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Coronavirus live news: US gives WHO official notice of its withdrawal next year Coronavirus live news: US gives WHO official notice of its withdrawal next year
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Joe Biden says he would return the US to the WHO if elected; WHO acknowledges ‘evidence emerging’ of airborne spread of Covid-19; Jair Bolsonaro tests positive. Follow the latest updatesJoe Biden says he would return the US to the WHO if elected; WHO acknowledges ‘evidence emerging’ of airborne spread of Covid-19; Jair Bolsonaro tests positive. Follow the latest updates
Australia’s coronavirus emergency cabinet will consider limiting the number of its citizens and residents returning home from overseas, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday.The prime minister added there were no plans to reimpose restrictions across the country, after Victoria, the country’s second-most populous state, enforced stay-at-home rules in metropolitan Melbourne and one regional area due to a spike in infections.
Back in the Australian state of Victoria, year 11 and 12 students and year 10 students doing Victorian Certificate of Education subjects will return to classrooms next week despite the state’s chief health officer suggesting student to student transmission among older teens is responsible for a massive cluster at Al-Taqwa College.
The large primary and high school in Melbourne’s west was originally closed on 29 June when a member of the school community tested positive.
As the number of infections linked to the school began to grow, all 2,000 students and 300 staff members were ordered to isolate and be tested last Friday. This cluster quickly ballooned to 90 cases by Tuesday to become the state’s second largest outbreak behind that at Cedar Meats.
Mexico’s health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,258 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 895 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 268,008 cases and 32,014 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.Mexico’s health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,258 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 895 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 268,008 cases and 32,014 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.
The Guardian’s Eleanor Ainge Roy reports from Queenstown with Charlotte Graham-McLay in Auckland:The Guardian’s Eleanor Ainge Roy reports from Queenstown with Charlotte Graham-McLay in Auckland:
Here’s the full story on a man in compulsory isolation in New Zealand who has absconded from a quarantine hotel to make a late-night “spur-of-the-moment” dash to the supermarket – before testing positive for Covid-19 the following day:Here’s the full story on a man in compulsory isolation in New Zealand who has absconded from a quarantine hotel to make a late-night “spur-of-the-moment” dash to the supermarket – before testing positive for Covid-19 the following day:
About 30,000 people have passed through quarantine hotels in Auckland since New Zealand closed its borders but in recent weeks a number of guests have made bids for freedom.About 30,000 people have passed through quarantine hotels in Auckland since New Zealand closed its borders but in recent weeks a number of guests have made bids for freedom.
Over the weekend a woman leapt over from a hedge to escape her two-week quarantine. Later she got lost and asked a passing policeman for directions back to her hotel.Over the weekend a woman leapt over from a hedge to escape her two-week quarantine. Later she got lost and asked a passing policeman for directions back to her hotel.
The latest case saw a 32-year-old man leave Auckland’s Stamford Plaza hotel, bypass security guards and walk to a local Countdown supermarket. The man had been smoking in a fenced area when he escaped and was apparently mistaken for a contractor by security staff, said Air Commodore Darryn Webb, who is in charge of managed isolation and quarantine.The latest case saw a 32-year-old man leave Auckland’s Stamford Plaza hotel, bypass security guards and walk to a local Countdown supermarket. The man had been smoking in a fenced area when he escaped and was apparently mistaken for a contractor by security staff, said Air Commodore Darryn Webb, who is in charge of managed isolation and quarantine.
“Security attempted to follow the man but were unsuccessful in locating him,” Webb said.“Security attempted to follow the man but were unsuccessful in locating him,” Webb said.
“Police were called immediately, and enquiries were underway to locate the man including reviewing CCTV footage and undertaking substantial area searches before he returned to the facility where he was then interviewed by police.”“Police were called immediately, and enquiries were underway to locate the man including reviewing CCTV footage and undertaking substantial area searches before he returned to the facility where he was then interviewed by police.”
Webb said the man would be charged with breaking newly introduced quarantine legislation, while the supermarket he visited had been closed.Webb said the man would be charged with breaking newly introduced quarantine legislation, while the supermarket he visited had been closed.
The Netherlands will be at the centre of upcoming talks over European spending on the coronavirus crisis, driven by a mix of traditional Calvinist frugality and political reality, experts say.The Netherlands will be at the centre of upcoming talks over European spending on the coronavirus crisis, driven by a mix of traditional Calvinist frugality and political reality, experts say.
As part of the “frugal four” along with Austria, Denmark and Sweden, the Dutch have enraged many in the EU by putting the brakes on a €750bn (US$850bn) rescue package for the worst-hit countries.As part of the “frugal four” along with Austria, Denmark and Sweden, the Dutch have enraged many in the EU by putting the brakes on a €750bn (US$850bn) rescue package for the worst-hit countries.
