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Coronavirus live news: France cases rise by 54% in a week; Vietnam records first Covid-19 death Coronavirus live news: France cases rise by 54% in a week; Vietnam records first Covid-19 death
(32 minutes later)
Tokyo sees new daily record cases; numbers climb in Spain, Germany and Russia; Brazil’s Bolsonaro treated for infectionTokyo sees new daily record cases; numbers climb in Spain, Germany and Russia; Brazil’s Bolsonaro treated for infection
UK prime minister Boris Johnson has announced he will reverse a decision to relax a range of lockdown measures due to come into force in England on Saturday, including cancelling plans to allow a full range of beauty treatments.
The further easing of lockdown restrictions in England that were due on 1 August for higher risk settings, including allowing small wedding receptions and the reopening of bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos, has been postponed for at least two weeks, he said.
Indoor performances will not resume, pilots of crowds in sports centres will not take place, and wedding receptions of more than 30 people will not be permitted, he added.
His announcement follows that to tighten restrictions in parts of the north of England as part of targeted measures.
Full details from his press conference can be found here:
A new test powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could be capable of identifying coronavirus within one hour, according to new research.Its developers say it can rapidly screen people arriving at hospitals for Covid-19 and accurately predict whether or not they have the disease, the Press Association reports. The Curial AI test has been developed by a team at the University of Oxford and assesses data typically gathered from patients within the first hour of arriving in an emergency department - such as blood tests and vital signs - to determine the chance of a patient testing positive for Covid-19.Testing for the virus currently involves the molecular analysis of a nose and throat swab, with results having a typical turnaround time of between 12 and 48 hours.However, the Oxford team said their tool could deliver near-real-time predictions for a patient’s Covid-19 status.In a study running since March, the researchers have tested the AI tool on data from 115,000 visits to A&E at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH).Study lead Dr Andrew Soltan said the tool had accurately predicted a patient’s Covid-19 status in more than 90% of cases, and argued that it could be a useful tool for the NHS. He added that the researchers now hope to carry out real-world trials of the technology.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said today that the government will postpone highly anticipated legislative elections, citing a worsening coronavirus outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, AP reports. The Hong Kong government is invoking an emergency regulations ordinance in delaying the elections. Lam said the government has the support of the Chinese government in making the decision.Hong Kong has seen a surge in infections since the beginning of July.The postponement is a setback for the opposition, which was hoping to capitalise on disenchantment with the current pro-Beijing majority to make gains.Pro-democracy lawmakers have accused the government of using the outbreak as an excuse to delay the elections.Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said today that the government will postpone highly anticipated legislative elections, citing a worsening coronavirus outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, AP reports. The Hong Kong government is invoking an emergency regulations ordinance in delaying the elections. Lam said the government has the support of the Chinese government in making the decision.Hong Kong has seen a surge in infections since the beginning of July.The postponement is a setback for the opposition, which was hoping to capitalise on disenchantment with the current pro-Beijing majority to make gains.Pro-democracy lawmakers have accused the government of using the outbreak as an excuse to delay the elections.
In India, a vendor sprays sanitiser as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus on ‘rakhis’ (sacred thread) at his shop ahead of the annual Hindu festival ‘Raksha Bandhan’, in HyderabadIn India, a vendor sprays sanitiser as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus on ‘rakhis’ (sacred thread) at his shop ahead of the annual Hindu festival ‘Raksha Bandhan’, in Hyderabad
The Raksha Bandhan festival is marked by a simple ceremony in which sisters tie sacred threads known as ‘rakhi’ on their brothers’ wrists as a prayer for their prosperity and happiness.The Raksha Bandhan festival is marked by a simple ceremony in which sisters tie sacred threads known as ‘rakhi’ on their brothers’ wrists as a prayer for their prosperity and happiness.
Japan has signed a deal to secure 120m doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine, the German pharmaceutical group BioNTech, which is developing the drug with US pharma giant Pfizer, said today.Japan has signed a deal to secure 120m doses of a potential coronavirus vaccine, the German pharmaceutical group BioNTech, which is developing the drug with US pharma giant Pfizer, said today.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, with BioNTech saying the terms were based on the timing of the delivery and volume of doses, AFP reports.Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, with BioNTech saying the terms were based on the timing of the delivery and volume of doses, AFP reports.
