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Coronavirus live news: Auckland back in lockdown; Paris marathon cancelled as cases rise Coronavirus live news: Auckland back in lockdown; Paris marathon cancelled as cases rise
(32 minutes later)
France cancels marathon as cases pick up; WHO warns displacement of people in Beirut risks accelerating spread; four new cases in AucklandFrance cancels marathon as cases pick up; WHO warns displacement of people in Beirut risks accelerating spread; four new cases in Auckland
School leaving exams were cancelled, postponed or adapted because of the coronavirus crisis in countries across Europe, but most have avoided the rows, recriminations and abrupt about-turns experienced in the UK.
In 1977 Scott Halstead, a virologist at the University of Hawaii, was studying dengue fever when he noticed a now well-known but then unexpected feature of the disease.
Animals that had already been exposed to one of the four closely-related viruses that cause dengue and produced antibodies to it, far from being protected against other versions became sicker when infected a second time, and it was the antibodies already produced by the first infection that were responsible, allowing the second infection to hitchhike into the body.
The effect was called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The reason it matters today, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, is because unexpected glitches like ADE are the kind of problems vaccine developers look for in phase 3 testing of vaccines – testing which has yet to be carried out on Russia’s newly-approved Sputnik V vaccine.
In recent weeks, as announcements on development of scores of vaccines around the world have come in rapid succession, the still poorly understood mechanisms of ADE have been thrust into the spotlight as scientists speculate whether vaccine-produced antibodies could trigger this effect.
ADE “is a genuine concern”, virologist Kevin Gilligan, a senior consultant with Biologics Consulting, told Nature Biotechnology in June. “Because if the gun is jumped, and a vaccine is widely distributed that is disease enhancing, that would be worse than actually not doing any vaccination at all.”
This week, following Russia’s announcement that it is pushing ahead with mass production of Sputnik V and mass inoculation, the fears expressed by the likes of Gilligan became a chorus, underlining the genuine concerns among scientists that Russian researchers had jumped the gun.
Jordan will close its only land trade border crossing with Syria for a week after a spike in Covid-19 cases coming from its northern neighbour, officials said.Jordan will close its only land trade border crossing with Syria for a week after a spike in Covid-19 cases coming from its northern neighbour, officials said.
They said the interior minister’s decision to close the main Jaber border crossing would come into effect on Thursday morning.They said the interior minister’s decision to close the main Jaber border crossing would come into effect on Thursday morning.
Britain’s NatWest is cutting at least 500 jobs across its retail business and closing one of its remaining offices in London as banks press on with cost-cutting in the face of a wave of expected loan losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Britain’s NatWest is cutting at least 500 jobs across its retail business and closing one of its remaining offices in London as banks press on with cost-cutting in the face of a wave of expected loan losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The state-backed bank is finalising a voluntary redundancy round targeting cutting 550 full-time equivalent roles across its branches and ‘premier banking’ premium service, union Unite told Reuters.The state-backed bank is finalising a voluntary redundancy round targeting cutting 550 full-time equivalent roles across its branches and ‘premier banking’ premium service, union Unite told Reuters.
A NatWest spokesman confirmed the redundancy process.A NatWest spokesman confirmed the redundancy process.
“We have taken the decision to invite applications for voluntary redundancy and will support those colleagues who apply with a comprehensive support package. There will be no compulsory redundancy as a result of this announcement,” the spokesman said.“We have taken the decision to invite applications for voluntary redundancy and will support those colleagues who apply with a comprehensive support package. There will be no compulsory redundancy as a result of this announcement,” the spokesman said.
Around 800 staff are expected to leave once part-time workers are included, Unite national officer Rob MacGregor said.Around 800 staff are expected to leave once part-time workers are included, Unite national officer Rob MacGregor said.
NatWest is also separately closing its Regents House office in London, which was home to one of the bank’s biggest tech hubs and had space for 2,500 workers.NatWest is also separately closing its Regents House office in London, which was home to one of the bank’s biggest tech hubs and had space for 2,500 workers.
The bank has told the bulk of its staff they can work from home until next year.The bank has told the bulk of its staff they can work from home until next year.
Unite’s MacGregor said he understood the pandemic meant more people were banking online but urged lenders not to cut too deeply.Unite’s MacGregor said he understood the pandemic meant more people were banking online but urged lenders not to cut too deeply.
Reuters reported on Monday that TSB was phasing out more than 900 branch roles including dedicated cashiers, with staff affected asked to retrain for more complex jobs or take voluntary redundancy.Reuters reported on Monday that TSB was phasing out more than 900 branch roles including dedicated cashiers, with staff affected asked to retrain for more complex jobs or take voluntary redundancy.
A coronavirus vaccine being worked on by American researchers induces a robust immune response in healthy adults, results from early phases of clinical trials suggest.A coronavirus vaccine being worked on by American researchers induces a robust immune response in healthy adults, results from early phases of clinical trials suggest.
