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Coronavirus live news: India cases third-highest globally; Israel reimposes restrictions after spike in infections Coronavirus live news: US death toll surpasses 130,000; India's cases third-highest in world
(32 minutes later)
India overtakes Russia with third-highest number of cases; bars, clubs, gyms and event halls closed in Israel; Greece and Britain will fully resume flights on 15 July Donald Trump’s handling of US crisis under microscope; Israel reimposes restrictions after infections spike; India now has third-highest number of cases
The US’s coronavirus death toll topped 130,000 on Monday amid a surge in Covid-19 cases that has put president Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and derailed efforts to restart the economy. Covid-19 could cause an additional half a million AIDS deaths if treatment is disrupted long term, the United Nations said Monday in a warning that the pandemic was jeopardising years of progress against HIV.
The Associated Press reports that at the start of a week of virtual International AIDS Conferences, the UN said the world was already way off course in its plan to end the public health threat even before Covid-19.
Although AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 60% since the peak of the HIV epidemic in 2004, in 2019 around 690,000 still died from the illness.
Around 1.7 million people were infected last year, and there are now close to 40 million people living with HIV worldwide.
The UN’s annual report said that the 2020 target of reducing AIDS-related deaths to fewer than 500,000, and new HIV infections to under 500,000 will now be missed.
Millions of people had died in recent decades despite the existence of effective treatments, it said, calling on the world to learn lessons from the AIDS epidemic in its Covid-19 response.
UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said:
Key populations at high-risk of HIV/AIDS are being put in further danger as lockdowns and distribution of medicines leaves them “even more vulnerable than usual”, the report said.
Research released Monday showed the pandemic was already impacting access to preventative medicine (PrEP) among at communities at risk.
At one Boston medical centre, a survey of more than 3,500 patients on the PrEP programme showed that lapses in picking up repeat medication had risen 278 percent in the first four months of 2020.
Year on year, the overall number of patients receiving PrEP had fallen 18%, the research showed.
World Health Organization director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the findings “deeply concerning”. He said:
Reuters is reporting that Russian authorities have dug a trench around a remote Siberian village to enforce a quarantine, after dozens of residents contracted the coronavirus, which local officials believe was spread at a traditional shaman ritual.
The village of Shuluta, located 30 kilometres south-east of Lake Baikal in Siberia’s Buryatia region, has 37 confirmed cases of the virus among its 390 residents.
A further 95 people are believed to have been in contact with those infected and are also required to quarantine, said the head of the local administration, Ivan Alkheyev.
Alkheyev said the outbreak started after dozens of villagers took part in a shaman ritual on 10 June, performed by an infected woman.
The ditches that encircled Shuluta were dug on 29 June as a measure to stop tourists from driving though the village to nearby Tunka National Park, as well as to limit movement by the local residents, some of whom were sceptical about an order to self-isolate.
“I don’t believe it! There should at least be symptoms and I don’t have any,” local resident Engelsina Shaboyeva, who has tested positive for the coronavirus, told a regional television crew filming in the village along with a group of volunteers who went to bring food.
Another resident, Svetlana Shaglanova, whose husband died after a stroke and had tested positive for the virus, said she did not agree with the diagnosis.
“They put that he died of the virus on the papers, but it is not true, it was just a stroke,” Shaglanova said.
Russia’s consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said those who performed the shaman ritual despite a ban on public events in the region could face a fine.
The only road to the village which was not cut off by the ditch is now patrolled by local officials and Russian national guards who allow only ambulances and food deliveries in.
Russia’s official coronavirus case tally, the fourth largest in the world, rose to 687,862 on Monday.
The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has turned down a White House invitation to celebrate the new regional free trade agreement in Washington with US president Donald Trump and and Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Trump and López Obrador are due to meet on Wednesday in Washington, but Trudeau spokesperson Chantal Gagnon said on Monday that while Canada wishes the US and Mexico well, Trudeau will not be there.
While there were recent discussions about the possible participation of Canada, the prime minister will be in Ottawa this week for scheduled cabinet meetings and the long-planned sitting of parliament, Gagnon said.
