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Coronavirus live news: Australia suffers deadliest day as Japan lifts ban on foreign re-entry Coronavirus live news: Australia suffers deadliest day as Japan lifts ban on foreign re-entry
(32 minutes later)
Japan to lift ban on re-entry of some foreign residents starting next week; Scaled-down hajj begins; France sees highest new daily cases in a monthJapan to lift ban on re-entry of some foreign residents starting next week; Scaled-down hajj begins; France sees highest new daily cases in a month
As concerns grow of a return of Covid-19 in France - officials say it is not a “second wave” - the French government is ruling out a nationwide lockdown in the event of the continued spread of the virus.
Prime Minister Jean Castex has been clear on this saying that a full confinement must be “avoided above all”.
Castex said the shutting down of the country again after the strict two month lockdown between March and May, would be “catastrophic” at an economic and social level.
“We now know what this would mean: such a measure stops the epidemic from progressing, certainly, but at an economic and social level it is catastrophic including for the psychological health of some of our fellow citizens,” Castex told Nice Matin.
He added: “The priority is still prevention. Even if the number of (confirmed) cases has begun to rise, the positive tests remain in the low averages compared to those in neighbouring countries. And the number of hospital admissions remains under control”.
Officials say that any new lockdowns would most likely be localised on where there are outbreaks.
“We will adapt,” Castex said.
The French health authorities here have again warned of an increase in infections among “young adults” . There are now 30,228 deaths attributed to coronavirus in France, but the number of patients in intensive care continues to fall.
The R-rate is now higher than 1.3 at a national level (higher than R1 in ten regions) and has been rising since 1 July.
“If they are less at risk of developing a serious form of the illness, the young can be responsible for spreading the virus if they don’t respect the barrier measures,” a spokesperson for the Direction Générale de la Santé.
The Afghan health ministry has urged the nation to stay indoors over the Eid celebration and not to repeat the mistakes of the previous Eid amid concerns about a second wave.The Afghan health ministry has urged the nation to stay indoors over the Eid celebration and not to repeat the mistakes of the previous Eid amid concerns about a second wave.
Ahmad Jawad Osmani, acting health minister urged the people to stay indoors on Eid al-Adha, scheduled for Friday, and refrain from travelling, asking the nation not to repeat the mistakes of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in May.Ahmad Jawad Osmani, acting health minister urged the people to stay indoors on Eid al-Adha, scheduled for Friday, and refrain from travelling, asking the nation not to repeat the mistakes of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in May.
According to a Guardian tally, Afghanistan recorded 3,920 cases in seven days before the previous Eid, a record high.According to a Guardian tally, Afghanistan recorded 3,920 cases in seven days before the previous Eid, a record high.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Osmani said Afghanistan is still in an emergency situation.Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Osmani said Afghanistan is still in an emergency situation.
“On Eid al-Fitr, we faced a major crisis due to people’s disregard for coronavirus restrictions, and many died. We call on the people not to repeat the mistakes of the past Eid and to follow health guidelines.”“On Eid al-Fitr, we faced a major crisis due to people’s disregard for coronavirus restrictions, and many died. We call on the people not to repeat the mistakes of the past Eid and to follow health guidelines.”
He also urged people to avoid visiting elderly relatives, since they have a higher chance of getting infected.He also urged people to avoid visiting elderly relatives, since they have a higher chance of getting infected.
Osmani also warned about the outbreak of the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) which spreads among those who are exposed to infected animals and the blood and tissues of freshly slaughtered animals.Osmani also warned about the outbreak of the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) which spreads among those who are exposed to infected animals and the blood and tissues of freshly slaughtered animals.
The health ministry has previously said that in addition to coronavirus, the country is to deal with two more viruses of polio and CCHF.The health ministry has previously said that in addition to coronavirus, the country is to deal with two more viruses of polio and CCHF.
