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Coronavirus live news: UK minister says face masks should not be mandatory; Russia cases jump Coronavirus live news: UK minister says face masks should not be mandatory; Russia cases jump
(32 minutes later)
Michael Gove says he trusts ‘people’s good sense’ days after PM says stricter rules may be needed in England; Russia sees over 6,600 new infectionsMichael Gove says he trusts ‘people’s good sense’ days after PM says stricter rules may be needed in England; Russia sees over 6,600 new infections
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her daughter have today tested positive for coronavirus.
The result comes after her father-in-law, popular Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan, and her husband, actor Abhishek, said they had contracted the virus.
Maharastra state health minister Rajesh Tope announced the cases in a tweet, though it was not clear whether they had been admitted to hospital. Amitabh and Abhishek were admitted on Saturday, despite saying they had mild symptoms.
The number of confirmed deaths from Covid-19 has topped 1,000 in Afghanistan, as the closure of education centres is extended until 5 August.
Violence continued to rage across 16 provinces over last week, while covid-19 related deaths rose by 16 from the previous day taking the total to 1,010.
In its latest update, the health ministry said the number of people who had tested positive for the virus had reached 34,451, an increase of 85 on the day before. Health ministry facilities were able to test 378 suspected patients over the last 24 hours. There have been 21,216 recoveries.
The capital, Kabul, which has been the country’s worst affected area, reported 14 new cases and 16 deaths overnight.The country’s health ministry said that Afghanistan reached the peak of coronavirus, as daily infections have been dropping in recent days. Ahmad Jawad Osmani, the country’s acting health minister said on Thursday that the number of daily infections has fallen to 30-40% percent from 60-70% percent of two months ago. Osmani warned that although the number of positive Osmani Covid-19 cases have decreased, Afghanistan is still in a state of crisis.The committee fighting against coronavirus extended the closure of all educational centres until 5 August. Vice president Sarwar Danish who leads the emergency committee, said on Saturday that “the priority is the lives of students.”
The health ministry will start a survey in 360 villages of the country to understand the exact number of infections, the committee said that the next decision on education sectors will be announced as the survey is fulfilled.
Meanwhile, figures by the National Security Council indicate that 16 provinces of the country have seen 284 attacks by the Taliban in the last seven days.“Taliban continue to take the lives of civilians in Afghanistan. This past week, they killed 23, including women and children, and wounded 45 others in 16 provinces,” said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council. “This violent phase of attacks on civilians can only deteriorate the already shaken trust on the will of the Taliban.”
At least six civilians were killed and eight more were wounded in a roadside bomb explosion Saturday in central Ghazni province. The incident occurred after a vehicle carrying civilians in the area struck a roadside bomb and women and children were among the casualties, local officials said.
Three members of one family were also killed when a mortar hit their home in Wardak province Saturday. Local media reports that residents who gathered in front of a military base in Wardak accused the government forces for firing the mortar.The Presidential Palace said Sunday that the Taliban had disrupted the peace process by increasing the violence.“The recent escalation of Taliban violence in cities, attacks on the country’s security and defence forces, the bombing of roadside mines by the Taliban, and the targeting of government employees do not give hope to our people and the international community to start dialogue and establish lasting peace,” said Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson for President Ashraf.According to a new report by Oxfam the pandemic has pushed millions of people into hunger and poverty, the number of people on the brink of famine has risen from 2.5 million in September 2019 to 3.5 million in May. Afghanistan follows Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo as the world’s worst extreme hunger hotspots where people are facing a crisis.
Over in the US, Donald Trump has finally agreed to follow his own government’s guidance, openly wearing a face mask in public for the first time.
He has previously worn one before, but only when behind the scenes in a Ford plant, as he “give the press the pleasure” of seeing him in face mask.
The president’s decision came as cases of coronavirus surged to record levels in the US.
More here from my colleagues Joanna Walters and Bryan Armen Graham here:
Thanks to all those getting on touch, and my apologies if I haven’t been able to reply - I am trying to read everything and am very grateful for the tips and pointers.Thanks to all those getting on touch, and my apologies if I haven’t been able to reply - I am trying to read everything and am very grateful for the tips and pointers.
If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter.If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove explicitly says face masks should not be mandatory in England, giving his first clear answer on this.Cabinet minister Michael Gove explicitly says face masks should not be mandatory in England, giving his first clear answer on this.
When asked by the BBC’s Andrew Marr if the wearing of face masks should be mandatory, Gove answered, “not mandatory, no”.When asked by the BBC’s Andrew Marr if the wearing of face masks should be mandatory, Gove answered, “not mandatory, no”.
“I trust people’s good sense,” he said. However, he said that the situation was evolving and “tougher measures could be taken”.“I trust people’s good sense,” he said. However, he said that the situation was evolving and “tougher measures could be taken”.
