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Coronavirus live: 'no return to normal for foreseeable future,' says WHO; Latin America deaths pass US and Canada Coronavirus live: 'no return to normal for foreseeable future,' says WHO; Latin America deaths pass US and Canada
(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
Here’s a video of WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s press conference earlier today. Tedros said there would be no return to the old normal ‘for the foreseeable future’, adding: ‘there are no short cuts out of this pandemic’.
In France, the government and unions have just signed an agreement committing more than €8bn in pay rises for health workers, with prime minister Jean Castex saying: “This is first of all recognition of those who have been on the front line in the fight against this epidemic”.In France, the government and unions have just signed an agreement committing more than €8bn in pay rises for health workers, with prime minister Jean Castex saying: “This is first of all recognition of those who have been on the front line in the fight against this epidemic”.
AFP reported that the bulk of the package was made up of €7.5bn for pay rises for nurses and careworkers. another €450m will go to doctors who work solely in the public sector, the aim being to incentivise them to move from more lucrative private sector work.AFP reported that the bulk of the package was made up of €7.5bn for pay rises for nurses and careworkers. another €450m will go to doctors who work solely in the public sector, the aim being to incentivise them to move from more lucrative private sector work.
Castex said that “each and every one - including perhaps myself - has their share of responsibility” for delays to the deal.Castex said that “each and every one - including perhaps myself - has their share of responsibility” for delays to the deal.
Some hardline unions did not sign the agreements, which AFP called “an indication that tensions over the issue may not be over.”Some hardline unions did not sign the agreements, which AFP called “an indication that tensions over the issue may not be over.”
A new UN report published on Monday says that the number of people going hungry around the world grew by 10m last year - and warns that coronavirus could mean that 130m more join them in 2020.A new UN report published on Monday says that the number of people going hungry around the world grew by 10m last year - and warns that coronavirus could mean that 130m more join them in 2020.
An Associated Press write-up of the document says that “preliminary projections based on available global economic outlooks suggest the pandemic may add an additional 83 (million) to 132 million people to the ranks of the undernourished in 2020”.An Associated Press write-up of the document says that “preliminary projections based on available global economic outlooks suggest the pandemic may add an additional 83 (million) to 132 million people to the ranks of the undernourished in 2020”.
It adds that “after steadily declining for decades, chronic hunger slowly began to rise in 2014 and continues to do so”.It adds that “after steadily declining for decades, chronic hunger slowly began to rise in 2014 and continues to do so”.
The AP story continues:The AP story continues:
Michael Ryan’s forceful remarks that a return to school must be based on the local picture and whether there is broader risk of transmission in a community stands in contrast to US education secretary Betsy DeVos’ remarks on Sunday, as reported by my colleague Lauren Aratani in New York:Michael Ryan’s forceful remarks that a return to school must be based on the local picture and whether there is broader risk of transmission in a community stands in contrast to US education secretary Betsy DeVos’ remarks on Sunday, as reported by my colleague Lauren Aratani in New York:
DeVos did also say that hotspots should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis - but she added: “the rule should be that kids go back to school this fall”.DeVos did also say that hotspots should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis - but she added: “the rule should be that kids go back to school this fall”.
Here’s the story.Here’s the story.
Van Kerkhove says she wants to focus on individuals’ responsibility. “Please make good choices,” she says. “There are many people, essential workers, who cannot stay at home. And if you can … please stay home.”Van Kerkhove says she wants to focus on individuals’ responsibility. “Please make good choices,” she says. “There are many people, essential workers, who cannot stay at home. And if you can … please stay home.”
She urges the wearing of masks, physical distancing, handwashing, and talking to children about sensible precautions. “This is far from over, so we all have to play our part,” she says.She urges the wearing of masks, physical distancing, handwashing, and talking to children about sensible precautions. “This is far from over, so we all have to play our part,” she says.
That’s the final question and the press conference will shortly wind up.That’s the final question and the press conference will shortly wind up.
Tedros has now left the press conference, leaving Ryan and Van Kerkhove to answer the large question of what’s gone wrong in the Americas.Tedros has now left the press conference, leaving Ryan and Van Kerkhove to answer the large question of what’s gone wrong in the Americas.
Ryan says: “Reopenings have led to more intense transmission and now a number of countries face a scenario where there’s increasing and sometimes exponential transmission, not necessarily with the option of new lockdowns because of the economic damage and community acceptance.”Ryan says: “Reopenings have led to more intense transmission and now a number of countries face a scenario where there’s increasing and sometimes exponential transmission, not necessarily with the option of new lockdowns because of the economic damage and community acceptance.”
He calls on governments and individuals not to carry on as normal, saying: “This is the issue, turn and face the fire, turn and face the problem. It’s going to require a huge commitment on behalf of government and individuals.”He calls on governments and individuals not to carry on as normal, saying: “This is the issue, turn and face the fire, turn and face the problem. It’s going to require a huge commitment on behalf of government and individuals.”
“If people continue to frequent crowded places without taking the necessary precautions... the disease will continue to transmit,” he says. But he adds that governments must be clear and consistent and make it easy for citizens to comply.“If people continue to frequent crowded places without taking the necessary precautions... the disease will continue to transmit,” he says. But he adds that governments must be clear and consistent and make it easy for citizens to comply.
He adds: “I can’t say this strongly enough: the countries that have put in place strong public health surveillance architecture during lockdowns... are having relative success in continuing to suppress the virus.”He adds: “I can’t say this strongly enough: the countries that have put in place strong public health surveillance architecture during lockdowns... are having relative success in continuing to suppress the virus.”
