This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jul/25/coronavirus-live-news-close-watch-on-victoria-australia-and-record-infections-globally

The article has changed 45 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 36 Version 37
Coronavirus live news: UK advises against all but essential travel to Spanish mainland and imposes two-week quarantine Coronavirus live news: UK advises against all but essential travel to Spanish mainland and imposes two-week quarantine
(32 minutes later)
Johnny Depp’s in-person court case ‘galling’; Germany may introduce compulsory testing; funeral fees rise in Great BritainJohnny Depp’s in-person court case ‘galling’; Germany may introduce compulsory testing; funeral fees rise in Great Britain
Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation over his government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
In Jerusalem they rallied outside Netanyahu’s residence holding up signs accusing him of corruption, a reference to the premier’s indictment in January for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases, AFP reports.
He denies all the charges.
“We are fed up with the corrupt,” some signs read, alongside others reading “Where are the morals? Where are the values?”
Protesters also slammed a law passed this week that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021.
Protests against economic fallout from the pandemic have spread across the country in recent weeks. In some cases police sprayed demonstrators with water cannons, injuring some.
Israel won praise for its initial response to the Covid-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April.
My colleagues Michael Savage and David Connett have written up a report about the new quarantine rule for arrivals from Spain on UK soil.My colleagues Michael Savage and David Connett have written up a report about the new quarantine rule for arrivals from Spain on UK soil.
The number of people in Israel who have tested positive for coronavirus topped 60,000 on Saturday as the government struggles to contain a resurgence in infection rates.The number of people in Israel who have tested positive for coronavirus topped 60,000 on Saturday as the government struggles to contain a resurgence in infection rates.
The latest daily tally showed 1,770 new infections, bringing the total number of cases to 60,496, the country’s health ministry reported.The latest daily tally showed 1,770 new infections, bringing the total number of cases to 60,496, the country’s health ministry reported.
With a population of 9 million, Israel has reported a total of 455 fatalities from the pandemic.With a population of 9 million, Israel has reported a total of 455 fatalities from the pandemic.
Israel was one of the first countries to impose a nationwide lockdown and initially was successful in clamping down on the outbreak.Israel was one of the first countries to impose a nationwide lockdown and initially was successful in clamping down on the outbreak.
Daily cases that numbered in the hundreds dropped to low double digits, according to Reuters.Daily cases that numbered in the hundreds dropped to low double digits, according to Reuters.
Concerned about the economic toll, the government eased those restrictions – too quickly, some officials have since acknowledged – and infection rates resurged.Concerned about the economic toll, the government eased those restrictions – too quickly, some officials have since acknowledged – and infection rates resurged.
Renewed sporadic closures of various sectors of the economy have deepened public vexation, sparking daily demonstrations.Renewed sporadic closures of various sectors of the economy have deepened public vexation, sparking daily demonstrations.
This from the scientist Eric Topol:This from the scientist Eric Topol:
The UK government has advised against all but essential travel to mainland Spain, and confirmed earlier reports that all people arriving from Spain from Sunday will have to self-isolate for two weeks.The UK government has advised against all but essential travel to mainland Spain, and confirmed earlier reports that all people arriving from Spain from Sunday will have to self-isolate for two weeks.
The government said it does not advise against travel to Spain’s Canary Islands or Balearic Islands, but travellers will still need to go into quarantine on return to the UK.The government said it does not advise against travel to Spain’s Canary Islands or Balearic Islands, but travellers will still need to go into quarantine on return to the UK.
The government also urged employers to be understanding towards staff who have to self-isolate.The government also urged employers to be understanding towards staff who have to self-isolate.
Spain said on Saturday it was a safe country with localised, isolated and controlled outbreaks of the coronavirus.Spain said on Saturday it was a safe country with localised, isolated and controlled outbreaks of the coronavirus.
A Spanish foreign ministry spokeswoman said Spain “respects decisions of the United Kingdom” and was in touch with the authorities there, according to Reuters.A Spanish foreign ministry spokeswoman said Spain “respects decisions of the United Kingdom” and was in touch with the authorities there, according to Reuters.
Kuwait will end the strict lockdown imposed in the Farwaniya governorate from 5am (2am GMT) on Sunday, the centre for government communication announced on Twitter on Saturday.Kuwait will end the strict lockdown imposed in the Farwaniya governorate from 5am (2am GMT) on Sunday, the centre for government communication announced on Twitter on Saturday.
Farwaniya was the last area to be effectively isolated in a country which has reported 63,309 coronavirus cases and 429 deaths.Farwaniya was the last area to be effectively isolated in a country which has reported 63,309 coronavirus cases and 429 deaths.