Trudeau is conducting online cabinet meetings instead of in person meetings because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A senior US administration official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to be quoted by name, said Trudeau had multiple conflicts related to the start of parliament and coronavirus regulations that require Canadians who travel abroad to quarantine for 14 days on return. The official said Trudeau has asked to speak with Trump by phone.
López Obrador also said he would be speaking to Trudeau by phone.Gagnon said the treaty that took effect on 1 July was good for Canada, the US and Mexico, and “will help ensure that North America emerges stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic”.
The US’s coronavirus death toll topped 130,000 on Monday amid a surge in cases that has put president Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and derailed efforts to restart the economy.
The overall rate of increase in US deaths has continued to trend downward despite case numbers surging to record levels in recent days, but health experts warn that fatalities are a lagging indicator, showing up weeks or even months after cases rise.The overall rate of increase in US deaths has continued to trend downward despite case numbers surging to record levels in recent days, but health experts warn that fatalities are a lagging indicator, showing up weeks or even months after cases rise.
At least five states have already bucked the downward trend in the death rate, according to a Reuters analysis. Arizona had 449 deaths in the last two weeks of June, up from 259 deaths in the first two weeks of the month. The state posted a 300% rise in cases over the full month, the most in the country.At least five states have already bucked the downward trend in the death rate, according to a Reuters analysis. Arizona had 449 deaths in the last two weeks of June, up from 259 deaths in the first two weeks of the month. The state posted a 300% rise in cases over the full month, the most in the country.
Nationally, cases are approaching three million, the highest tally in the world and double the infections reported in the second most-affected nation Brazil. Nationally, cases are approaching 3m, the highest tally in the world and double the infections reported in the second most-affected nation Brazil.
Sixteen states have posted record daily increases in new cases since the start of July including Florida, which confirmed more than 11,000 in a single day. As well as the state’s largest one-day rise so far, that was more than any European country reported in a single day at the height of the crisis there.Sixteen states have posted record daily increases in new cases since the start of July including Florida, which confirmed more than 11,000 in a single day. As well as the state’s largest one-day rise so far, that was more than any European country reported in a single day at the height of the crisis there.
As health experts cautioned the public not to gather in crowds to celebrate Independence Day over the weekend, Trump asserted without providing evidence that 99% of American coronavirus cases were “totally harmless”.
Steve Adler, the Democratic mayor of Austin, Texas, on Monday criticised the president’s comment over the weekend that the virus was mostly harmless. He told CNN:
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has forecast between 140,000 to 160,000 coronavirus deaths by July 25 in projections that are based on 24 independent forecasts. The forecast projects a rise in deaths in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, according to the CDC website.The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has forecast between 140,000 to 160,000 coronavirus deaths by July 25 in projections that are based on 24 independent forecasts. The forecast projects a rise in deaths in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, according to the CDC website.
Five members of Japan’s Sumo Association were confirmed to have the coronavirus antibody, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday, citing the association.Five members of Japan’s Sumo Association were confirmed to have the coronavirus antibody, public broadcaster NHK said on Monday, citing the association.
The association has conducted antibody tests for 891 members including sumo wrestlers and stable masters who wished to, NHK said. Among the five who were confirmed to have the antibody, four were found negative for PCR testing and one appears to have already been cured, according to the report. It did not say if the five were wrestlers or had other roles.The association has conducted antibody tests for 891 members including sumo wrestlers and stable masters who wished to, NHK said. Among the five who were confirmed to have the antibody, four were found negative for PCR testing and one appears to have already been cured, according to the report. It did not say if the five were wrestlers or had other roles.
A 28-year-old sumo wrestler, Shobushi, died from the coronavirus in May, the first figure in the sport to do so.A 28-year-old sumo wrestler, Shobushi, died from the coronavirus in May, the first figure in the sport to do so.
The next big event of the season, the 2020 July Grand Sumo Tournament, is scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Tokyo from 19 July to 2 August.The next big event of the season, the 2020 July Grand Sumo Tournament, is scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Tokyo from 19 July to 2 August.
The coronavirus pandemic is threatening to put progress in the fight against HIV back by 10 years or more, the UN has said.The coronavirus pandemic is threatening to put progress in the fight against HIV back by 10 years or more, the UN has said.
