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Coronavirus live news: WHO reports record daily rise in infections with 230,000 new global cases Coronavirus live news: WHO reports record daily rise in infections with 230,000 new global cases
(32 minutes later)
The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily reportThe biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report
A staff member involved in the preparation of the first executions of US federal prisoners in 17 years has tested positive for coronavirus, the Bureau of Prisons said on Sunday.
In a court filing, the bureau said the employee based at the Justice Department’s execution chamber in Terre Haute, Indiana, attended a meeting with outside law enforcement in preparation for the scheduled executions and another meeting on how to handle any demonstrators.
He did not come into contact with members of the execution protocol team, the bureau said.
The news comes two days after a US federal judge blocked the first execution, due to be carried out on Monday, after some of the victims’ relatives sued, saying they feared that attending could expose them to Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.
Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson ordered the Justice Department to delay the execution of Daniel Lewis Lee until it could show it was upholding the right of victims’ relatives to attend without risking their health.
The Justice Department said it would appeal, Reuters reports.
Another prisons employee had previously tested positive for the virus, and has since recovered.
Lee’s scheduled death by lethal injection is one of four executions that had been scheduled for July and August. All four men had been convicted of killing children.
Wesley Purkey’s execution was scheduled for Wednesday, but a federal appeals court issued a temporary stay this month and it was not clear whether it would proceed.
Dustin Honken’s is set for Friday.
South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, says the country will immediately return to a ban on the sale of alcohol to reduce the volume of trauma patients so that hospitals have more beds to treat Covid-19 patients.
Confronted by surging hospitalisations due to the coronavirus, South Africa is also reinstating a night curfew to reduce traffic accidents and made it mandatory for all residents to wear face masks when in public, the Associated Press reports.
Ramaphosa said top health officials had warned of impending shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen as South Africa reaches a peak of Covid-19 cases, expected between the end of July and September.
South Africa’s rapid increase in reported cases has made it one of the world’s centres for Covid-19, and it now ranks as the ninth worst affected country, according to Johns Hopkins University.
It has reported increases of more than 10,000 confirmed cases for several days, and the latest daily increase was nearly 13,500.
South Africa accounts for 40% of all the confirmed cases in Africa, with 264,184, including 3,971 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry confirmed it will be imposing a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) for violators entering the holy sites in Mecca without a permit during the upcoming Hajj season, which will be held in a limited capacity this year due to the pandemic.Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry confirmed it will be imposing a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) for violators entering the holy sites in Mecca without a permit during the upcoming Hajj season, which will be held in a limited capacity this year due to the pandemic.
A statement from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior said the fine would come into effect from 19 July and stay in place until 2 August, Al Arabiya reports. A statement from the kingdom’s interior ministry said the fine would come into effect from 19 July and stay in place until 2 August, al-Arabiya reports.
Saudi Arabia recorded 42 more deaths from Covid-19 and 2,779 new confirmed cases on Sunday.Saudi Arabia recorded 42 more deaths from Covid-19 and 2,779 new confirmed cases on Sunday.
Of the new cases, 247 were recorded in Riyadh, 191 in Jeddah, 164 in Hufof, 157 in Dammam and 157 in Makkah, Arab News reports.Of the new cases, 247 were recorded in Riyadh, 191 in Jeddah, 164 in Hufof, 157 in Dammam and 157 in Makkah, Arab News reports.
The total number of recoveries in the Kingdom increased to 167,138 after 1,742 more patients recovered from the virus. The total number of recoveries in the kingdom increased to 167,138 after 1,742 more patients recovered from the virus.
A total of 2,223 people have died in the Kingdom from Covid-19. A total of 2,223 people have died in the kingdom from Covid-19.
The Los Angeles Times has published a fascinating report on how California failed at successfully testing and tracing the state’s citizens when the outbreak began.The Los Angeles Times has published a fascinating report on how California failed at successfully testing and tracing the state’s citizens when the outbreak began.
