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Coronavirus live news: Florida reports a record 10,000 new cases in one day Coronavirus live news: Florida reports a record 10,000 new cases in one day
(32 minutes later)
US state records biggest one-day increase in its new cases; Sweden records 947 new cases in a day; Tokyo confirms 107 new coronavirus infections; Russia cases pass 660,000US state records biggest one-day increase in its new cases; Sweden records 947 new cases in a day; Tokyo confirms 107 new coronavirus infections; Russia cases pass 660,000
Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, she “couldn’t imagine” delaying an agreement on a recovery plan worth 750 billion euros ($843 billion), given the urgency of lifting the European economy.
“We need to reach an agreement over the summer, I absolutely cannot imagine any other option,” said Merkel, whose country has just taken over the rotating EU presidency for six months.
The leaders of the 27 EU member states will meet in Brussels on July 17, their first physical summit since the coronavirus lockdown began, to discuss the plan.
A group of countries, a so-called “Frugal Four”, are trying to rein in spending, which is earmarked mainly for the poorer countries of southern Europe hardest hit by the pandemic.
The Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Sweden insist that loans with tough conditions attached, rather than grants, should be the preferred method of rescue and are not in a rush to make a deal.
Other countries argue that the commission’s plan misallocates the money, giving too much to eastern Europeans who were never on the front lines of the pandemic.
“Every day counts” and “to succeed in this gigantic task, each member state must look beyond its own small interests”, EU commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference with the German leader by video link.
With a 600% rise in Covid-19 cases in Iraq through June, efforts must be re-doubled to slow the spread of the disease, the International Rescue Committee has warned.
With the number of confirmed cases currently standing at 51,524 - up from 6,868 on June 1 - the Ministry of Health has announced that hospitals are almost at full capacity, and that schools and universities will be converted into isolation units to cope with the ever-increasing number of cases.
In addition to the direct impact the pandemic is having on people’s health, thousands of people have been affected indirectly by the economic impacts of the lockdown.
A recent survey of 1,491 people carried out by the IRC found that:
87% had lost their jobs as a result of the lockdowns
73% were reducing the amount of food they were eating to reduce costs
68% were spending their savings
61% were going into debt
68% of respondents said that psychological trauma, stress and anxiety were the main issues affecting women and girls during the Covid-19 outbreak
As protests across the country resume again in earnest, the IRC is calling for more to be done to ensure that people are aware of how the disease is spread and how they can properly protect themselves - and others - so that the situation can be brought under control and people no longer have to resort to negative coping mechanisms to survive.
Christine Petrie, country director for the IRC in Iraq, said now was not the time to lose focus on Iraqis after all they have been through following decades of conflict. She said:
The number of deaths in France from Covid-19 has risen by 14 from the previous day to 29,875, the country’s health department said on Thursday.The number of deaths in France from Covid-19 has risen by 14 from the previous day to 29,875, the country’s health department said on Thursday.
The number of people in hospital fell by 188 to 8,148 and the number of people in intensive care units fell by nine to 573, with both numbers continuing weeks-long downtrends.The number of people in hospital fell by 188 to 8,148 and the number of people in intensive care units fell by nine to 573, with both numbers continuing weeks-long downtrends.
Following the news that the United States recorded a new all-time daily high of 52,000 coronavirus cases in a single day on Thursday, this Guardian explainer looks at why coronavirus cases are still surging in the country.Following the news that the United States recorded a new all-time daily high of 52,000 coronavirus cases in a single day on Thursday, this Guardian explainer looks at why coronavirus cases are still surging in the country.
Mixed messaging on masks, a patchwork approach to lockdowns and confusion across the US help explain why it now has more than 2.7m cases – more than double that of Brazil, the second most-affected country.Mixed messaging on masks, a patchwork approach to lockdowns and confusion across the US help explain why it now has more than 2.7m cases – more than double that of Brazil, the second most-affected country.
Keen for the big screen but wary of the coronavirus, Thai film fans flocked to a new drive-in cinema on Thursday, which offered a novel cooling system to help combat the discomfort of being confined to cars on a hot and stuffy night.Keen for the big screen but wary of the coronavirus, Thai film fans flocked to a new drive-in cinema on Thursday, which offered a novel cooling system to help combat the discomfort of being confined to cars on a hot and stuffy night.
About 80 vehicles pulled up in a car park to attend Bangkok’s inaugural outdoor screening of the Trolls World Tour, part of a special four-day offering for moviegoers who want to avoid indoor theatres.About 80 vehicles pulled up in a car park to attend Bangkok’s inaugural outdoor screening of the Trolls World Tour, part of a special four-day offering for moviegoers who want to avoid indoor theatres.