Over the past decade the Netherlands has graduated from Germany’s thrifty henchman to the loudest voice among northern European penny-pinchers fighting supposed southern profligacy.Over the past decade the Netherlands has graduated from Germany’s thrifty henchman to the loudest voice among northern European penny-pinchers fighting supposed southern profligacy.
The key role played by the Dutch is underscored by leaders lining up to meet Prime Minister Mark Rutte to break the impasse and reach a deal at a crucial EU summit next week.The key role played by the Dutch is underscored by leaders lining up to meet Prime Minister Mark Rutte to break the impasse and reach a deal at a crucial EU summit next week.
The Dutch position that has been harshly criticised has deep cultural and historical roots, analysts say.The Dutch position that has been harshly criticised has deep cultural and historical roots, analysts say.
“It really has to do with our cultural background. We’re a nation of preachers and salesmen, as they always say,” said Jos Versteeg, an analyst at Amsterdam-based InsingerGilissen private bank.“It really has to do with our cultural background. We’re a nation of preachers and salesmen, as they always say,” said Jos Versteeg, an analyst at Amsterdam-based InsingerGilissen private bank.
“In the north it has all to do with Calvinism and Protestantism - live a sober life, don’t show your wealth. In the south (of Europe) there is a different culture,” he told AFP.“In the north it has all to do with Calvinism and Protestantism - live a sober life, don’t show your wealth. In the south (of Europe) there is a different culture,” he told AFP.
The full story on the latest from the Australian state of Victoria now:The full story on the latest from the Australian state of Victoria now:
Victoria has recorded 134 new cases of Covid-19, with the source of 123 still under investigation, as state police launched a renewed focus on ensuring those who breach public health orders face consequences.Victoria has recorded 134 new cases of Covid-19, with the source of 123 still under investigation, as state police launched a renewed focus on ensuring those who breach public health orders face consequences.
After the New South Wales-Victoria border closed at midnight on Tuesday, the NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, warned the risk of contagion spreading into her state was “very high” and said even tougher border restrictions might be implemented targeting those living in border communities such as Albury.After the New South Wales-Victoria border closed at midnight on Tuesday, the NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, warned the risk of contagion spreading into her state was “very high” and said even tougher border restrictions might be implemented targeting those living in border communities such as Albury.
Berejiklian said people living in towns near the border, such as Wagga, should not visit places closer to Victoria, and asked people in border towns not to move outside them unless “absolutely necessary”.Berejiklian said people living in towns near the border, such as Wagga, should not visit places closer to Victoria, and asked people in border towns not to move outside them unless “absolutely necessary”.
The Victorian police commissioner, Shane Patton, said on Wednesday morning police would dramatically increase their presence in and around metropolitan Melbourne, which will be under lockdown for six weeks from midnight. Police would focus on 32 local government areas under stage-three restrictions, which mean people can leave their homes only for exercise, work and school, groceries, and essential services such as childcare and healthcare.The Victorian police commissioner, Shane Patton, said on Wednesday morning police would dramatically increase their presence in and around metropolitan Melbourne, which will be under lockdown for six weeks from midnight. Police would focus on 32 local government areas under stage-three restrictions, which mean people can leave their homes only for exercise, work and school, groceries, and essential services such as childcare and healthcare.
The dollar held onto gains on Wednesday as a resurgence of the coronavirus in the United States and the return of lockdowns in some countries boosted safe-haven demand for the US currency, Reuters reports. Risk sentiment was also undermined after Federal Reserve officials expressed concern that rising coronavirus cases could harm economic growth just as stimulus measures start to expire.The yuan fell slightly against the dollar, halting a two-day rally, after the Chinese central bank’s daily midpoint for the currency was set at a weaker than expected level.Other Asian currencies straddled narrow ranges as a resurgence of coronavirus cases threatened a return of lockdown restrictions, leaving investors fretting about the mounting economic costs of the pandemic.“The mood changes day by day, but the dollar looks to be supported for now as investors turn more cautious about the virus,” said Yukio Ishizuki, foreign exchange strategist at Daiwa Securities.The dollar held onto gains on Wednesday as a resurgence of the coronavirus in the United States and the return of lockdowns in some countries boosted safe-haven demand for the US currency, Reuters reports. Risk sentiment was also undermined after Federal Reserve officials expressed concern that rising coronavirus cases could harm economic growth just as stimulus measures start to expire.The yuan fell slightly against the dollar, halting a two-day rally, after the Chinese central bank’s daily midpoint for the currency was set at a weaker than expected level.Other Asian currencies straddled narrow ranges as a resurgence of coronavirus cases threatened a return of lockdown restrictions, leaving investors fretting about the mounting economic costs of the pandemic.“The mood changes day by day, but the dollar looks to be supported for now as investors turn more cautious about the virus,” said Yukio Ishizuki, foreign exchange strategist at Daiwa Securities.