An investigation found that a lack of automation, human error and limiting eligibility criteria for getting tested slowed efforts down dramatically and contributed to a surge in infections that California is still struggling to get under control.An investigation found that a lack of automation, human error and limiting eligibility criteria for getting tested slowed efforts down dramatically and contributed to a surge in infections that California is still struggling to get under control.
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 3,236,130 cases of coronavirus on Sunday, an increase of 62,918 from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 906 to 134,572.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 3,236,130 cases of coronavirus on Sunday, an increase of 62,918 from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 906 to 134,572.
The CDC reported its tally as of 4pm ET on 11 July versus its previous report a day earlier.The CDC reported its tally as of 4pm ET on 11 July versus its previous report a day earlier.
The Palestinian Authority on Sunday imposed a night-time and weekend curfew on the occupied West Bank for the coming 14 days to try to rein in rising coronavirus numbers.The Palestinian Authority on Sunday imposed a night-time and weekend curfew on the occupied West Bank for the coming 14 days to try to rein in rising coronavirus numbers.
“Travel will be prohibited daily from 8pm to 6am in all governorates,” as well as from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, Palestinian government spokesman Ibrahim Melhem told a news conference, according to Agence France-Presse.“Travel will be prohibited daily from 8pm to 6am in all governorates,” as well as from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, Palestinian government spokesman Ibrahim Melhem told a news conference, according to Agence France-Presse.
In addition to the general dawn-to-dusk curfew, the cities of Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus and Bethlehem will be under total lockdown until Thursday evening, he said, while travel between districts will be banned for two weeks.In addition to the general dawn-to-dusk curfew, the cities of Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus and Bethlehem will be under total lockdown until Thursday evening, he said, while travel between districts will be banned for two weeks.
Only pharmacies and bakeries will be allowed to open.Only pharmacies and bakeries will be allowed to open.
“It is strictly forbidden to organise weddings, funerals and parties,” said Melhem, adding that Palestinians were also barred from going to work in Israeli settlements.“It is strictly forbidden to organise weddings, funerals and parties,” said Melhem, adding that Palestinians were also barred from going to work in Israeli settlements.
The West Bank is home to more than 2.8 million Palestinians and 450,000 Israelis.The West Bank is home to more than 2.8 million Palestinians and 450,000 Israelis.
In its daily report, the Palestinian health ministry said Sunday that there have so far been over 6,150 confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection, and 33 deaths.In its daily report, the Palestinian health ministry said Sunday that there have so far been over 6,150 confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection, and 33 deaths.
The Palestinian Authority imposed a full West Bank lockdown after the first coronavirus cases were identified in early March, lifting it at the end of May.The Palestinian Authority imposed a full West Bank lockdown after the first coronavirus cases were identified in early March, lifting it at the end of May.
It was reimposed on 3 July and since extended in light of the rising infection data.It was reimposed on 3 July and since extended in light of the rising infection data.
In Israel, with a population of about 9 million, the number of confirmed infections was given on Sunday as more than 38,670, and 362 people have died.In Israel, with a population of about 9 million, the number of confirmed infections was given on Sunday as more than 38,670, and 362 people have died.
Mexico’s death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is poised to overtake Italy’s and shoot above 35,000 on Sunday, according to Reuters data.Mexico’s death toll from the coronavirus pandemic is poised to overtake Italy’s and shoot above 35,000 on Sunday, according to Reuters data.
On Saturday Mexico recorded 539 additional fatalities to bring its coronavirus toll to 34,730, with 295,268 confirmed cases. Italy has recorded 34,945 deaths and 242,827 cases.On Saturday Mexico recorded 539 additional fatalities to bring its coronavirus toll to 34,730, with 295,268 confirmed cases. Italy has recorded 34,945 deaths and 242,827 cases.
While Italy appears to have tamed the virus, the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Mexico, where the government has faced accusations of reopening its economy too soon.While Italy appears to have tamed the virus, the pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Mexico, where the government has faced accusations of reopening its economy too soon.
