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Coronavirus live news: India cases third-highest globally as Australian state of Victoria closes border Coronavirus live news: India cases third-highest globally as Australian state of Victoria closes border
(32 minutes later)
India overtakes Russia with third-highest number of cases; Peru cases pass 300,000; Iran sees highest daily deaths; Spain puts part of Galicia back into lockdownIndia overtakes Russia with third-highest number of cases; Peru cases pass 300,000; Iran sees highest daily deaths; Spain puts part of Galicia back into lockdown
Russia’s official coronavirus case tally rose to 687,862 on Monday after officials reported 6,611 new infections in the last 24 hours, Reuters reports.
Authorities also said 135 people had died overnight, bringing Russia’s official death toll to 10,296.
India overtook Russia over the weekend as the country with the third highest number of infections behind the US and Brazil.
Fiji has recorded its first new case of coronavirus in 78 days, after a 66-year-old man tested positive for the virus after returning to the country from India, according to AFP.
It is the 19th case in the small South Pacific island nation, and more are now expected.
“We’ve confirmed a border case of Covid-19 among a returning citizen while he was securely in the confines of government-funded quarantine,” the prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, said.
All arrivals to Fiji have to undergo 14 days of quarantine.
The acting permanent secretary for health, James Fong, said Fiji had deliberately refrained from calling itself ‘covid-free’ and was not surprised when the positive test was recorded Sunday.
“While Fiji may be free of community-based transmission of Covid-19, this pandemic is still raging beyond our shores,” he said.
“We don’t expect this to be Fiji’s last border quarantine case.”
Chinese authorities on Monday detained a law professor who published essays criticising President Xi Jinping over the coronavirus pandemic and his efforts to consolidate power, according to friends of the man, AFP reports.Chinese authorities on Monday detained a law professor who published essays criticising President Xi Jinping over the coronavirus pandemic and his efforts to consolidate power, according to friends of the man, AFP reports.
Xu Zhangrun, a rare outspoken critic of the government in China’s heavily censored academia, was taken from his home in suburban Beijing by more than 20 people, one of his friends said on condition of anonymity.Xu Zhangrun, a rare outspoken critic of the government in China’s heavily censored academia, was taken from his home in suburban Beijing by more than 20 people, one of his friends said on condition of anonymity.
Xu published an essay in February blaming the culture of deception and censorship fostered by Xi for the spread of the coronavirus in China.Xu published an essay in February blaming the culture of deception and censorship fostered by Xi for the spread of the coronavirus in China.
The law professor at Tsinghua University, one of China’s top institutions, had previously spoken out against the 2018 abolition of presidential term limits in an essay circulated online.The law professor at Tsinghua University, one of China’s top institutions, had previously spoken out against the 2018 abolition of presidential term limits in an essay circulated online.
A friend said a man claiming to be police had called Xu’s wife, who had been living separately at a university residence, to say Xu was arrested for allegedly soliciting prostitution in the southwestern city of Chengdu.A friend said a man claiming to be police had called Xu’s wife, who had been living separately at a university residence, to say Xu was arrested for allegedly soliciting prostitution in the southwestern city of Chengdu.
Xu visited Chengdu last winter with a number of liberal Chinese scholars, although it is unclear if the arrest was connected to the trip, the friend said, calling the allegation against Xu “ridiculous and shameless”.Xu visited Chengdu last winter with a number of liberal Chinese scholars, although it is unclear if the arrest was connected to the trip, the friend said, calling the allegation against Xu “ridiculous and shameless”.
The UK government’s culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, has criticised people who failed to adhere to social distancing guidelines when pubs reopened in England on Saturday. But, he said, the “vast majority” obeyed the rules.The UK government’s culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, has criticised people who failed to adhere to social distancing guidelines when pubs reopened in England on Saturday. But, he said, the “vast majority” obeyed the rules.
Despite England’s severe toll from the coronavirus pandemic, and fears of a second wave of infections now that restrictions have been eased, people up and down the country flocked to pubs on Saturday after they reopened for the first time in about three months.Despite England’s severe toll from the coronavirus pandemic, and fears of a second wave of infections now that restrictions have been eased, people up and down the country flocked to pubs on Saturday after they reopened for the first time in about three months.