It comes after Boris Johnson hinted on Friday that there would be stricter measures on face masks in England. You can read more on that here:It comes after Boris Johnson hinted on Friday that there would be stricter measures on face masks in England. You can read more on that here:
Laboratory studies show that coronavirus droplets can remain in the air for an hour in their infectious state, British virologist Wendy Barclay said.Laboratory studies show that coronavirus droplets can remain in the air for an hour in their infectious state, British virologist Wendy Barclay said.
Barclay, who is the head of department of Infectious Disease and chair in Influenza Virology at Imperial College London, said the change in narrative from the World Health Organization this week to admit that airborne transmission was possible was important.Barclay, who is the head of department of Infectious Disease and chair in Influenza Virology at Imperial College London, said the change in narrative from the World Health Organization this week to admit that airborne transmission was possible was important.
Some air conditioning is not helpful to the spread, Barclay said, as it simply pushes the existing particles around, whereas others can be useful in “replenishing” the air.Some air conditioning is not helpful to the spread, Barclay said, as it simply pushes the existing particles around, whereas others can be useful in “replenishing” the air.
The use of face masks is about “protecting others from you”, so if you have the virus in your breath, even if you don’t feel unwell, they are likely to prevent some of those droplets.The use of face masks is about “protecting others from you”, so if you have the virus in your breath, even if you don’t feel unwell, they are likely to prevent some of those droplets.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she does not plan to impose quarantine restrictions on English people travelling to Scotland, but is keeping everything on the table.Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that she does not plan to impose quarantine restrictions on English people travelling to Scotland, but is keeping everything on the table.
She has previously said that the infection rate in England is five times higher than in Scotland, and Scotland has recorded no new deaths from coronavirus in recent days.She has previously said that the infection rate in England is five times higher than in Scotland, and Scotland has recorded no new deaths from coronavirus in recent days.
Because of the decreasing number of cases in Scotland, Sturgeon said that one of our biggest risks is importation into the country, and she would consider any measures necessary to “keep the levels of this virus as low as possible”.Because of the decreasing number of cases in Scotland, Sturgeon said that one of our biggest risks is importation into the country, and she would consider any measures necessary to “keep the levels of this virus as low as possible”.
“It’s not political, it’s not constitutional, it’s just taking a similar approach to country around the world,” she said.“It’s not political, it’s not constitutional, it’s just taking a similar approach to country around the world,” she said.
Sturgeon also said that the UK’s nations needed to work together on “outbreak management”, particularly on outbreaks which happen on the border.Sturgeon also said that the UK’s nations needed to work together on “outbreak management”, particularly on outbreaks which happen on the border.
Sorry, more on face masks...Sorry, more on face masks...
Shadow cabinet office minister Rachel Reeves has said that face masks are “a sensible way forward”.Shadow cabinet office minister Rachel Reeves has said that face masks are “a sensible way forward”.
“People want to do the right thing but they want to know what the right thing is,” she said.“People want to do the right thing but they want to know what the right thing is,” she said.
She wouldn’t say exactly what the Labour Party would commit to regarding their stance on the masks, but suggested that more widespread usage might encourage people to go shops and spend money more readily.She wouldn’t say exactly what the Labour Party would commit to regarding their stance on the masks, but suggested that more widespread usage might encourage people to go shops and spend money more readily.
There is a lot of talk about face masks in the UK this morning, so here’s a brief overview of the situation around the world and history of them in the UK during the pandemic.There is a lot of talk about face masks in the UK this morning, so here’s a brief overview of the situation around the world and history of them in the UK during the pandemic.
In April, they were made mandatory in many European countries including Austria and Germany.In April, they were made mandatory in many European countries including Austria and Germany.
On June 12 they were made obligatory on public transport in England.On June 12 they were made obligatory on public transport in England.
On Friday, face coverings became compulsory in Scottish shops, but people do not have to wear them in stores in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.On Friday, face coverings became compulsory in Scottish shops, but people do not have to wear them in stores in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Last week, prime minister Boris Johnson hinted that rules would be toughened up on masks, but today minister Michael Gove said people would simply be “encouraged”.Last week, prime minister Boris Johnson hinted that rules would be toughened up on masks, but today minister Michael Gove said people would simply be “encouraged”.
Currently, 120 countries have made the masks mandatory.Currently, 120 countries have made the masks mandatory.
You can read more on the debate around them in England:You can read more on the debate around them in England:
The UK government is today announcing a investment of more then £700m in Britain’s borders.The UK government is today announcing a investment of more then £700m in Britain’s borders.
Gove said this was taken “to make sure our borders can enable the smooth flow of traffic but keep us safe”.Gove said this was taken “to make sure our borders can enable the smooth flow of traffic but keep us safe”.
