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Coronavirus live news: US to leave WHO next year; Bolsonaro on controversial drug after positive test Coronavirus live news: US to leave WHO next year; Bolsonaro on controversial drug after positive test
(32 minutes later)
Joe Biden says he would return US to WHO if elected; Bolsonaro taking hydroxychloroquine to cure his Covid-19 infectionJoe Biden says he would return US to WHO if elected; Bolsonaro taking hydroxychloroquine to cure his Covid-19 infection
Hello, this is Haroon Siddique taking over the blog.
If you want to get in touch, you can do so via the following channels:
Twitter: Haroon_Siddique
Email: haroon[dot]siddique[at]theguardian[dot]com
That’s all from me Caroline Davies . Thank you for your time.
On the issue of the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, see 8.57am post, a reader has pointed to research by the Detroit-based Henry Ford System , which offers another view.
The Netherlands shut its borders to people from Serbia and Montenegro again today, a week after opening them, citing a rapid rise in coronavirus infections in both countries.Travellers from Serbia and Montenegro regained access to the Netherlands on July 1 when the Dutch, following European Union guidelines, reopened their borders to a list of 14 countries outside the bloc.But the government said a rise in coronavirus infections in Serbia and Montenegro had forced it to take those countries off the list again, and that Dutch travellers should only visit them if absolutely necessary.Serbia declared a lockdown in Belgrade over the coming weekend due to the Covid-19 surge, sparking overnight rioting in the capital in which dozens were injured.Earlier on Wednesday, Austria issued travel warnings for Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova because of the worsening coronavirus situation there, Reuters reports.
Israel is confronting a resurgence of coronavirus by putting a West Bank settlement into lockdown, while its controversial tracking system comes under fire for reportedly putting thousands into quarantine unnecessarily.Israel is confronting a resurgence of coronavirus by putting a West Bank settlement into lockdown, while its controversial tracking system comes under fire for reportedly putting thousands into quarantine unnecessarily.
Israel was praised for quickly tackling the pandemic when it emerged earlier this year, imposing strict stay-home orders, but there has been a spike in infections following the easing of restrictions.Israel was praised for quickly tackling the pandemic when it emerged earlier this year, imposing strict stay-home orders, but there has been a spike in infections following the easing of restrictions.
More than 1,300 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Israeli over the past day, while there have been 343 deaths in total.More than 1,300 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Israeli over the past day, while there have been 343 deaths in total.
The increase prompted Israel to last month reimpose the tracking system administered by its domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, but its accuracy in ordering people to self-isolate is now being questioned.The increase prompted Israel to last month reimpose the tracking system administered by its domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, but its accuracy in ordering people to self-isolate is now being questioned.
Israelis found no way of appealing against messages saying they had come into contact with someone with coronavirus, when they had not actually been in the same place, Haaretz newspaper reported.Israelis found no way of appealing against messages saying they had come into contact with someone with coronavirus, when they had not actually been in the same place, Haaretz newspaper reported.
A Shin Bet spokesperson did not immediately respond to the Guardian’s request to comment on the apparent failings, which are expected to be discussed between security and government officials later on Wednesday.A Shin Bet spokesperson did not immediately respond to the Guardian’s request to comment on the apparent failings, which are expected to be discussed between security and government officials later on Wednesday.
The Israeli government has started reimposing measures, such as shutting gyms and bars, and on Wednesday made the settlement of Beitar Illit a “restricted zone” for a week over an outbreak of the virus there.The Israeli government has started reimposing measures, such as shutting gyms and bars, and on Wednesday made the settlement of Beitar Illit a “restricted zone” for a week over an outbreak of the virus there.
The move shutters businesses and limits access to the town, home to around 60,000 people, a decision the mayor said was made without him being consulted.The move shutters businesses and limits access to the town, home to around 60,000 people, a decision the mayor said was made without him being consulted.
“I simply don’t understand where sanity has disappeared to,” the mayor, Meir Rubinstein, told Army Radio.“I simply don’t understand where sanity has disappeared to,” the mayor, Meir Rubinstein, told Army Radio.
