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Coronavirus live news: deaths in Latin America pass US and Canada; 250,000 in Manila to return to lockdown Coronavirus live news: deaths in Latin America pass US and Canada; 250,000 in Manila to return to lockdown
(32 minutes later)
Cases rise by over 230,000 worldwide in 24 hours; Florida cases increase by record total for a US state; Brazil cases near 2mCases rise by over 230,000 worldwide in 24 hours; Florida cases increase by record total for a US state; Brazil cases near 2m
A new Reuters tally finds that the total number of infections around the world now stands at 13m, with about 570,000 dead.
The figures are based on official government reports. The story notes a few other significant points:
The disease is accelerating the fastest in Latin America. The Americas account for more than half the world’s infections and half the deaths.
Parts of the world, especially the United States with more than 3.3 million confirmed cases, are seeing huge increases in a first wave of COVID-19 infections while others “flatten the curve” and ease lockdowns.
The first case was reported in China in early January and it took three months to reach one million cases. It has taken just five days to climb to 13 million cases from 12 million recorded on July 8.
In countries with limited testing capacity, case numbers reflect only a proportion of total infections. Experts say official data likely under-represents both infections and deaths.
Reuters have produced an interesting, if cheerless, set of graphics showing the pace of the spread and how it’s varied around the world. You can see them here.
A quick note to say that an earlier post which said that the death toll in Latin America has gone past that of the US and Canada has been edited to clarify that the great majority of the two North American countries combined death toll is in the US.
You can see that amended post here.
Only 12 of almost 2,000 schoolchildren and teachers tested in the German state of Saxony have shown antibodies to Covid-19, a study has found.
The research by the University hospital in Dresden, reported on Reuters, will add to the debate as how big a role schools play in spreading the virus.
Germany began reopening schools in May. Debate continues as to the role children may play in spreading the virus to vulnerable adults at home as well as to older teachers and school staff.
University hospital analysed blood samples from almost 1,500 children aged between 14 and 18 and 500 teachers from 13 schools in Dresden and the districts of Bautzen and Goerlitz in May and June.Of the almost 2,000 samples, only 12 had antibodies, said Reinhard Berner from University hospital, adding the first results gave no evidence that schoolchildren play a role in spreading the virus particularly quickly.
“Children may even act as a brake on infection,” Berner told a news conference, saying infections in schools had not led to an outbreak, while the spread of the virus within households was also less dynamic than previously thought.
Saxony’s education minister, Christian Piwarz, said the study showed schools in the state could reopen as normal following the summer vacation at the end of August with some conditions, such as mask-wearing and social distancing where possible.
In the US, an unpublished Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document has reportedly warned that fully reopening schools and universities remains the “highest risk” for the spread of the coronavirus.
In England, the government’s scientific advisers have warned that fully reopening schools without substantial improvements in the performance of the test-and-trace system could risk sparking a resurgence of cases of Covid-19.
From today it is mandatory to use face coverings on public transport in Ireland, with breaches punishable by fines of up to €2,500 and six months in prison.From today it is mandatory to use face coverings on public transport in Ireland, with breaches punishable by fines of up to €2,500 and six months in prison.
Ireland has largely suppressed community transmission of Covid-19 but authorities fear a resurgence as the country emerges from lockdown.Ireland has largely suppressed community transmission of Covid-19 but authorities fear a resurgence as the country emerges from lockdown.
Most bus, train and tram companies reported compliance rates ranging from 80% to 95%, though Go Ahead Ireland reported a lower rate of 60 - 70% on its city bus services. Most bus, train and tram companies reported compliance rates ranging from 80% to 95%, though Go Ahead Ireland reported a lower rate of 60-70% on its city bus services.
Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday that the financial hub will reimpose social distancing measures after a sudden spike in coronavirus infections.Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday that the financial hub will reimpose social distancing measures after a sudden spike in coronavirus infections.
They new rules will ban more than four people from gathering in public, shutter some businesses and restricting restaurants from catering to evening diners. AFP reports:They new rules will ban more than four people from gathering in public, shutter some businesses and restricting restaurants from catering to evening diners. AFP reports:
Here’s the South China Morning Post’s version of the story, which notes disagreements among local epidemiologists about how best to contain a new wave of infections. Some doubt that the more stringent measures will be sustainable in the long run, the paper says.Here’s the South China Morning Post’s version of the story, which notes disagreements among local epidemiologists about how best to contain a new wave of infections. Some doubt that the more stringent measures will be sustainable in the long run, the paper says.