Mexican authorities have gradually raised the projections of total fatalities and as recently as June forecast up to 35,000 deaths through October. In early May, the estimate was 6,000.Mexican authorities have gradually raised the projections of total fatalities and as recently as June forecast up to 35,000 deaths through October. In early May, the estimate was 6,000.
The coronavirus death toll per million residents in Mexico, whose population numbers about 120 million, is the 16th highest in the world, according to data by research firm Statista. But Mexican officials say the true toll is likely much higher due to limited testing. A Reuters analysis of funeral homes data in May indicated a toll more than double the reported figures.The coronavirus death toll per million residents in Mexico, whose population numbers about 120 million, is the 16th highest in the world, according to data by research firm Statista. But Mexican officials say the true toll is likely much higher due to limited testing. A Reuters analysis of funeral homes data in May indicated a toll more than double the reported figures.
Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Mexico’s deputy health minister and coronavirus tsar, this week said the virus was “slowing down”. But several former officials have criticised president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s administration for its handling of the epidemic.Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Mexico’s deputy health minister and coronavirus tsar, this week said the virus was “slowing down”. But several former officials have criticised president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s administration for its handling of the epidemic.
The former health minister Salomon Chertorivski said last week that the government had reopened the economy before globally established criteria for doing so had been met.The former health minister Salomon Chertorivski said last week that the government had reopened the economy before globally established criteria for doing so had been met.
“There are three fundamental variables: a reduction in the last 14 days in the numbers of contagions, reduction in recent days in the number of deaths, and reduction in the number of hospitalised people,” Chertorivski told Mexican newspaper Reforma. “None of those three parameters were achieved.”“There are three fundamental variables: a reduction in the last 14 days in the numbers of contagions, reduction in recent days in the number of deaths, and reduction in the number of hospitalised people,” Chertorivski told Mexican newspaper Reforma. “None of those three parameters were achieved.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Sunday that his country had brought coronavirus under control and that it was time to focus on restarting the economy.Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Sunday that his country had brought coronavirus under control and that it was time to focus on restarting the economy.
“We have successfully dealt with the coronavirus, which today is under control in Jordan,” he said during a meeting with prominent Jordanians. “But like every country in the world we have paid an economic price, and the time has come to focus … on the economic situation,” a palace statement quoted him as saying.“We have successfully dealt with the coronavirus, which today is under control in Jordan,” he said during a meeting with prominent Jordanians. “But like every country in the world we have paid an economic price, and the time has come to focus … on the economic situation,” a palace statement quoted him as saying.
The desert kingdom, which has recorded 1,179 cases of the virus including 10 deaths, imposed a tough curfew enforced with drones to curb the spread of Covid-19, before easing policies in early June.The desert kingdom, which has recorded 1,179 cases of the virus including 10 deaths, imposed a tough curfew enforced with drones to curb the spread of Covid-19, before easing policies in early June.
King Abdullah said Jordan would “come out stronger [from the crisis] compared to other countries in the region,” AFP reports.King Abdullah said Jordan would “come out stronger [from the crisis] compared to other countries in the region,” AFP reports.
Health authorities have almost daily been reporting new cases among Jordanians and foreigners entering the country.Health authorities have almost daily been reporting new cases among Jordanians and foreigners entering the country.
They have also maintained social distancing measures, made face masks compulsory in most public places and required newly arrived travellers to wear electronic bracelets to ensure that they observe quarantine.They have also maintained social distancing measures, made face masks compulsory in most public places and required newly arrived travellers to wear electronic bracelets to ensure that they observe quarantine.
Before the coronavirus struck, Jordan hosted 5 million tourists a year, including at famous sites like Petra and Wadi Rum, bringing in $5bn last year.Before the coronavirus struck, Jordan hosted 5 million tourists a year, including at famous sites like Petra and Wadi Rum, bringing in $5bn last year.