Rather than cut off the settlement, a measure which has also been imposed on other Israeli towns and neighbourhoods, the mayor wants coronavirus patients to be quarantined in hotels as authorities have done in the past.Rather than cut off the settlement, a measure which has also been imposed on other Israeli towns and neighbourhoods, the mayor wants coronavirus patients to be quarantined in hotels as authorities have done in the past.
Settlements are home to some 450,000 Israelis and are viewed as illegal under international law. More than three million Palestinians live in the rest of the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority re-imposed a lockdown on Friday.Settlements are home to some 450,000 Israelis and are viewed as illegal under international law. More than three million Palestinians live in the rest of the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority re-imposed a lockdown on Friday.
Around 400 cases have been registered among Palestinians in the West Bank over the past day, with at least 18 deaths since the start of the pandemic.Around 400 cases have been registered among Palestinians in the West Bank over the past day, with at least 18 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
In Serbia, protesters and police clashed violently in Belgrade on Tuesday evening amid anger over the return of strict lockdown measures to tackle coronavirus. Earlier on Tuesday, a weekend curfew was announced after a rise in Covid-19 cases in Serbia and across the western Balkans.In Serbia, protesters and police clashed violently in Belgrade on Tuesday evening amid anger over the return of strict lockdown measures to tackle coronavirus. Earlier on Tuesday, a weekend curfew was announced after a rise in Covid-19 cases in Serbia and across the western Balkans.
A group of protesters stormed the parliament in Belgrade, and police responded with teargas and a show of force. A police spokesperson said protesters threw rocks, bottles and other objects at officers and set five police vehicles on fire. Police said 23 people were detained and 43 police officers were injured. Seventeen demonstrators also sustained injuries.A group of protesters stormed the parliament in Belgrade, and police responded with teargas and a show of force. A police spokesperson said protesters threw rocks, bottles and other objects at officers and set five police vehicles on fire. Police said 23 people were detained and 43 police officers were injured. Seventeen demonstrators also sustained injuries.
On Tuesday, Serbia recorded a further 13 coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll to date, as well as 299 newly recorded infections.On Tuesday, Serbia recorded a further 13 coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll to date, as well as 299 newly recorded infections.
“Nobody can endure these numbers. We don’t want to kill our doctors,” said the president, Aleksandar Vučić, announcing the strict weekend curfew. He said a government body would decide whether it should apply nationwide or only to the capital.“Nobody can endure these numbers. We don’t want to kill our doctors,” said the president, Aleksandar Vučić, announcing the strict weekend curfew. He said a government body would decide whether it should apply nationwide or only to the capital.
In Spain , Catalonia’s regional authorities will today decide to make it mandatory to wear masks regardless of people’s ability to maintain a safe distance, becoming the country’s first region to do so, Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said.In Spain , Catalonia’s regional authorities will today decide to make it mandatory to wear masks regardless of people’s ability to maintain a safe distance, becoming the country’s first region to do so, Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said.
Torra said the measure would come into force on Thursday, Reuters reports.Torra said the measure would come into force on Thursday, Reuters reports.
Wearing masks indoors and outdoors is mandatory in Spain if people cannot guarantee a 1.5-metre distance from one another until a cure or vaccine for the virus is found.Wearing masks indoors and outdoors is mandatory in Spain if people cannot guarantee a 1.5-metre distance from one another until a cure or vaccine for the virus is found.
More than 50,000 people crossed the border into New South Wales on Wednesday, with hours-long queues forming at checkpoints in Albury-Wodonga as police and residents were hampered by delays in the online permit system.More than 50,000 people crossed the border into New South Wales on Wednesday, with hours-long queues forming at checkpoints in Albury-Wodonga as police and residents were hampered by delays in the online permit system.
It comes as the premier, Gladys Berejiklian, warned NSW residents living along the Murray River that they could face travel restrictions within their own state due to the “extremely high” risk of the virus spreading north from Melbourne.It comes as the premier, Gladys Berejiklian, warned NSW residents living along the Murray River that they could face travel restrictions within their own state due to the “extremely high” risk of the virus spreading north from Melbourne.