The dollar traded at 107.67 yen in Asia on Wednesday following a 0.3% gain on Tuesday.The dollar traded at 107.67 yen in Asia on Wednesday following a 0.3% gain on Tuesday.
Against the euro, the dollar was quoted at $1.1274, also holding to a 0.3% gain from the previous session.Against the euro, the dollar was quoted at $1.1274, also holding to a 0.3% gain from the previous session.
The greenback bought 0.9429 Swiss franc, little changed on the day.The greenback bought 0.9429 Swiss franc, little changed on the day.
Sterling changed hands at $1.2549 and was quoted at 89.86 pence per euro.Sterling changed hands at $1.2549 and was quoted at 89.86 pence per euro.
The pound was near three-week highs against both the greenback and the common currency after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated his commitment to reaching an early trade deal with the European Union.The pound was near three-week highs against both the greenback and the common currency after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated his commitment to reaching an early trade deal with the European Union.
Britain will Wednesday unveil a mini-budget to kickstart the UK economy, hoping costly infrastructure investment will help build its way out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, AFP reports.Britain will Wednesday unveil a mini-budget to kickstart the UK economy, hoping costly infrastructure investment will help build its way out of the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, AFP reports.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to “build, build, build” in an “infrastructure revolution” for schools, affordable housing, road maintenance and public transport.Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to “build, build, build” in an “infrastructure revolution” for schools, affordable housing, road maintenance and public transport.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak is due to deliver his spending plans at 1130 GMT, having already flagged £3 billion (US$3.7 billion, €3.3bn) of green investment.Finance minister Rishi Sunak is due to deliver his spending plans at 1130 GMT, having already flagged £3 billion (US$3.7 billion, €3.3bn) of green investment.
The chancellor of the exchequer will offer £2 billion ($2.5bn, €2.2bn) in grants for households to insulate homes and make them more energy efficient. A further £1 billion ($1.25bn, €1bn) is being provided for public sector buildings, including hospitals.The chancellor of the exchequer will offer £2 billion ($2.5bn, €2.2bn) in grants for households to insulate homes and make them more energy efficient. A further £1 billion ($1.25bn, €1bn) is being provided for public sector buildings, including hospitals.
Britain has had more than 44,000 deaths in the outbreak - the highest in Europe - heaping pressure on the government for its handling of the crisis.Britain has had more than 44,000 deaths in the outbreak - the highest in Europe - heaping pressure on the government for its handling of the crisis.
Charlotte Graham-McLay reports for the Guardian:Charlotte Graham-McLay reports for the Guardian:
An opposition MP in New Zealand has announced he will not stand at September’s election after he confessed to leaking private details about all of the country’s active Covid-19 cases to several news outlets.An opposition MP in New Zealand has announced he will not stand at September’s election after he confessed to leaking private details about all of the country’s active Covid-19 cases to several news outlets.
The leak by Hamish Walker, a member of parliament for the centre-right National party, as well as the revelations that the personal information had in turn been provided to him by a former National party president, dealt a blow to an opposition trying to make a comeback in the polls ahead of September’s election against the widely popular prime minister Jacinda Ardern.The leak by Hamish Walker, a member of parliament for the centre-right National party, as well as the revelations that the personal information had in turn been provided to him by a former National party president, dealt a blow to an opposition trying to make a comeback in the polls ahead of September’s election against the widely popular prime minister Jacinda Ardern.
“I sincerely apologise for my actions. I will be making no further comment,” Walker said in a written statement on Wednesday, which was sent to news outlets at the same time members of his party’s board were due to meet about his future.“I sincerely apologise for my actions. I will be making no further comment,” Walker said in a written statement on Wednesday, which was sent to news outlets at the same time members of his party’s board were due to meet about his future.
Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura reiterated on Wednesday there is no need to declare a new state of emergency for the coronavirus despite rising infections, as serious cases remained low and there was no strain on the medical system.But, he noted an increase in the number of untraceable cases and cases among older people, saying: “It is necessary to respond with a sense of crisis.”Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura reiterated on Wednesday there is no need to declare a new state of emergency for the coronavirus despite rising infections, as serious cases remained low and there was no strain on the medical system.But, he noted an increase in the number of untraceable cases and cases among older people, saying: “It is necessary to respond with a sense of crisis.”