But the vital sector, which employed 100,000 people, has been battered by the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown restrictions.But the vital sector, which employed 100,000 people, has been battered by the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown restrictions.
King Abdullah acknowledged the impact of the crisis but said any decision to reopen would need to be “closely examined”.King Abdullah acknowledged the impact of the crisis but said any decision to reopen would need to be “closely examined”.
The kingdom said last month it would start welcoming overseas visitors at its private hospitals, after a months-long pause.The kingdom said last month it would start welcoming overseas visitors at its private hospitals, after a months-long pause.
Around quarter of a million people used to visit Jordan annually for medical treatment, bringing in $1.5bn a year, before the pandemic broke out.Around quarter of a million people used to visit Jordan annually for medical treatment, bringing in $1.5bn a year, before the pandemic broke out.
Unemployment in Jordan hit 19.3% during the first quarter of 2020.Unemployment in Jordan hit 19.3% during the first quarter of 2020.
The government of Spain’s Catalonia region on Sunday ordered residents in and around the north-eastern city of Lleida to go back into home confinement as cases of coronavirus rose.The government of Spain’s Catalonia region on Sunday ordered residents in and around the north-eastern city of Lleida to go back into home confinement as cases of coronavirus rose.
“The people must stay at home,” Alba Verges, a regional health official, told a news conference.“The people must stay at home,” Alba Verges, a regional health official, told a news conference.
The area, with a population of more than 200,000, had already been ordered isolated from the rest of the region last weekend.The area, with a population of more than 200,000, had already been ordered isolated from the rest of the region last weekend.
It marks the first time Spaniards have been confined to their homes since the country exited confinement on 21 June.It marks the first time Spaniards have been confined to their homes since the country exited confinement on 21 June.
The move reimposes the strict conditions of the first confinement, which began in mid-March, allowing people in the affected area to leave their homes only to go to work, get medical treatment or purchase food and other necessities.The move reimposes the strict conditions of the first confinement, which began in mid-March, allowing people in the affected area to leave their homes only to go to work, get medical treatment or purchase food and other necessities.
Gatherings of more than 10 people were also banned in and around Lleida.Gatherings of more than 10 people were also banned in and around Lleida.
Europe, still the most affected continent with 202,399 deaths from 2,828,270 cases, has seen a drastic drop in its daily number of new infections.Europe, still the most affected continent with 202,399 deaths from 2,828,270 cases, has seen a drastic drop in its daily number of new infections.
However, more than 70 new coronavirus clusters have now been identified in Spain, with the area around Lleida concerning the authorities the most.However, more than 70 new coronavirus clusters have now been identified in Spain, with the area around Lleida concerning the authorities the most.
The authorities have said the fresh outbreaks are linked to the movement of seasonal agricultural workers, who travelled to northern Spain to work on the fruit harvest.The authorities have said the fresh outbreaks are linked to the movement of seasonal agricultural workers, who travelled to northern Spain to work on the fruit harvest.
In Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, one hospital has recorded a jump in cases from 31 to 107 in the last week, according to the town hall.In Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, one hospital has recorded a jump in cases from 31 to 107 in the last week, according to the town hall.
Other clusters have been identified in the north-west regions of Galicia and the Basque country, were the country’s first regional elections since the onset of the pandemic were held on Sunday.Other clusters have been identified in the north-west regions of Galicia and the Basque country, were the country’s first regional elections since the onset of the pandemic were held on Sunday.
In Spain, mask-wearing is compulsory in closed public spaces as well as outside when it is not possible to maintain a social distance of one and a half metres.In Spain, mask-wearing is compulsory in closed public spaces as well as outside when it is not possible to maintain a social distance of one and a half metres.
But Catalonia strengthened its rules on Thursday, ordering masks to be worn even when the safety distance can be respected.But Catalonia strengthened its rules on Thursday, ordering masks to be worn even when the safety distance can be respected.
The Balearic archipelago will also strengthen its rules on the wearing of masks from Monday and other regions such as Andalusia and Aragon plan to follow suit.The Balearic archipelago will also strengthen its rules on the wearing of masks from Monday and other regions such as Andalusia and Aragon plan to follow suit.