The border between NSW and Victoria closed for the first time in 101 years at midnight on Tuesday, and more than 44,000 people – mostly people living along the border – have applied for and received a permit to travel.The border between NSW and Victoria closed for the first time in 101 years at midnight on Tuesday, and more than 44,000 people – mostly people living along the border – have applied for and received a permit to travel.
In the morning, locals reported it took up to an hour and a half to make the 5km drive from Wodonga to Albury on the Lincoln Causeway. By Wednesday afternoon, the ABC reported that traffic was moving more quickly.In the morning, locals reported it took up to an hour and a half to make the 5km drive from Wodonga to Albury on the Lincoln Causeway. By Wednesday afternoon, the ABC reported that traffic was moving more quickly.
Read more hereRead more here
President Trump’s decision to take the US out of the World Health Organization has been described as “really sad” by Dr David Nabarro, the global agency’s special envoy on Covid-19.President Trump’s decision to take the US out of the World Health Organization has been described as “really sad” by Dr David Nabarro, the global agency’s special envoy on Covid-19.
Nabarro told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme:Nabarro told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme:
He added that he was sure the majority of American people “wanted to be part of the global response and will be a bit confused about why this has happened”.He added that he was sure the majority of American people “wanted to be part of the global response and will be a bit confused about why this has happened”.
“All world leaders, all world nations must work together to deal with this virus. To have the US pulling out is not what the world’s people need.”“All world leaders, all world nations must work together to deal with this virus. To have the US pulling out is not what the world’s people need.”
Africa now has more than 500,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.Africa now has more than 500,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
The total across the continent is now at least more than 504,000 after South Africa recorded another day of more than 10,000 confirmed cases as a new global hot spot, the Associated Press reports.The total across the continent is now at least more than 504,000 after South Africa recorded another day of more than 10,000 confirmed cases as a new global hot spot, the Associated Press reports.
The true number of cases among Africas 1.3 billion people is unknown as its 54 countries continue to face a serious shortage of testing materials for the virus. A tremendous problem, a real crisis of access, the World Health Organization’s Africa chief, Matshidiso Moeti, said last week.The true number of cases among Africas 1.3 billion people is unknown as its 54 countries continue to face a serious shortage of testing materials for the virus. A tremendous problem, a real crisis of access, the World Health Organization’s Africa chief, Matshidiso Moeti, said last week.
So far most testing has been concentrated in capital cities, but infections in many cases have spread beyond them.So far most testing has been concentrated in capital cities, but infections in many cases have spread beyond them.
Africas health systems are the most poorly funded and thinly staffed in the world, and already more than 2,000 health workers have been infected by the virus, according to the WHO.Africas health systems are the most poorly funded and thinly staffed in the world, and already more than 2,000 health workers have been infected by the virus, according to the WHO.
This week alone, some anxious health workers in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Congo and Sierra Leone have gone on strike or demonstrated for adequate protective gear or better pay.This week alone, some anxious health workers in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Congo and Sierra Leone have gone on strike or demonstrated for adequate protective gear or better pay.
The African continent has just 2.2 health workers and 0.3 doctors per 1,000 people, according to the WHO.The African continent has just 2.2 health workers and 0.3 doctors per 1,000 people, according to the WHO.
Experts have warned that even if badly needed supplies such as ventilators are provided to African nations, another challenge is having enough trained workers to operate them.Experts have warned that even if badly needed supplies such as ventilators are provided to African nations, another challenge is having enough trained workers to operate them.
Despite Bolsonaro saying he is confident he will swiftly recover from coronavirus thanks to treatment with the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine , it has not been proven effective against Covid-19.Despite Bolsonaro saying he is confident he will swiftly recover from coronavirus thanks to treatment with the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine , it has not been proven effective against Covid-19.
See more hereSee more here
and hereand here
More on how Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro downplayed Covid-19 in this videoMore on how Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro downplayed Covid-19 in this video
More on “evidence emerging” of airborne Covid-19 spread in this World Health Organization video:More on “evidence emerging” of airborne Covid-19 spread in this World Health Organization video:
Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia’s future is in “significant doubt” due to the collapse in demand for air travel caused by coronavirus its auditor has warned.