Greece has announced it will be intensifying measures to keep coronavirus infections in check after an alarming spike in confirmed cases. Among a number of steps highlighted by the government on Monday was the decision to reduce the timeframe in which travellers will be required to complete passenger locator forms (PLFs) before entering the country.Greece has announced it will be intensifying measures to keep coronavirus infections in check after an alarming spike in confirmed cases. Among a number of steps highlighted by the government on Monday was the decision to reduce the timeframe in which travellers will be required to complete passenger locator forms (PLFs) before entering the country.
Addressing reporters ahead of direct flights being resumed from the UK on Wednesday, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said the form would have to be submitted 24 hours prior to check in and not 48 hours as had previously been the case.Addressing reporters ahead of direct flights being resumed from the UK on Wednesday, government spokesman Stelios Petsas said the form would have to be submitted 24 hours prior to check in and not 48 hours as had previously been the case.
Greek health authorities have been applying algorithmic software to the electronic forms in a bid to detect people most at risk of carrying the virus. The new timeframe is aimed at improving the validity and freshness of data cited on the forms.Greek health authorities have been applying algorithmic software to the electronic forms in a bid to detect people most at risk of carrying the virus. The new timeframe is aimed at improving the validity and freshness of data cited on the forms.
The abrupt rise in confirmed coronavirus cases – both “imported” by travellers entering the country and of unknown provenance domestically – has alarmed authorities in a country that until now had won plaudits for its successful handling of the pandemic.The abrupt rise in confirmed coronavirus cases – both “imported” by travellers entering the country and of unknown provenance domestically – has alarmed authorities in a country that until now had won plaudits for its successful handling of the pandemic.
To date, Greece has registered 3,803 cases and 193 Covid-19-related deaths. But since loosening restrictions on movement in early May and reopening borders on 1 July, infection rates have increased noticeably with some experts expressing the fear that the country could be in the midst of a “second wave”.To date, Greece has registered 3,803 cases and 193 Covid-19-related deaths. But since loosening restrictions on movement in early May and reopening borders on 1 July, infection rates have increased noticeably with some experts expressing the fear that the country could be in the midst of a “second wave”.
Petsas said “inspections of the application of health protocols across Greece” will also be stepped up. Since Thursday last, he noted, 590 inspections [of bars and restaurants] had taken place nationwide, resulting in 87 fines worth €51,000. “We ought to be aware that it would be wrong to become victims of our success,” he told reporters.Petsas said “inspections of the application of health protocols across Greece” will also be stepped up. Since Thursday last, he noted, 590 inspections [of bars and restaurants] had taken place nationwide, resulting in 87 fines worth €51,000. “We ought to be aware that it would be wrong to become victims of our success,” he told reporters.
While epidemiologists have voiced anxiety over the number of “asymptomatic” cases among visitors, there is also mounting concern over lax observation of social distancing measures by Greeks, with Petsas saying the government is considering banning religious festivals that see hundreds gather in villages and islands nationwide.While epidemiologists have voiced anxiety over the number of “asymptomatic” cases among visitors, there is also mounting concern over lax observation of social distancing measures by Greeks, with Petsas saying the government is considering banning religious festivals that see hundreds gather in villages and islands nationwide.
Authorities will also be intensifying tests at the country’s northern border crossings following a surge in infection rates in neighbouring Balkan states, a prime source of tourism for resorts in northern Greece.Authorities will also be intensifying tests at the country’s northern border crossings following a surge in infection rates in neighbouring Balkan states, a prime source of tourism for resorts in northern Greece.
Here’s your potted guide to recent events:Here’s your potted guide to recent events:
The death toll in Latin America has reached 144,758, taking it past that in the US and Canada, and leaving the region second only to Europe.The death toll in Latin America has reached 144,758, taking it past that in the US and Canada, and leaving the region second only to Europe.
British prime minister Boris Johnson has urged the public in England to wear masks in shops as an “extra insurance policy” against the coronavirusBritish prime minister Boris Johnson has urged the public in England to wear masks in shops as an “extra insurance policy” against the coronavirus
About 250,000 people in Manila will return to lockdown in an attempt to stall the infection rate there. The Philippines has the second highest number of infections in south-east Asia.About 250,000 people in Manila will return to lockdown in an attempt to stall the infection rate there. The Philippines has the second highest number of infections in south-east Asia.
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said on Monday the Olympic Games must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming coronavirus.Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said on Monday the Olympic Games must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming coronavirus.
Turkmenistan has recommended residents wear masks because of “dust” even as the government insists the country is Covid-19-free. Turkmenistan is one of a handful of countries yet to declare coronavirus casesTurkmenistan has recommended residents wear masks because of “dust” even as the government insists the country is Covid-19-free. Turkmenistan is one of a handful of countries yet to declare coronavirus cases
A 30-year-old patient died after attending a “Covid party”, believing the virus to be a hoax, a Texas medical official has said.A 30-year-old patient died after attending a “Covid party”, believing the virus to be a hoax, a Texas medical official has said.