But an agreement announced recently between the labs and the US put the price of 100m doses of the potential vaccine at almost $2bn.But an agreement announced recently between the labs and the US put the price of 100m doses of the potential vaccine at almost $2bn.
First deliveries to Japan are planned for the first half of 2021, added the Mainz-based company.First deliveries to Japan are planned for the first half of 2021, added the Mainz-based company.
More than 200 candidate vaccines are being developed around the world with roughly two dozen at the stage of clinical trials with human volunteers.More than 200 candidate vaccines are being developed around the world with roughly two dozen at the stage of clinical trials with human volunteers.
In Texas, hurricane season means preparing for one natural disaster in the middle of another, Erum Salam reports from Houston.In Texas, hurricane season means preparing for one natural disaster in the middle of another, Erum Salam reports from Houston.
On a recent weekend in Houston, hundreds of people thronged a local Home Depot, buying plywood, bags of sand and gallons of water. They were getting supplies – not for a quarantine DIY project – but rather purchasing materials to protect their homes during hurricane season.On a recent weekend in Houston, hundreds of people thronged a local Home Depot, buying plywood, bags of sand and gallons of water. They were getting supplies – not for a quarantine DIY project – but rather purchasing materials to protect their homes during hurricane season.
It is a yearly ritual in Texas, but 2020 is different. Not only is America facing an unusually active hurricane season – Texas has been hit once already – but the coronavirus pandemic looms over the state’s preparations.It is a yearly ritual in Texas, but 2020 is different. Not only is America facing an unusually active hurricane season – Texas has been hit once already – but the coronavirus pandemic looms over the state’s preparations.
Covid-19 definitely presents a challenge. Hurricane shelters need good ventilation, and to be able to enforce social distancing.Covid-19 definitely presents a challenge. Hurricane shelters need good ventilation, and to be able to enforce social distancing.
Portugal’s economy contracted 14.1% in the second quarter from the first three months of this year as it imposed lockdowns to slow the spread of coronavirus, the national statistics agency said today.Portugal’s economy contracted 14.1% in the second quarter from the first three months of this year as it imposed lockdowns to slow the spread of coronavirus, the national statistics agency said today.
With gross domestic product having fallen by 3.8% in the first three months of this year, Portugal has met the technical definition for a recession of two consecutive quarters of a drop in quarter-on-quarter GDP, AFP reports.With gross domestic product having fallen by 3.8% in the first three months of this year, Portugal has met the technical definition for a recession of two consecutive quarters of a drop in quarter-on-quarter GDP, AFP reports.
“Reflecting the economic impact of the pandemic, the Portuguese Gross Domestic Product (GDP) registered a strong contraction in the second quarter of 2020,” Statistics Portugal said in a statement.“Reflecting the economic impact of the pandemic, the Portuguese Gross Domestic Product (GDP) registered a strong contraction in the second quarter of 2020,” Statistics Portugal said in a statement.
It said domestic demand, both in private consumption and investment, were the main drivers of the drop in GDP.It said domestic demand, both in private consumption and investment, were the main drivers of the drop in GDP.
Portugal is also heavily dependent upon tourism, and Statistics Portugal pointed out that “non-residents tourism (was) almost … interrupted” by the restrictions on international travel and lockdowns.Portugal is also heavily dependent upon tourism, and Statistics Portugal pointed out that “non-residents tourism (was) almost … interrupted” by the restrictions on international travel and lockdowns.
Portugal’s government expects a 6.9% drop in GDP for the entire year, while the central bank sees a fall of 9.5%.Portugal’s government expects a 6.9% drop in GDP for the entire year, while the central bank sees a fall of 9.5%.
Hi. Caroline Davies here. I am going to be running the blog for the next few hours. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.comHi. Caroline Davies here. I am going to be running the blog for the next few hours. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.com
France’s health authorities have confirmed a “marked increase” in the number of coronavirus cases of 54% across the mainland – excluding overseas territories – in a week.France’s health authorities have confirmed a “marked increase” in the number of coronavirus cases of 54% across the mainland – excluding overseas territories – in a week.
The increase covered all age groups, but Public Santé France, the public health authority, said the rise was particularly worrying in those aged between 20 and 30. There was also an increase in the number of patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19, though the figures for those requiring intensive care remained stable.The increase covered all age groups, but Public Santé France, the public health authority, said the rise was particularly worrying in those aged between 20 and 30. There was also an increase in the number of patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19, though the figures for those requiring intensive care remained stable.
