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Coronavirus live news: 73 test positive in English farm outbreak; Hungary imposes partial visitor ban Coronavirus live news: 73 test positive in English farm outbreak; Hungary imposes partial visitor ban
(32 minutes later)
More than 70 workers have Covid-19 in Herefordshire cluster; Michael Gove says people should return to work; Afghanistan says it has reached pandemic peakMore than 70 workers have Covid-19 in Herefordshire cluster; Michael Gove says people should return to work; Afghanistan says it has reached pandemic peak
US education secretary Betsy DeVos has continued the administration’s push to reopen the country’s schools, albeit without outlining how this could be done safely.
“We know that children get the virus at a far lower rate than any other part of the population. There is nothing in the data that would suggest that kids being back in school is dangerous to them,” DeVos told CNN’s “State of the Union.”
She did not offer a blueprint for reopening, or share details on how her department would support states and schools to reopen safely. DeVos also downplayed the risk that children might bring home the virus and pass it on to vulnerable family members.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was immediately critical of the comments, saying that the Trump administration’s approach to schools reopening was dangerous.
“What we heard from the secretary was malfeasance and dereliction of duty,” Pelosi said on CNN. “Going back to school presents the biggest risk for the spread of the coronavirus. If there are CDC guidelines, they should be requirements. They should be mandates, not requirements”
Canada’s attempts to fast-track foreign-trained doctors to meet the demand created by coronavirus has resulted in just two dozen licenses approved in Ontario and none in British Columbia, according to medical colleges in both provinces.Canada’s attempts to fast-track foreign-trained doctors to meet the demand created by coronavirus has resulted in just two dozen licenses approved in Ontario and none in British Columbia, according to medical colleges in both provinces.
British Columbia had created a new class of license that would allow overseas-trained doctors to practice while being supervised by a fully licensed doctor, while Ontario established a short-term license program that would allow hospitals to hire internationally trained doctors on short notice.British Columbia had created a new class of license that would allow overseas-trained doctors to practice while being supervised by a fully licensed doctor, while Ontario established a short-term license program that would allow hospitals to hire internationally trained doctors on short notice.
Immigrant doctors and their advocates say the poor update comes from logistical and communications failings, alleging that the requirements for the new license categories didn’t help more physicians to apply, and were poorly communicated to applicants and hospitals.Immigrant doctors and their advocates say the poor update comes from logistical and communications failings, alleging that the requirements for the new license categories didn’t help more physicians to apply, and were poorly communicated to applicants and hospitals.
Canada’s understaffed healthcare system has long been an electoral talking point. Last year, a report from the Canadian Institute of Health Information found that Canada had 241 physicians per 100,000 people, more than 100 less than the OECD average.Canada’s understaffed healthcare system has long been an electoral talking point. Last year, a report from the Canadian Institute of Health Information found that Canada had 241 physicians per 100,000 people, more than 100 less than the OECD average.
A further 15 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England.A further 15 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England.
This brings the total number of reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,066, NHS England said.This brings the total number of reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,066, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 72 and 96 years old, and one patient, aged 96, had no known underlying health conditions.Patients were aged between 72 and 96 years old, and one patient, aged 96, had no known underlying health conditions.
Thanks to all those getting in touch with tips and pointers, and sincere apologies if I haven’t been able to reply. It is much appreciated!Thanks to all those getting in touch with tips and pointers, and sincere apologies if I haven’t been able to reply. It is much appreciated!
If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. Many thanks in advance!If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. Many thanks in advance!
You can read more on the Herefordshire farm coronavirus outbreak from my colleague Matthew Weaver below.You can read more on the Herefordshire farm coronavirus outbreak from my colleague Matthew Weaver below.
More than 70 farm workers have tested positive for the virus, and all 200 workers are now in isolation there.More than 70 farm workers have tested positive for the virus, and all 200 workers are now in isolation there.
There have also been no new coronavirus deaths registered in Scotland in the last 24 hours, while 19 new cases have been reported, 12 more than the previous day.There have also been no new coronavirus deaths registered in Scotland in the last 24 hours, while 19 new cases have been reported, 12 more than the previous day.
No new coronavirus deaths have been reported in Wales in the last 24 hours, for the third time in a week.No new coronavirus deaths have been reported in Wales in the last 24 hours, for the third time in a week.