“The global HIV targets set for 2020 will not be reached, the UN’s AIDS agency said in a report. “Even the gains made could be lost and progress further stalled if we fail to act.”“The global HIV targets set for 2020 will not be reached, the UN’s AIDS agency said in a report. “Even the gains made could be lost and progress further stalled if we fail to act.”
Data from 2019 shows that 38 million people worldwide are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS – a million more than in 2018 – the report said.Data from 2019 shows that 38 million people worldwide are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS – a million more than in 2018 – the report said.
Although 25.4 million HIV positive people were on antiretroviral treatment in 2019, 12.6 million people are still not getting medicines.Although 25.4 million HIV positive people were on antiretroviral treatment in 2019, 12.6 million people are still not getting medicines.
The report also found the world is far behind in preventing new HIV infections, with 1.7 million new HIV cases in 2019.The report also found the world is far behind in preventing new HIV infections, with 1.7 million new HIV cases in 2019.
“Every day in the next decade decisive action is needed to get the world back on track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS’ executive director.“Every day in the next decade decisive action is needed to get the world back on track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS’ executive director.
Pakistan’s health minister has become the country’s latest senior government figure to contract coronavirus.Pakistan’s health minister has become the country’s latest senior government figure to contract coronavirus.
“I have tested positive for COVID-19. Under (medical) advice I have isolated myself at home & taking all precautions. I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers,” Zafar Mirza said on Twitter. “I have tested positive for Covid-19. Under (medical) advice I have isolated myself at home and taking all precautions. I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers,” Zafar Mirza said on Twitter.
A number of high level officials have tested positive in Pakistan, where rising cases of Covid-19 are putting pressure on the health system. A number of high-level officials have tested positive in Pakistan, where rising cases of Covid-19 are putting pressure on the health system.
On Friday, foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced he had the virus, while the minister for railways Sheikh Rasheed and speaker of the lower house of parliament, Asad Qaiser, have also contracted it. On Friday, foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced he had the virus, while the minister for railways Sheikh Rasheed and the speaker of the lower house of parliament Asad Qaiser have also contracted it.
Pakistan has confirmed 229,831 cases and 4,762 deaths in total. Although daily testing numbers are falling, around 4,000 new cases per day continue to be confirmed. Pakistan has confirmed 229,831 cases and 4,762 deaths in total. Although daily testing numbers are falling, about 4,000 new cases per day continue to be confirmed.
Bars, nightclubs, gyms and event halls have been closed in Israel as restrictions are reimposed to tackle a spike in coronavirus infections. Bars, nightclubs, gyms and event halls have been closed in Israel as restrictions are reimposed to combat a spike in coronavirus infections.
At a special cabinet meeting on Monday, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country had to reverse course to avoid a wider lockdown that could devastate its economy, where unemployment is above 20%.At a special cabinet meeting on Monday, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country had to reverse course to avoid a wider lockdown that could devastate its economy, where unemployment is above 20%.
Netanyahu said:Netanyahu said:
A statement issued by the government said in addition to the closure of some leisure and hospitality venues, the number of diners in restaurants will be limited to 20 indoors and 30 outdoors.A statement issued by the government said in addition to the closure of some leisure and hospitality venues, the number of diners in restaurants will be limited to 20 indoors and 30 outdoors.
Attendance at synagogues has also been capped at 19 worshippers, while buses can only carry up to 20 passengers.Attendance at synagogues has also been capped at 19 worshippers, while buses can only carry up to 20 passengers.
Ireland’s prime minister has warned that authorities may delay the full reopening of pubs after “very worrying” scenes of crowds of revellers outside bars over the weekend.Ireland’s prime minister has warned that authorities may delay the full reopening of pubs after “very worrying” scenes of crowds of revellers outside bars over the weekend.
Photos posted on social media on Saturday showed people packed outside a row of pubs in central Dublin, in apparent violation of social distancing rules imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.Photos posted on social media on Saturday showed people packed outside a row of pubs in central Dublin, in apparent violation of social distancing rules imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Bars serving food were allowed to reopen in Ireland last week, while the rest of the country’s pubs were due to follow on July 20. Bars serving food were allowed to reopen in Ireland last week, while the rest of the country’s pubs were due to follow on 20 July.
