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Coronavirus live news: pubs reopen in England, as Victoria announces 'hard lockdown' Coronavirus live news: pubs reopen in England as Catalonia announces new lockdown
(32 minutes later)
Fourth of July holiday weekend set to start with continued rise in infections; Brazil cases pass 1.5m; Boris Johnson defends decision to reopen pubs on Saturday. Follow all the developments liveFourth of July holiday weekend set to start with continued rise in infections; Brazil cases pass 1.5m; Boris Johnson defends decision to reopen pubs on Saturday. Follow all the developments live
In Spain, officials have confined more than 200,000 people in the northeastern region of Catalonia after more than 350 cases were detected in the area.
“We have decided to confine the perimeter of Segrià due to the notable rise in Covid cases,” the region’s leader, Quim Torra, said on Saturday, describing it as a “difficult decision.”
The restriction is the first to be reintroduced in Spain since the country lifted the last of its emergency measures on June 21.
Entry and exit to the area, which is about a two-hour car journey west of Barcelona, will be restricted to most as of noon on Saturday. Officials have also recommended that residents in the area limit their movements and social activities while gatherings of more than 10 people have been prohibited.
In recent days the largest city in the area, Lleida, has been struggling with a surge in coronavirus cases. On Friday health officials ordered a field hospital to be set up, after cases nearly doubled from 167 to 325 in a week. Health officials have said they’re monitoring nine active outbreaks, including at a care home and at several fruit-harvesting operations in the rural area.
The restrictions come after Spain registered 17 deaths on Friday – the country’s highest 24-hour death toll in two weeks.
The virus has claimed more than 28,000 lives in the country, according to the health ministry, though the number of excess deaths hint at a death toll that ranks among the highest in Europe.
Spain began gradually opening its borders last month, and on Saturday began allowing in travellers from 12 countries outside the European Union, from Australia to Canada and Japan.
“I’m taking each day as it comes, trying to stay healthy until I can get home.”“I’m taking each day as it comes, trying to stay healthy until I can get home.”
Hundreds of Venezuelan refugees who fled their country’s economic crisis in the hope of establishing a new life in Colombia have had their prospects shattered by Covid-19.Hundreds of Venezuelan refugees who fled their country’s economic crisis in the hope of establishing a new life in Colombia have had their prospects shattered by Covid-19.
Joe Parkin Daniels reports from Bogotá on the people forced to turn their lives around in the most challenging of circumstances.Joe Parkin Daniels reports from Bogotá on the people forced to turn their lives around in the most challenging of circumstances.
Hallo, this is Paul MacInnes, I’m taking over the blog for the next few hours.Hallo, this is Paul MacInnes, I’m taking over the blog for the next few hours.
Any questions or tips please email me.Any questions or tips please email me.
Jair Bolsonaro sanctioned a law on Friday to make face masks obligatory in public in Brazil, but watered it down by vetoing their use in shops, churches and schools, the BBC reports.Jair Bolsonaro sanctioned a law on Friday to make face masks obligatory in public in Brazil, but watered it down by vetoing their use in shops, churches and schools, the BBC reports.
The Brazilian president said people could have been fined for not wearing a mask at home.The Brazilian president said people could have been fined for not wearing a mask at home.
Brazil has the world’s second-highest numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths. Almost 1.5 million people have been infected and 61,884 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.Brazil has the world’s second-highest numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths. Almost 1.5 million people have been infected and 61,884 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Indonesia reported 1,447 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, the health ministry said, taking the nation’s tally to 62,142. It also announced 53 more deaths, taking the country’s toll to 3,089.Indonesia reported 1,447 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, the health ministry said, taking the nation’s tally to 62,142. It also announced 53 more deaths, taking the country’s toll to 3,089.
People in England are finally allowed to drink in a pub, have a meal in a restaurant or get a haircut for the first time in more than three months as as the country takes its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life.People in England are finally allowed to drink in a pub, have a meal in a restaurant or get a haircut for the first time in more than three months as as the country takes its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life.
Pubs were permitted to start serving from 6am, sparking worries about over-indulgence on what the media has called “super Saturday”.Pubs were permitted to start serving from 6am, sparking worries about over-indulgence on what the media has called “super Saturday”.
Some hairdressers opened at the stroke of midnight.Some hairdressers opened at the stroke of midnight.
In another relaxation of lockdown rules that were first imposed in late March two households can now meet indoors as long as social distancing is maintained, and overnight stays are allowed.In another relaxation of lockdown rules that were first imposed in late March two households can now meet indoors as long as social distancing is maintained, and overnight stays are allowed.
The Sun newspaper predicted that 15m pints (8.5m litres) of beer would be sunk in England on Saturday, though some pub-goers may be deterred by a forecast of unsettled weather.The Sun newspaper predicted that 15m pints (8.5m litres) of beer would be sunk in England on Saturday, though some pub-goers may be deterred by a forecast of unsettled weather.
