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 5 Version 6
Coronavirus live news: Close watch on Victoria, Australia, and record infections globally Coronavirus live news: cases climb in Victoria, Australia, amid record infections globally
(32 minutes later)
Record wave of infections globally with 284,196 new cases; France discourages travel to Catalonia region; South Africa shuts schools for a monthRecord wave of infections globally with 284,196 new cases; France discourages travel to Catalonia region; South Africa shuts schools for a month
Saturday marks six months since Australia recorded its first Covid-19 case. Brett Sutton says the current numbers are “pretty stubborn to shift” but we need to see the impact of universal mask usage in the next few weeks.
He says a harder lockdown wouldn’t necessarily reduce numbers because the cases where outbreaks are occurring are the places that would remain open in a stage 4 - aged care, food distribution and production facilities and healthcare facilities.
He says it’s unlikely we will be opening up in the next two weeks, and cases won’t go to zero because the outbreaks are really difficult to manage.
“This will have quite a tail, even if we see numbers start to drop in the next week or two.”
Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton has outlined the known clusters and outbreaks:
183 cases linked to Al Taqwa College.
74 cases linked to St Basil’s home for the aged in Fawkner
71 cases linked to Estia Health in Ardeer
60 cases linked to Menarock life aged care in Essendon
40 cases linked to SDR health in Heidelberg
49 cases linked to Glendale aged care in Werribee
23 cases linked to Baptcare Wyndham Lodge in Werribee
22 cases linked to Regis Aged Care in Brighton
80 cases linked to Somerville retail services in Tottenham
45 cases now linked to the Australian lamb company in Colac.
21 cases linked to the Woolworth distribution centre in Mulgrave
10 cases linked to Star Track parcel distribution in Laverton
Seven cases linked to Bingo Recycling in West Melbourne
Five cases linked to staff at a KFC in Truganina
Five cases have been linked to Probe Group in Melbourne’s CBD
Two cases linked to D’orsonga Meats in Mechelen.
Two cases that are associated with Alfred Health Grand Chancellor hotel in Melbourne
One ADF officer who has tested positive who was supporting the Craigieburn testing
Daniel Andrews says he is proud to see how many Victorians are wearing masks, now that it is mandatory.
He said the mask edict was essentially stage-four restrictions.
“I cannot tell you how proud I was to travel in here this morning and see literally every single person on my journey into the office from the middle-ring suburbs in the south-east, wearing a mask,” he said. “It is just a fantastic thing.”
As foreshadowed yesterday, the Commonwealth government, with the Victorian government is acting to ensure casual staff in Aged care facilities aren’t working at more than one facility, Daniel Andrews announces.
The federal government is going to provide support for those workers who will be disadvantaged by the new policy.
Andrews says all workers are now required to wear personal protective equipment, too.
There are currently 3,995 active cases across Victoria, including 313 healthcare workers and 538 in aged care settings.
The premier, Daniel Andrews, has announced 357 new cases of coronavirus have been detected in the past 24 hours.
37 are connected to known and contained outbreaks
320 are under investigation.
There have been five more deaths, bringing the total to 61 deaths in Victoria
Of those who died, there was a woman in her 60s, a woman in her 70s, a woman in her 80s, a woman in her 90s and a man in his 80s.
There are 229 Victorians in hospital and 42 of those are receiving intensive care.
A total of 20,313 tests came back on Friday.
There is a total of 7,744 cases in Victoria.
This is just slightly higher than the 300 cases reported on Friday, but lower than the 484 we saw on Wednesday.
Today marks six months since Australia recorded its first Covid-19 case.
Here is how the Guardian first reported those cases on 25 January.Here is how the Guardian first reported those cases on 25 January.
Sorry, in case there is confusion around the four from New South Wales identified from the church services that weren’t included in the 15 total, it’s because they were identified this morning, and the NSW figures only go to 8pm last night.Sorry, in case there is confusion around the four from New South Wales identified from the church services that weren’t included in the 15 total, it’s because they were identified this morning, and the NSW figures only go to 8pm last night.
Reuters reports South Korea reported 113 cases of the new coronavirus on Saturday, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said, the largest one-day increase since March, bring the country’s total to 14,092.Reuters reports South Korea reported 113 cases of the new coronavirus on Saturday, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said, the largest one-day increase since March, bring the country’s total to 14,092.
Of the new cases, 86 were imported and 27 were domestic infections.Of the new cases, 86 were imported and 27 were domestic infections.
South Korean health authorities on Friday said novel coronavirus infections among people arriving from abroad could drive the number of new cases on Friday to more than 100.South Korean health authorities on Friday said novel coronavirus infections among people arriving from abroad could drive the number of new cases on Friday to more than 100.
There are 15 new cases of coronavirus diagnosed in New South Wales as of 8pm on Friday night.There are 15 new cases of coronavirus diagnosed in New South Wales as of 8pm on Friday night.
There were 30,535 tests in the period.There were 30,535 tests in the period.
Of the 15 new cases:Of the 15 new cases:
Eight are associated with the Thai Rock restaurant cluster.Eight are associated with the Thai Rock restaurant cluster.