“It could be delayed. We will get advice from the public health officials. We are worried about it,” Micheál Martin told Cork’s 96FM.“It could be delayed. We will get advice from the public health officials. We are worried about it,” Micheál Martin told Cork’s 96FM.
“Some of the scenes that we witnessed are very worrying because social distancing was not being complied with at all during a number of the inspections and the opening hours weren’t being adhered to either.”“Some of the scenes that we witnessed are very worrying because social distancing was not being complied with at all during a number of the inspections and the opening hours weren’t being adhered to either.”
Serious weaknesses in Spain’s social security system have been exposed during the pandemic, according to a UN expert.Serious weaknesses in Spain’s social security system have been exposed during the pandemic, according to a UN expert.
Philip Alston, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said:Philip Alston, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said:
In a report on a fact-finding mission he made to the country earlier this year, Alston said millions of citizens who were unable to work had to struggle through delays, glitches and other difficulties to access government support during the lockdown.In a report on a fact-finding mission he made to the country earlier this year, Alston said millions of citizens who were unable to work had to struggle through delays, glitches and other difficulties to access government support during the lockdown.
Alston, whose mandate ended in April, added that although the a new national income scheme adopted by the government in May was ambitious and impressive, it was just the first of many urgently needed measures.Alston, whose mandate ended in April, added that although the a new national income scheme adopted by the government in May was ambitious and impressive, it was just the first of many urgently needed measures.
I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell has a lunch break.I’m Amy Walker, taking over the blog while my colleague Lucy Campbell has a lunch break.
While thousands of South African students are returning to school Monday after nearly four months when their classes were closed to combat the spread of Covid-19, authorities are debating a return to more restrictive measures because of a surge in cases, Associated Press reports.While thousands of South African students are returning to school Monday after nearly four months when their classes were closed to combat the spread of Covid-19, authorities are debating a return to more restrictive measures because of a surge in cases, Associated Press reports.
South African students in grades 6 and 11 started classes Monday, as the second stage of a phased reopening of schools. The first group of pupils, from grades 7 and 12, returned to classes last month. Returning learners were required to produce indemnity forms signed by their parents granting them permission to resume classes.South African students in grades 6 and 11 started classes Monday, as the second stage of a phased reopening of schools. The first group of pupils, from grades 7 and 12, returned to classes last month. Returning learners were required to produce indemnity forms signed by their parents granting them permission to resume classes.
South Africa’s government last week won a legal challenge permitting it to proceed with reopening schools. The lawsuit had said that schools should remain closed because of the danger of the disease spreading among learners and teachers.South Africa’s government last week won a legal challenge permitting it to proceed with reopening schools. The lawsuit had said that schools should remain closed because of the danger of the disease spreading among learners and teachers.
However, in recent days the government has postponed plans for further grades to return to class amid a quickening speed in the rise of confirmed Covid-19 cases. South Africa had 196,750 cases as of Monday, more than 40% of all the cases reported by Africa’s 54 countries. South Africa has recorded 3,199 deaths.However, in recent days the government has postponed plans for further grades to return to class amid a quickening speed in the rise of confirmed Covid-19 cases. South Africa had 196,750 cases as of Monday, more than 40% of all the cases reported by Africa’s 54 countries. South Africa has recorded 3,199 deaths.
Health minister Zwelini Mkhize said on Monday that the government is considering reimposing restrictions, especially in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, because of the country’s rapid rise in cases and hospitalisations.Health minister Zwelini Mkhize said on Monday that the government is considering reimposing restrictions, especially in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, because of the country’s rapid rise in cases and hospitalisations.
The usually grand Baalbek Music Festival, set among 3,000-year-old Roman ruins in Lebanon, was reduced to just a single concert this year by the Covid-19 pandemic. For maestro Harout Fazlian, however, it was one of the most special of his career.The usually grand Baalbek Music Festival, set among 3,000-year-old Roman ruins in Lebanon, was reduced to just a single concert this year by the Covid-19 pandemic. For maestro Harout Fazlian, however, it was one of the most special of his career.