Police said they were “absolutely prepared”, and hospitals have been told to prepare for a New Year’s Eve-style weekend.Police said they were “absolutely prepared”, and hospitals have been told to prepare for a New Year’s Eve-style weekend.
The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, called on people to behave responsibly and respect social-distancing regulations, but he also stressed the importance of supporting businesses.The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, called on people to behave responsibly and respect social-distancing regulations, but he also stressed the importance of supporting businesses.
He said at a news conference on Friday: “We must not let them down.”He said at a news conference on Friday: “We must not let them down.”
Saturday’s rule changes apply only to England. The UK’s devolved nations - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - have been setting their own timetables for easing lockdown restrictions.Saturday’s rule changes apply only to England. The UK’s devolved nations - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - have been setting their own timetables for easing lockdown restrictions.
Pub-goers will find the atmosphere rather different from the usual Saturday-night scrum.Pub-goers will find the atmosphere rather different from the usual Saturday-night scrum.
Numbers will be limited, no one will be allowed to stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive.Numbers will be limited, no one will be allowed to stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive.
JD Wetherspoon, one of the biggest chains, said it had invested £11m ($13.7m) in safety measures. Most of its pubs in England opened at the usual time of 8am. It is not taking bookings, but said numbers would be controlled by staff at busy times.JD Wetherspoon, one of the biggest chains, said it had invested £11m ($13.7m) in safety measures. Most of its pubs in England opened at the usual time of 8am. It is not taking bookings, but said numbers would be controlled by staff at busy times.
I just spoke to Hana, a woman who lives in one of the nine public housing tower blocks placed into lockdown in Melbourne.I just spoke to Hana, a woman who lives in one of the nine public housing tower blocks placed into lockdown in Melbourne.
She learned of the lockdown when she returned home from the supermarket, just after 4pm, when she was greeted by dozens of police officers. The police presence was intimidating, she said.She learned of the lockdown when she returned home from the supermarket, just after 4pm, when she was greeted by dozens of police officers. The police presence was intimidating, she said.
She said it was hard not to feel that public housing blocks had been targeted when the towers are surrounded by other apartment buildings whose residents are free to go to the shops or for a daily walk.She said it was hard not to feel that public housing blocks had been targeted when the towers are surrounded by other apartment buildings whose residents are free to go to the shops or for a daily walk.
Dozens of police officers are scattered around the entrances and throughout the grounds of a public housing estate on the corner of Sutton, Melrose and Alfred streets in North Melbourne.Dozens of police officers are scattered around the entrances and throughout the grounds of a public housing estate on the corner of Sutton, Melrose and Alfred streets in North Melbourne.
Cars that entered the estate had their details checked and police were speaking to residents who were walking through the property.Cars that entered the estate had their details checked and police were speaking to residents who were walking through the property.
The high rises will be in lockdown from midnight, meaning residents will not be allowed to leave for any reason. The government says they will be provided food, healthcare and other services.The high rises will be in lockdown from midnight, meaning residents will not be allowed to leave for any reason. The government says they will be provided food, healthcare and other services.
One estate resident wearing a large mask and who was waiting in his car with a friend, sounded dismayed about the lockdown.One estate resident wearing a large mask and who was waiting in his car with a friend, sounded dismayed about the lockdown.
“We’re not happy about it,” he said before driving off.“We’re not happy about it,” he said before driving off.
Once residents enter one of the 20-storey buildings tonight, they won’t be allowed out for five days.Once residents enter one of the 20-storey buildings tonight, they won’t be allowed out for five days.
Four residents at Newmarch House, an aged care home in Sydney, Australia, where 17 people died in Australia’s deadliest on-soil outbreak of the virus, have been tested for Covid-19.Four residents at Newmarch House, an aged care home in Sydney, Australia, where 17 people died in Australia’s deadliest on-soil outbreak of the virus, have been tested for Covid-19.
The outbreak is subject to a major coronial investigation and a class action.The outbreak is subject to a major coronial investigation and a class action.
In a statement, NSW Health said the four residents at the aged care home were tested on Saturday after “displaying symptoms of respiratory illness”. One of the tests returned a negative result, the other three are pending.In a statement, NSW Health said the four residents at the aged care home were tested on Saturday after “displaying symptoms of respiratory illness”. One of the tests returned a negative result, the other three are pending.
The decision to lock down nine public housing towers in Melbourne has been heavily criticised by activists, lawyers and public health advocates.The decision to lock down nine public housing towers in Melbourne has been heavily criticised by activists, lawyers and public health advocates.
Paul Kidd, an HIV+ activist, described the decision to lock down the towers as “a powder keg, a disaster”.Paul Kidd, an HIV+ activist, described the decision to lock down the towers as “a powder keg, a disaster”.
