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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
Cases in South Carolina have increased by 1,782 to a total of 39,701 on Thursday, the biggest daily increase since the pandemic started, according to a tally by Reuters.
Rapper Vanilla Ice has cooled off plans for a concert in Texas after taking considerable heat for an event that sought to gather hundreds of fans in one of the nation’s coronavirus hotspots.
He had been scheduled to play a lakeside show just outside Austin on Friday, but has announced it is being postponed.
Barrett Brannam, who owns the venue where Vanilla Ice had been scheduled to play, said the performer, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, had expressed concern about the health of his fans and himself.
Brannam said Saturday’s planned appearance by 1990s R&B group Color Me Badd was also postponed.
Former Republican presidential candidate tests positive for Covid-19
Herman Cain, a 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has been diagnosed with coronavirus and admitted to hospital, according to a statement on his Twitter feed.
He attended last month’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally for President Donald Trump, supporting his fellow Republican at an event where many attendees crowded close together without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Florida records over 10,000 new cases in a day
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 sent cases rising at rates not seen since April.
Trump says jobs report proves US economy ‘roaring back’
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.
Kansas makes face masks mandatory after spike in cases
Kansas has followed several other states in requiring face coverings, most recently Indiana.
Kansas had a 46.1% spike in coronavirus infections last week.
Meanwhile, California governor Gavin Newsom said cases have jumped to 6.9% over the past week.
Coronavirus cases in Sweden surpass 70,000 after another 947 recorded
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.
Further 14 deaths reported in France
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.
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.
Swiss government releases list of 29 restricted countries
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.
Coronavirus vaccine candidates will enter late-stage clinical studies by the end of the month, with others beginning in August, September and October, the US government’s top infectious diseases expert said.Coronavirus vaccine candidates will enter late-stage clinical studies by the end of the month, with others beginning in August, September and October, the US government’s top infectious diseases expert said.
The news comes as Moderna Inc, which is at the forefront of the country’s vaccine development efforts, reiterated earlier in the day that a late-stage trial with 30,000 volunteers would begin this month.The news comes as Moderna Inc, which is at the forefront of the country’s vaccine development efforts, reiterated earlier in the day that a late-stage trial with 30,000 volunteers would begin this month.
“We may be able to at least know whether we are dealing with a safe and effective vaccine by the early winter, late winter, (or) beginning of 2021,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told JAMA Network.“We may be able to at least know whether we are dealing with a safe and effective vaccine by the early winter, late winter, (or) beginning of 2021,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told JAMA Network.
Earlier, Dr Francis Collins, director of the US National Institutes of Health, said the Trump administration’s vaccine-acceleration program could generate a safe and effective vaccine by the end of the year. Earlier, Dr Francis Collins, director of the US National Institutes of Health, said the Trump administration’s vaccine-acceleration programme could generate a safe and effective vaccine by the end of the year.
California governor Gavin Newsom said that coronavirus cases have jumped to 6.9% over the past week.California governor Gavin Newsom said that coronavirus cases have jumped to 6.9% over the past week.
Kansas has followed several other states in requiring face coverings, most recently Indiana.Kansas has followed several other states in requiring face coverings, most recently Indiana.
Kansas had a 46.1% spike in coronavirus infections last week.Kansas had a 46.1% spike in coronavirus infections last week.
“Wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business,” governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said.“Wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business,” governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said.
The Nigerian state of Kano has ended its coronavirus lockdown, the local ministry of health said, months after an outbreak of what was originally called a “mysterious disease” killed hundreds of citizens.The Nigerian state of Kano has ended its coronavirus lockdown, the local ministry of health said, months after an outbreak of what was originally called a “mysterious disease” killed hundreds of citizens.
The easing comes weeks after other parts of Nigeria relaxed restrictions, and marks an effort to resume everyday life in Kano, the commercial and cultural heart of predominantly Muslim northern Nigerian.The easing comes weeks after other parts of Nigeria relaxed restrictions, and marks an effort to resume everyday life in Kano, the commercial and cultural heart of predominantly Muslim northern Nigerian.