Coronavirus related deaths rose by 10 from the previous day to stand at 1,281 on Thursday. In its latest update, the health ministry said the number of people who had tested positive for the virus had reached 36,538, an increase of 65 on the day before. There have been 25,544 recoveries, including 155 over the past 24 hours.Coronavirus related deaths rose by 10 from the previous day to stand at 1,281 on Thursday. In its latest update, the health ministry said the number of people who had tested positive for the virus had reached 36,538, an increase of 65 on the day before. There have been 25,544 recoveries, including 155 over the past 24 hours.
Most of the new cases (39) were reported in the western province of Herat, where officials have already warned of a second wave of the pandemic.Most of the new cases (39) were reported in the western province of Herat, where officials have already warned of a second wave of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, a three-day long ceasefire will go into effect at midnight as the Taliban announced they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the occasion of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday.Meanwhile, a three-day long ceasefire will go into effect at midnight as the Taliban announced they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the occasion of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday.
Some of Japan’s best-known artists are finding new avenues of expression, as the coronavirus outbreak sparks ideas as radical as renaming the country’s “Reiwa” imperial era.Some of Japan’s best-known artists are finding new avenues of expression, as the coronavirus outbreak sparks ideas as radical as renaming the country’s “Reiwa” imperial era.
Five contemporary artists including Takashi Murakami were on hand on Thursday at Mori Art Museum for the unveiling of their “STARS” exhibition, which had been delayed by several months with the museum closed due to the pandemic.Five contemporary artists including Takashi Murakami were on hand on Thursday at Mori Art Museum for the unveiling of their “STARS” exhibition, which had been delayed by several months with the museum closed due to the pandemic.
Murakami, with works on display including his iconic life-size sculptures “Miss Ko” and “My Lonesome Cowboy” as well as two new 20 metre length paintings, said expansion of his online business since lockdown was helping him communicate more closely with fans.Murakami, with works on display including his iconic life-size sculptures “Miss Ko” and “My Lonesome Cowboy” as well as two new 20 metre length paintings, said expansion of his online business since lockdown was helping him communicate more closely with fans.
“The museum exhibition was delayed and we’re still not in a situation where a lot of people can gather, but I think human beings need communication through art,” he said.“The museum exhibition was delayed and we’re still not in a situation where a lot of people can gather, but I think human beings need communication through art,” he said.
Meanwhile, South Korean-born Lee Ufan, a resident of Japan since the 1950s and known for promoting the “Mono-ha” art movement, described the pandemic as a warning over the impact that human development was having on the environment.Meanwhile, South Korean-born Lee Ufan, a resident of Japan since the 1950s and known for promoting the “Mono-ha” art movement, described the pandemic as a warning over the impact that human development was having on the environment.
He highlighted the improvement in air quality and freedom for wild animals to roam while the world was locked down.He highlighted the improvement in air quality and freedom for wild animals to roam while the world was locked down.
“This is the turning point where we need to go back to nature,” Lee said.“This is the turning point where we need to go back to nature,” Lee said.
An outbreak among 18- to 25-year-olds at a seaside resort on the Brittany coast is increasing fears that the virus is flaring again in France.An outbreak among 18- to 25-year-olds at a seaside resort on the Brittany coast is increasing fears that the virus is flaring again in France.
With 72 infections mostly among that age group uncovered in a week of furious contact tracing, the cluster on the Quiberon peninsula was thought to have originated with a supermarket summer worker who partied with others at a nightspot.With 72 infections mostly among that age group uncovered in a week of furious contact tracing, the cluster on the Quiberon peninsula was thought to have originated with a supermarket summer worker who partied with others at a nightspot.
It is becoming a textbook case of the virus pitting generations against each other.It is becoming a textbook case of the virus pitting generations against each other.
The government’s top regional official, a former soldier and intelligence officer in his 50s, hasn’t minced his words in decrying the irresponsibility of young people who are vacationing or living here, gathering in large numbers for festivities at night, ignoring the danger.The government’s top regional official, a former soldier and intelligence officer in his 50s, hasn’t minced his words in decrying the irresponsibility of young people who are vacationing or living here, gathering in large numbers for festivities at night, ignoring the danger.
