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Coronavirus live news: Brazil's Bolsonaro vetoes Covid-19 support for indigenous people Coronavirus live news: Brazil's Bolsonaro vetoes Covid-19 support for indigenous people
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President allows some measures to go ahead; Melbourne goes into full lockdown after rises in casesPresident allows some measures to go ahead; Melbourne goes into full lockdown after rises in cases
President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Tulsa that drew thousands of people in June, along with large protests that accompanied it, “likely contributed” to a dramatic surge in new coronavirus cases, Tulsa City-County Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Dart said.
Tulsa County reported 261 confirmed new cases on Monday, a one-day record high, and another 206 cases on Tuesday.
Although the health department’s policy is to not publicly identify individual settings where people may have contracted the virus, Dart said those large gatherings “more than likely” contributed to the spike.
“In the past few days, we’ve seen almost 500 new cases, and we had several large events just over two weeks ago, so I guess we just connect the dots,” Dart said.
The front page of tomorrow’s UK edition of The Guardian focuses on chancellor Rishi Sunak’s package of unprecedented level of employment support to assist in the economic recovery from coronavirus.
Mike Pence, the US vice-president, followed up demands made by Donald Trump and declared: “It’s time for us to get our kids back to school,” even as the coronavirus surged beyond the bleak milestone of 3 million cases across the US.
Pence, who heads the White House coronavirus taskforce, said the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) would issue new guidance next week for the reopening of schools in the autumn, prompting criticism that it is yielding to pressure from the president.
Los Angeles County has seen coronavirus cases rise by 2,496 on Wednesday, bringing the total to 123,004.Los Angeles County has seen coronavirus cases rise by 2,496 on Wednesday, bringing the total to 123,004.
Its positivity rate on a 7-day rolling average has risen to 10.4%, the highest since late April, according to the county health department.Its positivity rate on a 7-day rolling average has risen to 10.4%, the highest since late April, according to the county health department.
In response to the US coronavirus crisis, its economic fallout and social unrest in response to police brutality against black Americans, Joe Biden has insisted that the “blinders” have come off and more Americans are open to big ideas.In response to the US coronavirus crisis, its economic fallout and social unrest in response to police brutality against black Americans, Joe Biden has insisted that the “blinders” have come off and more Americans are open to big ideas.
“For the millions of Americans facing hardship due to President Trump’s failed coronavirus response, this election offers the chance to usher in a stronger, fairer economy that works for our working families,” Biden said in a statement.“For the millions of Americans facing hardship due to President Trump’s failed coronavirus response, this election offers the chance to usher in a stronger, fairer economy that works for our working families,” Biden said in a statement.
“I commend the taskforces for their service and helping build a bold, transformative platform for our party and for our country.“I commend the taskforces for their service and helping build a bold, transformative platform for our party and for our country.
“And I am deeply grateful to Senator Sanders for working together to unite our party and deliver real, lasting change for generations to come.”“And I am deeply grateful to Senator Sanders for working together to unite our party and deliver real, lasting change for generations to come.”
A new report studying the impact of the coronavirus on workers at meat processing plants in the US has found that 87% of people infected were from ethnic minorities and that at least 86 workers have died.A new report studying the impact of the coronavirus on workers at meat processing plants in the US has found that 87% of people infected were from ethnic minorities and that at least 86 workers have died.
The report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined more than 16,000 Covid-19 cases at 239 plants in 21 states.The report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined more than 16,000 Covid-19 cases at 239 plants in 21 states.
It offers perspective on how the virus devastated U.S. pork, beef and poultry processing plants, but the figures likely understate the problem as Iowa officials declined to participate in the study.It offers perspective on how the virus devastated U.S. pork, beef and poultry processing plants, but the figures likely understate the problem as Iowa officials declined to participate in the study.
The CDC report found 87% of coronavirus cases occurred among racial and ethnic minorities even though they made up 61% of the overall worker population.The CDC report found 87% of coronavirus cases occurred among racial and ethnic minorities even though they made up 61% of the overall worker population.