However, in the tourism hotspots of Catalonia and the Balearic islands, swimmers, sunbathers and people taking part in sport are exempt from wearing a mask, AFP reports.However, in the tourism hotspots of Catalonia and the Balearic islands, swimmers, sunbathers and people taking part in sport are exempt from wearing a mask, AFP reports.
A team of researchers from King’s College London has found that people who have recovered from Covid-19 may lose their immunity to the disease within months, according to research suggesting the virus could reinfect people year after year, like common colds.A team of researchers from King’s College London has found that people who have recovered from Covid-19 may lose their immunity to the disease within months, according to research suggesting the virus could reinfect people year after year, like common colds.
My colleague Ian Sample reports.My colleague Ian Sample reports.
In more night economy news, workers in French nightclubs and discos on Sunday protested in Paris to urge the government to allow their dance floors to get moving again, saying closure as a coronavirus precaution risks putting many out of business.
While much of life in France has now returned to a semblance of normality after the virus lockdown, the government is insisting that nightclubs and discos must stay closed for now.
Some 200 employees of the sector protested outside the health ministry in central Paris brandishing slogans like “all for the night” and “save the world of the night”.
Matthieu Lebrun, a spokesman for disco operators from Normandy, told AFP that half of France’s 1,600 nightclubs and discos risked disappearing if reopening was not allowed before September.
“We need a precise date,” he said, adding that nightclubs were ready to follow strict health conditions including requiring masks and social distancing.
Industry professionals argue it would be far better to let nightclubs reopen under strict regulation than letting people indulge in the unregulated outdoor parties with little social distancing that have been reported across France in recent days.
The government has said, however, that experience in other countries shows that nightclubs may be hubs for the transmission of infection.
Nightclubs and discos in Bulgaria will be allowed to reopen, the health ministry announced on Sunday, just three days after ordering all inside bars shut and despite a continuing rise in coronavirus cases in the country.
A health ministry order said that starting Monday all discos, piano bars, nightclubs and bars can reopen provided that they let in no more than one person per square metre in their inside and open-air spaces, AFP reports.
The venues were ordered shut on Thursday after a surge in infections with the novel coronavirus, with open-air places allowed to operate at half their usual capacity.
The ministry also lifted on Sunday a limit of 30 attendees at weddings, baptisms and school leavers’ celebrations held both outside and inside, provided that people keep a distance of 1.5 metres and observe strict disinfection rules.
Until recently, Bulgaria had weathered the coronavirus pandemic well, but easing lockdown measures before most other European countries and disregard for distancing measures and the wearing of masks, even if they are still obligatory inside, led to a surge in infections over the past several weeks.
From an average of about 30 new infections a day in early June, the country registered a record of 330 new infections on Friday, followed by 292 on Saturday and 211 on Sunday.
The total number of infections reached 7,175 on Sunday, including 267 deaths and 3,311 recovered.
Health officials meanwhile sounded the alarm over a rising number of patients needing hospital treatment and intensive care, and the risk of the virus spreading faster amid a wave of snowballing anti-government street protests in the capital, Sofia, this week that gathered thousands.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday, with the total rising by 230,370 in 24 hours.
The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report. The previous WHO record for new cases was 228,102 on 10 July.
Global deaths remain steady at about 5,000 a day.
Global coronavirus cases were approaching 13 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally. The disease has killed more than 565,000 people in seven months.
Lebanon has recorded a new infection high, as the health ministry said a total of 166 new cases had been confirmed in the last 24 hours.
A Lebanese waste management company is quarantining 133 Syrian workers who tested positive for the coronavirus, the company manager said on Sunday.
Lebanon has recorded more than 2,000 infections and 36 deaths from the coronavirus since February.
“The number will remain high this week,” health minister Hamad Hassan said.
“To reassure people, the source is known,” he added in comments to broadcaster LBC.