The official, Patrice Faure, prefect of Brittany’s Morbihan region, personally served a two-month closure order on a Quiberon discotheque, the Hacienda Cafe.The official, Patrice Faure, prefect of Brittany’s Morbihan region, personally served a two-month closure order on a Quiberon discotheque, the Hacienda Cafe.
The owners told the regional newspaper Ouest-France that they urged patrons to wear masks but also noted: “They’re young, on holiday or doing summer jobs, and they’d been drinking. They didn’t listen.”The owners told the regional newspaper Ouest-France that they urged patrons to wear masks but also noted: “They’re young, on holiday or doing summer jobs, and they’d been drinking. They didn’t listen.”
Although authorities insist the outbreak is under control, the peninsula that used to be a sardine-fishing hub has become a flashpoint for fears that France is going backward in the epidemic that has infected more than 185,000 and killed at least 30,200 in the country.Although authorities insist the outbreak is under control, the peninsula that used to be a sardine-fishing hub has become a flashpoint for fears that France is going backward in the epidemic that has infected more than 185,000 and killed at least 30,200 in the country.
Quiberon has made mask-wearing mandatory on some of its busiest streets, joining other vacation towns in going further than the national requirement for masks in all indoor public spaces.Quiberon has made mask-wearing mandatory on some of its busiest streets, joining other vacation towns in going further than the national requirement for masks in all indoor public spaces.
A nighttime curfew on beaches and public parks is also being enforced, amid concerns that young people without symptoms could spread the coronavirus to the less-healthy.A nighttime curfew on beaches and public parks is also being enforced, amid concerns that young people without symptoms could spread the coronavirus to the less-healthy.
Hong Kong authorities opened community centres for residents to eat inside after a virus-induced ban on indoor dining at restaurants forced many workers to have their meals outside on pavements under sweltering heat and rain.Hong Kong authorities opened community centres for residents to eat inside after a virus-induced ban on indoor dining at restaurants forced many workers to have their meals outside on pavements under sweltering heat and rain.
The restaurant ban, which took effect on Wednesday, barred any outlet from allowing dine-in patrons to curb the spread of Covid-19, an unprecedented move in the financial hub where hundreds of thousands depend on eating out for daily meals.The restaurant ban, which took effect on Wednesday, barred any outlet from allowing dine-in patrons to curb the spread of Covid-19, an unprecedented move in the financial hub where hundreds of thousands depend on eating out for daily meals.
Construction and office workers were seen across the city trying to find shade as they ate their noodle and rice lunch boxes in temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).Construction and office workers were seen across the city trying to find shade as they ate their noodle and rice lunch boxes in temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).
Others opted to eat inside storerooms or even toilets, public broadcaster RTHK said.In a prompt reversal, the government said on Thursday it would partly relax its ban on restaurant dining, noting that it brought “inconvenience and difficulties” to many workers.Others opted to eat inside storerooms or even toilets, public broadcaster RTHK said.In a prompt reversal, the government said on Thursday it would partly relax its ban on restaurant dining, noting that it brought “inconvenience and difficulties” to many workers.
From Friday, outlets will be able to open during breakfast and lunch, provided they operate at 50% capacity and ensure diners sit two to a table.From Friday, outlets will be able to open during breakfast and lunch, provided they operate at 50% capacity and ensure diners sit two to a table.
Poland may reinstate quarantine for people coming back from some countries, government spokesman Piotr Muller said on Thursday.Poland may reinstate quarantine for people coming back from some countries, government spokesman Piotr Muller said on Thursday.
“We are considering introducing a quarantine for particular countries from the European Union and from outside of the European Union,” Muller told private broadcaster Polsat News.“We are considering introducing a quarantine for particular countries from the European Union and from outside of the European Union,” Muller told private broadcaster Polsat News.
Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily said earlier, also quoting Muller, that the government is considering a quarantine for people coming back from Spain amid continuing worries about the coronavirus pandemic.Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily said earlier, also quoting Muller, that the government is considering a quarantine for people coming back from Spain amid continuing worries about the coronavirus pandemic.