To beat the tropical heat, organisers created a network of plastic pipes in the parking lot connected to dozens of smaller, flexible tubes, to channel cool air into cars through gaps in the windows.To beat the tropical heat, organisers created a network of plastic pipes in the parking lot connected to dozens of smaller, flexible tubes, to channel cool air into cars through gaps in the windows.
Thailand has emerged as one of Asia’s Covid-19 success stories, with no domestic transmission in the past 38 days and only 58 deaths among its 3,179 confirmed cases.Thailand has emerged as one of Asia’s Covid-19 success stories, with no domestic transmission in the past 38 days and only 58 deaths among its 3,179 confirmed cases.
It has eased most restrictions to try to revive an economy badly hit by the pandemic, with bars, karaoke and massage parlours the latest businesses allowed to reopen.It has eased most restrictions to try to revive an economy badly hit by the pandemic, with bars, karaoke and massage parlours the latest businesses allowed to reopen.
Though Thai cinemas have been open for one month with limited seating and regular disinfection, Apitchaya Doungsuwan said she felt safer in her car and was willing to pay the 1,200 baht ($38.63) fee per vehicle, which includes popcorn and soft drinks. She told Reuters:Though Thai cinemas have been open for one month with limited seating and regular disinfection, Apitchaya Doungsuwan said she felt safer in her car and was willing to pay the 1,200 baht ($38.63) fee per vehicle, which includes popcorn and soft drinks. She told Reuters:
Doctors treating patients with Covid-19 in Sierra Leone went on strike on Thursday, leaving patients in some of the main treatment centres without care, Reuters reports.Doctors treating patients with Covid-19 in Sierra Leone went on strike on Thursday, leaving patients in some of the main treatment centres without care, Reuters reports.
The strike marks an escalation in a row between doctors and government over what doctors say is a misuse of funds for the coronavirus response in the small West African country, and a lack of protection and compensation for healthworkers.The strike marks an escalation in a row between doctors and government over what doctors say is a misuse of funds for the coronavirus response in the small West African country, and a lack of protection and compensation for healthworkers.
Doctors say that they were promised hazard pay for their work during the outbreak, but that it has not materialised.Doctors say that they were promised hazard pay for their work during the outbreak, but that it has not materialised.
A spokesman for the coronavirus response team previously told Reuters the government was carrying out an audit of health workers to verify who was directly involved in the response.A spokesman for the coronavirus response team previously told Reuters the government was carrying out an audit of health workers to verify who was directly involved in the response.
Since the outbreak began, about 20% of Sierra Leone’s total coronavirus expenditure, or nearly $850,000, went to procuring 30 new SUVs and 230 motorbikes for the Emergency Operations Center, Office of National Security, police force, and military, according to procurement reports released by Sierra Leone’s finance ministry on 22 May.Since the outbreak began, about 20% of Sierra Leone’s total coronavirus expenditure, or nearly $850,000, went to procuring 30 new SUVs and 230 motorbikes for the Emergency Operations Center, Office of National Security, police force, and military, according to procurement reports released by Sierra Leone’s finance ministry on 22 May.
The only medical equipment listed on that procurement report was eight ventilators, which cost the finance ministry approximately $85,285.The only medical equipment listed on that procurement report was eight ventilators, which cost the finance ministry approximately $85,285.
Meanwhile, the health ministry’s Covid-19 situation reports routinely describe a lack of funds to pay for contact tracers. Doctors complain of a lack of protective equipment such as gloves, masks and coveralls vital to prevent infections spreading from patients to hospital staff.Meanwhile, the health ministry’s Covid-19 situation reports routinely describe a lack of funds to pay for contact tracers. Doctors complain of a lack of protective equipment such as gloves, masks and coveralls vital to prevent infections spreading from patients to hospital staff.
Of the some 1,500 Covid-19 cases confirmed in Sierra Leone, 160 have been health workers. The country’s ranks of medical staff were already hit hard during an Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 that killed 250 medical workers, out of a total of only about 4,000.Of the some 1,500 Covid-19 cases confirmed in Sierra Leone, 160 have been health workers. The country’s ranks of medical staff were already hit hard during an Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 that killed 250 medical workers, out of a total of only about 4,000.
S.K. Jusum, the head doctor at Fourah Bay College, a school whose dormitories have been transformed into the country’s largest coronavirus treatment centre on a hill overlooking the capital Freetown, said:S.K. Jusum, the head doctor at Fourah Bay College, a school whose dormitories have been transformed into the country’s largest coronavirus treatment centre on a hill overlooking the capital Freetown, said:
No new patients were being accepted on Thursday because the five doctors at the 200-bed facility were all on strike, leaving community health workers and nurses to care for the sick. There were no critically ill patients on site, Jusum said.No new patients were being accepted on Thursday because the five doctors at the 200-bed facility were all on strike, leaving community health workers and nurses to care for the sick. There were no critically ill patients on site, Jusum said.