That led to chaotic scenes in some areas, such as central London’s Soho district, where thousands of people thronged the streets in what seemed almost like a festival atmosphere.That led to chaotic scenes in some areas, such as central London’s Soho district, where thousands of people thronged the streets in what seemed almost like a festival atmosphere.
On Monday morning, Dowden told BBC Breakfast: “In respect to what happen in a few places, and I should say a few places, on Saturday night clearly that is not acceptable and people should be socially distancing.On Monday morning, Dowden told BBC Breakfast: “In respect to what happen in a few places, and I should say a few places, on Saturday night clearly that is not acceptable and people should be socially distancing.
“And actually I think by and large the vast majority of people up and down Britain showed British common sense, listened to the rules and socially distanced.”“And actually I think by and large the vast majority of people up and down Britain showed British common sense, listened to the rules and socially distanced.”
The coronavirus may have been lying dormant across the world until emerging under favourable environmental conditions, rather than originating in China, an expert has claimed, according to PA Media.The coronavirus may have been lying dormant across the world until emerging under favourable environmental conditions, rather than originating in China, an expert has claimed, according to PA Media.
Dr Tom Jefferson, from the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) at Oxford University, has pointed to a string of recent discoveries of the virus’s presence around the world before it emerged in Asia as growing evidence of its true origin as a global organism that was waiting for favourable conditions to finally emerge.Dr Tom Jefferson, from the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) at Oxford University, has pointed to a string of recent discoveries of the virus’s presence around the world before it emerged in Asia as growing evidence of its true origin as a global organism that was waiting for favourable conditions to finally emerge.
Traces of coronavirus have been found in sewage samples from Spain, Italy and Brazil that pre-date its discovery in China.Traces of coronavirus have been found in sewage samples from Spain, Italy and Brazil that pre-date its discovery in China.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Jefferson has called for an investigation into how and why the virus seems to thrive in environments such as food factories and meatpacking plants.In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Jefferson has called for an investigation into how and why the virus seems to thrive in environments such as food factories and meatpacking plants.
Along with CEBM director Prof Carl Heneghan, Jefferson believes this could potentially uncover new transmission routes, such as through the sewerage system or shared lavatory facilities.Along with CEBM director Prof Carl Heneghan, Jefferson believes this could potentially uncover new transmission routes, such as through the sewerage system or shared lavatory facilities.
He told the paper:He told the paper:
Security agencies in Egypt have tried to stifle criticism about the handling of the coronavirus health crisis by the government of Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, the Associated Press reports.Security agencies in Egypt have tried to stifle criticism about the handling of the coronavirus health crisis by the government of Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, the Associated Press reports.
At least 10 doctors and six journalists have been arrested since the virus first hit Egypt in February, according to rights groups. Other health workers say they have been warned by administrators to keep quiet or face punishment. One foreign correspondent has fled the country, fearing arrest, and another two have been summoned for reprimand over “professional violations”.At least 10 doctors and six journalists have been arrested since the virus first hit Egypt in February, according to rights groups. Other health workers say they have been warned by administrators to keep quiet or face punishment. One foreign correspondent has fled the country, fearing arrest, and another two have been summoned for reprimand over “professional violations”.
Coronavirus infections have surged in the country of 100 million, threatening to overwhelm hospitals. As of Monday, the health ministry had recorded 75,253 infections, including 3,343 deaths – the highest death toll in the Arab world.Coronavirus infections have surged in the country of 100 million, threatening to overwhelm hospitals. As of Monday, the health ministry had recorded 75,253 infections, including 3,343 deaths – the highest death toll in the Arab world.
“Every day I go to work, I sacrifice myself and my whole family,” said a frontline doctor in greater Cairo, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, like all doctors interviewed for this story. “Then they arrest my colleagues to send us a message. I see no light on the horizon.”“Every day I go to work, I sacrifice myself and my whole family,” said a frontline doctor in greater Cairo, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, like all doctors interviewed for this story. “Then they arrest my colleagues to send us a message. I see no light on the horizon.”