The data shows 56% of coronavirus illnesses involved Hispanic workers, 19% were non-Hispanic Blacks and 12% were Asians.The data shows 56% of coronavirus illnesses involved Hispanic workers, 19% were non-Hispanic Blacks and 12% were Asians.
It also showed that 13% of coronavirus cases involved white workers, who made up 39% of the overall workforce studied.It also showed that 13% of coronavirus cases involved white workers, who made up 39% of the overall workforce studied.
The psychological stress of social isolation may make people more susceptible to a severe Covid-19 infection, a scientist has claimed.The psychological stress of social isolation may make people more susceptible to a severe Covid-19 infection, a scientist has claimed.
Dr Sheldon Cohen, a psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, said evidence from his previous research suggests social stressors are linked to an increased vulnerability to upper respiratory viruses, such as those which cause common cold.Dr Sheldon Cohen, a psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, said evidence from his previous research suggests social stressors are linked to an increased vulnerability to upper respiratory viruses, such as those which cause common cold.
He believes there is a possibility that the psychological effect of stay-at-home measures, adopted by countries around the world to slow down the spread of the virus by minimising contact between people, might play a similar role by increasing a person’s susceptibility to Covid-19 illness.He believes there is a possibility that the psychological effect of stay-at-home measures, adopted by countries around the world to slow down the spread of the virus by minimising contact between people, might play a similar role by increasing a person’s susceptibility to Covid-19 illness.
He said stay-at-home measures can increase interpersonal stressors, such as loneliness, loss of employment and familial conflict, which may be “powerful predictors of how a person will respond if exposed to coronavirus”.He said stay-at-home measures can increase interpersonal stressors, such as loneliness, loss of employment and familial conflict, which may be “powerful predictors of how a person will respond if exposed to coronavirus”.
Dr Cohen, who has published his hypothesis in the journal Perspectives in Psychological Science, claimed social integration and social support could offer a “protective shield” against coronavirus and other respiratory infections.Dr Cohen, who has published his hypothesis in the journal Perspectives in Psychological Science, claimed social integration and social support could offer a “protective shield” against coronavirus and other respiratory infections.
He said: “If you have a diverse social network (social integration), you tend to take better care of yourself (no smoking, moderate drinking, more sleep and exercise).He said: “If you have a diverse social network (social integration), you tend to take better care of yourself (no smoking, moderate drinking, more sleep and exercise).
“Also if people perceive that those in their social network will help them during a period of stress or adversity (social support) then it attenuates the effect of the stressor and is less impactful on their health.”“Also if people perceive that those in their social network will help them during a period of stress or adversity (social support) then it attenuates the effect of the stressor and is less impactful on their health.”
Taxi drivers and people arriving at airports in England as well as NHS staff could be subject to mass coronavirus testing in efforts to identify asymptomatic people and their contacts, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has suggested.Taxi drivers and people arriving at airports in England as well as NHS staff could be subject to mass coronavirus testing in efforts to identify asymptomatic people and their contacts, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has suggested.
He said certain groups within the population, as well as people in particular parts of the country, could be tested to try to better track Covid-19 infections.He said certain groups within the population, as well as people in particular parts of the country, could be tested to try to better track Covid-19 infections.
Hunt has previously warned that the Government’s Test and Trace system “will fail” unless a way of reaching infected people is found.Hunt has previously warned that the Government’s Test and Trace system “will fail” unless a way of reaching infected people is found.
He said: “I think looking at healthcare staff, looking at taxi drivers is another group, airport arrivals is another group.He said: “I think looking at healthcare staff, looking at taxi drivers is another group, airport arrivals is another group.
“I think we need to think about mass testing amongst groups of the population as well as parts of the country like Leicester and so on, as our best way of finding out where the asymptomatics are and feeding them into the system so that their contacts can be isolated.”“I think we need to think about mass testing amongst groups of the population as well as parts of the country like Leicester and so on, as our best way of finding out where the asymptomatics are and feeding them into the system so that their contacts can be isolated.”
