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Coronavirus live news: England gyms and pools reopen; WHO reports highest one-day global rise Coronavirus live news: England's gyms and pools reopen; WHO reports highest one-day global rise
(32 minutes later)
WHO reports 284,196 new cases; Vietnam reports first case in three months; US records fourth day of 1,000-plus deathsWHO reports 284,196 new cases; Vietnam reports first case in three months; US records fourth day of 1,000-plus deaths
The UK government has urged the public to help speed up the search for a coronavirus vaccine by signing up to participate in clinical studies.
The business secretary, Alok Sharma, appealed for more volunteers to put themselves forward for vaccine trials in a column for the Daily Mail on Saturday.
“We are asking people to register to participate in important clinical studies, helping to speed up the search for a vaccine and to end the pandemic sooner,” he wrote.
“As a government, we are backing every horse in the race to ensure the British public can be vaccinated against this disease as soon as possible.”
Earlier this week, initial trials of a vaccine under development by Oxford university appeared to show their inoculation is safe and triggers an immune response. The result is very promising, but it is still too early to say whether it offers enough protection against the virus.
Sharma said: “Over the past few months, we have been cautiously and gradually reopening our economy, and it is fantastic to see so many shops, pubs, hairdressers, and other businesses taking necessary steps to keep customers and workers safe.
“But we all know that the best way to defeat this disease once and for all, and really get our economy firing on all cylinders again so we can protect and create jobs, is by finding a safe and effective vaccine.”
He added: “Volunteers can play their part by signing up at nhs.uk/researchcontact.
“Every member of the public has a supporting role to play as we await that momentous breakthrough.”
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its acoustics, has reopened for a limited number of open-air performances, and organisers planning a live-streamed event on Saturday for the first time in the Greek monument’s 2,300-year history.
Live concerts and events have been mostly cancelled in Greece this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the culture ministry has allowed the Epidaurus theatre, in the southern Peloponnese, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens to host performances under strict safety guidelines.
Here is a selection of photos of the spectacular Epidaurus theatre as it returned to use this week:
The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Russia has increased by 5,871, according to official figures.The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Russia has increased by 5,871, according to official figures.
Data released by Russia’s coronavirus crisis response centre on Saturday also reveals there have been 146 more deaths from the disease.Data released by Russia’s coronavirus crisis response centre on Saturday also reveals there have been 146 more deaths from the disease.
The nation’s tally of infections now stands at 806,720, and the death toll has reached 13,192.The nation’s tally of infections now stands at 806,720, and the death toll has reached 13,192.
Singapore’s prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced that he may delay his plans to step down as leader within the next two years due to the pandemic. Singapore’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, has announced that he may delay his plans to step down as leader within the next two years due to the pandemic.
The 68-year-old said on Saturday that he may no longer be able to handover to a successor by the time he turns 70, as he had hoped.The 68-year-old said on Saturday that he may no longer be able to handover to a successor by the time he turns 70, as he had hoped.
“I had expressed a hope that I would be able to hand over by the time I celebrate my 70th birthday but I do not determine the path of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Lee, son of Singapore’s modern day founder Lee Kuan Yew. “I had expressed a hope that I would be able to hand over by the time I celebrate my 70th birthday but I do not determine the path of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Lee, son of Singapore’s modern day founder, Lee Kuan Yew.
“A lot will depend on how events unfold and all I can say is I will see this through and I will handover in good shape as soon as possible to the next team.” “A lot will depend on how events unfold and all I can say is I will see this through and I will hand over in good shape as soon as possible to the next team.”
Lee’s People’s Action Party have ruled Singapore unbroken since independence in 1965. Lee’s People’s Action party has ruled Singapore since independence in 1965.
More details are emerging on the recent spike in coronavirus cases in South Korea reported earlier today.More details are emerging on the recent spike in coronavirus cases in South Korea reported earlier today.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 113 new cases on Saturday – the largest one-day increase since March.The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 113 new cases on Saturday – the largest one-day increase since March.
Reuters reports that two South Korean military aircraft arrived in the country from Iraq on Friday, carrying 293 workers who were evacuated as cases swelled in the Middle Eastern country.Reuters reports that two South Korean military aircraft arrived in the country from Iraq on Friday, carrying 293 workers who were evacuated as cases swelled in the Middle Eastern country.
The KCDC deputy director, Kwon Jun-wook, said in a briefing on Saturday that 71 of those people were infected with Covid-19 and a further 11 people were being re-examined.The KCDC deputy director, Kwon Jun-wook, said in a briefing on Saturday that 71 of those people were infected with Covid-19 and a further 11 people were being re-examined.
“It’s likely that there will be similar cases like this Iraq case anywhere in the world, and [South Korea] will repeat the same measure, so we urge people to factor that in when looking at figures of the confirmed cases,” Kwon said.“It’s likely that there will be similar cases like this Iraq case anywhere in the world, and [South Korea] will repeat the same measure, so we urge people to factor that in when looking at figures of the confirmed cases,” Kwon said.