In April and early May, roughly 500 people died in the state, a government investigation found, saying the deaths were likely due to coronavirus. Local authorities did not acknowledge the outbreak at the time.In April and early May, roughly 500 people died in the state, a government investigation found, saying the deaths were likely due to coronavirus. Local authorities did not acknowledge the outbreak at the time.
Kano’s health ministry on its official Twitter account did not provide details of the state lockdown ending except to say civil servants would return to work from 6 July.Kano’s health ministry on its official Twitter account did not provide details of the state lockdown ending except to say civil servants would return to work from 6 July.
The end of Kano’s lockdown and other policies to relax restrictions come as coronavirus cases mount in Africa’s most populous country.The end of Kano’s lockdown and other policies to relax restrictions come as coronavirus cases mount in Africa’s most populous country.
Nigeria had confirmed more than 25,000 coronavirus cases and almost 600 deaths as of Wednesday, with little sign of the outbreak slowing.Nigeria had confirmed more than 25,000 coronavirus cases and almost 600 deaths as of Wednesday, with little sign of the outbreak slowing.
Officials have expressed their concern that the outbreak in the West African country might become much worse.Officials have expressed their concern that the outbreak in the West African country might become much worse.
Nigeria on Wednesday said it would restart domestic flights from 8 July.Nigeria on Wednesday said it would restart domestic flights from 8 July.
Former Republican presidential candidate tests positive for Covid-19Former Republican presidential candidate tests positive for Covid-19
Herman Cain, a 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has been diagnosed with coronavirus and admitted to hospital, according to a statement on his Twitter feed.Herman Cain, a 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has been diagnosed with coronavirus and admitted to hospital, according to a statement on his Twitter feed.
He attended last month’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally for President Donald Trump, supporting his fellow Republican at an event where many attendees crowded close together without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.He attended last month’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally for President Donald Trump, supporting his fellow Republican at an event where many attendees crowded close together without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Florida records over 10,000 new cases in a dayFlorida records over 10,000 new cases in a day
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 sent cases rising at rates not seen since April.Outbreaks in Texas, California, Florida and Arizona have sent cases rising at rates not seen since April.
Trump says jobs report proves US economy ‘roaring back’Trump says jobs report proves US economy ‘roaring back’
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.
Coronavirus cases in Sweden surpass 70,000 after another 947 recordedCoronavirus cases in Sweden surpass 70,000 after another 947 recorded
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.
Further 14 deaths reported in FranceFurther 14 deaths reported in France
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.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.
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.
Swiss government releases list of 29 restricted countriesSwiss government releases list of 29 restricted countries
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.
An Army veteran in the UK who spent more than a month in hospital fighting Covid-19 has been described as “a miracle patient”.An Army veteran in the UK who spent more than a month in hospital fighting Covid-19 has been described as “a miracle patient”.
The family of Darren Eames, 45, said they were told he had a “2% chance” of survival.The family of Darren Eames, 45, said they were told he had a “2% chance” of survival.
He was in an induced coma and on a ventilator after being admitted into hospital on 14 May.He was in an induced coma and on a ventilator after being admitted into hospital on 14 May.
Eames was reunited with his family this week when he returned home.Eames was reunited with his family this week when he returned home.
He told the BBC: “I can’t recall much apart from dreams that were horrible when I woke up.He told the BBC: “I can’t recall much apart from dreams that were horrible when I woke up.
“I didn’t realise how poorly I was until I met some of the nurses.”“I didn’t realise how poorly I was until I met some of the nurses.”
Herman Cain, a 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has been diagnosed with coronavirus and admitted to hospital, according to a statement on his Twitter feed.Herman Cain, a 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has been diagnosed with coronavirus and admitted to hospital, according to a statement on his Twitter feed.