Scientists found that the RNA vaccine, called BNT162b1, was generally well-tolerated, although some participants experienced mild to moderate side-effects.Scientists found that the RNA vaccine, called BNT162b1, was generally well-tolerated, although some participants experienced mild to moderate side-effects.
These increased with dose level, in the seven days following vaccination, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, fever and sleep disturbance.These increased with dose level, in the seven days following vaccination, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, fever and sleep disturbance.
According to an interim report of a phase 1/2 clinical trial published in Nature, the vaccine, which is being developed by Pfizer, elicited a robust immune response in participants, which increased with dose level and with a second dose.According to an interim report of a phase 1/2 clinical trial published in Nature, the vaccine, which is being developed by Pfizer, elicited a robust immune response in participants, which increased with dose level and with a second dose.
Antibodies against Covid-19 were present 21 days after a single vaccination at all dose levels, and there was a substantial increase in Sars-CoV-2-neutralising antibodies seven days after the second dose was given.Antibodies against Covid-19 were present 21 days after a single vaccination at all dose levels, and there was a substantial increase in Sars-CoV-2-neutralising antibodies seven days after the second dose was given.
According to the study, levels of neutralising antibodies in participants were 1.9 to 4.6 times higher than those in patients recovering from Sars-CoV-2 infection.According to the study, levels of neutralising antibodies in participants were 1.9 to 4.6 times higher than those in patients recovering from Sars-CoV-2 infection.
But the scientists warned that, although this comparison provides a benchmark for evaluating the vaccine-elicited immune response and the vaccine’s potential to provide protection, phase 3 trials are needed to determine the efficacy of BNT162b1.But the scientists warned that, although this comparison provides a benchmark for evaluating the vaccine-elicited immune response and the vaccine’s potential to provide protection, phase 3 trials are needed to determine the efficacy of BNT162b1.
Kathrin Jansen, senior vice president and head of vaccine research and development, Pfizer, said:Kathrin Jansen, senior vice president and head of vaccine research and development, Pfizer, said:
Norway is reimposing quarantine on more travellers from foreign countries, the government has said, and reiterated its advice that Norwegians should avoid travelling abroad amid a jump in the number of new coronavirus cases.Norway is reimposing quarantine on more travellers from foreign countries, the government has said, and reiterated its advice that Norwegians should avoid travelling abroad amid a jump in the number of new coronavirus cases.
Norway diagnosed 357 people with Covid-19 last week, the highest since April, but still well below the record 1,733 cases found in a single week in late March, data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health showed.Norway diagnosed 357 people with Covid-19 last week, the highest since April, but still well below the record 1,733 cases found in a single week in late March, data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health showed.
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said it lost HK$9.9bn (US$1.27bn) in the first half of this year as the coronavirus pandemic sent passenger numbers tumbling, eviscerating its business.Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said it lost HK$9.9bn (US$1.27bn) in the first half of this year as the coronavirus pandemic sent passenger numbers tumbling, eviscerating its business.
Before the pandemic, Cathay Pacific was one of Asia’s largest international airlines and the world’s fifth-largest air cargo carrier. But it has been battered by the evaporation of global travel.Before the pandemic, Cathay Pacific was one of Asia’s largest international airlines and the world’s fifth-largest air cargo carrier. But it has been battered by the evaporation of global travel.
Chairman Patrick Healy said in a stark statement announcing the results:Chairman Patrick Healy said in a stark statement announcing the results:
The airline said it carried 4.4 million passengers in the first six months of 2020 - a 76% plunge on-year - as the coronavirus burst out of central China and spread around the world.The airline said it carried 4.4 million passengers in the first six months of 2020 - a 76% plunge on-year - as the coronavirus burst out of central China and spread around the world.
At the height of the global lockdowns in April and May, Cathay Pacific’s entire fleet was averaging just 500 passengers a day.At the height of the global lockdowns in April and May, Cathay Pacific’s entire fleet was averaging just 500 passengers a day.
Cargo remained the lone bright spot, rising 9% on-year to HK$11.2bn. Demand was driven up by a squeeze on space for cargo, which is often carried in the holds of passenger planes.Cargo remained the lone bright spot, rising 9% on-year to HK$11.2bn. Demand was driven up by a squeeze on space for cargo, which is often carried in the holds of passenger planes.
Despite the grim results, Cathay’s share price rose 12% on Wednesday, its biggest one-day jump since 2008.Despite the grim results, Cathay’s share price rose 12% on Wednesday, its biggest one-day jump since 2008.
Bloomberg News said the rally was caused by a tweet by China’s state-run tabloid Global Times saying Hong Kong’s airport may soon restart transfer flights to the mainland.Bloomberg News said the rally was caused by a tweet by China’s state-run tabloid Global Times saying Hong Kong’s airport may soon restart transfer flights to the mainland.