Jusum and other staff acknowledged that this could lead to a rise in cases in the community.Jusum and other staff acknowledged that this could lead to a rise in cases in the community.
“It is going to be a hell of a problem if this thing isn’t quickly resolved,” said senior community health officer Kiya Conteh, who was coordinating lunch deliveries for patients.“It is going to be a hell of a problem if this thing isn’t quickly resolved,” said senior community health officer Kiya Conteh, who was coordinating lunch deliveries for patients.
The Swiss government has published a list of 29 restricted countries including the US, Russia, Brazil and Sweden, from which visitors entering the country must go into isolation.The Swiss government has published a list of 29 restricted countries including the US, Russia, Brazil and Sweden, from which visitors entering the country must go into isolation.
From 6 July, travellers to Switzerland who have spent time in the previous 14 days in countries designated as at high risk of infection will have to register with the Swiss authorities immediately on arrival and then go into quarantine for 10 days.From 6 July, travellers to Switzerland who have spent time in the previous 14 days in countries designated as at high risk of infection will have to register with the Swiss authorities immediately on arrival and then go into quarantine for 10 days.
This is just lovely. A Belgian retirement home has set up a “hug curtain” so residents can receive a comforting embrace from loved ones and still adhere to social distancing.This is just lovely. A Belgian retirement home has set up a “hug curtain” so residents can receive a comforting embrace from loved ones and still adhere to social distancing.
Staff at the Jardins de Picardie nursing home near the French border installed the large plastic curtain on 14 June and it has proven very popular with the residents, who had not been allowed any visitors for 11 weeks.Staff at the Jardins de Picardie nursing home near the French border installed the large plastic curtain on 14 June and it has proven very popular with the residents, who had not been allowed any visitors for 11 weeks.
The curtain, decorated with flowers and bright colours, is made of a big plastic sheet with two pockets on each side where residents and visitors or staff insert their arms. After each use, nurses carefully disinfect the plastic curtain.The curtain, decorated with flowers and bright colours, is made of a big plastic sheet with two pockets on each side where residents and visitors or staff insert their arms. After each use, nurses carefully disinfect the plastic curtain.
Lili Hendrickx, an 86-year old resident of the home, said the curtain was “the most beautiful invention” she had ever seen. “It’s terribly emotional for me,” she said, adding that she cried the first time she was able to hug her daughter again.Lili Hendrickx, an 86-year old resident of the home, said the curtain was “the most beautiful invention” she had ever seen. “It’s terribly emotional for me,” she said, adding that she cried the first time she was able to hug her daughter again.
The Alpine skiing World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo will take place in February 2021 as originally scheduled, the International Ski Federation (FIS) said on Thursday.The Alpine skiing World Championships in Cortina d’Ampezzo will take place in February 2021 as originally scheduled, the International Ski Federation (FIS) said on Thursday.
In May, the Italian winter sports federation (FISI) had asked to postpone the event by a year due to uncertainties linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative impact on the country.In May, the Italian winter sports federation (FISI) had asked to postpone the event by a year due to uncertainties linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative impact on the country.
“It was clear that there was a strong desire to carry out the event in 2021 ... FISI expressed to the FIS Council the importance of these World Championships to be staged in 2021 as a positive signal for the entire country,” FIS said in a statement.“It was clear that there was a strong desire to carry out the event in 2021 ... FISI expressed to the FIS Council the importance of these World Championships to be staged in 2021 as a positive signal for the entire country,” FIS said in a statement.
FISI said FIS had decided to provide a financial guarantee of up to 10 million Swiss francs ($11 million) to Italy should there be a new outbreak of coronavirus, the federation said in an online statement.FISI said FIS had decided to provide a financial guarantee of up to 10 million Swiss francs ($11 million) to Italy should there be a new outbreak of coronavirus, the federation said in an online statement.
“It is a form of guarantee that the federation wanted to give to Italy, hoping that there is no need and that the World Championship will go ahead regularly,” FIS president, Gian Franco Kasper, was quoted as saying in the FISI statement.“It is a form of guarantee that the federation wanted to give to Italy, hoping that there is no need and that the World Championship will go ahead regularly,” FIS president, Gian Franco Kasper, was quoted as saying in the FISI statement.
Italy has been one of the worst-hit countries by the Covid-19 pandemic, with almost 34,800 deaths and close to 240,800 cases.Italy has been one of the worst-hit countries by the Covid-19 pandemic, with almost 34,800 deaths and close to 240,800 cases.
Alessandro Benetton, Cortina 2021 Foundation chairman, said:Alessandro Benetton, Cortina 2021 Foundation chairman, said:
Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the Dolomites, will also host the 2026 Winter Olympics together with the northern Italian city of Milan.Cortina d’Ampezzo, located in the Dolomites, will also host the 2026 Winter Olympics together with the northern Italian city of Milan.