One case is under investigation.One case is under investigation.
Six are returned travellers in hotel quarantineSix are returned travellers in hotel quarantine
There are four more cases linked to a series of funeral gatherings and a church service attended by a Fairfield woman in her 40s.There are four more cases linked to a series of funeral gatherings and a church service attended by a Fairfield woman in her 40s.
The additional cases are a couple in their 60s from the North Coast, and a couple in their 50s and 60s from South Western Sydney.The additional cases are a couple in their 60s from the North Coast, and a couple in their 50s and 60s from South Western Sydney.
Those who attended the following are urged to self-isolate immediately and get tested regardless of symptoms:Those who attended the following are urged to self-isolate immediately and get tested regardless of symptoms:
16 July St Brendan’s Catholic Church Bankstown for one hour from 6.30pm16 July St Brendan’s Catholic Church Bankstown for one hour from 6.30pm
17 July Ausia Funeral Services at Fairfield East between 1pm and 8pm17 July Ausia Funeral Services at Fairfield East between 1pm and 8pm
18 July Funeral service at St Brendan’s Catholic Church Bankstown for one hour from 10am18 July Funeral service at St Brendan’s Catholic Church Bankstown for one hour from 10am
18 July Burial service at St John of God Lawn at Rookwood between 11.30-1pm18 July Burial service at St John of God Lawn at Rookwood between 11.30-1pm
19 July Our Lady of Mt Carmel at Mt Pritchard for one hour from 7.30am19 July Our Lady of Mt Carmel at Mt Pritchard for one hour from 7.30am
Here’s the latest from Saturday so far:Here’s the latest from Saturday so far:
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 reports 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 reports 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
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.
Spain have warned that a “second wave” of coronavirus may already be happening in the country. The health ministry is tracking more than 280 active outbreaks across the country. On Friday, it 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: “It could already be a second wave”.Spain have warned that a “second wave” of coronavirus may already be happening in the country. The health ministry is tracking more than 280 active outbreaks across the country. On Friday, it 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: “It could already be a second wave”.
France is advising citizens not to travel to Catalonia amid rising coronavirus cases. Jean Castex, the French prime minister, also said the government would strengthen controls at the country’s borders to better control the pandemic. Nearly half of the 16,410 cases detected in Spain in the past fortnight were diagnosed in the north-eastern region.France is advising citizens not to travel to Catalonia amid rising coronavirus cases. Jean Castex, the French prime minister, also said the government would strengthen controls at the country’s borders to better control the pandemic. Nearly half of the 16,410 cases detected in Spain in the past fortnight were diagnosed in the north-eastern region.
Norway will reimpose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving on Spain. As part of the new measures, effective from tomorrow, the government will also ease restrictions on people entering the country from Sweden.Norway will reimpose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving on Spain. As part of the new measures, effective from tomorrow, the government will also ease restrictions on people entering the country from Sweden.
Schools in South Africa have been closed for a month in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement came a day after researchers revealed that excess mortality data suggested South Africa’s Covid outbreak had contributed to substantially more deaths over a 10-week period from early May than official figures suggested.Schools in South Africa have been closed for a month in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement came a day after researchers revealed that excess mortality data suggested South Africa’s Covid outbreak had contributed to substantially more deaths over a 10-week period from early May than official figures suggested.
A 103-year-old man has recovered from Covid-19 in a makeshift hospital in Pakistan. Aziz Abdul Alim, a resident of a village in the mountainous northern district of Chitral, was released last week from an emergency response centre after testing positive in early July.A 103-year-old man has recovered from Covid-19 in a makeshift hospital in Pakistan. Aziz Abdul Alim, a resident of a village in the mountainous northern district of Chitral, was released last week from an emergency response centre after testing positive in early July.
Portugal has said the UK’s decision to persist with a quarantine regime for travellers from the country is not “backed by the facts”. Augusto Santos Silva, the foreign minister, made the comments after it was left off an updated list of countries exempt from the measures by the UK foreign office on Friday.Portugal has said the UK’s decision to persist with a quarantine regime for travellers from the country is not “backed by the facts”. Augusto Santos Silva, the foreign minister, made the comments after it was left off an updated list of countries exempt from the measures by the UK foreign office on Friday.
Mexico’s health ministry on Friday reported 7,573 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 737 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 378,285 cases and 42,645 total deaths, Reuters reports.Mexico’s health ministry on Friday reported 7,573 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 737 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 378,285 cases and 42,645 total deaths, Reuters reports.
The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.
Reuters reports the US recorded over 1,000 deaths from Covid-19 for the fourth day in a row, for the first time since early June.Reuters reports the US recorded over 1,000 deaths from Covid-19 for the fourth day in a row, for the first time since early June.
The New South Wales police also say two house parties with more than 20 people were given fines for breaching Covid-19 restrictions, and a 22-year-old woman with no fixed place of abode was arrested and refused bail for breaching Covid directions from the Victorian border.The New South Wales police also say two house parties with more than 20 people were given fines for breaching Covid-19 restrictions, and a 22-year-old woman with no fixed place of abode was arrested and refused bail for breaching Covid directions from the Victorian border.
