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Coronavirus live news: Australia suffers deadliest day as Japan lifts ban on foreign re-entry Coronavirus live news: France rules out 'catastrophic' second national lockdown despite rise in infections
(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 month French prime minister says full lockdown must be avoided; number of global cases passes 17m; Japan to lift ban on re-entry of some foreign residents starting next week
Cases of Covid-19 in the Czech Republic have surpassed 16,000 as a recent rise in infections continues, health ministry data showed on Thursday.
The central European country of 10.7 million has faced a rise in cases in July in several hot spots, including in an eastern mining region and more recently in the capital Prague, which reported a daily record of 101 cases on Tuesday.
With the uptick in cases outpacing neighbours, government and health officials have sought to boost the country’s “smart quarantine” programme to track and trace contacts of infected people.
On Thursday, the health ministry also unveiled plans to ramp up testing capacity, which the health minister Adam Vojtech said was currently at around 17,000 daily. The country carried out 7,413 tests on Tuesday, the most since mid-May.
The ministry recorded 278 cases nationwide on Wednesday, the second highest daily rise in July. The seven-day average reached 216, the highest since April 10.
In total, the country has seen 16,093 cases since the outbreak started in March, with 11,429 recoveries so far and 374 deaths from the Covid-19 illness.
Since lifting a strict nationwide lockdown imposed in March, the authorities have pledged to avoid future countrywide measures and instead aimed to tackle outbreaks locally.
Despite the growth in daily cases, the number of those hospitalised was 120, well off April peaks above 400.
The number of infections of coronavirus in Iran has reached 301,530, according to official health ministry figures announced on state TV on Thursday.
Iran has the Middle East’s highest number of recorded Covid-19 cases, and infections and deaths have risen sharply since restrictions on movement began to be eased in mid-April.
There were 226 deaths from the coronavirus in the past 24 hours taking the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 16,569.
Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani urged people on Saturday to observe health protocols and practice social distancing during upcoming Muslim festivities, as a health official said there had been a surge in coronavirus infections in a major holy city.
The deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi, speaking on state television on Saturday, urged people not to visit the northeastern holy city of Mashhad, which he said had seen an increase of 300% in Covid-19 cases over a one-month period.
Poland reported its highest daily rise in coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic on Thursday, with 615 new infections, according to the health ministry’s Twitter account.Poland reported its highest daily rise in coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic on Thursday, with 615 new infections, according to the health ministry’s Twitter account.
The health ministry also announced the deaths of a further 15 people.Poland has reported a total of 45,031 infections and 1,709 deaths so far.The health ministry also announced the deaths of a further 15 people.Poland has reported a total of 45,031 infections and 1,709 deaths so far.
A 67-year-old Irish politician has become an unlikely sex symbol after stripping down to his togs and revealing a six-pack.A 67-year-old Irish politician has become an unlikely sex symbol after stripping down to his togs and revealing a six-pack.
Richard Bruton, a member of parliament and former minister, filmed a video promoting the staycation charms of his north Dublin constituency.Richard Bruton, a member of parliament and former minister, filmed a video promoting the staycation charms of his north Dublin constituency.
He walks and bikes along the coast from Howth to Clontarf, calling it jewel in the crown of Ireland’s east coast, then swims in the sea.He walks and bikes along the coast from Howth to Clontarf, calling it jewel in the crown of Ireland’s east coast, then swims in the sea.
“If you need something a bit more high octane than cycling, why not join me and come in here for a dip in Dollymount?” Bruton says in the video, posted on the Fine Gael party’s Twitter account.“If you need something a bit more high octane than cycling, why not join me and come in here for a dip in Dollymount?” Bruton says in the video, posted on the Fine Gael party’s Twitter account.
His toned physique lit up social media with expressions of envy, lust and jokes calling Bruton a beefcake and Fine Gael’s answer to Daniel Craig.His toned physique lit up social media with expressions of envy, lust and jokes calling Bruton a beefcake and Fine Gael’s answer to Daniel Craig.
The political veteran said he did not go to the gym and urged people to use Dublin’s outdoor attractions to exercise.The political veteran said he did not go to the gym and urged people to use Dublin’s outdoor attractions to exercise.
The party leader Leo Varadkar – also known to flash his abs – joked that he hoped people would not be put off using the government’s staycation subsidy.The party leader Leo Varadkar – also known to flash his abs – joked that he hoped people would not be put off using the government’s staycation subsidy.
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.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”.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.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.“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”.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.Officials say that any new lockdowns would most likely be localised on where there are outbreaks.
“We will adapt,” Castex said.“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 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.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.“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