Ukraine reported a record daily high of 1,197 new coronavirus cases on 30 July, the country’s council of security and defense said on Thursday.Ukraine reported a record daily high of 1,197 new coronavirus cases on 30 July, the country’s council of security and defense said on Thursday.
The number of new daily infections has increased sharply in the past two months following the gradual lifting of restrictions that began in late-May.The number of new daily infections has increased sharply in the past two months following the gradual lifting of restrictions that began in late-May.
The total number of cases rose to 68,794, including 1,673 deaths and 38,154 recovered as of July 30.The total number of cases rose to 68,794, including 1,673 deaths and 38,154 recovered as of July 30.
Australia has reported a record rise in coronavirus infections and deaths, with the state of Victoria announcing more than 700 new cases and 13 deaths, as the state continues to battle significant outbreaks in the aged care sector and among healthcare workers. It comes as global cases passed 17m, after five of the last seven days saw one-day jumps of more than 250,000 new infections.Australia has reported a record rise in coronavirus infections and deaths, with the state of Victoria announcing more than 700 new cases and 13 deaths, as the state continues to battle significant outbreaks in the aged care sector and among healthcare workers. It comes as global cases passed 17m, after five of the last seven days saw one-day jumps of more than 250,000 new infections.
The United States meanwhile, which continues to have by far the highest number of cases and deaths, passed 150,000 fatalities late on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.The United States meanwhile, which continues to have by far the highest number of cases and deaths, passed 150,000 fatalities late on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.
Brazil’s outbreak set a national daily record on Wednesday with 69,074 new confirmed cases and 1,595 related deaths.Brazil’s outbreak set a national daily record on Wednesday with 69,074 new confirmed cases and 1,595 related deaths.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has warned the city is on the brink of a large-scale outbreak and urged people to stay indoors as much as possible as strict new measures take effect.Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has warned the city is on the brink of a large-scale outbreak and urged people to stay indoors as much as possible as strict new measures take effect.
In New Zealand, a 32-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to escape a managed quarantine facility.In New Zealand, a 32-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to escape a managed quarantine facility.
In Saudi Arabia, a scaled-down hajj has begun. This year, for the first time in modern history, Saudi officials have drastically restricted the number of pilgrims allowed to participate and enforced strict new health measures. Just 10,000 Muslims, all already inside the kingdom, are being allowed to perform the hajj – 0.4% of last year’s 2.5 million attendees from across the globe.In Saudi Arabia, a scaled-down hajj has begun. This year, for the first time in modern history, Saudi officials have drastically restricted the number of pilgrims allowed to participate and enforced strict new health measures. Just 10,000 Muslims, all already inside the kingdom, are being allowed to perform the hajj – 0.4% of last year’s 2.5 million attendees from across the globe.
Morning, I will be updating the global blog this morning. As ever, please send me stories, tips and anything you feel we should be covering to nazia.parveen@theguardian.com or DM me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NParveenGMorning, I will be updating the global blog this morning. As ever, please send me stories, tips and anything you feel we should be covering to nazia.parveen@theguardian.com or DM me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NParveenG
Thursday briefing: Home schooling burden fell to womenThursday briefing: Home schooling burden fell to women
Women spent more than twice as much time as men on their children’s home schooling and development during the UK lockdown, according to the first academic study on the subject. Surveys by University College London (UCL) researchers found women across several age groups bore the brunt of childcare and home schooling, while those with primary school-aged children “were considerably more likely” to have given up working than fathers with children of the same age.Women spent more than twice as much time as men on their children’s home schooling and development during the UK lockdown, according to the first academic study on the subject. Surveys by University College London (UCL) researchers found women across several age groups bore the brunt of childcare and home schooling, while those with primary school-aged children “were considerably more likely” to have given up working than fathers with children of the same age.