A large number of crew members on a Russian ship have also tested positive, Kwon said.A large number of crew members on a Russian ship have also tested positive, Kwon said.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bulgaria passed 10,000 on Saturday, Reuters reports.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Bulgaria passed 10,000 on Saturday, Reuters reports.
The Balkan country reported 270 infections in the past 24 hours, official data shows.The Balkan country reported 270 infections in the past 24 hours, official data shows.
Eight people had died from the virus overnight, taking the official death toll to 337.Eight people had died from the virus overnight, taking the official death toll to 337.
Total infections stand at 10,123. Some 5,252 people have recovered, data from the official coronavirus information platform showed.Total infections stand at 10,123. Some 5,252 people have recovered, data from the official coronavirus information platform showed.
Hello, it’s Aaron Walawalkar in London here, taking over on our global coronavirus liveblog from my colleague Elias Visontay. Please feel free to DM me your updates on Twitter @AaronWala.Hello, it’s Aaron Walawalkar in London here, taking over on our global coronavirus liveblog from my colleague Elias Visontay. Please feel free to DM me your updates on Twitter @AaronWala.
This morning, England’s gyms and indoor pools are reopening for the first time in four months in the latest easing of lockdown measures. But at least a third of public facilities are expected to remain shut due to financial hardship.This morning, England’s gyms and indoor pools are reopening for the first time in four months in the latest easing of lockdown measures. But at least a third of public facilities are expected to remain shut due to financial hardship.
Earlier this month, the culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced that gyms and leisure centres would be able to reopen from 25 July, with strict hygiene and social-distancing measures.Earlier this month, the culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced that gyms and leisure centres would be able to reopen from 25 July, with strict hygiene and social-distancing measures.
Community Leisure UK, the members’ association that specialises in representing charitable leisure and culture trusts across England, Scotland and Wales, estimated that 48% of all public leisure facilities face closure, meaning as many as 1,300 could disappear by the end of the year, along with more than 58,000 jobs.Community Leisure UK, the members’ association that specialises in representing charitable leisure and culture trusts across England, Scotland and Wales, estimated that 48% of all public leisure facilities face closure, meaning as many as 1,300 could disappear by the end of the year, along with more than 58,000 jobs.
The reopening of leisure centres comes as Public Health England said the case for action on obesity has “never been stronger”, who today publish a review of evidence which shows that being overweight remains one of the biggest risk factors in the battle against Covid-19. My colleague Haroon Siddique has the full report.The reopening of leisure centres comes as Public Health England said the case for action on obesity has “never been stronger”, who today publish a review of evidence which shows that being overweight remains one of the biggest risk factors in the battle against Covid-19. My colleague Haroon Siddique has the full report.
South Australia has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday.South Australia has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday.
While the state has recorded 447 cases since the pandemic began, there are only two active cases currently.While the state has recorded 447 cases since the pandemic began, there are only two active cases currently.
Next week, the state will introduce tighter restrictions for residents wanting to return home from Victoria, where the wide-scale lockdowns are in place.Next week, the state will introduce tighter restrictions for residents wanting to return home from Victoria, where the wide-scale lockdowns are in place.
Seeing as aged care seems to the focus of both the Victorian and federal government’s attention today, here is an important read from my colleagues Gay Alcorn and Matilda Boseley.Seeing as aged care seems to the focus of both the Victorian and federal government’s attention today, here is an important read from my colleagues Gay Alcorn and Matilda Boseley.
They write that the disaster unfolding in Victoria’s aged care homes was “absolutely foreseeable” according to one of the country’s foremost experts in aged care says, who looks at the sector’s issues with poorly trained workers who are often underpaid.They write that the disaster unfolding in Victoria’s aged care homes was “absolutely foreseeable” according to one of the country’s foremost experts in aged care says, who looks at the sector’s issues with poorly trained workers who are often underpaid.
Earlier today the Australian health minister, Greg Hunt, announced a Victorian aged care response centre. This AAP report explains a bit more about what the centre will do:Earlier today the Australian health minister, Greg Hunt, announced a Victorian aged care response centre. This AAP report explains a bit more about what the centre will do:
Here’s where we stand right now:Here’s where we stand right now:
The United States recorded over 1,000 deaths for the fourth day in a row. It is the first four-day streak since early June.The United States recorded over 1,000 deaths for the fourth day in a row. It is the first four-day streak since early June.
Mexico reported 7,573 new cases. There were also 737 deaths, as the government warns the real number of infections is likely significantly higher than the confirmed casesMexico reported 7,573 new cases. There were also 737 deaths, as the government warns the real number of infections is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases
Victoria recorded 357 new cases and five deaths. Health officials say the number of new cases every day is stubborn, but there has been some stability, amid dozens of clusters in aged care facilities and food distribution facilities across the state.Victoria recorded 357 new cases and five deaths. Health officials say the number of new cases every day is stubborn, but there has been some stability, amid dozens of clusters in aged care facilities and food distribution facilities across the state.