The total number of fatalities in Wales remains 1,541.The total number of fatalities in Wales remains 1,541.
According to Public Health Wales (PHW) 25 new cases have been reported, meaning 17,020 people have tested positive for Covid-19.According to Public Health Wales (PHW) 25 new cases have been reported, meaning 17,020 people have tested positive for Covid-19.
These include nine new cases reported by non-NHS laboratories.These include nine new cases reported by non-NHS laboratories.
A total of 215,710 tests have been carried out in PHW labs - some people having been tested more than once.A total of 215,710 tests have been carried out in PHW labs - some people having been tested more than once.
Over the last seven days there have been 59 Covid-19 cases confirmed by PHW labs. The total of cases from non-NHS laboratories is now 1,058 to add to the 15,962 cases confirmed by PHW.Over the last seven days there have been 59 Covid-19 cases confirmed by PHW labs. The total of cases from non-NHS laboratories is now 1,058 to add to the 15,962 cases confirmed by PHW.
Lebanon has recorded more than 100 new coronavirus infections since yesterday, its highest daily increase yet.Lebanon has recorded more than 100 new coronavirus infections since yesterday, its highest daily increase yet.
Around 75% of the cases were among workers of a cleaning company, and were asymptomatic, and non-Lebanese, according to health minister Hamad Hassan.Around 75% of the cases were among workers of a cleaning company, and were asymptomatic, and non-Lebanese, according to health minister Hamad Hassan.
To reassure people, the source is known,” health minister Hamad Hassan told broadcaster LB. Hassan said 800 workers from the cleaning company needed to be tested, alongside 1,000 workers from two other companies with whom they were connected.To reassure people, the source is known,” health minister Hamad Hassan told broadcaster LB. Hassan said 800 workers from the cleaning company needed to be tested, alongside 1,000 workers from two other companies with whom they were connected.
“The number will remain high this week,” he said.“The number will remain high this week,” he said.
Lebanon has recorded more than 2,000 cases of coronavirus and 36 deaths since February.Lebanon has recorded more than 2,000 cases of coronavirus and 36 deaths since February.
Here’s a summary of some key updates from the past few hours to bring you up to speed:Here’s a summary of some key updates from the past few hours to bring you up to speed:
More than 70 workers have tested positive for coronavirus after an outbreak at a farm in Herefordshire, England.More than 70 workers have tested positive for coronavirus after an outbreak at a farm in Herefordshire, England.
Hungary has implemented strict new border controls including banning visitors most of Africa and Asia, and some European countries, and making all returning Hungarians quarantine for two weeks.Hungary has implemented strict new border controls including banning visitors most of Africa and Asia, and some European countries, and making all returning Hungarians quarantine for two weeks.
Russia has reported 6,615 new cases, while Tokyo has confirmed a further 206.Russia has reported 6,615 new cases, while Tokyo has confirmed a further 206.
The death toll from coronavirus in Afghanistan has passed 1,000.The death toll from coronavirus in Afghanistan has passed 1,000.
Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has tested positive for coronavirus along with her daughter, following the diagnosis of her father and husband.Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has tested positive for coronavirus along with her daughter, following the diagnosis of her father and husband.
The debate about face masks rages on in England. Following Boris Johnson’s indication that he would be tightening up regulations around the masks, the Labour Party have indicated they would support the measure. However, this morning, cabinet minister Michael Gove said that the masks should not be made mandatory.The debate about face masks rages on in England. Following Boris Johnson’s indication that he would be tightening up regulations around the masks, the Labour Party have indicated they would support the measure. However, this morning, cabinet minister Michael Gove said that the masks should not be made mandatory.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised urgent financial support for those whose livelihoods have been devastated by coronavirus after protests about his government’s handling of the pandemic.Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised urgent financial support for those whose livelihoods have been devastated by coronavirus after protests about his government’s handling of the pandemic.
Coronavirus droplets may remain infectious in the air for up to an hour after being disseminated, a leading virologist has said.Coronavirus droplets may remain infectious in the air for up to an hour after being disseminated, a leading virologist has said.
The head of the team developing a coronavirus vaccine at Imperial College London has said it is unlikely that none of the vaccines would work, as there are so many in development that the chance is higher, and because some may offer partial immunity to the virus, if not complete. He said his team’s could be expected early next year, if it is proven to be effective.The head of the team developing a coronavirus vaccine at Imperial College London has said it is unlikely that none of the vaccines would work, as there are so many in development that the chance is higher, and because some may offer partial immunity to the virus, if not complete. He said his team’s could be expected early next year, if it is proven to be effective.