Charlotte Graham-McLay reports for the Guardian:Charlotte Graham-McLay reports for the Guardian:
New Zealand’s government has revealed that a man who has tested positive for Covid-19 left his managed isolation facility – by escaping through a temporary fence – in order to visit a supermarket. All of the country’s known cases of the coronavirus are returning travellers who are spending quarantine in government-run isolation facilities. There have been no diagnosed cases of community transmission since the last known patient recovered in early June.New Zealand’s government has revealed that a man who has tested positive for Covid-19 left his managed isolation facility – by escaping through a temporary fence – in order to visit a supermarket. All of the country’s known cases of the coronavirus are returning travellers who are spending quarantine in government-run isolation facilities. There have been no diagnosed cases of community transmission since the last known patient recovered in early June.
The man, aged in his 30s, had recently returned from India. He absconded from his managed quarantine hotel – the Stamford Plaza in central Auckland – to visit a supermarket. He was missing from quarantine for just over an hour on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning he tested positive to Covid-19. Officials are tracing his movements, and the supermarket he visited has been closed. Chris Hipkins, the health minister, said the “acts of selfishness” that the man and another earlier escapee had committed were unacceptable and would be prosecuted. They face hefty fines or up to six months in jail.The man, aged in his 30s, had recently returned from India. He absconded from his managed quarantine hotel – the Stamford Plaza in central Auckland – to visit a supermarket. He was missing from quarantine for just over an hour on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning he tested positive to Covid-19. Officials are tracing his movements, and the supermarket he visited has been closed. Chris Hipkins, the health minister, said the “acts of selfishness” that the man and another earlier escapee had committed were unacceptable and would be prosecuted. They face hefty fines or up to six months in jail.
California reported more than 10,000 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a record rise for a single day that also surpassed the number of contact tracers recently trained by the state to detect and prevent potential outbreaks, Reuters reports. California is one of several US states that have reported surging numbers of new Covid-19 infections over the past week, raising questions about how US President Donald Trump has handled the crisis and impeding state plans to lift lockdowns.California reported more than 10,000 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a record rise for a single day that also surpassed the number of contact tracers recently trained by the state to detect and prevent potential outbreaks, Reuters reports. California is one of several US states that have reported surging numbers of new Covid-19 infections over the past week, raising questions about how US President Donald Trump has handled the crisis and impeding state plans to lift lockdowns.
The 10,201 new cases reported on Tuesday took the total number of cases in California since the start of the pandemic to nearly 284,00. In June, California infections more than doubled with over 117,000 new cases.Only three other US states have reported more than 10,000 cases in a day. Florida reported 11,458 new cases on July 4 and Texas reported 10,028 on Tuesday.New York recorded 12,847 new infections on 10 April, three weeks after the state implemented a strict lockdown that closed most businesses. Once the epicenter of the US epidemic, New York saw cases rise by about 6% in June - the lowest rate in the entire country.The 10,201 new cases reported on Tuesday took the total number of cases in California since the start of the pandemic to nearly 284,00. In June, California infections more than doubled with over 117,000 new cases.Only three other US states have reported more than 10,000 cases in a day. Florida reported 11,458 new cases on July 4 and Texas reported 10,028 on Tuesday.New York recorded 12,847 new infections on 10 April, three weeks after the state implemented a strict lockdown that closed most businesses. Once the epicenter of the US epidemic, New York saw cases rise by about 6% in June - the lowest rate in the entire country.
On Tuesday in Brazil, as President Jair Bolsonaro announced he had tested positive for coronavirus, he took off his mask in front of journalists and said: “Just look at my face. I’m well, fine, thank God … Thanks to all those who have been praying for me … and to those who criticise me, no problem, carry on criticising as much as you like.”On Tuesday in Brazil, as President Jair Bolsonaro announced he had tested positive for coronavirus, he took off his mask in front of journalists and said: “Just look at my face. I’m well, fine, thank God … Thanks to all those who have been praying for me … and to those who criticise me, no problem, carry on criticising as much as you like.”
The premier of the beleaguered Australian state of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, has announced 134 new cases in the state, down from yersterday’s record of 191.The premier of the beleaguered Australian state of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, has announced 134 new cases in the state, down from yersterday’s record of 191.
Andrews says only 11 of the new Covid-19 cases are connected to known outbreaks.Andrews says only 11 of the new Covid-19 cases are connected to known outbreaks.
There are now 75 cases in the locked-down towers.There are now 75 cases in the locked-down towers.