The governor of Lombardy, Italy’s hardest-hit region in the pandemic, acknowledged on Saturday that he is being investigated by Milan prosecutors over a lucrative contract to obtain protective medical gowns from his brother-in-law’s company, but denied any wrongdoing.The governor of Lombardy, Italy’s hardest-hit region in the pandemic, acknowledged on Saturday that he is being investigated by Milan prosecutors over a lucrative contract to obtain protective medical gowns from his brother-in-law’s company, but denied any wrongdoing.
The contract for 75,000 gowns reportedly was awarded without public bidding in April, when the coronavirus outbreak was devastating Italy, Italian news reports said.The contract for 75,000 gowns reportedly was awarded without public bidding in April, when the coronavirus outbreak was devastating Italy, Italian news reports said.
Governor Attilio Fontana said in a Facebook post about the probe that he represents the region responsibly and was confident about the correctness of Lombardy’s actions.Governor Attilio Fontana said in a Facebook post about the probe that he represents the region responsibly and was confident about the correctness of Lombardy’s actions.
In the aftermath of an Italian investigative TV programme report on the deal, Fontana contended last month that he didn’t know anything about the contract, which reportedly was valued at more than half a million euros (more than $600,000).In the aftermath of an Italian investigative TV programme report on the deal, Fontana contended last month that he didn’t know anything about the contract, which reportedly was valued at more than half a million euros (more than $600,000).
The governor insisted that the region never paid for the gowns, which were reportedly eventually donated to Lombardy, the Associated Press reports.The governor insisted that the region never paid for the gowns, which were reportedly eventually donated to Lombardy, the Associated Press reports.
The region at the time was struggling, like all of Italy, to obtain vital medical protective gear for doctors and nurses treating coronavirus patients.The region at the time was struggling, like all of Italy, to obtain vital medical protective gear for doctors and nurses treating coronavirus patients.
Fontana’s wife has a minor stake in the company, according to Italian media.Fontana’s wife has a minor stake in the company, according to Italian media.
The governor is a prominent figure in Matteo Salvini’s rightwing opposition League party, which often rails against corruption among public officials.The governor is a prominent figure in Matteo Salvini’s rightwing opposition League party, which often rails against corruption among public officials.
In a tweet on Saturday, Salvini blasted the probe as one-way wrong justice. Lombardy is a League stronghold.In a tweet on Saturday, Salvini blasted the probe as one-way wrong justice. Lombardy is a League stronghold.
Meanwhile, some politicians from the centre-left government’s parties called on Saturday for Fontana’s resignation.Meanwhile, some politicians from the centre-left government’s parties called on Saturday for Fontana’s resignation.
This from my colleague Sam Jones in Madrid:This from my colleague Sam Jones in Madrid:
A spokeswoman for the Spanish government declined to comment on the reported quarantine measures, instead referring the Guardian to comments made on Friday by the foreign minister, Arancha González Laya.A spokeswoman for the Spanish government declined to comment on the reported quarantine measures, instead referring the Guardian to comments made on Friday by the foreign minister, Arancha González Laya.
In an interview with CNN, the minister said Spain was one of the countries with the “most controls and mechanisms for identifying outbreaks” and played down suggestions of a second wave of Covid-19.In an interview with CNN, the minister said Spain was one of the countries with the “most controls and mechanisms for identifying outbreaks” and played down suggestions of a second wave of Covid-19.
“We’re not worried; we’re identifying cases and isolating them to cut off transmission,” said González Laya.“We’re not worried; we’re identifying cases and isolating them to cut off transmission,” said González Laya.
“As long as we don’t have a vaccine or a treatment, this is what the new normality will be like. We ask citizens to comply with the restrictions and behave in a responsible manner.”“As long as we don’t have a vaccine or a treatment, this is what the new normality will be like. We ask citizens to comply with the restrictions and behave in a responsible manner.”
She added: “There isn’t a second outbreak but there are one-off outbreaks. Our strategy is to detect and isolate those outbreaks.”She added: “There isn’t a second outbreak but there are one-off outbreaks. Our strategy is to detect and isolate those outbreaks.”
The minister also noted that other countries were experiencing similar situations.The minister also noted that other countries were experiencing similar situations.
Earlier this week, Spanish health authorities said they were dealing with 283 active outbreaks, many of them in the northeastern regions of Catalonia and Aragón.Earlier this week, Spanish health authorities said they were dealing with 283 active outbreaks, many of them in the northeastern regions of Catalonia and Aragón.