There was also an event organised in Thredbo national park where a DJ was present, and up to 100 people, and those people will be fined, too.There was also an event organised in Thredbo national park where a DJ was present, and up to 100 people, and those people will be fined, too.
The New South Wales police minister, David Elliott, is holding a press conference announcing that previously covered announcement about inspections for venues this weekend to ensure they are Covidsafe compliant.
There is expected wet weather in NSW, and he is suggesting people who might need to evacuate should consider preparing a face mask for if they need to go to an evacuation centre.
Victorian charities have had to hire many more staff to cope with the demand brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, AAP reports.
On Friday charity Anglicare Victoria announced it was hiring 88 new staff across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Anglicare says many of the clients its new recruits will work with have never used social services.
Staff will deliver food and supplies to isolated people, offer care during quarantine, and financial counselling to households struggling with bills.
The cash for fresh recruits comes from the state government’s $500 million Working For Victoria scheme, designed to find new work for unemployed Victorians.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre got funding from the scheme for 106 new staff, of whom 101 are asylum seekers, to meet pandemic-related demand.
Anthony Albanese is asked whether it is appropriate to send Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Marise Payne, and the defence minister, Linda Reynolds, to the United States in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said it was “absolutely right” for Australia to engage with the US.
“You know that the United States is our most important ally, and it’s important that these discussions take place. And I certainly wish that the defence and foreign ministers well. I’m sure that there will be appropriate safety mechanisms put in place.”
Australian Labor leader Anthony Albanese is holding a press conference this morning.
He says labour market deregulation is not the solution to getting out of the economic crisis, and points to insecure work actually worsening the pandemic.
He also pointed to reports about a lack of training given to casual contractors in hotel quarantine and potential infections in Victoria from that.
He says there needs to be a “fair analysis” of Jobkeeper to ensure that businesses are given the support they need.
We are waiting for the daily press conferences for New South Wales and Victoria. No timing on that yet, but we will let you know as soon as we do.
Two people trying to get past a coronavirus checkpoint in Melbourne were caught with a stash of drugs, AAP reports.
The man and woman were nabbed attempting to evade the checkpoint at Lang Lang, south-east of Melbourne on Friday, Victoria police said.
The pair were pulled over and the female driver allegedly tested positive to an oral drug test.
A large quantity of ice, heroin, cocaine and prescription drugs was allegedly found in the car.
Her male passenger was also drug affected, police said.
The couple were charged with drug and trafficking offences, and for breaching the chief health officers directions.
The AP is reporting that two months after the US government awarded $21m to a study into whether a common heartburn drug was effective against Covid-19, government health officials have raised serious concerns about patient safety and scientific integrity:
More schools in NSW have shut due to students testing positive for coronavirus. Via AAP:
New South Wales is boosting the number of inspectors at venues across the state to ensure compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
There will now be over 250 inspectors, with the addition of SafeWork and fair trading staff doing inspections over the weekend, NSW customer service minister Victor Dominello said.
If venues don’t have a Covid-19 safety plan, and have not registered as a Covid-safe business, they face fines of up to $5,000 and risk closure.
The inspectors include:
40 NSW Food Authority inspectors;
45 Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors;
50 Public Health Officers;
68 NSW Fair Trading inspectors;
143 SafeWork NSW inspectors;
483 Local Government Environmental Health Officers; and
NSW Police Officers.
Good morning, and welcome to the live blog for coronavirus news. I’m Josh Taylor and I will be taking you through the coverage until Saturday afternoon, Melbourne time.
In Australia, the focus will again mostly be on Victoria, after the state recorded 300 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, and reported seven deaths.
New South Wales will also be of some attention, but on Friday reported cases in the single digits.
Here’s a summary of the latest global developments:
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.
Spain have warned that a “second wave” of coronavirus may already be happening in the country. The health ministry is tracking more than 280 active outbreaks across the country. On Friday, it 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: “It could already be a second wave”.
France is advising citizens not to travel to Catalonia amid rising coronavirus cases. Jean Castex, the French prime minister, also said the government would strengthen controls at the country’s borders to better control the pandemic. Nearly half of the 16,410 cases detected in Spain in the past fortnight were diagnosed in the north-eastern region.
Norway will reimpose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving on Spain. As part of the new measures, effective from tomorrow, the government will also ease restrictions on people entering the country from Sweden.
Schools in South Africa have been closed for a month in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement came a day after researchers revealed that excess mortality data suggested South Africa’s Covid outbreak had contributed to substantially more deaths over a 10-week period from early May than official figures suggested.
A 103-year-old man has recovered from Covid-19 in a makeshift hospital in Pakistan. Aziz Abdul Alim, a resident of a village in the mountainous northern district of Chitral, was released last week from an emergency response centre after testing positive in early July.
Portugal has said the UK’s decision to persist with a quarantine regime for travellers from the country is not “backed by the facts”. Augusto Santos Silva, the foreign minister, made the comments after it was left off an updated list of countries exempt from the measures by the UK foreign office on Friday.
Let’s get into it.