More than 70 people have contracted coronavirus after an outbreak on a farm in Herefordshire.More than 70 people have contracted coronavirus after an outbreak on a farm in Herefordshire.
Herefordshire Council today confirmed the outbreak amongst workers who were picking and packing vegetables at AS Green and Co, based in Mathon near Malvern. According to the council, 73 of the farm’s 200 workers have tested positive for the virus.Herefordshire Council today confirmed the outbreak amongst workers who were picking and packing vegetables at AS Green and Co, based in Mathon near Malvern. According to the council, 73 of the farm’s 200 workers have tested positive for the virus.
As the workers live in mobile homes on the site during harvest season, they are being treated as one extended bubble, and have been asked to isolate on the farm and stay within household groups, the council said.As the workers live in mobile homes on the site during harvest season, they are being treated as one extended bubble, and have been asked to isolate on the farm and stay within household groups, the council said.
The council also said it was arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site during their self-isolation.The council also said it was arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site during their self-isolation.
A spokesperson for the farm said: “Our staff are our priority, they are hard-working key workers helping us provide food for the country during these unusual times. We contacted PHE and we are working closely with them and Public Health at Herefordshire Council to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”A spokesperson for the farm said: “Our staff are our priority, they are hard-working key workers helping us provide food for the country during these unusual times. We contacted PHE and we are working closely with them and Public Health at Herefordshire Council to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
Katie Spence, PHE Midlands Health Protection Director, said PHE were working closely with the farm to offer support, and said the body still expected to see localised outbreaks such as this.Katie Spence, PHE Midlands Health Protection Director, said PHE were working closely with the farm to offer support, and said the body still expected to see localised outbreaks such as this.
Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire said: “While Herefordshire is the first to experience an outbreak of this kind, this is not unexpected. Our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of all residents in our community.Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire said: “While Herefordshire is the first to experience an outbreak of this kind, this is not unexpected. Our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of all residents in our community.
“Prompt testing on the farm has allowed us to understand transmission and control the spread of infection. We continue to support the farm management, their workers – who form an important part of our local economy, and the local community through this challenging time.”“Prompt testing on the farm has allowed us to understand transmission and control the spread of infection. We continue to support the farm management, their workers – who form an important part of our local economy, and the local community through this challenging time.”
Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged financial aid for Israelis whose livelihoods have been devastated by coronavirus, after protests against his government’s handling of the pandemic.Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged financial aid for Israelis whose livelihoods have been devastated by coronavirus, after protests against his government’s handling of the pandemic.
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday to voice frustration at Netanyahu. While he did not mention the protest, Netanyahu promised that 7,500 shekels (around £1,700) was on the way to support the self-employed.Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday to voice frustration at Netanyahu. While he did not mention the protest, Netanyahu promised that 7,500 shekels (around £1,700) was on the way to support the self-employed.
He also unveiled an aid package for workers and small business owners, which is set to advance through Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, in coming days.He also unveiled an aid package for workers and small business owners, which is set to advance through Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, in coming days.
Last week, Israel recorded a spike in coronavirus cases, registering more than 1,000 new cases in a 24 hour period multiple times. Prior to the economic reopening, this figure tended to stay below 50.Last week, Israel recorded a spike in coronavirus cases, registering more than 1,000 new cases in a 24 hour period multiple times. Prior to the economic reopening, this figure tended to stay below 50.
Netanyahu has admitted that he reopened the economy too early, but has expressed hesitation over plunging the country back into lockdown and causing further economic damage. While restaurants remain open, bars, event venues and places of worship are being hit with new regulations.Netanyahu has admitted that he reopened the economy too early, but has expressed hesitation over plunging the country back into lockdown and causing further economic damage. While restaurants remain open, bars, event venues and places of worship are being hit with new regulations.
Israel has recorded more than 38,000 coronavirus cases, including 358 deaths.Israel has recorded more than 38,000 coronavirus cases, including 358 deaths.