While they have acknowledged that a second wave may have hit, they insist all outbreaks are being swiftly detected and isolated.While they have acknowledged that a second wave may have hit, they insist all outbreaks are being swiftly detected and isolated.
On Friday, the health ministry logged 922 new Covid-19 cases – slightly down from 971 over the previous 24 hours.On Friday, the health ministry logged 922 new Covid-19 cases – slightly down from 971 over the previous 24 hours.
María José Sierra, the deputy head of Spain’s centre for health emergencies, said that while the curve had been flattened, “community transmission” was being seen in north-eastern areas.María José Sierra, the deputy head of Spain’s centre for health emergencies, said that while the curve had been flattened, “community transmission” was being seen in north-eastern areas.
“It could already be a second wave, but that’s not the most important thing,” Sierra told reporters on Thursday. “The most important thing is that we keep following what’s going on, see what measures are necessary, and take them early.”“It could already be a second wave, but that’s not the most important thing,” Sierra told reporters on Thursday. “The most important thing is that we keep following what’s going on, see what measures are necessary, and take them early.”
She also said people needed to remember the incidence of the virus had tripled in just two weeks, from 8.76 cases per 100,000 people on 3 July to 27.39 per 100,000. “Obviously, the curve is going up, but let’s wait to see what kind of situation we’re in,” she added.She also said people needed to remember the incidence of the virus had tripled in just two weeks, from 8.76 cases per 100,000 people on 3 July to 27.39 per 100,000. “Obviously, the curve is going up, but let’s wait to see what kind of situation we’re in,” she added.
The announcement of a compulsory, two-week quarantine for returning British visitors will only place even greater strain on the beleaguered Spanish tourist sector, which has already been badly hit by the coronavirus.The announcement of a compulsory, two-week quarantine for returning British visitors will only place even greater strain on the beleaguered Spanish tourist sector, which has already been badly hit by the coronavirus.
The sector generates 12% of the country’s GDP and Britons make up the largest national group among Spain’s foreign visitors. More than 18 million Britons visited the country last year, accounting for almost a quarter of all foreign visitors.The sector generates 12% of the country’s GDP and Britons make up the largest national group among Spain’s foreign visitors. More than 18 million Britons visited the country last year, accounting for almost a quarter of all foreign visitors.
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said that people returning to any part of the UK from Spain will have to quarantine from midnight.Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has said that people returning to any part of the UK from Spain will have to quarantine from midnight.
“Spain will be removed from the list of countries exempt from quarantine requirements due to an increased number of cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the last few days,” Scotland’s government said in a statement.“Spain will be removed from the list of countries exempt from quarantine requirements due to an increased number of cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the last few days,” Scotland’s government said in a statement.
“The decision, also made by the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland and Wales as well as the UK Government, has been made to reduce the risk of the transmission of the virus by those travelling from Spain,” it added.“The decision, also made by the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland and Wales as well as the UK Government, has been made to reduce the risk of the transmission of the virus by those travelling from Spain,” it added.
The British government’s decision to remove Spain from list of safe countries to travel to means those coming back from Spain will have to self-isolate for two weeks upon their return to England.The British government’s decision to remove Spain from list of safe countries to travel to means those coming back from Spain will have to self-isolate for two weeks upon their return to England.
A formal announcement is expected to be made by the Department for Transport on Saturday, PA reports.A formal announcement is expected to be made by the Department for Transport on Saturday, PA reports.
According to Reuters, the Spanish foreign ministry and the office of the Spanish prime minister were not immediately available for comment.According to Reuters, the Spanish foreign ministry and the office of the Spanish prime minister were not immediately available for comment.
In Spain, Catalonia became the latest region to crack down on nightlife, trying to halt new infection clusters.In Spain, Catalonia became the latest region to crack down on nightlife, trying to halt new infection clusters.
The wealthy north-east region – home to Barcelona – ordered all nightclubs to close for 15 days and put a midnight curfew on bars in the greater Barcelona area and other towns around Lleida that have become contagion hot zones.The wealthy north-east region – home to Barcelona – ordered all nightclubs to close for 15 days and put a midnight curfew on bars in the greater Barcelona area and other towns around Lleida that have become contagion hot zones.
Spain has reported more than 900 new daily infections for the last two days as authorities warn the country that lost 28,000 lives before getting its outbreak under control could be facing the start of a second major outbreak.Spain has reported more than 900 new daily infections for the last two days as authorities warn the country that lost 28,000 lives before getting its outbreak under control could be facing the start of a second major outbreak.