A government press officer did not respond to requests for comment on the arrests of doctors and journalists but did send the Associated Press a document entitled “Realities defeating evil falsehoods,” which details what it says are el-Sissi’s successes in improving the economy and fighting terrorism.A government press officer did not respond to requests for comment on the arrests of doctors and journalists but did send the Associated Press a document entitled “Realities defeating evil falsehoods,” which details what it says are el-Sissi’s successes in improving the economy and fighting terrorism.
El-Sissi has said the virus’s trajectory was “reassuring” and described critics as “enemies of the state”. The Worldometers website, which collects official coronavirus statistics from countries around the world, shows a downward curve in new daily infections in Egypt since the end of June, with 1,218 recorded on Sunday, as well as 68 deaths.El-Sissi has said the virus’s trajectory was “reassuring” and described critics as “enemies of the state”. The Worldometers website, which collects official coronavirus statistics from countries around the world, shows a downward curve in new daily infections in Egypt since the end of June, with 1,218 recorded on Sunday, as well as 68 deaths.
In recent weeks, authorities have marshalled medical supplies to prepare for more patients. The military has set up field hospitals and isolation centres with 4,000 beds and delivered masks to citizens, free of charge, at metro stops, squares and other public places.In recent weeks, authorities have marshalled medical supplies to prepare for more patients. The military has set up field hospitals and isolation centres with 4,000 beds and delivered masks to citizens, free of charge, at metro stops, squares and other public places.
The UK is facing the prospect of 35,000 excess deaths as a result of delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment within the next 12 months, research suggests, according to PA Media.The UK is facing the prospect of 35,000 excess deaths as a result of delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment within the next 12 months, research suggests, according to PA Media.
According to a study conducted by DATA-CAN, the healthcare research hub for Cancer, up to 2 million routine breast, bowel and cervical cancer screenings may have been missed throughout the Covid-19 crisis.According to a study conducted by DATA-CAN, the healthcare research hub for Cancer, up to 2 million routine breast, bowel and cervical cancer screenings may have been missed throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
Researchers examined data from eight hospital trusts in modelling outcomes depending upon how long the delays continue.Researchers examined data from eight hospital trusts in modelling outcomes depending upon how long the delays continue.
Sharing the results with BBC Panorama, researchers warned that a worst-case scenario could see 35,000 more people dying of cancer by this time next year.Sharing the results with BBC Panorama, researchers warned that a worst-case scenario could see 35,000 more people dying of cancer by this time next year.
DATA-CAN’s scientific lead, Prof Mark Lawler, told the programme: “Anecdotally, people have been telling us there were problems, but I think the critical thing was being able to actually have routine data from hospital trusts.”DATA-CAN’s scientific lead, Prof Mark Lawler, told the programme: “Anecdotally, people have been telling us there were problems, but I think the critical thing was being able to actually have routine data from hospital trusts.”
NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Peter Johnson, said the organisation was striving to restore cancer services back to normal levels as quickly as possible.NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Peter Johnson, said the organisation was striving to restore cancer services back to normal levels as quickly as possible.
He told Panorama: “We’re working as fast as we can to put the services back together again, to restore the capacity and indeed to build more, so that we can deal with the people that have not been diagnosed during the time when the services have been running below 100%.He told Panorama: “We’re working as fast as we can to put the services back together again, to restore the capacity and indeed to build more, so that we can deal with the people that have not been diagnosed during the time when the services have been running below 100%.
“I’m hoping that we will get back to where we need to be by the end of the year.”“I’m hoping that we will get back to where we need to be by the end of the year.”
BBC Panorama’s ‘Britain’s Cancer Crisis’ airs on Monday 6 July at 7.30pm on BBC One.BBC Panorama’s ‘Britain’s Cancer Crisis’ airs on Monday 6 July at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Doctors in Ukraine are battling a post-lockdown surge in cases of Covid-19, AFP reports, after reopening public transport, reopening of parks, outdoor cafes and beauty salons in late May and early June.Doctors in Ukraine are battling a post-lockdown surge in cases of Covid-19, AFP reports, after reopening public transport, reopening of parks, outdoor cafes and beauty salons in late May and early June.