Ten million kids ‘may never return to school’ after the pandemic, Save the Children warned. The coronavirus pandemic has caused an “unprecedented education emergency” with up to 9.7 million children affected by school closures at risk of never going back to class, the charity said.Ten million kids ‘may never return to school’ after the pandemic, Save the Children warned. The coronavirus pandemic has caused an “unprecedented education emergency” with up to 9.7 million children affected by school closures at risk of never going back to class, the charity said.
A group of 84 of the world’s richest people have called on governments to permanently increase taxes on them and other members of the wealthy elite to help pay for the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.A group of 84 of the world’s richest people have called on governments to permanently increase taxes on them and other members of the wealthy elite to help pay for the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.
Premier League football supporters reduced to watching matches on TV with fake crowd noise may look enviously at sumo lovers in Japan from this weekend, when the sport’s association will let fans attend an arena event for the first time since coronavirus began.Premier League football supporters reduced to watching matches on TV with fake crowd noise may look enviously at sumo lovers in Japan from this weekend, when the sport’s association will let fans attend an arena event for the first time since coronavirus began.
The association had originally planned to organise the upcoming tournament without spectators but has decided to admit fans “by thoroughly taking measures to prevent infections inside the facility,” AFP reports.The association had originally planned to organise the upcoming tournament without spectators but has decided to admit fans “by thoroughly taking measures to prevent infections inside the facility,” AFP reports.
Like all high-level sport, sumo takes on a slightly surreal atmosphere in the absence of fans, photos like this one suggest.Like all high-level sport, sumo takes on a slightly surreal atmosphere in the absence of fans, photos like this one suggest.
Reuters reports two experimental vaccines being rushed into the next stage of development in the US:Reuters reports two experimental vaccines being rushed into the next stage of development in the US:
While many hopes remain pinned on a vaccine, there have been a number of setbacks to even the most promising attempts. Yesterday, Prof Robin Shattock, of Imperial College in London, cautioned that there was “no certainty” that any of the vaccines in development would work.While many hopes remain pinned on a vaccine, there have been a number of setbacks to even the most promising attempts. Yesterday, Prof Robin Shattock, of Imperial College in London, cautioned that there was “no certainty” that any of the vaccines in development would work.
Here’s a useful explainer on the prospects of a vaccine by our science editor, Ian Sample, from last month:Here’s a useful explainer on the prospects of a vaccine by our science editor, Ian Sample, from last month:
With the number of cases surging in Latin America, the continent on Monday had officially declared a total of 144,758 deaths, passing the 144,023 recorded in the US and Canada. The region stands second only to Europe, where 202,505 people have died.With the number of cases surging in Latin America, the continent on Monday had officially declared a total of 144,758 deaths, passing the 144,023 recorded in the US and Canada. The region stands second only to Europe, where 202,505 people have died.
(As a couple of readers have pointed out, it’s worth noting that 135,171 of those 144,023 deaths have been in the US, which has seen a much heavier toll than Canada so far.)
Boris Johnson has urged the public in England to wear masks in shops as an “extra insurance policy” against the coronavirus, and said the government would issue fresh guidance on the issue this week.Boris Johnson has urged the public in England to wear masks in shops as an “extra insurance policy” against the coronavirus, and said the government would issue fresh guidance on the issue this week.
The prime minister said the evidence “has been growing” on the effectiveness of wearing masks in public spaces, after coming under pressure to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory in England in line with the more stringent guidance in Scotland.The prime minister said the evidence “has been growing” on the effectiveness of wearing masks in public spaces, after coming under pressure to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory in England in line with the more stringent guidance in Scotland.
He told Sky News the government would be looking at the scientific evidence and “saying more in the next few days”.He told Sky News the government would be looking at the scientific evidence and “saying more in the next few days”.
“The scientific evidence of face coverings, and the importance of stopping aerosol droplets; that’s been growing,” Johhnson said. “So I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering.”“The scientific evidence of face coverings, and the importance of stopping aerosol droplets; that’s been growing,” Johhnson said. “So I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering.”
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
If, like me, you’re an asthmatic making slightly less regular use of your ventolin than you were before the arrival of coronavirus, you may be interested by Menna A Farouk’s report from Cairo, where Egypt’s government is proposing to maintain sharp improvements in air quality by permanently banning late-night shopping and dining.If, like me, you’re an asthmatic making slightly less regular use of your ventolin than you were before the arrival of coronavirus, you may be interested by Menna A Farouk’s report from Cairo, where Egypt’s government is proposing to maintain sharp improvements in air quality by permanently banning late-night shopping and dining.