The expected announcement about the removal of a so-called “air bridge” with Spain comes only a day after a further five countries were added to the quarantine-free list for people travelling to England.The expected announcement about the removal of a so-called “air bridge” with Spain comes only a day after a further five countries were added to the quarantine-free list for people travelling to England.
Anyone coming from Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines will not be required to isolate for two weeks on arrival, the government confirmed on Friday.Anyone coming from Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines will not be required to isolate for two weeks on arrival, the government confirmed on Friday.
Popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Thailand and the United States remain notable absentees.Popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Thailand and the United States remain notable absentees.
The British government said people should continue to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and their insurance policies before embarking on any overseas travel.The British government said people should continue to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and their insurance policies before embarking on any overseas travel.
Ministers had previously warned that travel corridors could be closed if coronavirus rates escalated in other nations.Ministers had previously warned that travel corridors could be closed if coronavirus rates escalated in other nations.
Travellers, even those from exempt destinations, are still required to complete a passenger locator form when they arrive in the UK.Travellers, even those from exempt destinations, are still required to complete a passenger locator form when they arrive in the UK.
In Yemen, where an already weak health system has been destroyed by five years of conflict and 80% of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating what was already the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, a charity has warned.In Yemen, where an already weak health system has been destroyed by five years of conflict and 80% of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, the coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating what was already the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, a charity has warned.
MedGlobal, alongside partners Project HOPE and the Center for Global Health at the University of Illinois, have detailed the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on Yemen’s fragile health system in a new report.MedGlobal, alongside partners Project HOPE and the Center for Global Health at the University of Illinois, have detailed the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on Yemen’s fragile health system in a new report.
There have been 1,610 confirmed cases and 446 deaths from Covid-19 according to official reports.There have been 1,610 confirmed cases and 446 deaths from Covid-19 according to official reports.
This amounts to around a 27% mortality rate of Yemenis who are confirmed to have Covid-19 – more than five times the global average and among the highest Covid-19 mortality rate in the world.This amounts to around a 27% mortality rate of Yemenis who are confirmed to have Covid-19 – more than five times the global average and among the highest Covid-19 mortality rate in the world.
According to the report, the Covid-19 outbreak is also disproportionately harming Yemen’s health workers, with 97 health workers – epidemiologists, medical directors, midwives, and other critical medical professionals – reportedly having died in Yemen from the virus.According to the report, the Covid-19 outbreak is also disproportionately harming Yemen’s health workers, with 97 health workers – epidemiologists, medical directors, midwives, and other critical medical professionals – reportedly having died in Yemen from the virus.
As health workers are among the country’s most critical human resources, the death of one health worker has an exponential effect and extends to their entire community, the researchers wrote.As health workers are among the country’s most critical human resources, the death of one health worker has an exponential effect and extends to their entire community, the researchers wrote.
The tallies for people hospitalised with coronavirus in New York are continuing to drop to the lowest levels since the pandemic began, governor Andrew Cuomo said Saturday, CBS News reports.The tallies for people hospitalised with coronavirus in New York are continuing to drop to the lowest levels since the pandemic began, governor Andrew Cuomo said Saturday, CBS News reports.
There were at least 646 people hospitalised in the state on Friday, a new low since 18 March and down slightly from the previous day, the Democratic governor said in a statement.There were at least 646 people hospitalised in the state on Friday, a new low since 18 March and down slightly from the previous day, the Democratic governor said in a statement.
The number of ICU patients was at its lowest since 16 March at 149.The number of ICU patients was at its lowest since 16 March at 149.
The number of reported deaths in the state rose by one, to 10.The number of reported deaths in the state rose by one, to 10.
The British government said 45,738 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Friday, up by 61 from the day before, the Press Association reports.The British government said 45,738 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Friday, up by 61 from the day before, the Press Association reports.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been more than 56,100 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been more than 56,100 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
The government also said in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Saturday there had been a further 767 lab-confirmed cases.The government also said in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Saturday there had been a further 767 lab-confirmed cases.
Overall, a total of 298,681 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.Overall, a total of 298,681 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.
The Sunday Times’ Tim Shipman has tweeted that the UK government will be announcing shortly that tourists who have visited Spain will have to quarantine for two weeks when they return to England from Sunday, as Spain experiences a second wave of coronavirus infections.The Sunday Times’ Tim Shipman has tweeted that the UK government will be announcing shortly that tourists who have visited Spain will have to quarantine for two weeks when they return to England from Sunday, as Spain experiences a second wave of coronavirus infections.
According to Reuters, Britain’s health ministry had no immediate comment on the report.According to Reuters, Britain’s health ministry had no immediate comment on the report.