People with coronavirus symptoms may be asked to isolate for an extra three days, for a total of 10 days, after government scientists raised concern about a steady rise in the number of cases in the UK, as parts of Europe see significant spikes. The Guardian understands this takes into account developing science on the virus’s incubation period and how long it remains contagious. On Wednesday, the government’s official dashboard showed 83 deaths associated with Covid-19 and 763 newly lab-confirmed infections and there appears to have been a slight rise in infections as lockdown restrictions have eased:People with coronavirus symptoms may be asked to isolate for an extra three days, for a total of 10 days, after government scientists raised concern about a steady rise in the number of cases in the UK, as parts of Europe see significant spikes. The Guardian understands this takes into account developing science on the virus’s incubation period and how long it remains contagious. On Wednesday, the government’s official dashboard showed 83 deaths associated with Covid-19 and 763 newly lab-confirmed infections and there appears to have been a slight rise in infections as lockdown restrictions have eased:
France’s economic slump may not be quite as bad as forecast and activity in the euro zone’s second biggest economy could return to pre-crisis levels in early 2022, the central bank governor has said.Reuters reports that Francois Villeroy de Galhau told Paris Match magazine that President Emmanuel Macron’s government must spend wisely to rebuild trust in the economy. Household and private sector confidence were the key to a relatively swift recovery, he said.“Our forecasts predict a 10% fall in GDP this year: it may be a little better, with a strong rebound afterwards to hopefully regain a pre-Covid level of activity at the start of 2022,” Villeroy said in the interview published on Thursday.The government availed a crisis package worth €137bn, or more than 6% of gross domestic product, to cushion the immediate impact of the epidemic and also committed to guarantee 300 billion euros in bank loans to help keep firms afloat.France’s economic slump may not be quite as bad as forecast and activity in the euro zone’s second biggest economy could return to pre-crisis levels in early 2022, the central bank governor has said.Reuters reports that Francois Villeroy de Galhau told Paris Match magazine that President Emmanuel Macron’s government must spend wisely to rebuild trust in the economy. Household and private sector confidence were the key to a relatively swift recovery, he said.“Our forecasts predict a 10% fall in GDP this year: it may be a little better, with a strong rebound afterwards to hopefully regain a pre-Covid level of activity at the start of 2022,” Villeroy said in the interview published on Thursday.The government availed a crisis package worth €137bn, or more than 6% of gross domestic product, to cushion the immediate impact of the epidemic and also committed to guarantee 300 billion euros in bank loans to help keep firms afloat.
After the summer break, it will present a €100bn stimulus package to propel the recovery.After the summer break, it will present a €100bn stimulus package to propel the recovery.
There are currently 17,029,155 known coronavirus cases worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, and 667,011 deaths.There are currently 17,029,155 known coronavirus cases worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, and 667,011 deaths.
Five of the last seven days saw one-day case jumps of more than 250,000, with three of those over 280,000. The global one-day case record was set on 22 July with 281,500 cases and broken just a day later with 282,800 cases.Five of the last seven days saw one-day case jumps of more than 250,000, with three of those over 280,000. The global one-day case record was set on 22 July with 281,500 cases and broken just a day later with 282,800 cases.
Women spent more than twice as much time as men on their children’s home schooling and development during the UK’s coronavirus lockdown, according to the first academic study to measure how parents responded while schools and nurseries were closed to most families:Women spent more than twice as much time as men on their children’s home schooling and development during the UK’s coronavirus lockdown, according to the first academic study to measure how parents responded while schools and nurseries were closed to most families:
Sarah Whitehead reports for the Guardian:Sarah Whitehead reports for the Guardian:
‘Working in ICU is like flying a plane’: the secret world of intensive care‘Working in ICU is like flying a plane’: the secret world of intensive care
In early March, Mike Brunner, an intensive care doctor at Northwick Park hospital in north London, saw his first few Covid-19 patients. They were arriving with mild coughs, but just hours later were relying on oxygen tanks to breathe, their lungs on the brink of collapse. Within days, three patients became seven, then 20, and from then on, said Brunner, “we were in it”.In early March, Mike Brunner, an intensive care doctor at Northwick Park hospital in north London, saw his first few Covid-19 patients. They were arriving with mild coughs, but just hours later were relying on oxygen tanks to breathe, their lungs on the brink of collapse. Within days, three patients became seven, then 20, and from then on, said Brunner, “we were in it”.