Most of the new cases were at what he described as “a big cleaning company”, an apparent reference to waste management firm Ramco, which collects garbage across Lebanon.
Ramco said it was moving infected workers to quarantine.
“We are separating those who are infected from those who aren’t ... we are waiting for more results,” a Ramco manager, Walid BouSaad, told Reuters.
Hassan said 800 workers from the company in question needed testing, along with another 1,000 workers from two other companies with whom they were connected.
The United Kingdom’s death toll from confirmed cases of Covid-19 rose to 44,819, up 21 on the previous day, the government said on Sunday.
Bereaved relatives will start giving evidence in the so far only independent UK inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis on Monday, amid growing calls for a full independent investigation.
Families of those who have died will give their submissions in writing, via video call, or will arrange to do so in person to the new all-party parliamentary group for coronavirus, led by a cross-party group of MPs, my colleague Kate Proctor reports.
Coronavirus cases in the US state of Arizona rose by 2,537 to 122,467 in total on Sunday, marking the first increase below 3,000 new cases in over a week.
Covid-19 hospitalisations in Arizona have fallen to 3,432 as of Saturday, down from Friday’s record high of 3,485, according to the state health department.
But 89% of adult intensive care unit (ICU) beds are still in use in the state as of Saturday, unchanged from the previous day.
Governor Doug Ducey urged citizens on Twitter to keep respecting social distancing rules.
“Wear a mask. Stay physically distant. And remember you are safer at home,” he wrote.
The Naval Forces Central in Lapu-Lapu City in the Philippines is currently under lockdown after 77 of its personnel were confirmed to have caught the coronavirus disease, CNN Philippines reports.
The lockdown was implemented on 4 July and will be in effect until 14 July, according to the acting director of the naval public affairs office, Maria Christina Roxas.
Roxas said the 77 were among the 498 personnel who were tested for the virus through swab testing. She also noted that the majority of those infected were frontliners who were deployed in different quarantine checkpoints.
“The Philippine Navy through Naval Forces Central ensures that the camp will strictly implement the safety and health protocol within the camp,” she said.
Lapu-Lapu City, with a population of about half a million people, is in the Central Visayas region, which has the second highest number of Covid-19 cases nationwide, next to Metro Manila.
As of 12 July, the city logged 1,251 confirmed cases of the disease, with 309 recoveries and 31 deaths, based on data from the department of health regional office.
Central Visayas currently has 12,114 confirmed infections, around 22 percent of the national case count, which stands at over 54,000 as of 11 July in the country of more than 100 million people.
President Rodrigo Duterte imposed the world’s longest coronavirus lockdown on 15 March.
The US state of Florida has registered another grim record, reporting that new infections have risen by 15,300 in the 24 hours to Sunday to a total of 269,811.
This is the biggest daily increase in recorded coronavirus cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the state health department.
If Florida were a country, it would rank fourth in the world for the most new cases a day, behind the rest of the US, Brazil and India.
Its daily increases have already surpassed the highest daily tally reported by any European country during the height of the pandemic there, Reuters reports.
Florida has also broken New York state’s record of 12,847 new cases on 10 April when it was the centre of the US outbreak.
To combat the outbreak, the Republican governor Ron DeSantis has ordered bars to close but he has resisted calls for a statewide mandate to wear masks in public.
As we reported yesterday, DeSantis is pushing for the reopening of schools despite surging infections.
Popular with both American and international tourists, Florida is home to beach resorts and theme parks including Disney World, which reopened on Saturday.
Hello, I’m taking over for the next few hours. As ever, any relevant updates you might want to share with me are greatly appreciated, you can get me on Twitter @JedySays or via email.
I’m going to be handing the blog over to my colleague Jedidajah, who’ll be taking over the blog as I try to catch the last of the lovely sun we’re having in London today.
Thank you all for reading alone, especially to those who sent in tips and pointers. I hope you’re all safe and well and enjoy the rest of your day.