Florida shattered records on Thursday when it reported over 10,000 new coronavirus cases, the biggest one-day increase in the state since the pandemic started, according to a Reuters tally.Florida shattered records on Thursday when it reported over 10,000 new coronavirus cases, the biggest one-day increase in the state since the pandemic started, according to a Reuters tally.
Outbreaks in Texas, California, Florida and Arizona have send cases rising at rates not seen since April.Outbreaks in Texas, California, Florida and Arizona have send cases rising at rates not seen since April.
In June, Florida infections rose by 168% or over 95,000 new cases. The percentage of tests coming back positive has skyrocketed to 15% from 4% at the end of May.In June, Florida infections rose by 168% or over 95,000 new cases. The percentage of tests coming back positive has skyrocketed to 15% from 4% at the end of May.
Home to 21 million residents, Florida has reported more new daily coronavirus cases than any European country had at the height of their outbreaks.Home to 21 million residents, Florida has reported more new daily coronavirus cases than any European country had at the height of their outbreaks.
To contain the outbreak, the state has closed bars and some beaches but the governor has resisted requiring masks statewide in public or reimposing a lockdown.To contain the outbreak, the state has closed bars and some beaches but the governor has resisted requiring masks statewide in public or reimposing a lockdown.
Only one other state has reported more than 10,000 new cases in a single day. New York recorded 12,847 new infections on 10 April, three weeks after the state implemented a strict lockdown that closed most businesses. While the state has relaxed many measures, it requires masks in public and mandates anyone arriving from 16 other US states with high infections to self-quarantine for two weeks.Only one other state has reported more than 10,000 new cases in a single day. New York recorded 12,847 new infections on 10 April, three weeks after the state implemented a strict lockdown that closed most businesses. While the state has relaxed many measures, it requires masks in public and mandates anyone arriving from 16 other US states with high infections to self-quarantine for two weeks.
The Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said on Thursday that Poles should not be afraid to vote in the second round of a presidential election due on 12 July because the coronavirus has become a disease “like any other”.The Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said on Thursday that Poles should not be afraid to vote in the second round of a presidential election due on 12 July because the coronavirus has become a disease “like any other”.
His nationalist ruling party’s presidential candidate, the incumbent, Andrzej Duda, faces a neck-and-neck re-election bid against centrist Warsaw mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, following a first round of voting last Sunday.His nationalist ruling party’s presidential candidate, the incumbent, Andrzej Duda, faces a neck-and-neck re-election bid against centrist Warsaw mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, following a first round of voting last Sunday.
Poland has weathered the Covid-19 pandemic relatively well, with fewer than 1,500 deaths so far out of a total population of some 38 million, though it continues to report new cases in the hundreds each day.Poland has weathered the Covid-19 pandemic relatively well, with fewer than 1,500 deaths so far out of a total population of some 38 million, though it continues to report new cases in the hundreds each day.
“This is now a disease that we could say is like any other, we are only waiting for a vaccine,” state news agency PAP quoted Morawiecki as saying.“This is now a disease that we could say is like any other, we are only waiting for a vaccine,” state news agency PAP quoted Morawiecki as saying.
He added:He added:
Duda’s re-election is pivotal for the ambition of Morawiecki’s Law and Justice (PiS) government to make further progress on its conservative agenda, which includes justice reforms the European Union says subvert democratic standards.Duda’s re-election is pivotal for the ambition of Morawiecki’s Law and Justice (PiS) government to make further progress on its conservative agenda, which includes justice reforms the European Union says subvert democratic standards.
Earlier this week Morawiecki appealed especially to elderly Poles not to be deterred by the pandemic and to turn out to vote in the second round.Earlier this week Morawiecki appealed especially to elderly Poles not to be deterred by the pandemic and to turn out to vote in the second round.
Despite his comments and an easing of its lockdown measures, Poland has yet to see a sustained decline in new Covid-19 cases. On Wednesday, it reported 382 new cases, the highest number since 17 June, and on Thursday 371 more cases.Despite his comments and an easing of its lockdown measures, Poland has yet to see a sustained decline in new Covid-19 cases. On Wednesday, it reported 382 new cases, the highest number since 17 June, and on Thursday 371 more cases.
Poland’s presidential election was originally set for 10 May but had to be delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.Poland’s presidential election was originally set for 10 May but had to be delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said Europe was facing the toughest situation in its history and warned the coronavirus pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the economy has not yet disappeared.The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said Europe was facing the toughest situation in its history and warned the coronavirus pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the economy has not yet disappeared.
“We see every day that the virus is not gone,” she said in a joint press conference with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday, adding that the pandemic was testing Europe’s ability to stick together.“We see every day that the virus is not gone,” she said in a joint press conference with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday, adding that the pandemic was testing Europe’s ability to stick together.
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 soon be discharged 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.
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: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.”