As France prepared for a heatwave, people were urged to keep their masks on despite temperatures expected to reach 41C in areas.As France prepared for a heatwave, people were urged to keep their masks on despite temperatures expected to reach 41C in areas.
The number of new cases in the previous 24 hours was 1,377, only slightly fewer than the previous day, which was a record since May, and the number of clusters under investigation rose by 10 to 151. There were 16 deaths in hospital in the previous 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths in France attributed to the coronavirus to 30,254.The number of new cases in the previous 24 hours was 1,377, only slightly fewer than the previous day, which was a record since May, and the number of clusters under investigation rose by 10 to 151. There were 16 deaths in hospital in the previous 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths in France attributed to the coronavirus to 30,254.
In its report for week 30 (20-26 July) Santé Publique France said the number of positive tests for coronavirus in France – including overseas departments – had risen for the third week in a row and called the increase “significant”. Just under 458,000 patients were tested and 6,407 found positive, an increase of 44% on the number of positive tests the previous week.In its report for week 30 (20-26 July) Santé Publique France said the number of positive tests for coronavirus in France – including overseas departments – had risen for the third week in a row and called the increase “significant”. Just under 458,000 patients were tested and 6,407 found positive, an increase of 44% on the number of positive tests the previous week.
Of those tested, just under 440,000 were resident in mainland France, known as l’Hexagone, and 5,592 tested positive, an increase of 54% on the number of positive tests the previous week.Of those tested, just under 440,000 were resident in mainland France, known as l’Hexagone, and 5,592 tested positive, an increase of 54% on the number of positive tests the previous week.
In short, the number of tests carried out increased by 27%, while the number of positive results increased by 54%.In short, the number of tests carried out increased by 27%, while the number of positive results increased by 54%.
It declared:It declared:
More than half (51%) of those who tested positive showed no symptoms. Of those tested positive 69% were aged between 15 and 44 and of those the biggest increase was among 20- to 25-year-olds.More than half (51%) of those who tested positive showed no symptoms. Of those tested positive 69% were aged between 15 and 44 and of those the biggest increase was among 20- to 25-year-olds.
The R-number – the number of people one person with the virus will infect – rose from 1.35 to 1.42.The R-number – the number of people one person with the virus will infect – rose from 1.35 to 1.42.
The increase in clusters was due to large family gatherings as well as public and private events.The increase in clusters was due to large family gatherings as well as public and private events.
Santé Publique France says the increase is due to the “drop in the systematic adoption of prevention measures (keeping a minimum 1-metre distance, not shaking hands and stopping embraces)”.Santé Publique France says the increase is due to the “drop in the systematic adoption of prevention measures (keeping a minimum 1-metre distance, not shaking hands and stopping embraces)”.
A 70-year-old man has died after contracting Covid-19 in Vietnam, the first coronavirus-related death to be recorded in the country, which has been widely praised for its response to the pandemic.A 70-year-old man has died after contracting Covid-19 in Vietnam, the first coronavirus-related death to be recorded in the country, which has been widely praised for its response to the pandemic.
Vietnam responded quickly to the outbreak in January and used extensive contact tracing and strict quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the virus. So far, the country of 96 million has recorded 509 cases.Vietnam responded quickly to the outbreak in January and used extensive contact tracing and strict quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the virus. So far, the country of 96 million has recorded 509 cases.
Critical cases have been so rare over recent months, that they have been reported extensively by the media. The treatment and eventual recovery of a Scottish pilot, who spent 68 days on a ventilator, gripped the public.Critical cases have been so rare over recent months, that they have been reported extensively by the media. The treatment and eventual recovery of a Scottish pilot, who spent 68 days on a ventilator, gripped the public.
The country was on the brink of recording 100 days without any locally transmitted cases when, last weekend, a cluster emerged in the central city Da Nang. Since then, infections have emerged in other cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.The country was on the brink of recording 100 days without any locally transmitted cases when, last weekend, a cluster emerged in the central city Da Nang. Since then, infections have emerged in other cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
In Da Nang, authorities are building a 1,000-bed field hospital to ease the burden on the city’s hospitals, four of which are under lockdown following a series of cases there. Meanwhile, more than 80,000 people who recently visited the city have been asked to quarantine at home so that the cluster of cases can be brought under control.In Da Nang, authorities are building a 1,000-bed field hospital to ease the burden on the city’s hospitals, four of which are under lockdown following a series of cases there. Meanwhile, more than 80,000 people who recently visited the city have been asked to quarantine at home so that the cluster of cases can be brought under control.