Kidd says many living in the tower are recovering drug addicts on the methadone program, and need to attend a health service every day to receive their injection.Kidd says many living in the tower are recovering drug addicts on the methadone program, and need to attend a health service every day to receive their injection.
The decision to put police in charge of the lockdown has been widely criticised.The decision to put police in charge of the lockdown has been widely criticised.
Meanwhile photos from journalist Margaret Simons show armed police officers, wearing gloves and facemasks, guarding the door to one of the largest towers at 120 Racecourse Road, Flemington.Meanwhile photos from journalist Margaret Simons show armed police officers, wearing gloves and facemasks, guarding the door to one of the largest towers at 120 Racecourse Road, Flemington.
Russia has reported 6,632 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the nationwide tally of infections to 674,515.Russia has reported 6,632 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the nationwide tally of infections to 674,515.
The authorities said that 168 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 10,027.The authorities said that 168 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 10,027.
Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, joining the blog for the next hour. As I’m sure you’ve heard, pubs are reopening here in England today after three months of lockdown and we’re all on edge in anticipation of how busy they may or may not be throughout the day.Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, joining the blog for the next hour. As I’m sure you’ve heard, pubs are reopening here in England today after three months of lockdown and we’re all on edge in anticipation of how busy they may or may not be throughout the day.
Even with “Covid-secure” measures in place, there is some trepidation about how safe it is to head to your local pub when people might get carried away, but there’s also a desire to support businesses that have faced long periods of closure. We will be bringing you more on this throughout the morning.Even with “Covid-secure” measures in place, there is some trepidation about how safe it is to head to your local pub when people might get carried away, but there’s also a desire to support businesses that have faced long periods of closure. We will be bringing you more on this throughout the morning.
This is from our Rob Davies who was at the Moon Under Water pub from 7:45am. It’s now 8:20am and he appears to still be the only one there.This is from our Rob Davies who was at the Moon Under Water pub from 7:45am. It’s now 8:20am and he appears to still be the only one there.
Journalist Margaret Simons lives in Flemington in Melbourne, and says she is concerned about her neighbours living in public housing towers.Journalist Margaret Simons lives in Flemington in Melbourne, and says she is concerned about her neighbours living in public housing towers.
The police have already arrived.The police have already arrived.
Tokyo confirmed about 130 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, a third consecutive day with more than 100 new cases, public broadcaster NHK reported.Tokyo confirmed about 130 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, a third consecutive day with more than 100 new cases, public broadcaster NHK reported.
From Reuters:From Reuters:
Cases in Tokyo have risen to a two-month high, driven by the spread of the virus in the capital’s night spots.Cases in Tokyo have risen to a two-month high, driven by the spread of the virus in the capital’s night spots.
Tokyo on Friday reported 124 new cases, up from 107 the day before, partly due to increased testing among night life workers in the Shinjuku and Ikebukuro districts.Tokyo on Friday reported 124 new cases, up from 107 the day before, partly due to increased testing among night life workers in the Shinjuku and Ikebukuro districts.
Kelly says he has called an emergency meeting of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee for 6pm.Kelly says he has called an emergency meeting of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee for 6pm.
Still in Australia, the acting chief medical officer, Professor Paul Kelly, is giving the national update.Still in Australia, the acting chief medical officer, Professor Paul Kelly, is giving the national update.
Australia has now had 8,362 cases and has conducted more than 2.6m coronavirus tests, including more than 50,000 in the past 24 hours.Australia has now had 8,362 cases and has conducted more than 2.6m coronavirus tests, including more than 50,000 in the past 24 hours.
That’s 113 new cases in the past 24 hours. That’s 108 in Victoria and five in NSW.That’s 113 new cases in the past 24 hours. That’s 108 in Victoria and five in NSW.
Kelly says they also added 189 historic cases added to the NSW total. They are mostly Ruby Princess cruise ship crew members, who never actually set foot on Australian soil but were ill in Australian waters.Kelly says they also added 189 historic cases added to the NSW total. They are mostly Ruby Princess cruise ship crew members, who never actually set foot on Australian soil but were ill in Australian waters.
They have been added to the Australian total in order to ensure an accurate report to the World Health Organisation.They have been added to the Australian total in order to ensure an accurate report to the World Health Organisation.
Guardian Australia’s data editor, Nick Evershed, noted that the daily total number of cases for Victoria on 28 March was revised down from 111 to 106 due to duplicate tests.Guardian Australia’s data editor, Nick Evershed, noted that the daily total number of cases for Victoria on 28 March was revised down from 111 to 106 due to duplicate tests.
It is not uncommon for a daily total to be revised down due to duplicates. That could happen to today’s figure of 108. But it means that today is possibly the highest daily coronavirus total in Victoria since the start of the pandemic.It is not uncommon for a daily total to be revised down due to duplicates. That could happen to today’s figure of 108. But it means that today is possibly the highest daily coronavirus total in Victoria since the start of the pandemic.