On a stage in the ancient temple of Bacchus, Fazlian conducted the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and three choirs in an hour-long concert that included works by the Lebanese composer brothers Assi and Mansour Rahbani, Verdi and Beethoven.On a stage in the ancient temple of Bacchus, Fazlian conducted the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and three choirs in an hour-long concert that included works by the Lebanese composer brothers Assi and Mansour Rahbani, Verdi and Beethoven.
There were no crowds due to coronavirus restrictions, but the performance, captured by 14 cameras and drones, was broadcast live on almost all the main Lebanese TV stations as well as streamed online.There were no crowds due to coronavirus restrictions, but the performance, captured by 14 cameras and drones, was broadcast live on almost all the main Lebanese TV stations as well as streamed online.
“Every person will have a front-row seat,” said Fazlian, who came up with the idea during Lebanon’s coronavirus lockdown two months ago.“Every person will have a front-row seat,” said Fazlian, who came up with the idea during Lebanon’s coronavirus lockdown two months ago.
Lebanon’s glamorous music festivals – which once attracted jazz legends like Nina Simone, and the great Arab singers Um Kulthoum and Fairouz – were already struggling. Economic woes and regional conflict hit organizers in recent years.Lebanon’s glamorous music festivals – which once attracted jazz legends like Nina Simone, and the great Arab singers Um Kulthoum and Fairouz – were already struggling. Economic woes and regional conflict hit organizers in recent years.
Fazlian said he wanted to send “a message of hope and solidarity” as Lebanon sinks deep into the worst financial meltdown of its history, compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic.Fazlian said he wanted to send “a message of hope and solidarity” as Lebanon sinks deep into the worst financial meltdown of its history, compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic.
His was the only concert of the Baalbek music festival this year, Lebanon’s oldest, which since 1956 helped make the country a cultural lodestar for the region.His was the only concert of the Baalbek music festival this year, Lebanon’s oldest, which since 1956 helped make the country a cultural lodestar for the region.
Nayla De Freij, the head of the Baalbek festival committee, said all the artists and technicians worked on Sunday’s massive project for free, adding:Nayla De Freij, the head of the Baalbek festival committee, said all the artists and technicians worked on Sunday’s massive project for free, adding:
Kuwait reported 538 new infections on Monday, bringing its total tally to 50,644 and 373 deaths.Kuwait reported 538 new infections on Monday, bringing its total tally to 50,644 and 373 deaths.
The Gulf state initiated a five-phase plan at the start of June to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions, including partially restarting commercial flights from 1 August.The Gulf state initiated a five-phase plan at the start of June to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions, including partially restarting commercial flights from 1 August.
A partial curfew remains in place.A partial curfew remains in place.
Bulgaria will clamp down on people who fail to observe obligatory social distancing in public spaces or wear protective face masks indoors as new cases of the coronavirus surged, the health minister Kiril Ananiev said on Monday.Bulgaria will clamp down on people who fail to observe obligatory social distancing in public spaces or wear protective face masks indoors as new cases of the coronavirus surged, the health minister Kiril Ananiev said on Monday.
The Balkan country of 7 million people has registered 5,740 cases and 246 deaths. New cases in the past week alone totalled 1,049.The Balkan country of 7 million people has registered 5,740 cases and 246 deaths. New cases in the past week alone totalled 1,049.
Ananiev said he would extend the state of epidemic emergency in the country until the end of July to allow him to be more flexible and issue special orders if needed.Ananiev said he would extend the state of epidemic emergency in the country until the end of July to allow him to be more flexible and issue special orders if needed.
He urged local authorities to enforce compliance with anti-infection measures and limit large public events. Fines for failing to comply with distancing and other measures would be more strictly imposed.He urged local authorities to enforce compliance with anti-infection measures and limit large public events. Fines for failing to comply with distancing and other measures would be more strictly imposed.