It is not totally clear how this money will be spent, but on Sky News this morning, he mentioned an investment in more border security.It is not totally clear how this money will be spent, but on Sky News this morning, he mentioned an investment in more border security.
Gove said the government “should do everything we can to encourage and support people to wear facemark in enclosed spaces”, but falls short of committing to rules and regulations around the wearing of masks.
He said the government is “investing in significantly increasing capacity to manufacture face masks”.
Gove said face masks “definitely help you to help others” by reducing the spread of the virus in enclosed spaces.
British cabinet office minister Michael Gove said that people should go back to workplaces if it was necessary to “add value” and be a part of the “productive economy”, but in some cases it may be “appropriate and convenient” and work from home.
“[We want to] ensure the economic engines of this country are fired up again,” he said.
However, he said that the “pandemic taught us that there are some roles which can be performed effectively form home and we can rethink work in certain ways”, and that the civil service is looking at enabling people to work from across the UK, rather than just the capital of London.
The General secretary of the Trade Union Congress in the UK has called for an increase in statutory sick pay to ensure that “people can afford to take time off”.
Frances O’Grady said she wanted people to drive up consumer demand and support businesses and services, but that the best way to do this was to increase wages.
She also called for strong health and safety measures as businesses reopen and welcome workers back, saying “the best way to get people back to work is to do it safely”.
O’Grady also said that an effective test and trace mechanism would help increase consumer confidence.
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has suspended debt service repayments for some countries and companies for the rest of 2020.
The fund provides financial assistance to companies in the United Arab Emirates and to developing countries, which has included Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.
The fund did not say which countries and companies would be eligible, or what the criteria for this would be.
“At a time when the world is reeling under the effect of the pandemic ... it is imperative for us to support particularly those that need it most, especially the low-income countries,” the fund’s director general Mohammed Saif al-Suwaidi said.
The British Labour party could support the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops, the shadow business minister has said.
Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Lucy Powell MP said: “We do need to get a lot more confidence back in the system and if the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops will help to do that then we absolutely support it.
“We think the Government - instead of just showing a bit of leg occasionally on these things by briefing newspapers or saying things that are not clear guidance in press conferences as the Prime Minister did on Friday - (should) get some clarity.
“That’s really something that would get confidence back into the system and get people feeling that they can go to the shops, they can go to restaurants and go to bars.”
In Australia, Queensland has urged any of its residents who have visited Sydney’s Crossroads Hotel, which is the site of a recent outbreak, to get tested and isolate immediately.
The same advice has already been given to residents of NSW after nine cases were linked to the busy hotel, which is popular with freight drivers and other travellers. The state’s deputy Premier and minister for health, Steven Miles, said the outbreak was concerning and he encouraged Queenslanders to respond appropriately.
“Any Queenslanders who have been to the Crossroads Hotel from July 3 to July 10 inclusive should get Covid-19 tested as soon as possible and then immediately self-isolate,” Miles said. “The hotel is a busy stopover for many travellers, so it is very likely that there are a number of Queenslanders who have been there during this period.”
Russia has reported 6,615 new coronavirus cases, taking its total number of confirmed cases to 727,162.
A further 130 people died from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the country’s coronavirus crisis response centre said. This brings Russia’s total death toll to 11,335.
At Imperial College London, a team working on a coronavirus vaccine have begun testing it on volunteers.
Prof Robin Shattock, who leads the team, said it is hard to predict how successful the vaccine will be. He said that there is a very low risk of the vaccine not working at all, and because so many being developed means some should work.
Shattock also said that success depends on how much immunity people need against the vaccine - if it is less than 50%, many vaccines being developed could be effective.
Shattock said that the team should have the answer as to whether it works by early next year, have infrastructure to make enough for the whole of the UK, providing they can pay. He said it will be prioritised for the UK as the country has funded the trial.
He also warned of a gap between producing the vaccine and being able to distribute it widely.
“I think people underestimate the huge effort it will be to go from discovery to billions of doses,” Shattock said.
Shattock also said that having a vaccine by September was “optimistic” and “low probability”, but that all bets were off.
Shattock said he expected the UK would be in a cycle of easing restrictions and locking down again until a vaccine was accessible.
In the UK, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers Lucy Powell has criticised the Chancellor’s ‘summer statement’ as a “real missed opportunity”.
Speaking on Sophy Ridge, Powell said that the statement was perhaps the last opportunity to save tens of thousands of jobs.
You can watch an extract of the interview here:
Tokyo has confirmed 206 new cases of coronavirus, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The total marks the fourth straight day of more than 200 cases, as the Japanese capital faces a resurgence in the number of coronavirus cases after the government lifted a state of emergency.