AirAsia, which shook up south-east Asian budget air travel with its slogan “Now everyone can fly”, reported a record quarterly loss of 803m ringgit ($187m) for the first three months of the year.
Trading in AirAsia’s shares was halted on Wednesday morning but later resumed, AFP reports.
Auditor Ernst & Young said on Tuesday that “travel and border restrictions implemented by countries around the world has led to a significant fall in demand for air travel which impacted the group’s financial performance and cash flows”.
It noted the “existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern”, in an unqualified audit opinion statement to the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange.
In Australia, as the Melbourne metropolitan area goes back into lockdown, it has emerged that almost two dozen healthcare workers and patients have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in recent weeks in Victoria.
You can read more here:
The UK government is facing urgent calls to save Britain’s 250-year-old circus tradition with companies warning that they will go bust within two weeks without help.
The Association of Circus Proprietors has said performers have been reduced to using food banks to survive since circuses were shut down temporarily by Covid-19.
You can read more here.
Hi. This is Caroline Davies taking over the blog for the next few hours. You can contact me on caroline.davies@theguardian.com.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. Thanks for following along.
If you’re just joining us, here is a quote about fireflies from which to draw inspiration for the day ahead: “The brief shining of the light is so impressive, making me feel that I also have to live my best.”
Doctors may be missing signs of serious and potentially fatal brain disorders triggered by coronavirus, as they emerge in mildly affected or recovering patients, UK scientists have warned.
Neurologists are on Wednesday publishing details of more than 40 UK Covid-19 patients whose complications ranged from brain inflammation and delirium to nerve damage and stroke. In some cases, the neurological problem was the patient’s first and main symptom.
Sturgeon urges caution as Covid-19 deaths fall
The Guardian’s Severin Carrell and Pamela Duncan report:
In Scotland, the days when Nicola Sturgeon had to report scores of Covid-19 deaths at the height of the pandemic are a distant memory. Over the past weekend there was a four-day period without a single death recorded in the country’s hospitals.
Buoyed by those figures, and a continuing, steady, decline in coronavirus infections, the first minister hopes Scotland could soon eliminate the virus so is resisting heavy pressure from businesses to quickly ease the strict lockdown.
Airports, wedding companies, hoteliers and bar owners have been clamouring for distancing rules to be relaxed, for air quarantine rules to be waived to the same extent as at English airports, and for the hospitality trade to resume.
Still in Australia, New South Wales state police have arrested a man who tried to cross the NSW/Victoria border without a permit.
According to a police statement, a car bearing Victorian number plates attempted to drive into NSW on Carlyle Road, Corowa, shortly after 11am.
“Officers from Murray River Police District spoke with the driver, who allegedly declared his intention to cross into NSW despite not having a valid exemption,” the statement said.
“The 34-year-old Victorian man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station, where he is currently assisting police with inquiries,
“The man’s wife and three children complied with police direction and returned to Victoria,
“The public is reminded it is an offence to enter NSW from Victoria without a valid exemption,” the statement said.
More than 50,000 vehicles have crossed the border from Victoria into NSW since midnight last night.
In Australia, health officials from the New South Wales health department are contacting passengers who travelled on Jetstar flight JQ520 overnight, from Melbourne to Sydney, after airline staff “mistakenly allowed passengers to leave the gate before they had been screened by health staff”
Passengers have been asked to self isolate for 14 days (and will be provided with accommodation if they can’t) as well as go for testing at the drive-through screening test site at Summer Hill.
The great reopening – how Britain’s galleries Covid-proofed themselves
Today, the National Gallery in London is reopening after Covid-19 abruptly shut the doors of British museums in mid-March. But Kettle’s Yard gallery in Cambridge, like many others, is taking a slower, phased approach. The institution regularly hosts shows in its new, airy galleries – an exhibition from the artist Linder will be extended into the autumn – but at its heart is the home of its founder, curator and collector Jim Ede. This takes the form of a series of knocked-through cottages, their awkward-shaped rooms brimming with art and delicate objects. It is meant to be a warm, hospitable place where visitors are allowed the freedom to sit in armchairs, leaf through books left out on tables, and generally feel at home. All of which also makes it a social-distancing nightmare.