Iran’s supreme leader has described the resurgence of coronavirus in the country “truly tragic”, and urged all citizens to help prevent the spread of the virus, AFP are reporting.Iran’s supreme leader has described the resurgence of coronavirus in the country “truly tragic”, and urged all citizens to help prevent the spread of the virus, AFP are reporting.
“Let everyone play their part in the best way to break the chain of transmission in the short term and save the country,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a video conference with lawmakers, according to his office.“Let everyone play their part in the best way to break the chain of transmission in the short term and save the country,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a video conference with lawmakers, according to his office.
Significant crowds gathered at bonfires in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland as the annual July tradition took place despite pleas from politicians to adhere to coronavirus restrictions.Significant crowds gathered at bonfires in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland as the annual July tradition took place despite pleas from politicians to adhere to coronavirus restrictions.
While there were fewer fires than usual, violence broke out at some events and police officers were attacked. North Belfast saw a second night of disorder as police were pelted with petrol bombs in the nationalist New Lodge close to a bonfire in the loyalist Tiger’s Bay area.While there were fewer fires than usual, violence broke out at some events and police officers were attacked. North Belfast saw a second night of disorder as police were pelted with petrol bombs in the nationalist New Lodge close to a bonfire in the loyalist Tiger’s Bay area.
First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the violent scenes.First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the violent scenes.
Ahead of the Eleventh Night fires, politicians and community leaders had urged people to avoid mass gatherings and follow Covid-19 regulations that limit outdoor gatherings to no more than 30 people.Ahead of the Eleventh Night fires, politicians and community leaders had urged people to avoid mass gatherings and follow Covid-19 regulations that limit outdoor gatherings to no more than 30 people.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said crews responded to 24 bonfire related incidents between 6pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday - a 29.5% decrease compared to 2019.The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said crews responded to 24 bonfire related incidents between 6pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday - a 29.5% decrease compared to 2019.
Hungary has imposed new border restrictions including banning foreign visitors from certain countries, in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus.Hungary has imposed new border restrictions including banning foreign visitors from certain countries, in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Starting Wednesday, Hungarian nationals returning from high risk countries listed as “yellow” and “red” will have to go through health checks at the border and quarantine for two weeks, even if they do not have the virus. The only exception to this is if someone produces two negative test results from the previous 5 days.Starting Wednesday, Hungarian nationals returning from high risk countries listed as “yellow” and “red” will have to go through health checks at the border and quarantine for two weeks, even if they do not have the virus. The only exception to this is if someone produces two negative test results from the previous 5 days.
Foreigners from “red” countries will not be allowed to enter, but those from “yellow” countries will be subject to the same restrictions as Hungarian nationals.Foreigners from “red” countries will not be allowed to enter, but those from “yellow” countries will be subject to the same restrictions as Hungarian nationals.
The same applies to foreigners coming from “yellow” countries, but those from “red” countries will be barred from entry.The same applies to foreigners coming from “yellow” countries, but those from “red” countries will be barred from entry.
Countries in the Balkans such as Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and neighbouring Ukraine are some of those listed the red category, as are all African and Asian countries apart from China and Japan.Countries in the Balkans such as Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and neighbouring Ukraine are some of those listed the red category, as are all African and Asian countries apart from China and Japan.
Serbia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are among countries listed as “yellow”, while travel from Croatia - a popular holiday destination for Hungarians - is free for the time being. The list will be regularly reviewed.Serbia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are among countries listed as “yellow”, while travel from Croatia - a popular holiday destination for Hungarians - is free for the time being. The list will be regularly reviewed.
Transit and cargo travel, as well as business trips are exempt from the restrictions but health checks can be conducted.Transit and cargo travel, as well as business trips are exempt from the restrictions but health checks can be conducted.
According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, Hungary has 4,234 confirmed cases, with a death toll which stands currently at 595.According to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, Hungary has 4,234 confirmed cases, with a death toll which stands currently at 595.
Hungary lifted most of its lockdown restrictions in May and opened its borders to travellers from European Union states and neighbouring non-EU members, but has clamped down again in light of mounting numbers of cases in several countries.Hungary lifted most of its lockdown restrictions in May and opened its borders to travellers from European Union states and neighbouring non-EU members, but has clamped down again in light of mounting numbers of cases in several countries.
This interview with leading virologist Wendy Barclay gives some interesting insight into the current understanding of how coronavirus spreads.This interview with leading virologist Wendy Barclay gives some interesting insight into the current understanding of how coronavirus spreads.