New South Wales reported 15 new cases. Eight are associated with the Thai Rock restaurant cluster. One case is under investigation. Six are returned travellers in hotel quarantine.New South Wales reported 15 new cases. Eight are associated with the Thai Rock restaurant cluster. One case is under investigation. Six are returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
Germany reported 781 new cases.Germany reported 781 new cases.
South Korea reported 113 new cases. The highest number of new cases since March. Of the new cases, 86 were imported and 27 were domestic infections.South Korea reported 113 new cases. The highest number of new cases since March. Of the new cases, 86 were imported and 27 were domestic infections.
Vietnam reports first local case in three months. Vietnam’s health ministry said that a 57-year-old man from Danang, a popular tourist hotspot, had tested positive three times for the virus, prompting the isolation of 50 people he came in contact with.Vietnam reports first local case in three months. Vietnam’s health ministry said that a 57-year-old man from Danang, a popular tourist hotspot, had tested positive three times for the virus, prompting the isolation of 50 people he came in contact with.
The WHO reported the greatest single-day increase in global cases yet seen, with the total rising by 284,196 in 24 hours. The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report.The WHO reported the greatest single-day increase in global cases yet seen, with the total rising by 284,196 in 24 hours. The biggest increases were from the United States, Brazil, India and South Africa, according to a daily report.
Western Australia has reported no new active cases of coronavirus for the seventh straight day.
The state’s total case number rose by two, however, to 656 after historical cases were identified through serology testing – one woman in her 20s and one woman in her 40s, both linked to overseas travel, with one being a former passenger on the Ruby Princess cruise ship.
A total of 585 tests were conducted in WA on Friday, and there are currently five active cases in the state.
Speaking of Vietnam, AP reports Australia has welcomed the decision of Vietnam to ban wildlife imports and close wildlife markets over threats posed by diseases that jump from animals to humans, like Covid-19.
The Australian agriculture minister, David Littleproud, said Vietnam’s crackdown was a huge win for global public health.
“Vietnam is reducing the risk of future pandemics and showing the world how we can manage these markets into the future,” Littleproud said.
“All nations have a responsibility to keep people safe from harm and regulating the production and sale of wild animals that carry diseases is a critical part of that.”
He said the Vietnamese government should be congratulated for their leadership in taking “evidence-based approach to reducing the risk of animal to human diseases being spread. Australia will also continue to pursue global reforms on this issue where other opportunities exist.”
Reuters is reporting medical officials in the central city of Danang detected what could be the first local case of Covid-19 in Vietnam in three months.
The Australian Capital Territory has recorded no new cases of coronavirus.
The territory is reminding people not to be complacent, and any Canberrans that visited Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Monday 13 July and Wednesday 15 July through to Friday 17 July are legally required to self-quarantine immediately for 14 days from the date of visit.
They’re also encouraged to get tested for Covid-19.
I missed this earlier this morning, but a Victorian man was arrested on Friday afternoon in Renmark, South Australia.
The 39-year-old man was found sleeping in his car near a cemetery at Renmark West after being refused entry to South Australia at 2.30am that morning.
He was arrested and charged with failing to comply with Covid-19 directions. He’s been refused bail and will appear in court on Monday.
There were no new cases of coronavirus reported in Queensland on Saturday, but the state has reimposed a ban on pub-goers standing at bars or high tables, AAP reports.
The state health minister, Steven Miles, said the coronavirus social distancing rule, which means patrons must be seated when eating and drinking, would help venues remain open.
“We do not want to get to the point where we have to close down businesses again,” he told reporters on Saturday.
“While I understand these new restrictions make doing business and having a drink a little bit harder it is not too much to sacrifice to keep the doors open and keep all those workers employed.”
Queensland’s chief health officer, Jeannette Young, reinstated the health restriction late on Friday, causing vocal frustration among some venue operators, many of whom have only recently fully reopened due to Covid-19 rules.
The ruling means patrons must be seated when eating and drinking but can still order from the bar. The number of people allowed in venues will remain the same.
Here is some more on that party in Thredbo in New South Wales, via AAP.
NSW police about 11pm on Friday attended an area of bushland near Jindabyne where they discovered a large bonfire and lighting, as well as an amplified music set up and DJ.
The majority of attendees fled into the bushland as authorities shut down the event, but the NSW police assistant commissioner, Scott Whyte, said a “significant number” of people were detained.
“Every single person that’s been identified will be fined,” Whyte told reporters on Saturday.
Germany has recorded an increase in coronavirus cases of 781 to 204,964 in total. The death toll has risen by 7 to 9,118.
Greg Hunt says there are 28 ADF teams on the ground in Melbourne assisting with contact tracing following up where health officials have not been able to contact someone who has tested positive.