For a while, Brunner felt as if he and his colleagues were the only ones who saw the huge change coming. “We could see this tsunami of people coming at us, and yet nobody else did,” said Brunner. Driving through London on his way to work, past people crowded together in shops and pubs and cafes, he felt as if no one understood that very soon life was not going to be the same. “It was an incredibly lonely feeling,” he said.For a while, Brunner felt as if he and his colleagues were the only ones who saw the huge change coming. “We could see this tsunami of people coming at us, and yet nobody else did,” said Brunner. Driving through London on his way to work, past people crowded together in shops and pubs and cafes, he felt as if no one understood that very soon life was not going to be the same. “It was an incredibly lonely feeling,” he said.
Stepping on to the ICU during this period was like entering another world. In a way, Brunner said, intensive care has always seemed like a place removed from life outside. The ward itself is hidden away behind closed doors, and inside, the only sound is the gentle, regular beeping of machines. “Because of all the machinery and complicated language we use, it has a unique atmosphere,” said Brunner. “It can be quite intimidating.”Stepping on to the ICU during this period was like entering another world. In a way, Brunner said, intensive care has always seemed like a place removed from life outside. The ward itself is hidden away behind closed doors, and inside, the only sound is the gentle, regular beeping of machines. “Because of all the machinery and complicated language we use, it has a unique atmosphere,” said Brunner. “It can be quite intimidating.”
Vietnam imposed more coronavirus restrictions Thursday as an outbreak that started in a popular beach resort destination grew with nine new cases, AP reports. Eight of the new infections were detected in the virus hot spot of Da Nang and another was confirmed in the capital Hanoi in a man who had returned from the coastal city, the health ministry said.The outbreak has spread from Da Nang in central Vietnam to 5 other cities and provinces with 43 cases since the weekend, and Vietnam is intensifying protective measures across the country.Vietnam imposed more coronavirus restrictions Thursday as an outbreak that started in a popular beach resort destination grew with nine new cases, AP reports. Eight of the new infections were detected in the virus hot spot of Da Nang and another was confirmed in the capital Hanoi in a man who had returned from the coastal city, the health ministry said.The outbreak has spread from Da Nang in central Vietnam to 5 other cities and provinces with 43 cases since the weekend, and Vietnam is intensifying protective measures across the country.
Dak Lak province starting Thursday morning is reimposing social distancing, closing nonessential services and banning public gathering of more than 20 people.Da Nang’s neighbors, the coastal provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai, have closed their beaches and limited businesses that can open.Another popular tourist destination Hoi An old town, near Da Nang, is also reimposing social distancing.Hanoi city authorities have cancelled public events and will close down bars and clubs from Thursday. It also plans testing of some 21,000 people who returned from Da Nang before the coastal resort was locked down Tuesday.Dak Lak province starting Thursday morning is reimposing social distancing, closing nonessential services and banning public gathering of more than 20 people.Da Nang’s neighbors, the coastal provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai, have closed their beaches and limited businesses that can open.Another popular tourist destination Hoi An old town, near Da Nang, is also reimposing social distancing.Hanoi city authorities have cancelled public events and will close down bars and clubs from Thursday. It also plans testing of some 21,000 people who returned from Da Nang before the coastal resort was locked down Tuesday.
In Australia, the initial results of testing to contain a potential Covid-19 outbreak south of Brisbane have been “the best we could have hoped for”, Queensland authorities said on Thursday.In Australia, the initial results of testing to contain a potential Covid-19 outbreak south of Brisbane have been “the best we could have hoped for”, Queensland authorities said on Thursday.
The state announced three new coronavirus cases had been detected – none linked to two women who tested positive after recently returning to Brisbane from Melbourne, and who allegedly made false declarations to evade Queensland border restrictions.The state announced three new coronavirus cases had been detected – none linked to two women who tested positive after recently returning to Brisbane from Melbourne, and who allegedly made false declarations to evade Queensland border restrictions.