And he says that “believing that magically we will get a perfect vaccine that everyone has access to is not realistic” and questions whether even if a vaccine becomes available it will be fairly available to all.And he says that “believing that magically we will get a perfect vaccine that everyone has access to is not realistic” and questions whether even if a vaccine becomes available it will be fairly available to all.
Once again he emphasises clear and strong government leadership - a theme of the press conference.Once again he emphasises clear and strong government leadership - a theme of the press conference.
Dr Michael Ryan, executive director, says there is an issue around how schools can be reopened safely but the best way is to do so in a situation of low community transmission. He adds: “we can’t turn schools into yet another political football in this game... we have to look at this carefully in the light of transmission in any given setting.”Dr Michael Ryan, executive director, says there is an issue around how schools can be reopened safely but the best way is to do so in a situation of low community transmission. He adds: “we can’t turn schools into yet another political football in this game... we have to look at this carefully in the light of transmission in any given setting.”
He sounds frustrated by the nature of some of the debate around the question of school reopening as he implies that it would be foolish for the WHO to set out a hard-and-fast rule for the whole world to follow. “[Decisions] must be based on data in the specific setting in which schools are,” he says. “My fear in this is that we create these political footballs that get kicked around the place.”He sounds frustrated by the nature of some of the debate around the question of school reopening as he implies that it would be foolish for the WHO to set out a hard-and-fast rule for the whole world to follow. “[Decisions] must be based on data in the specific setting in which schools are,” he says. “My fear in this is that we create these political footballs that get kicked around the place.”
In response to a question about child-to-child transmission and school reopening, and whether there is any update to the WHO position, Van Kerkhove says that some studies are currently underway or coming out as pre-print (not yet peer reviewed) papers which shed light on the question.In response to a question about child-to-child transmission and school reopening, and whether there is any update to the WHO position, Van Kerkhove says that some studies are currently underway or coming out as pre-print (not yet peer reviewed) papers which shed light on the question.
She says results depend on how studies break down by age but that “those above 10 seem to have similar seroprevalance [numbers with blood tests showing they have the disease] to young adults, which means that they can be infected but tend to have more mild disease”.She says results depend on how studies break down by age but that “those above 10 seem to have similar seroprevalance [numbers with blood tests showing they have the disease] to young adults, which means that they can be infected but tend to have more mild disease”.
She says that there is still much to understand about infection among children. She concludes without appearing to set out any change in WHO advice: “Children do seem to be less affected, but they can be infected. Our understanding of transmission among children is still limited.”She says that there is still much to understand about infection among children. She concludes without appearing to set out any change in WHO advice: “Children do seem to be less affected, but they can be infected. Our understanding of transmission among children is still limited.”
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead, gives her best wishes to a journalist who recently recovered from the virus.Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead, gives her best wishes to a journalist who recently recovered from the virus.
On the question of immune response to the virus, she says that it is still not know how strong or long the protection from antibodies is. Some early data shows antibody levels “may wane over time”, she says, but adds that more information is needed.On the question of immune response to the virus, she says that it is still not know how strong or long the protection from antibodies is. Some early data shows antibody levels “may wane over time”, she says, but adds that more information is needed.
You can read more on this subject here:You can read more on this subject here:
Now Tedros speaks critically of leaders in countries where “mixed messages” have led to a breakdown in trust. He says that if this approach is taken, matters are going to get “worse and worse”.Now Tedros speaks critically of leaders in countries where “mixed messages” have led to a breakdown in trust. He says that if this approach is taken, matters are going to get “worse and worse”.
He adds: “I know that many leaders are working in difficult circumstances” and uses the example of people living in poverty around the world. “There are no short cuts out of this pandemic,” he adds.He adds: “I know that many leaders are working in difficult circumstances” and uses the example of people living in poverty around the world. “There are no short cuts out of this pandemic,” he adds.
While he has not named specific countries, some will hear a message for Donald Trump in his warning.While he has not named specific countries, some will hear a message for Donald Trump in his warning.
“There will be no return to the old normal for the foreseeable future. But there is a roadmap to a situation where we can control the virus and get on with our lives,” he says. But it will require a focus on reducing transmission, an empowered community, and strong government leadership.“There will be no return to the old normal for the foreseeable future. But there is a roadmap to a situation where we can control the virus and get on with our lives,” he says. But it will require a focus on reducing transmission, an empowered community, and strong government leadership.
“It can be done, it must be done,” he says. “I have said it before and I will keep saying it. No matter where a country is in its epidemic curve, it’s never too late to take decisive action.”“It can be done, it must be done,” he says. “I have said it before and I will keep saying it. No matter where a country is in its epidemic curve, it’s never too late to take decisive action.”
He concludes his remarks and opens the floor to questions.He concludes his remarks and opens the floor to questions.
The World Health Organization is holding its daily briefing on the coronavirus outbreak.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says four situations were playing out around the world. Some countries were “alert and aware” and have avoided significant outbreaks. “Leaders of those countries took command of the emergency … and pursued a comprehensive strategy,” he says.
The second group he defines is countries where a “major outbreak was brought under control” through strong leadership and public adherence.
In these situations leaders are opening up the countries on a data-driven basis, he says.
The third situation are those that overcame the first peak, but are now facing a second wave. “It would appear that many countries are losing gains as proven measures to reduce risk are not followed,” he says.
Finally, there are countries in the “intense transmission phase”, he says. He notes that the epicentre of the virus remains the Americas, but says it’s never too late to bring the virus under control.
A new Reuters tally finds that the total number of infections around the world 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 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 US, with more than 3.3m 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 1m cases. It has taken just five days to climb to 13m cases from 12m recorded on 8 July.
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 has 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 that 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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:
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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: