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Coronavirus live news: parts of northern England face ban on indoor meetings between households Coronavirus live news: parts of northern England face ban on indoor meetings between households
(32 minutes later)
Spain reports 1,229 new infections, France rules out full lockdown despite rise in cases; Japan sees record high for new cases for second day in a rowSpain reports 1,229 new infections, France rules out full lockdown despite rise in cases; Japan sees record high for new cases for second day in a row
A press release from the Department of Health has - finally - clarified some details of the new lockdown.
In a nutshell:
There will be no meeting other households at home or in gardens, apart from those in your support bubble.
People can go to pubs, restaurants but not with another household.
Police will have powers to enforce these new rules.
The statement specifies:
Labour leader Keir Starmer has responded to the government’s surprise new lockdown measures, saying that “announcing measures affecting potentially millions of people late at night on Twitter is a new low for the government’s communications during this crisis”.
While acknowledging “no one would argue with putting in place local action to reduce the transmission of coronavirus” he criticised the government’s lack of communication, and argued a press conference should have been organised for the announcement.
A couple of further updates from Wigan MP Lisa Nandy.
She said she was told from a minister that people can still travel to work, and that people can go on holiday outside their local area, but not with another household.
This matches what Leicester MP Jonathan Ashworth has tweeted about holidays:
In 13 of the 19 local authority areas affected by the new lockdown, the rate of Covid-19 in the seven days to 27 July has gone up, with 1,536 cases recorded across all the areas in the space of a week.In 13 of the 19 local authority areas affected by the new lockdown, the rate of Covid-19 in the seven days to 27 July has gone up, with 1,536 cases recorded across all the areas in the space of a week.
Blackburn with Darwen tops the list as the rate has risen from 83.3 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to 20 July to 89.3 in the seven days to 27 July. A total of 133 new cases have been recorded.Blackburn with Darwen tops the list as the rate has risen from 83.3 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to 20 July to 89.3 in the seven days to 27 July. A total of 133 new cases have been recorded.
Leicester is in second place, where the seven-day rate has fallen from 67.8 to 60.2, with 214 new cases. Leicester is the second worst affected area; the seven-day rate has fallen from 67.8 to 60.2, but 214 new cases were recorded.
Oldham in Greater Manchester has seen its seven-day rate increase from 23.3 to 54.3, with 128 new cases, while in Pendle, Lancashire the rate went from 27.4 to 42.7, with 39 new cases.Oldham in Greater Manchester has seen its seven-day rate increase from 23.3 to 54.3, with 128 new cases, while in Pendle, Lancashire the rate went from 27.4 to 42.7, with 39 new cases.
In Trafford, Greater Manchester the seven-day rate is up from 15.2 to 41.0, with 97 new cases and in Calderdale, West Yorkshire - which includes the town of Halifax, the rate is up from 20.9 to 33.8, with 71 new cases. In Trafford, Greater Manchester, the seven-day rate is up from 15.2 to 41.0, with 97 new cases and in Calderdale, West Yorkshire - which includes the town of Halifax, the rate is up from 20.9 to 33.8, with 71 new cases.
The new restrictions apply to the whole of Greater Manchester, which includes the 10 local authority areas of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.The new restrictions apply to the whole of Greater Manchester, which includes the 10 local authority areas of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
Parts of East Lancashire are affected including Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle (which includes the towns of Colne and Nelson), Rossendale.Parts of East Lancashire are affected including Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle (which includes the towns of Colne and Nelson), Rossendale.
Parts of West Yorkshire including Bradford, Calderdale (which includes the town of Halifax) and Kirklees (which includes the town of Huddersfield) are also impacted.Parts of West Yorkshire including Bradford, Calderdale (which includes the town of Halifax) and Kirklees (which includes the town of Huddersfield) are also impacted.
The same restrictions will also apply to Leicester, which saw the first so-called “local lockdown” imposed on 29 June.The same restrictions will also apply to Leicester, which saw the first so-called “local lockdown” imposed on 29 June.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has clarified some details about the new restrictions coming into effect in parts of northern England in... just over an hour now.Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has clarified some details about the new restrictions coming into effect in parts of northern England in... just over an hour now.
Residents cannot visit people from other households in their homes or gardens, and can go to pubs and restaurants but only with people from within their household or bubble.Residents cannot visit people from other households in their homes or gardens, and can go to pubs and restaurants but only with people from within their household or bubble.
Further lockdown easing planned for the start of August is on hold, he said.Further lockdown easing planned for the start of August is on hold, he said.
Labour has launched a high-profile campaign over mass job losses caused by coronavirus in the UK, saying the gradual removal of the employment furlough scheme is a “historic mistake” that will significantly affect many sectors.Labour has launched a high-profile campaign over mass job losses caused by coronavirus in the UK, saying the gradual removal of the employment furlough scheme is a “historic mistake” that will significantly affect many sectors.
Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, will officially launch what the party is calling the “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” campaign on Friday, with a visit to a company in Peterborough.Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, will officially launch what the party is calling the “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” campaign on Friday, with a visit to a company in Peterborough.
From the start of August, on Saturday, companies who have used the government jobs protection scheme for staff will have to start paying national insurance and pension contributions for the hours they are on furlough, as part of a winding down of the scheme towards October.From the start of August, on Saturday, companies who have used the government jobs protection scheme for staff will have to start paying national insurance and pension contributions for the hours they are on furlough, as part of a winding down of the scheme towards October.
Labour is arguing that the furlough scheme should be changed so it continues to support the worst-hit industries. Anneliese Dodds, the shadow chancellor, said the government’s approach amounted to “a python-like squeeze on jobs”.Labour is arguing that the furlough scheme should be changed so it continues to support the worst-hit industries. Anneliese Dodds, the shadow chancellor, said the government’s approach amounted to “a python-like squeeze on jobs”.
Labour MP for Leicester East, Claudia Webbe, has said that Eid celebrations can take place at places of worship as long as social distancing is observed but not in private homes.Labour MP for Leicester East, Claudia Webbe, has said that Eid celebrations can take place at places of worship as long as social distancing is observed but not in private homes.
She tweeted: “No Eid with others in private homes or gardens except ‘single household bubbles’ but places of worship allowed as long as strict social distancing in place in accordance with the regulations.”She tweeted: “No Eid with others in private homes or gardens except ‘single household bubbles’ but places of worship allowed as long as strict social distancing in place in accordance with the regulations.”
Under two hours before the new lockdown restrictions are due to kick in, people are still waitng for clarity from the government on the exact details of the restrictions.Under two hours before the new lockdown restrictions are due to kick in, people are still waitng for clarity from the government on the exact details of the restrictions.
MP for Wigan and shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy tweeted the rules will apply for gardens as well as homes, and that bubbles with single-person households are still allowed.MP for Wigan and shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy tweeted the rules will apply for gardens as well as homes, and that bubbles with single-person households are still allowed.
The government’s announcement tonight means the lockdown in Leicester is eased slightly, with businesses now allowed to reopen according to Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, but people are not allowed to meet up with other households indoors.The government’s announcement tonight means the lockdown in Leicester is eased slightly, with businesses now allowed to reopen according to Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, but people are not allowed to meet up with other households indoors.
She tweeted:She tweeted:
She added that the government’s handling of the lockdown has been “utterly shambolic” and “lessons must be learnt”.She added that the government’s handling of the lockdown has been “utterly shambolic” and “lessons must be learnt”.
William Wragg, Conservative MP for Hazel Grove, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, criticised the government’s move, saying it is “not the right approach” to treat all of Greater Manchester the same.William Wragg, Conservative MP for Hazel Grove, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, criticised the government’s move, saying it is “not the right approach” to treat all of Greater Manchester the same.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said the decision to ban households in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire from meeting indoors is the “right” one.
She tweeted: “The UK government is right to act quickly if they think the situation warrants it.”
There seems to be confusion and uncertainty among some local MPs about the surprise government announcement that the lockdown will be tightened in Greater Manchester and other areas of northern England.
Labour MP for Manchester Central Lucy Powell tweeted:
The MP for Oldham, in Greater Manchester, and shadow transport minister Jim McMahon said there needed to be more clarity over what the government is doing to support those in areas affected by new lockdown restrictions.
Holly Lynch, MP for Halifax in West Yorkshire and shadow immigration minister, tweeted:
Responding to news the coronavirus lockdown will be tightened in Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham urged residents to obey the new restrictions:
The World Health Organization said countries should gradually lift international travel measures based on a thorough risk assessment and prioritise essential travel for emergencies.
WHO recommends that priority should be given to essential travel for emergencies, humanitarian actions, travel of essential personnel, and repatriation, it said in a statement.
A surge of new infections around the world has forced many countries to reimpose some travel restrictions in recent days.
The WHO has now urged each country to conduct a risk-benefit analysis of its own and decide on its priorities, before resuming international travel.
Earlier this week, the WHO said that bans on international travel cannot stay in place indefinitely, and countries are going to have to do more to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus within their borders.
It said last month that it would update its travel guidelines ahead of the northern hemisphere summer holidays.
Earlier in July, the organisation urged travellers to wear masks on planes and keep themselves informed as Covid-19 cases surge again in some countries.
The Trump administration anticipates launching a far-reaching campaign by November to encourage Americans to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, contingent on evidence that a successful vaccine will be available roughly by year end, a senior administration official said.
The campaign will likely be compressed into a short period of time, around four to six weeks, to eliminate any lag between when Americans are alerted to the vaccine and when they can get vaccinated, the official said.
People from different households in Greater Manchester, parts of East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire are banned from meeting each other indoors from midnight tonight as part of “immediate action” to keep people safe, health secretary Matt Hancock said.
He tweeted:
The MTV Video Music Awards has added two new categories to reflect how musicians are responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lady Gaga, John Legend, Post Malone and DJ D-Nice all won nominations in the special best quarantine performance category for their appearances earlier this year on a series of virtual concerts, fundraisers and social media events.
Grande’s first duet with Justin Bieber, Stuck with U, was nominated in the new best music video from home field, along with Drake’s Tootsie Slide, Legend’s Bigger Love and Level of Concern from Twenty One Pilots.
The VMA show, known for its surprises and irreverent vibe, is due to take place live in physical form at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center arena on 30 August.
MTV said last month that some VMA performances would take place at unspecified New York landmarks and that social distancing and limits on capacity would be enforced at the 19,000-seat indoor venue.
If you’re just joining us, here are the latest coronavirus updates from the last few hours:
Spain recorded its highest daily increase in the number of coronavirus cases since lockdown was lifted on 21 June. On Thursday, 1,229 new infections were reported, topping 1,000 for the second day in a row.
Japan recorded a record high for new cases for the second day in a row. At least 1,274 cases were reported on Thursday, including a record 367 in Tokyo, where officials are considering issuing its own version of a state of emergency depending on the number of cases in the coming days.
Coronavirus may cost Latin America and Caribbean a decade. Poverty in the region is forecast to climb 7 percentage points compared with last year to engulf an additional 45 million people, according to a report by the WHO and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The UK had the highest level of excess deaths in Europe during the pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics. Around 65,000 more people than usual have died from all causes across the United Kingdom so far this year, the highest total in Europe, with numbers in England noticeably higher than the other four nations.
The US economy suffered its worst quarter since the second world war as GDP shrunk by 32.9%. The government figures, revealed on Thursday, showed more signs of the pandemic’s heavy toll on the country’s economy.
Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tripoli will impose a full lockdown in areas of the country it controls following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.
France ruled out a “catastrophic” second national lockdown despite a rise in coronavirus infections. The prime minister Jean Castex said the priority was still prevention, as a second national lockdown would be catastrophic, both socially and economically.
US Congress no closer to a deal to extend or replace $600-per-week payments. The Democrats and Republicans have reached a stalemate on a coronavirus response bill, with state aid to those made unemployed by the pandemic set to expire in just one day.
Luxembourg has been added to the list of countries requiring travellers to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive in the UK because of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, six days after the same demand was imposed on arrivals from Spain.
It comes three weeks after self-isolation restrictions were removed from Spain, Luxembourg and several other destinations.
The announcements are based on a range of factors, including the rate of Covid-19 infection across a country.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture minister Perrance Shiri, a retired general who commanded an army unit accused of a notorious massacre in the 1980s, died from Covid-19, the president has said.
Shiri, who was also involved in the ouster of longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in a 2017 coup, died on Wednesday aged 65.
The state-owned daily The Herald said president Emmerson Mnangagwa told mourners “it is confirmed that Minister Shiri died of Covid-19”.
Local independent media had said on Wednesday that Shiri had been quarantined at a private hospital after he was exposed to coronavirus by his driver, who reportedly died at the weekend.
Shiri became Zimbabwe’s first high-profile personality to die from the virus that is fast spreading in the country, which has a weak health system.
Zimbabwe has 2,879 confirmed virus cases, including 41 deaths.
Shiri was commander of an elite North Korean-trained unit, the Fifth Brigade, that cracked down on a revolt in the western province of Matabeleland in the newly independent Zimbabwe.
Known as the Gukurahundi massacres, the operation claimed some 20,000 lives, according to the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe, a figure supported by Amnesty International.
Shiri served for years as commander of the air force before taking up a post as land and agriculture minister under Mnangagwa, who succeeded Mugabe.