He attended last month’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally for President Donald Trump, supporting his fellow Republican at an event where many attendees crowded close together without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.He attended last month’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally for President Donald Trump, supporting his fellow Republican at an event where many attendees crowded close together without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Cain had posted a maskless photo on Twitter of himself at the rally surrounded by fellow Trump supporters also not wearing masks.Cain had posted a maskless photo on Twitter of himself at the rally surrounded by fellow Trump supporters also not wearing masks.
He was informed on Monday that he had tested positive for coronavirus. By Wednesday, he had developed symptoms serious enough to require hospitalization. At 74, he is part of the age group most at risk for severe Covid-19.He was informed on Monday that he had tested positive for coronavirus. By Wednesday, he had developed symptoms serious enough to require hospitalization. At 74, he is part of the age group most at risk for severe Covid-19.
Cain recently posted support for not mandating masks at a July 4 event that President Trump plans to attend at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.Cain recently posted support for not mandating masks at a July 4 event that President Trump plans to attend at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
Switzerland has announced that Covid-19 patients beyond those on clinical trials could be given remdesivir, the first drug shown to be relatively effective in treating the virus.Switzerland has announced that Covid-19 patients beyond those on clinical trials could be given remdesivir, the first drug shown to be relatively effective in treating the virus.
At least two major US studies have shown that the anti-viral drug can reduce the duration of hospital stays for those suffering from coronavirus.At least two major US studies have shown that the anti-viral drug can reduce the duration of hospital stays for those suffering from coronavirus.
“With immediate effect, remdesivir can be used more widely in Switzerland for the treatment of Covid-19 patients,” the government said in a statement.“With immediate effect, remdesivir can be used more widely in Switzerland for the treatment of Covid-19 patients,” the government said in a statement.
Following a swift review this week, Swissmedic, the national agency for therapeutic products, said it would allow the temporary distribution of the drug, which was originally intended as a treatment for Ebola.Following a swift review this week, Swissmedic, the national agency for therapeutic products, said it would allow the temporary distribution of the drug, which was originally intended as a treatment for Ebola.
“Products containing the active substance remdesivir and marketed under the brand name Veklury may be used in Swiss hospitals, without authorisation, for the treatment of Covid-19 patients,” the statement said.“Products containing the active substance remdesivir and marketed under the brand name Veklury may be used in Swiss hospitals, without authorisation, for the treatment of Covid-19 patients,” the statement said.
The product will be made available to patients outside approved clinical trials and the approved compassionate use programme, pending a decision on full authorisation of the drug.The product will be made available to patients outside approved clinical trials and the approved compassionate use programme, pending a decision on full authorisation of the drug.
Clinicians will monitor any adverse reactions to the drug to ensure patient safety, the government said.Clinicians will monitor any adverse reactions to the drug to ensure patient safety, the government said.
Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, she “couldn’t imagine” delaying an agreement on a recovery plan worth €750bn ($843 billion), given the urgency of lifting the European economy.Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, she “couldn’t imagine” delaying an agreement on a recovery plan worth €750bn ($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.“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 17 July, their first physical summit since the coronavirus lockdown began, to discuss the plan.The leaders of the 27 EU member states will meet in Brussels on 17 July, 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.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.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.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”, the EU commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, said at a press conference with the German leader by video link.“Every day counts” and “to succeed in this gigantic task, each member state must look beyond its own small interests”, the 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 in June, efforts must be re-doubled to slow the spread of the disease, the International Rescue Committee has warned.With a 600% rise in Covid-19 cases in Iraq in 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 1 June - 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.With the number of confirmed cases currently standing at 51,524 - up from 6,868 on 1 June - 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.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:A recent survey of 1,491 people carried out by the IRC found that:
87% had lost their jobs as a result of the lockdowns87% had lost their jobs as a result of the lockdowns
73% were reducing the amount of food they were eating to reduce costs73% were reducing the amount of food they were eating to reduce costs
68% were spending their savings68% were spending their savings
61% were going into debt61% 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.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.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: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.