The 70-year-old man died on Friday, according to the official Vietnam News Agency. He appears to have contracted the virus in Da Nang.The 70-year-old man died on Friday, according to the official Vietnam News Agency. He appears to have contracted the virus in Da Nang.
Spain must focus on recovery after after registering an “unprecedented” collapse in second-quarter GDP, prime minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday ahead of a meeting with regional leaders, Reuters reports.Spain must focus on recovery after after registering an “unprecedented” collapse in second-quarter GDP, prime minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday ahead of a meeting with regional leaders, Reuters reports.
Reducing inequality between Spain’s regions must be a part of any eventual recovery, he said, adding that the worst moments of the crisis had now passed.Reducing inequality between Spain’s regions must be a part of any eventual recovery, he said, adding that the worst moments of the crisis had now passed.
The Philippine health ministry on Friday confirmed 4,063 novel coronavirus infections, reporting the highest daily case increase in south-east Asia for a second straight day, Reuters reports.The Philippine health ministry on Friday confirmed 4,063 novel coronavirus infections, reporting the highest daily case increase in south-east Asia for a second straight day, Reuters reports.
In a bulletin, the ministry said the total number of confirmed infections have risen to 93,354, while deaths increased by 40 to 2,023.In a bulletin, the ministry said the total number of confirmed infections have risen to 93,354, while deaths increased by 40 to 2,023.
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte on Friday maintained coronavirus restrictions in the capital and some provinces for a further two weeks to try to control the spread of the virus.Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte on Friday maintained coronavirus restrictions in the capital and some provinces for a further two weeks to try to control the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Indonesia reported2,040 new coronavirus infections on Friday and 73 additional deaths, according to data published on the country’s Covid-19 taskforce website.Meanwhile, Indonesia reported2,040 new coronavirus infections on Friday and 73 additional deaths, according to data published on the country’s Covid-19 taskforce website.
This brought Indonesia’s total number of confirmed infections to 108,376 and deaths to 5,131.This brought Indonesia’s total number of confirmed infections to 108,376 and deaths to 5,131.
Poland reported its highest number of new daily coronavirus cases since the global pandemic started for the second day in a row on Friday, with 657 new cases, Reuters reports, citing the health ministry.Poland reported its highest number of new daily coronavirus cases since the global pandemic started for the second day in a row on Friday, with 657 new cases, Reuters reports, citing the health ministry.
The ministry reported seven new deaths, with a total of 45,688 reported coronavirus cases and 1,716 deaths.The ministry reported seven new deaths, with a total of 45,688 reported coronavirus cases and 1,716 deaths.
Of the new cases, 227 were in the Silesia region, which has been grappling with an outbreak amongst miners.Of the new cases, 227 were in the Silesia region, which has been grappling with an outbreak amongst miners.
Russia reported 5,482 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, according to a report by Reuters. The latest count pushes its national tally to 839,981, the world’s fourth largest caseload.Russia reported 5,482 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, according to a report by Reuters. The latest count pushes its national tally to 839,981, the world’s fourth largest caseload.
Officials said 161 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 13,963.Officials said 161 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 13,963.
Police are ready to set up roadblocks, create diversions and close off sections of Bournemouth beach to prevent a repeat of last month’s chaotic scenes as a heatwave sweeps parts of the UK, reports Steven Morris and Simon Murphy.Police are ready to set up roadblocks, create diversions and close off sections of Bournemouth beach to prevent a repeat of last month’s chaotic scenes as a heatwave sweeps parts of the UK, reports Steven Morris and Simon Murphy.
They write:They write:
Germany reported 870 more confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, according to a tally from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases.Germany reported 870 more confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, according to a tally from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases.
Reuters reports that the total number of cases now stands at 208,698, while 9,141 deaths have been recordedReuters reports that the total number of cases now stands at 208,698, while 9,141 deaths have been recorded
Hello, I’m Aamna taking over the blog for the next few hours. If you have any questions, you can email me (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or tweet me (@aamnamohdin)Hello, I’m Aamna taking over the blog for the next few hours. If you have any questions, you can email me (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or tweet me (@aamnamohdin)