By mid-June, the World Health Organization listed Ukraine among two dozen European countries that have seen resurgences of the virus. At the highest point on 26 June, Ukraine had a daily increase of 1,109 cases as authorities warned they might have to re-impose movement restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.By mid-June, the World Health Organization listed Ukraine among two dozen European countries that have seen resurgences of the virus. At the highest point on 26 June, Ukraine had a daily increase of 1,109 cases as authorities warned they might have to re-impose movement restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The country has confirmed more than 49,000 cases and over 1,200 deaths, after reporting 823 new cases on Sunday, and 22 deaths.The country has confirmed more than 49,000 cases and over 1,200 deaths, after reporting 823 new cases on Sunday, and 22 deaths.
“We’re overloaded. Over the last 24 hours we’ve admitted 18 patients with suspected coronavirus,” said Marta Saiko, head of primary care at Lviv emergency hospital. “It’s like in a war, it’s very hard. All our staff are exhausted,” she said.“We’re overloaded. Over the last 24 hours we’ve admitted 18 patients with suspected coronavirus,” said Marta Saiko, head of primary care at Lviv emergency hospital. “It’s like in a war, it’s very hard. All our staff are exhausted,” she said.
Saiko’s hospital, in one of the worst affected regions of Ukraine, is still treating ordinary emergency patients but for the first time since the pandemic began is also admitting suspected virus cases.Saiko’s hospital, in one of the worst affected regions of Ukraine, is still treating ordinary emergency patients but for the first time since the pandemic began is also admitting suspected virus cases.
The hospital has created 50 beds for such patients and all were full within three days, she said. “Their medical state is moderately serious or bordering on serious. One patient has died.”The hospital has created 50 beds for such patients and all were full within three days, she said. “Their medical state is moderately serious or bordering on serious. One patient has died.”
Nataliya Matolinets, the head of the intensive care unit, said the hospital had begun treating coronavirus patients because the city needs more beds.Nataliya Matolinets, the head of the intensive care unit, said the hospital had begun treating coronavirus patients because the city needs more beds.
“Both the psychological and physical burden has grown significantly for the doctors and all the staff,” she said.“Both the psychological and physical burden has grown significantly for the doctors and all the staff,” she said.
Nataliya Timko, a top epidemiologist at the Lviv regional health care department, told AFP that the region had expected to have more cases in the first wave but avoided this thanks to strict lockdown rules.Nataliya Timko, a top epidemiologist at the Lviv regional health care department, told AFP that the region had expected to have more cases in the first wave but avoided this thanks to strict lockdown rules.
But now “some people have forgotten about the lockdown”, she lamented, saying the virus is spreading because some are ditching face masks and other protective measures.But now “some people have forgotten about the lockdown”, she lamented, saying the virus is spreading because some are ditching face masks and other protective measures.
Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv, a picturesque city of one million that is a major tourism destination, told AFP that the region had carried out more tests than any other, detecting more cases.Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv, a picturesque city of one million that is a major tourism destination, told AFP that the region had carried out more tests than any other, detecting more cases.
Hello, Damien Gayle taking the reins on the blog now. It is first thing in the morning here in the UK, so I’ll be starting the day with a mixture of world news and the latest morning news from this sceptered isle.Hello, Damien Gayle taking the reins on the blog now. It is first thing in the morning here in the UK, so I’ll be starting the day with a mixture of world news and the latest morning news from this sceptered isle.
Any tips, comments or suggestions then feel free to drop me a line either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.Any tips, comments or suggestions then feel free to drop me a line either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. Thanks for following along – and please give a warm welcome to my colleague Damien Gayle who will be taking you through the next few hours of pandemic news.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. Thanks for following along – and please give a warm welcome to my colleague Damien Gayle who will be taking you through the next few hours of pandemic news.
Hundreds of drones lit up the night sky in Seoul for a spectacular showcase of motivational and awareness messages as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, AFP reports.Hundreds of drones lit up the night sky in Seoul for a spectacular showcase of motivational and awareness messages as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic, AFP reports.
Three hundred unmanned aerial vehicles were programmed to form images above the Han River – which runs through the South Korean capital – for the eyecatching flash mob.Three hundred unmanned aerial vehicles were programmed to form images above the Han River – which runs through the South Korean capital – for the eyecatching flash mob.