The US has surpassed three million confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. It said there have been 131,960 deaths among the total of 3,022,899 cases.The US has surpassed three million confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. It said there have been 131,960 deaths among the total of 3,022,899 cases.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has vetoed provisions of a law that required the federal government to provide drinking water, disinfectants and a guarantee of hospital beds to indigenous communities amid the pandemic. Bolsonaro, who has tested positive for coronavirus, vetoed 16 parts of the law on efforts to address the coronavirus threat to the indigenous population, but still allowed for provisions on adequate testing, ambulance services and medical equipment.Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has vetoed provisions of a law that required the federal government to provide drinking water, disinfectants and a guarantee of hospital beds to indigenous communities amid the pandemic. Bolsonaro, who has tested positive for coronavirus, vetoed 16 parts of the law on efforts to address the coronavirus threat to the indigenous population, but still allowed for provisions on adequate testing, ambulance services and medical equipment.
The number of coronavirus cases has passed the 301,000 mark in Chile, according to the Johns-Hopkins University tracker. The figure is currently 301,019, which is the sixth highest in the world after the US, Brazil, India, Russia, and Peru.The number of coronavirus cases has passed the 301,000 mark in Chile, according to the Johns-Hopkins University tracker. The figure is currently 301,019, which is the sixth highest in the world after the US, Brazil, India, Russia, and Peru.
The Australian city of Melbourne has begun a new lockdown after a surge of infections. Among the restrictions are that visits to other people’s homes are limited to if you are giving or receiving care or if you are in an “intimate personal relationship”.The Australian city of Melbourne has begun a new lockdown after a surge of infections. Among the restrictions are that visits to other people’s homes are limited to if you are giving or receiving care or if you are in an “intimate personal relationship”.
Italian authorities stopped 125 Bangladeshi people from entering the country today after they landed at Rome’s Fiumicino airport on a flight from Qatar. Yesterday, Italy suspended flights from Bangladesh for a week after 36 people who arrived in Rome on board a flight the day before tested positive for coronavirus.Italian authorities stopped 125 Bangladeshi people from entering the country today after they landed at Rome’s Fiumicino airport on a flight from Qatar. Yesterday, Italy suspended flights from Bangladesh for a week after 36 people who arrived in Rome on board a flight the day before tested positive for coronavirus.
Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel has warned the European Union not to waste time in agreeing a recovery plan to pull the continent out of a historic recession caused by the coronavirus lockdown. Merkel said she hoped to see a deal before the summer break on a proposed €750bn recovery plan.Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel has warned the European Union not to waste time in agreeing a recovery plan to pull the continent out of a historic recession caused by the coronavirus lockdown. Merkel said she hoped to see a deal before the summer break on a proposed €750bn recovery plan.
Austria’s government has announced travel restrictions for fellow EU members Romania and Bulgaria after a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in both countries. Greece, which like Austria, has had a low number of infections and deaths compared with other European nations, has also expressed concern about imported cases from the Balkans.Austria’s government has announced travel restrictions for fellow EU members Romania and Bulgaria after a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in both countries. Greece, which like Austria, has had a low number of infections and deaths compared with other European nations, has also expressed concern about imported cases from the Balkans.
Iran’s coronavirus death toll exceeded 12,000 on Wednesday, the health ministry said, with 153 deaths in the past 24 hours, amid a sharp rise in the number of daily infections and deaths in the past week as lockdown measures have eased.Iran’s coronavirus death toll exceeded 12,000 on Wednesday, the health ministry said, with 153 deaths in the past 24 hours, amid a sharp rise in the number of daily infections and deaths in the past week as lockdown measures have eased.
Coronavirus cases in Tennessee have increased by 2,472 to 55,986 on Wednesday, the biggest daily increase since the pandemic started, according to a tally by Reuters.Coronavirus cases in Tennessee have increased by 2,472 to 55,986 on Wednesday, the biggest daily increase since the pandemic started, according to a tally by Reuters.