Farouk’s report for the Thomson Reuters foundation notes:Farouk’s report for the Thomson Reuters foundation notes:
You can read that report in full here.You can read that report in full here.
There have been just 11 recorded coronavirus deaths in Sri Lanka – but one week after schools in the country reopened, they were ordered to close again on Monday after a surge in new cases. The education ministry said the situation would be reviewed next week.There have been just 11 recorded coronavirus deaths in Sri Lanka – but one week after schools in the country reopened, they were ordered to close again on Monday after a surge in new cases. The education ministry said the situation would be reviewed next week.
The country has reported 2,617 cases, AFP reports, but army chief Shavendra Silva said nearly half the 1,100 residents and staff at a drug rehab facility near the capital had tested positive in the past week, and some visitors may also have been infected.The country has reported 2,617 cases, AFP reports, but army chief Shavendra Silva said nearly half the 1,100 residents and staff at a drug rehab facility near the capital had tested positive in the past week, and some visitors may also have been infected.
Sri Lanka’s ruling party on Sunday called off its rallies ahead of next month’s parliamentary elections and postponed the reopening of the international airport, which was planned for early August. It also suspended a repatriation programme that has brought 12,000 Sri Lankans home from overseas.Sri Lanka’s ruling party on Sunday called off its rallies ahead of next month’s parliamentary elections and postponed the reopening of the international airport, which was planned for early August. It also suspended a repatriation programme that has brought 12,000 Sri Lankans home from overseas.
Hi, this is Archie Bland taking over for the rest of the day. Earlier we reported that a single-day record of 162 new deaths had been reported in the Philippines; now AFP says that an official in Manila has said that about 250,000 will return to lockdown in an attempt to stall the infection rate. From AFP’s story:Hi, this is Archie Bland taking over for the rest of the day. Earlier we reported that a single-day record of 162 new deaths had been reported in the Philippines; now AFP says that an official in Manila has said that about 250,000 will return to lockdown in an attempt to stall the infection rate. From AFP’s story:
The order is expected to take effect on Wednesday or Thursday. The Philippines has the second highest number of infections in Southeast Asia, with more than 57,000 cases and 1,599 deaths.The order is expected to take effect on Wednesday or Thursday. The Philippines has the second highest number of infections in Southeast Asia, with more than 57,000 cases and 1,599 deaths.
That’s all from me Caroline Davies. Thank you for your time .That’s all from me Caroline Davies. Thank you for your time .
Children wearing face masks in Beijing, China, where only a handful of new cases of the virus have been reported, all of them brought in from outside the country.Children wearing face masks in Beijing, China, where only a handful of new cases of the virus have been reported, all of them brought in from outside the country.
You can find the Coronavirus UK map, on the latest deaths and confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK here.You can find the Coronavirus UK map, on the latest deaths and confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK here.
Islamic religious students wearing face masks and socially distanced attend their final examinations in Karachi, Pakistan.Islamic religious students wearing face masks and socially distanced attend their final examinations in Karachi, Pakistan.
The UK’s National Trust charity has reopened a small number of its houses to visitors for the first time since they all closed due to lockdown.The UK’s National Trust charity has reopened a small number of its houses to visitors for the first time since they all closed due to lockdown.
By the end of the week, a total of seven properties will be open in England and Northern Ireland. All visitors - including members - must book their day out in advance to restrict numbers and ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, the charity said.By the end of the week, a total of seven properties will be open in England and Northern Ireland. All visitors - including members - must book their day out in advance to restrict numbers and ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, the charity said.
Today, Barrington Court in Somerset, Kingston Lacy in Dorset, Lyme in Cheshire, Oxburgh in Norfolk and Petworth in West Sussex all reopened.Today, Barrington Court in Somerset, Kingston Lacy in Dorset, Lyme in Cheshire, Oxburgh in Norfolk and Petworth in West Sussex all reopened.
The Argory in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, will welcome visitors from Wednesday and Packwood in Warwickshire will follow on Friday. Limited tickets for the following week will go on sale every Friday, according to the charity’s website.The Argory in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, will welcome visitors from Wednesday and Packwood in Warwickshire will follow on Friday. Limited tickets for the following week will go on sale every Friday, according to the charity’s website.
More than 130 gardens and parklands have been gradually opened by National Trust since last month.More than 130 gardens and parklands have been gradually opened by National Trust since last month.
The facilities were originally shut in March as the government implemented strict social distancing measures to control the spread of Covid-19.The facilities were originally shut in March as the government implemented strict social distancing measures to control the spread of Covid-19.