On Monday, health officials in central city of Veliko Tarnovo said 23 out of 42 people who attended a school prom at the end of June tested positive for the infection. Ananiev told reporters that 20 players and officials from two top division soccer clubs had tested positive and warned that Bulgaria might ban public attendance at football matches.Bulgaria has lifted most of the restrictions linked to the coronavirus, opening bars, restaurants and allowing free travel to help the economy recover and does not plan to tighten measures for the time being.On Monday, health officials in central city of Veliko Tarnovo said 23 out of 42 people who attended a school prom at the end of June tested positive for the infection. Ananiev told reporters that 20 players and officials from two top division soccer clubs had tested positive and warned that Bulgaria might ban public attendance at football matches.Bulgaria has lifted most of the restrictions linked to the coronavirus, opening bars, restaurants and allowing free travel to help the economy recover and does not plan to tighten measures for the time being.
Troops in Serbia set up an emergency 500-bed field hospital Monday, a day after neighbouring Kosovo re-imposed a nighttime curfew in four cities, as the Balkans battled to contain a surge in coronavirus infections that underscored the risks of swiftly easing lockdowns.Troops in Serbia set up an emergency 500-bed field hospital Monday, a day after neighbouring Kosovo re-imposed a nighttime curfew in four cities, as the Balkans battled to contain a surge in coronavirus infections that underscored the risks of swiftly easing lockdowns.
The makeshift hospital in a sports hall in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, is a precautionary measure as hospitals in the capital are reaching their capacity because of the coronavirus outbreak, the city’s deputy mayor, Goran Vesic, said. Serbian infections have returned to levels last seen at the peak of the pandemic in the Balkan country in March and April.The makeshift hospital in a sports hall in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, is a precautionary measure as hospitals in the capital are reaching their capacity because of the coronavirus outbreak, the city’s deputy mayor, Goran Vesic, said. Serbian infections have returned to levels last seen at the peak of the pandemic in the Balkan country in March and April.
Serbia’s rising infections provide a chilling insight into how the virus, while retreating in much of Europe, can roar back if lockdowns are lifted too swiftly.Serbia’s rising infections provide a chilling insight into how the virus, while retreating in much of Europe, can roar back if lockdowns are lifted too swiftly.
The country went from having some of Europe’s toughest lockdown measures to a near-complete reopening at the beginning of May. Soccer and tennis matches were played in front of packed stands, resulting in several players testing positive. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and other players also caught the virus following an event he organised in Serbia and the Croatian Adriatic resort of Zadar.The country went from having some of Europe’s toughest lockdown measures to a near-complete reopening at the beginning of May. Soccer and tennis matches were played in front of packed stands, resulting in several players testing positive. Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and other players also caught the virus following an event he organised in Serbia and the Croatian Adriatic resort of Zadar.
Greece moved to contain the burgeoning threat by banning Serbs from crossing its only open land border from Monday morning. The new restrictions caused a seven-kilometer (four-mile) traffic jam at the Promahonas border crossing with Bulgaria. Authorities eventually allowed scores of cars into Greece that had been trapped overnight.Greece moved to contain the burgeoning threat by banning Serbs from crossing its only open land border from Monday morning. The new restrictions caused a seven-kilometer (four-mile) traffic jam at the Promahonas border crossing with Bulgaria. Authorities eventually allowed scores of cars into Greece that had been trapped overnight.
On Sunday, Kosovo’s prime minister Avdullah Hoti reimposed nighttime curfews in the capital, Pristina, and three other cities with sharply rising infection rates. Public transport also was hit, with bus seating cut by half.On Sunday, Kosovo’s prime minister Avdullah Hoti reimposed nighttime curfews in the capital, Pristina, and three other cities with sharply rising infection rates. Public transport also was hit, with bus seating cut by half.
A day earlier Kosovar authorities reported eight deaths from Covid-19, the highest daily number in the western Balkan country since the start of the outbreak in March. New daily cases were 178, also the highest so far.A day earlier Kosovar authorities reported eight deaths from Covid-19, the highest daily number in the western Balkan country since the start of the outbreak in March. New daily cases were 178, also the highest so far.
The number of coronavirus cases in Qatar exceeded 100,000 on Monday, adding 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.The number of coronavirus cases in Qatar exceeded 100,000 on Monday, adding 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.