And in Utah, cases have risen by at least 685 to 26,825 with some counties yet to report, which is the biggest daily increase in the state to date.And in Utah, cases have risen by at least 685 to 26,825 with some counties yet to report, which is the biggest daily increase in the state to date.
Police in Serbia fired tear gas at protesters after being pelted with flares and stones as thousands protested in front of the Belgrade parliament despite warnings such gatherings could spread coronavirus.Police in Serbia fired tear gas at protesters after being pelted with flares and stones as thousands protested in front of the Belgrade parliament despite warnings such gatherings could spread coronavirus.
The evening before, violence erupted when a crowd stormed parliament in protest at plans to reimpose a lockdown following a new spike in Covid-19 cases. Forty-three police officers and 17 protesters were injured and there were 23 arrests.The evening before, violence erupted when a crowd stormed parliament in protest at plans to reimpose a lockdown following a new spike in Covid-19 cases. Forty-three police officers and 17 protesters were injured and there were 23 arrests.
Hours before Wednesday’s protest, President Aleksandar Vucic called on people to stop attending anti-government rallies to avoid a further spread of the coronavirus, warning there were no beds left in hospitals.Hours before Wednesday’s protest, President Aleksandar Vucic called on people to stop attending anti-government rallies to avoid a further spread of the coronavirus, warning there were no beds left in hospitals.
“There are no free beds in our hospitals. We will open new hospitals,” he said in an address to the nation. He accused far-right groups and unspecified regional “intelligence officials” of orchestrating riots to “undermine Serbia’s position”.“There are no free beds in our hospitals. We will open new hospitals,” he said in an address to the nation. He accused far-right groups and unspecified regional “intelligence officials” of orchestrating riots to “undermine Serbia’s position”.
Serbia has reported 17,076 Covid-19 cases and 341 deaths. Health authorities say hospitals are running at full capacity and staff are exhausted.Serbia has reported 17,076 Covid-19 cases and 341 deaths. Health authorities say hospitals are running at full capacity and staff are exhausted.
The number of new infections rose to 357 on Wednesday from 299 on Tuesday.The number of new infections rose to 357 on Wednesday from 299 on Tuesday.
The French government said it was geared for a possible surge in coronavirus cases in the coming months but ruled out another nationwide lockdown.The French government said it was geared for a possible surge in coronavirus cases in the coming months but ruled out another nationwide lockdown.
“My aim is to prepare France for a possible second wave while preserving our daily life, our economic and social life,” new prime minister Jean Castex said in an interview on RTL television.“My aim is to prepare France for a possible second wave while preserving our daily life, our economic and social life,” new prime minister Jean Castex said in an interview on RTL television.
“But we’re not going to impose a lockdown like the one we did last March, because we’ve learned... that the economic and human consequences from a total lockdown are disastrous,” he said.“But we’re not going to impose a lockdown like the one we did last March, because we’ve learned... that the economic and human consequences from a total lockdown are disastrous,” he said.
Instead business closures or stay-at-home orders would be “targeted” to specific areas, Castex added.Instead business closures or stay-at-home orders would be “targeted” to specific areas, Castex added.
“The coronavirus is still here,” he warned, adding that he would travel Sunday to France’s South American territory of French Guiana, which is reeling from a surge in Covid-19 cases.“The coronavirus is still here,” he warned, adding that he would travel Sunday to France’s South American territory of French Guiana, which is reeling from a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Officials reported 124 new cases in the territory on Tuesday, bringing the total to nearly 5,200, and the government has dispatched dozens of health workers from the mainland as well as a field hospital.Officials reported 124 new cases in the territory on Tuesday, bringing the total to nearly 5,200, and the government has dispatched dozens of health workers from the mainland as well as a field hospital.
They also said that 32 people had died from Covid-19 in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the national toll to 29,965 since the first cases were reported in January.They also said that 32 people had died from Covid-19 in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the national toll to 29,965 since the first cases were reported in January.