But Queensland remains on edge about the potential for another source of virus infections, with a large tranche of tests results expected soon and recriminations already under way about the effectiveness of border controls and the actions of the women:But Queensland remains on edge about the potential for another source of virus infections, with a large tranche of tests results expected soon and recriminations already under way about the effectiveness of border controls and the actions of the women:
In Saudi Arabia, a scaled-down hajj has begun. This year, for the first time in modern history, Saudi officials have drastically restricted the number of pilgrims allowed to participate and enforced strict new health measures. Just 10,000 Muslims, all resident in the kingdom, are being allowed to perform the hajj - 0.4% of last year’s 2.5 million attendees from across the globe.In Saudi Arabia, a scaled-down hajj has begun. This year, for the first time in modern history, Saudi officials have drastically restricted the number of pilgrims allowed to participate and enforced strict new health measures. Just 10,000 Muslims, all resident in the kingdom, are being allowed to perform the hajj - 0.4% of last year’s 2.5 million attendees from across the globe.
This year’s downsized hajj may prove to be the safest ever despite the ever-present threat posed by the novel coronavirus, AFP reports.This year’s downsized hajj may prove to be the safest ever despite the ever-present threat posed by the novel coronavirus, AFP reports.
In past years pilgrims have faced a host of viral illnesses, with some falling sick, but a raft of measures are in place for the relatively modest number allowed to attend this year.In past years pilgrims have faced a host of viral illnesses, with some falling sick, but a raft of measures are in place for the relatively modest number allowed to attend this year.
The hajj is usually attended by upwards of two million Muslims, who converge on the Saudi city Mecca for one of the world’s biggest annual gatherings.The hajj is usually attended by upwards of two million Muslims, who converge on the Saudi city Mecca for one of the world’s biggest annual gatherings.
That poses enormous health and logistical challenges.That poses enormous health and logistical challenges.
In the past, pilgrims returning home have developed respiratory diseases after mingling with large crowds and staying in cramped pilgrim camps where social distancing was unheard of.In the past, pilgrims returning home have developed respiratory diseases after mingling with large crowds and staying in cramped pilgrim camps where social distancing was unheard of.
In New Zealand, News Hub reports that a 32-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to escape a managed quarantine facility:In New Zealand, News Hub reports that a 32-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to escape a managed quarantine facility:
Japan will from next week lift a ban on the re-entry of some foreign residents, imposed to limit the spread of coronavirus, the foreign ministry has announced.Japan will from next week lift a ban on the re-entry of some foreign residents, imposed to limit the spread of coronavirus, the foreign ministry has announced.
AFP reports that up to 90,000 foreign nationals with residence permits, including students, business people and trainees, are currently stuck outside Japan after authorities banned re-entry from over 100 countries in response to the global pandemic.AFP reports that up to 90,000 foreign nationals with residence permits, including students, business people and trainees, are currently stuck outside Japan after authorities banned re-entry from over 100 countries in response to the global pandemic.
From 5 August those who left Japan before their destination countries were added to the ban list will be able to apply to return, the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.From 5 August those who left Japan before their destination countries were added to the ban list will be able to apply to return, the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.
Those eligible will have to obtain a “re-entry confirmation letter” from the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission and submit evidence of a negative virus test conducted within 72 hours of their flight.Those eligible will have to obtain a “re-entry confirmation letter” from the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission and submit evidence of a negative virus test conducted within 72 hours of their flight.
From September 1, those conditions will also apply to foreign nationals in other categories, including permanent or long-term residents and spouses and children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents.From September 1, those conditions will also apply to foreign nationals in other categories, including permanent or long-term residents and spouses and children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
Japan has imposed an entry ban on visitors from more than 140 countries and regions, but the government has said it will ease them gradually.Japan has imposed an entry ban on visitors from more than 140 countries and regions, but the government has said it will ease them gradually.
Japanese citizens are able to re-enter the country from places on the ban list, and foreigners resident in Japan can apply for humanitarian exemptions to visit countries on the list and be allowed to return.Japanese citizens are able to re-enter the country from places on the ban list, and foreigners resident in Japan can apply for humanitarian exemptions to visit countries on the list and be allowed to return.