Qatar, which has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of 2,355 in late May, added 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours to give a total of 133 deaths and 100,345 cases in total.Qatar, which has seen its daily case numbers fall from a peak of 2,355 in late May, added 546 new cases and five deaths in the past 24 hours to give a total of 133 deaths and 100,345 cases in total.
Only about 12% of its population are Qatari nationals and, as in other Gulf states, Qatar saw Covid-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters.Only about 12% of its population are Qatari nationals and, as in other Gulf states, Qatar saw Covid-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters.
With a population of about 2.8 million people, the energy-rich Gulf state has one of the world’s highest per capita number of confirmed cases.With a population of about 2.8 million people, the energy-rich Gulf state has one of the world’s highest per capita number of confirmed cases.
Qatar, which did not impose curfews, began a four-phase lifting of restrictions on 15 June. The second phase began on 1 July, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks.Qatar, which did not impose curfews, began a four-phase lifting of restrictions on 15 June. The second phase began on 1 July, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks.
Qatar has the second highest number of cases after much larger Saudi Arabia in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which together have recorded more than 489,000 cases and 3,000 deaths.Qatar has the second highest number of cases after much larger Saudi Arabia in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which together have recorded more than 489,000 cases and 3,000 deaths.
Results from the final stage of a nationwide antibody study showed some 5.2% of the Spanish population has been exposed to the coronavirus, health officials said on Monday, confirming findings from earlier stages and adding to evidence that so-called “herd immunity” to Covid-19 is not realistic.Results from the final stage of a nationwide antibody study showed some 5.2% of the Spanish population has been exposed to the coronavirus, health officials said on Monday, confirming findings from earlier stages and adding to evidence that so-called “herd immunity” to Covid-19 is not realistic.
Reuters reports that the study, which tested nearly 70,000 people across Spain three times over the past three months, found the virus’ prevalence had not altered significantly since preliminary results were published in May.Reuters reports that the study, which tested nearly 70,000 people across Spain three times over the past three months, found the virus’ prevalence had not altered significantly since preliminary results were published in May.
It also suggested that immunity to the virus can be short-lived, with 14% of participants who tested positive for antibodies in the first stage subsequently testing negative in the last stage.It also suggested that immunity to the virus can be short-lived, with 14% of participants who tested positive for antibodies in the first stage subsequently testing negative in the last stage.
“Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear,” said Dr Raquel Yotti, director of Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute, which co-led the study.“Immunity can be incomplete, it can be transitory, it can last for just a short time and then disappear,” said Dr Raquel Yotti, director of Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute, which co-led the study.
The loss of immunity was most common among people who never developed symptoms.The loss of immunity was most common among people who never developed symptoms.
Speaking at a news conference, she appealed to Spaniards to remain prudent, particularly those who had recovered from the virus and considered themselves immune. She said”Speaking at a news conference, she appealed to Spaniards to remain prudent, particularly those who had recovered from the virus and considered themselves immune. She said”
The report reads:The report reads:
The key finding is that most of the population appears to have remained unexposed to Covid-19, even in hotspot areas and despite Spain being one of the worst-affected European countries (with more than 28,000 deaths and 250,000 plus cases), according to a Lancet commentary published alongside the findings.The key finding is that most of the population appears to have remained unexposed to Covid-19, even in hotspot areas and despite Spain being one of the worst-affected European countries (with more than 28,000 deaths and 250,000 plus cases), according to a Lancet commentary published alongside the findings.
The Spanish study’s lead author, Marina Pollán, who is director of the National Center for Epidemiology, told CNN:The Spanish study’s lead author, Marina Pollán, who is director of the National Center for Epidemiology, told CNN:
With a large majority of the population being infection naive, virus circulation can quickly return to early pandemic dimensions in a second wave once measures are lifted, reads the Lancet commentary, which emphasises the need for maintaining preventative public health measures.With a large majority of the population being infection naive, virus circulation can quickly return to early pandemic dimensions in a second wave once measures are lifted, reads the Lancet commentary, which emphasises the need for maintaining preventative public health measures.