Placing hamsters on an aeroplane could be one way of examining whether coronavirus can be spread through airborne transmission, an infectious disease specialist suggested.Placing hamsters on an aeroplane could be one way of examining whether coronavirus can be spread through airborne transmission, an infectious disease specialist suggested.
Epidemiologist Professor David Heymann said further “complex studies” were needed to see if people could catch Covid-19 through air circulating on planes or through restaurant air conditioning systems.Epidemiologist Professor David Heymann said further “complex studies” were needed to see if people could catch Covid-19 through air circulating on planes or through restaurant air conditioning systems.
He said scientists could use animal studies to test for the potential spread of the illness, an approach previously used for tuberculosis research.He said scientists could use animal studies to test for the potential spread of the illness, an approach previously used for tuberculosis research.
Prof Heymann argued that “epidemiological indicators” in some countries where people could move about in public did not point to an “increased transmission” that may occur if the virus was airborne.Prof Heymann argued that “epidemiological indicators” in some countries where people could move about in public did not point to an “increased transmission” that may occur if the virus was airborne.
His comments come after the World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged there is “emerging evidence” that Covid-19 could be spread through particles in the air.His comments come after the World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged there is “emerging evidence” that Covid-19 could be spread through particles in the air.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has vetoed provisions of a law that required the federal government to provide drinking water, disinfectants and a guarantee of hospital beds to indigenous communities amid the pandemic.Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has vetoed provisions of a law that required the federal government to provide drinking water, disinfectants and a guarantee of hospital beds to indigenous communities amid the pandemic.
Bolsonaro, who has tested positive for coronavirus, vetoed 16 parts of the law on efforts to address the coronavirus threat to the indigenous population, but still allowed for provisions on adequate testing, ambulance services and medical equipment.Bolsonaro, who has tested positive for coronavirus, vetoed 16 parts of the law on efforts to address the coronavirus threat to the indigenous population, but still allowed for provisions on adequate testing, ambulance services and medical equipment.
“The vetoes deny the minimum necessary for the survival of these communities,” Brazilian indigenous advocacy group Instituto Socioambiental (ISA) said in a statement.“The vetoes deny the minimum necessary for the survival of these communities,” Brazilian indigenous advocacy group Instituto Socioambiental (ISA) said in a statement.
“The vetoes reveal that the president’s plan is not to have a plan,” it said.“The vetoes reveal that the president’s plan is not to have a plan,” it said.
ISA called on Congress to overturn the vetoes, which it can do with sufficient votes.ISA called on Congress to overturn the vetoes, which it can do with sufficient votes.
The president also vetoed funding for the states and local governments with emergency plans for indigenous communities, as well as provisions to help give them more information on coronavirus, including greater internet access.The president also vetoed funding for the states and local governments with emergency plans for indigenous communities, as well as provisions to help give them more information on coronavirus, including greater internet access.
On the campaign trail, Bolsonaro swore to not to designate any more land for indigenous reserves. The right-wing populist has sought to assimilate indigenous peoples by calling for commercial farming and mining to be introduced on their reserves, saying it will raise them out of poverty.On the campaign trail, Bolsonaro swore to not to designate any more land for indigenous reserves. The right-wing populist has sought to assimilate indigenous peoples by calling for commercial farming and mining to be introduced on their reserves, saying it will raise them out of poverty.
The president’s office said those provisions in the law, approved by Congress, were “against the public interest” and “unconstitutional,” by creating expenses for the federal government without new sources of revenue to cover them.The president’s office said those provisions in the law, approved by Congress, were “against the public interest” and “unconstitutional,” by creating expenses for the federal government without new sources of revenue to cover them.