More information has emerged about the £700m being pumped into the UK’s border control.More information has emerged about the £700m being pumped into the UK’s border control.
The funding is only in relation to the post-Brexit GB-EU border - the Government is expected to publish specific guidance and measures for Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.The funding is only in relation to the post-Brexit GB-EU border - the Government is expected to publish specific guidance and measures for Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.
Here’s a breakdown of where the money will be spent from Press Association:Here’s a breakdown of where the money will be spent from Press Association:
The 705 million package includes 235 million for staffing and IT systems, and 470 million for port and inland infrastructure, to help ensure compliance with new customs procedures and controls.The 705 million package includes 235 million for staffing and IT systems, and 470 million for port and inland infrastructure, to help ensure compliance with new customs procedures and controls.
Of the 235 million for staffing and IT systems:Of the 235 million for staffing and IT systems:
100 million will be used to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders.100 million will be used to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders.
20 million will be spent on new equipment to keep the country safe.20 million will be spent on new equipment to keep the country safe.
15 million will go towards building new data infrastructure to enhance border flow and management.15 million will go towards building new data infrastructure to enhance border flow and management.
10 million will be used to recruit around 500 more Border Force personnel.10 million will be used to recruit around 500 more Border Force personnel.
Cabinet office minister Michael Gove said the investment would help to “manage the changes and seize the opportunities” when the transition period ends in December.Cabinet office minister Michael Gove said the investment would help to “manage the changes and seize the opportunities” when the transition period ends in December.
“With or without further agreement with the EU, this 705 million will ensure that the necessary infrastructure, tech and border personnel are in place so that our traders and the border industry are able to manage the changes and seize the opportunities as we lay the foundations for the world’s most effective and secure border.”“With or without further agreement with the EU, this 705 million will ensure that the necessary infrastructure, tech and border personnel are in place so that our traders and the border industry are able to manage the changes and seize the opportunities as we lay the foundations for the world’s most effective and secure border.”
Michael Gove also told Sky’s Sophy Ridge that people should return to work rather than stay at home to “fire up” the economic engines of the UK.Michael Gove also told Sky’s Sophy Ridge that people should return to work rather than stay at home to “fire up” the economic engines of the UK.
His comments signal a move away from the government’s “stay home” message and comes after Boris Johnson said something similar in his People’s PMQs on Friday. He said: “I do want people to start to go to work now if you can, but remember to follow the guidance because that is the way to save lives.His comments signal a move away from the government’s “stay home” message and comes after Boris Johnson said something similar in his People’s PMQs on Friday. He said: “I do want people to start to go to work now if you can, but remember to follow the guidance because that is the way to save lives.
“I think everybody has sort of taken the ‘Stay at home if you can’ … I think we should now say, well, ‘Go back to work if you can.’”“I think everybody has sort of taken the ‘Stay at home if you can’ … I think we should now say, well, ‘Go back to work if you can.’”
On Sunday, Gove said: “We want to see more people back at work, on the shop floor, in the office, wherever they can be.On Sunday, Gove said: “We want to see more people back at work, on the shop floor, in the office, wherever they can be.
“Of course in some cases it is appropriate and convenient for people to work from home, but we want to make sure that where people can add value, where the economy can benefit from people being at work, that they are at work.“Of course in some cases it is appropriate and convenient for people to work from home, but we want to make sure that where people can add value, where the economy can benefit from people being at work, that they are at work.
“We want to make sure that the economic engines of this country are fired up again and that’s why the chancellor made the series of announcements that he made earlier this week in order to make sure that we are in a position to be able to provide people with safety and security at work, to protect their jobs and to guarantee jobs in the future.”“We want to make sure that the economic engines of this country are fired up again and that’s why the chancellor made the series of announcements that he made earlier this week in order to make sure that we are in a position to be able to provide people with safety and security at work, to protect their jobs and to guarantee jobs in the future.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said that the UK government’s policy on face masks is “once again behind the rest of the world”.Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said that the UK government’s policy on face masks is “once again behind the rest of the world”.
Responding to cabinet office minister Michael Gove’s statement this morning that face masks should not be made mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces, Khan said the government needed to “get its act together”.Responding to cabinet office minister Michael Gove’s statement this morning that face masks should not be made mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces, Khan said the government needed to “get its act together”.