The show began with messages reminding people of key precautionary measures, including wearing masks, washing hands and keeping a 2-metre distance from others.The show began with messages reminding people of key precautionary measures, including wearing masks, washing hands and keeping a 2-metre distance from others.
The drones created images of a mask surrounded by coronavirus particles, quickly shuffling to form two hands and water droplets against the dark night sky.The drones created images of a mask surrounded by coronavirus particles, quickly shuffling to form two hands and water droplets against the dark night sky.
The 10-minute show shifted to messages of gratitude for medical personnel in the frontlines of the pandemic as well as all South Koreans for their collective efforts.The 10-minute show shifted to messages of gratitude for medical personnel in the frontlines of the pandemic as well as all South Koreans for their collective efforts.
“THANKS TO YOU,” the drones wrote in the sky next to a heart shape, then formed a silhouette of the Korean peninsula with the message: “Cheer up, Republic of Korea.”“THANKS TO YOU,” the drones wrote in the sky next to a heart shape, then formed a silhouette of the Korean peninsula with the message: “Cheer up, Republic of Korea.”
The government-organised event on Saturday night was not advertised in advance in consideration of social distancing rules, the transport ministry said.The government-organised event on Saturday night was not advertised in advance in consideration of social distancing rules, the transport ministry said.
Countless British businesses are poised to profit from a green economic boom in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. While the government faces growing pressure to unveil a post-pandemic economic stimulus package that is climate friendly, Britain’s economic green shoots are already in evidence.Countless British businesses are poised to profit from a green economic boom in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. While the government faces growing pressure to unveil a post-pandemic economic stimulus package that is climate friendly, Britain’s economic green shoots are already in evidence.
Steven Jennings, a partner at the global advisory firm PwC, says the lockdown has triggered a paradigm shift for consumers and companies that is already accelerating developments in sustainability – even without prompts from the government.Steven Jennings, a partner at the global advisory firm PwC, says the lockdown has triggered a paradigm shift for consumers and companies that is already accelerating developments in sustainability – even without prompts from the government.
“One of the unintended consequences of the coronavirus crisis is the opportunity for businesses to think about the future. If a company has to rebuild itself, it makes sense to reconfigure how it works to be more sustainable,” Jennings says.“One of the unintended consequences of the coronavirus crisis is the opportunity for businesses to think about the future. If a company has to rebuild itself, it makes sense to reconfigure how it works to be more sustainable,” Jennings says.
The challenge for the Treasury is to design a stimulus package that seizes the opportunities emerging from the coronavirus crisis, which can tackle large-scale climate challenges, too:The challenge for the Treasury is to design a stimulus package that seizes the opportunities emerging from the coronavirus crisis, which can tackle large-scale climate challenges, too:
The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, plans to exempt many homebuyers from paying stamp duty in an effort to help stimulate Britain’s economic recovery, the Times reports:The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, plans to exempt many homebuyers from paying stamp duty in an effort to help stimulate Britain’s economic recovery, the Times reports:
Here is the full story on India’s record rise in cases – and the other main developments from the last few hours – in our global report:Here is the full story on India’s record rise in cases – and the other main developments from the last few hours – in our global report:
According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, India has become the world’s third-worst affected country in terms of number of coronavirus cases, overtaking Russia.According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, India has become the world’s third-worst affected country in terms of number of coronavirus cases, overtaking Russia.
India has 697,413 known coronavirus cases and 19,693 deaths.India has 697,413 known coronavirus cases and 19,693 deaths.
Russia has reported 680,283 cases and 10,145 deaths so far.Russia has reported 680,283 cases and 10,145 deaths so far.
The US, with nearly 3m infections, tops the list, with Brazil in second place, with 1.6m infections.The US, with nearly 3m infections, tops the list, with Brazil in second place, with 1.6m infections.
Hi, Helen Sullivan here.Hi, Helen Sullivan here.
A reminder that during that you can get in touch with me directly on Twitter or via email – I await your news, comments, suggestions, tips and other people’s good tweets.A reminder that during that you can get in touch with me directly on Twitter or via email – I await your news, comments, suggestions, tips and other people’s good tweets.
Twitter: @helenrsullivanEmail: helen.sullivan@theguardian.comTwitter: @helenrsullivanEmail: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com