, though, that the White House and Congress continue to negotiate on another round of stimulus, frequently called “Phase 4” to help the economy withstand a pandemic, now in its fourth month.
Oman’s health minister said the sultanate has witnessed a “scary” surge in Covid-19 cases that required boosting hospital capacity, especially for intensive care units.Oman’s health minister said the sultanate has witnessed a “scary” surge in Covid-19 cases that required boosting hospital capacity, especially for intensive care units.
The country reported another 1,361 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday and three deaths in the last 24 hours, to take its total count to 42,555 cases with 188 deaths.The country reported another 1,361 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday and three deaths in the last 24 hours, to take its total count to 42,555 cases with 188 deaths.
Minister Ahmed bin al-Saeedi told a news briefing:Minister Ahmed bin al-Saeedi told a news briefing:
He blamed individuals who did not wear masks or practice social distancing, and said some employees were going into offices when they had been in contact with infected people, instead of self isolating.He blamed individuals who did not wear masks or practice social distancing, and said some employees were going into offices when they had been in contact with infected people, instead of self isolating.
He said there had been more than 9,000 new infections and 43 deaths since last Thursday, the biggest weekly spike since Oman first reported cases in late February.He said there had been more than 9,000 new infections and 43 deaths since last Thursday, the biggest weekly spike since Oman first reported cases in late February.
Saeedi said Oman, a country of 4.7 million people, was working to increase capacity at intensive care units and planned to set up a field hospital with 250 to 300 beds in the Muscat region for non-urgent cases.Saeedi said Oman, a country of 4.7 million people, was working to increase capacity at intensive care units and planned to set up a field hospital with 250 to 300 beds in the Muscat region for non-urgent cases.
Hospitals were coping for now but were under pressure, particularly intensive care units, he said.Hospitals were coping for now but were under pressure, particularly intensive care units, he said.
Oman will also start a 10-week nationwide survey, including citizens and non-citizens, on 12 July to analyse the spread of the coronavirus. Blood samples to detect antibodies will be part of the data collection, the ministry of health said on Twitter.Oman will also start a 10-week nationwide survey, including citizens and non-citizens, on 12 July to analyse the spread of the coronavirus. Blood samples to detect antibodies will be part of the data collection, the ministry of health said on Twitter.
In March Oman began to introduce lockdowns in certain regions such as Muscat, Dhofar and Duqm and some tourist towns, but since April it has gradually allowed commercial centres to reopen and lifted the lockdown in the Muscat region, which includes the capital.In March Oman began to introduce lockdowns in certain regions such as Muscat, Dhofar and Duqm and some tourist towns, but since April it has gradually allowed commercial centres to reopen and lifted the lockdown in the Muscat region, which includes the capital.
Saeedi said mosques will not be allowed to reopen or large gatherings to take place at the current rate of infection.Saeedi said mosques will not be allowed to reopen or large gatherings to take place at the current rate of infection.
Air and land borders remain closed except for repatriation flights.Air and land borders remain closed except for repatriation flights.
The father of the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, has flown to Greece, despite current advice for British nationals to avoid all but essential international travel.The father of the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, has flown to Greece, despite current advice for British nationals to avoid all but essential international travel.
Greek government officials confirmed on Thursday that author Stanley Johnson had arrived, likely via Bulgaria, in the northern region of Pelion where he has a holiday home, but said there was nothing untoward in his arrival.Greek government officials confirmed on Thursday that author Stanley Johnson had arrived, likely via Bulgaria, in the northern region of Pelion where he has a holiday home, but said there was nothing untoward in his arrival.
Photos on Stanley Johnson’s Instagram account showed him wearing a mask in what appeared to be an airport. Two videos on the same account showed an aircraft coming in to land.Photos on Stanley Johnson’s Instagram account showed him wearing a mask in what appeared to be an airport. Two videos on the same account showed an aircraft coming in to land.
“Arriving in Athens this evening!,” the caption said.“Arriving in Athens this evening!,” the caption said.
Stanley Johnson was quoted on Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper website as saying he was in Pelion “on essential business trying to Covid-proof my property in view of the upcoming letting season”.Stanley Johnson was quoted on Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper website as saying he was in Pelion “on essential business trying to Covid-proof my property in view of the upcoming letting season”.
Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said: “We have banned flights, direct flights from UK and Sweden until 15 June. If a citizen from these countries arrives in a different way to Greece, of course they can come.”Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said: “We have banned flights, direct flights from UK and Sweden until 15 June. If a citizen from these countries arrives in a different way to Greece, of course they can come.”
Boris Johnson’s spokesman declined to comment on the specific case but when asked whether the prime minister thought the public should follow travel advice, he said: “In relation to Foreign Office advice, that is what it is, it’s advice and it is for individuals to make the judgments themselves.”Boris Johnson’s spokesman declined to comment on the specific case but when asked whether the prime minister thought the public should follow travel advice, he said: “In relation to Foreign Office advice, that is what it is, it’s advice and it is for individuals to make the judgments themselves.”
The US trade deficit widened in May as the Covid-19 pandemic pushed exports to their lowest level since 2009, strengthening expectations the economy will contract in the second quarter at its steepest pace since the Great Depression.The US trade deficit widened in May as the Covid-19 pandemic pushed exports to their lowest level since 2009, strengthening expectations the economy will contract in the second quarter at its steepest pace since the Great Depression.
The Commerce Department said on Thursday the trade deficit increased 9.7% to $54.6bn.The Commerce Department said on Thursday the trade deficit increased 9.7% to $54.6bn.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade gap would widen to $53bn in May.Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade gap would widen to $53bn in May.
Exports tumbled 4.4% to $144.5bn, the lowest since November 2009. Goods exports plunged 5.8% to $90.0bn, the lowest since August 2009.Exports tumbled 4.4% to $144.5bn, the lowest since November 2009. Goods exports plunged 5.8% to $90.0bn, the lowest since August 2009.
The economy contracted at a 5.0% rate in the first quarter, the sharpest decline since the 2007-2009 recession.The economy contracted at a 5.0% rate in the first quarter, the sharpest decline since the 2007-2009 recession.
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’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.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.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.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.