Brazil’s indigenous population of roughly 850,000 is more vulnerable to Covid-19, as they live in remote areas with little access to health care systems and because their communal lifestyle rules out social distancing.Brazil’s indigenous population of roughly 850,000 is more vulnerable to Covid-19, as they live in remote areas with little access to health care systems and because their communal lifestyle rules out social distancing.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged EU countries to show solidarity and overcome divisions to approve a massive coronavirus recovery plan this summer.German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged EU countries to show solidarity and overcome divisions to approve a massive coronavirus recovery plan this summer.
The leaders of the 27 EU states meet in Brussels next week for a crunch summit aimed at agreeing a 750-billion euro ($843-billion) plan to tackle economic devastation wrought by the pandemic.The leaders of the 27 EU states meet in Brussels next week for a crunch summit aimed at agreeing a 750-billion euro ($843-billion) plan to tackle economic devastation wrought by the pandemic.
Merkel met on Wednesday with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and EU leaders, Charles Michel and David Sassoli, to prepare for the July 17-18 meeting.Merkel met on Wednesday with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and EU leaders, Charles Michel and David Sassoli, to prepare for the July 17-18 meeting.
In a joint statement, they underscored “that reaching swiftly an agreement on an ambitious European recovery package is the EU’s highest priority for the coming weeks.In a joint statement, they underscored “that reaching swiftly an agreement on an ambitious European recovery package is the EU’s highest priority for the coming weeks.
In addition, they “stressed that it would be essential that Heads of State and Government reach an agreement during this European Council meeting.”In addition, they “stressed that it would be essential that Heads of State and Government reach an agreement during this European Council meeting.”
But a group of countries, a so-called “Frugal Four”, are trying to rein in spending, which is earmarked mainly for the poorer countries of southern Europe hardest hit by the pandemic.But a group of countries, a so-called “Frugal Four”, are trying to rein in spending, which is earmarked mainly for the poorer countries of southern Europe hardest hit by the pandemic.
“We need extraordinary solidarity - everyone is ready, especially Germany, to overcome the pandemic, to deal with its consequences”, Merkel told the European Parliament in a speech to mark Germany taking over the EU’s rotating presidency for six months.“We need extraordinary solidarity - everyone is ready, especially Germany, to overcome the pandemic, to deal with its consequences”, Merkel told the European Parliament in a speech to mark Germany taking over the EU’s rotating presidency for six months.
Next week’s summit - the first physical meeting of leaders since travel restrictions were put in place to try to stem the spread of coronavirus - is set to be a fraught affair.Next week’s summit - the first physical meeting of leaders since travel restrictions were put in place to try to stem the spread of coronavirus - is set to be a fraught affair.
Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden insist that loans with tough conditions attached, rather than grants, should be the preferred method of rescue and are not in a rush to make a deal.Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden insist that loans with tough conditions attached, rather than grants, should be the preferred method of rescue and are not in a rush to make a deal.
Other countries argue that the plan, drawn up by the European Commission, misallocates the money, giving too much to eastern Europeans who were never on the front lines of the pandemic.Other countries argue that the plan, drawn up by the European Commission, misallocates the money, giving too much to eastern Europeans who were never on the front lines of the pandemic.
“Our common objective is to find a quick agreement as time is running out due to the economic crisis. We must not waste time. The poorest are paying the price”, Merkel said, urging all sides to make compromises.“Our common objective is to find a quick agreement as time is running out due to the economic crisis. We must not waste time. The poorest are paying the price”, Merkel said, urging all sides to make compromises.
Of the proposed 750 billion euros, 500 billion euros would be redistributed in the form of grants, with rest distributed as loans.Of the proposed 750 billion euros, 500 billion euros would be redistributed in the form of grants, with rest distributed as loans.
The number of coronavirus cases has passed the 301,000 mark in Chile, according to the Johns-Hopkins University tracker.The number of coronavirus cases has passed the 301,000 mark in Chile, according to the Johns-Hopkins University tracker.
The figure is currently 301,019, which is the sixth highest in the world after the US, Brazil, India, Russia, and Peru.The figure is currently 301,019, which is the sixth highest in the world after the US, Brazil, India, Russia, and Peru.