The paper gave no source for its tweet but investors were buoyed because transfer flights could give Cathay some much-needed extra passengers.The paper gave no source for its tweet but investors were buoyed because transfer flights could give Cathay some much-needed extra passengers.
Unlike other big international carriers, Cathay has no domestic market to fall back on, and it was already under pressure after months of huge protests in Hong Kong last year caused passenger numbers to plunge.Unlike other big international carriers, Cathay has no domestic market to fall back on, and it was already under pressure after months of huge protests in Hong Kong last year caused passenger numbers to plunge.
It was also punished by Beijing last year when some of its 33,000 employees expressed support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.It was also punished by Beijing last year when some of its 33,000 employees expressed support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
If you’re just joining us, here’s a quick recap of the latest coronavirus developments across the globe:If you’re just joining us, here’s a quick recap of the latest coronavirus developments across the globe:
UK economy plunges into deepest recession since records began. Britain has officially entered into recession after the coronavirus crisis saw the economy contract by a record 20.4% between April and June.UK economy plunges into deepest recession since records began. Britain has officially entered into recession after the coronavirus crisis saw the economy contract by a record 20.4% between April and June.
Paris marathon cancelled as Covid-19 cases pick up in France. The marathon was originally due to take place on 5 April but had been postponed to 15 November because of the pandemic.Paris marathon cancelled as Covid-19 cases pick up in France. The marathon was originally due to take place on 5 April but had been postponed to 15 November because of the pandemic.
Brussels makes face masks compulsory in all public places. The Minister President of the Brussels region, Rudi Vervoort, announced the measure on Wednesday, after coronavirus cases exceeded 50 per 100,000 people in the capital.Brussels makes face masks compulsory in all public places. The Minister President of the Brussels region, Rudi Vervoort, announced the measure on Wednesday, after coronavirus cases exceeded 50 per 100,000 people in the capital.
German health minister skeptical about Russia vaccine. Jens Spahn said he was sceptical about Russia becoming the first country to grant regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine, saying it was key to have a safe, tested product rather than just being first.German health minister skeptical about Russia vaccine. Jens Spahn said he was sceptical about Russia becoming the first country to grant regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine, saying it was key to have a safe, tested product rather than just being first.
Victoria, Australia records highest Covid death toll as aged care sector remains hardest hit. Victoria has recorded its highest overnight death toll from Covid-19, with 21 deaths and 410 new cases announced on Wednesday as the premier Daniel Andrews expressed concern about continued aged care cases and deaths.Victoria, Australia records highest Covid death toll as aged care sector remains hardest hit. Victoria has recorded its highest overnight death toll from Covid-19, with 21 deaths and 410 new cases announced on Wednesday as the premier Daniel Andrews expressed concern about continued aged care cases and deaths.
New Zealand delays dissolving parliament amid mystery coronavirus outbreak. Opposition National leader Judith Collins criticised the government for a lack of transparency surrounding the community outbreak in Auckland and said a general election – scheduled for 19 September – should be delayed until November or even next year.New Zealand delays dissolving parliament amid mystery coronavirus outbreak. Opposition National leader Judith Collins criticised the government for a lack of transparency surrounding the community outbreak in Auckland and said a general election – scheduled for 19 September – should be delayed until November or even next year.
Polio vaccinations resume in Pakistan and Afghanistan after Covid-19 delays. Polio vaccination campaigns have resumed in Afghanistan and Pakistan – the last two polio-endemic countries in the world – after a “surge” in cases.Polio vaccinations resume in Pakistan and Afghanistan after Covid-19 delays. Polio vaccination campaigns have resumed in Afghanistan and Pakistan – the last two polio-endemic countries in the world – after a “surge” in cases.
Italy has deployed 90 soldiers to Sicily in order to patrol a migration centre where rescued migrants who tested positive for coronavirus have been placed under quarantine.Italy has deployed 90 soldiers to Sicily in order to patrol a migration centre where rescued migrants who tested positive for coronavirus have been placed under quarantine.
The goal is to prevent 73 asylum seekers, who have tested positive for Covid-19, from leaving the hotspot in Pozzallo, in the province of Ragusa.The goal is to prevent 73 asylum seekers, who have tested positive for Covid-19, from leaving the hotspot in Pozzallo, in the province of Ragusa.
A recent upsurge in the number of migrant-boat landings has put the facilities under strain in the island, news agency Ansa has reported.A recent upsurge in the number of migrant-boat landings has put the facilities under strain in the island, news agency Ansa has reported.
A few days ago, several cases of migrants under quarantine running away from the facilities hosting them to avoid repatriations has caused widespread concern in Italy, although the government said none of them had tested positive for the virus and that most had returned.A few days ago, several cases of migrants under quarantine running away from the facilities hosting them to avoid repatriations has caused widespread concern in Italy, although the government said none of them had tested positive for the virus and that most had returned.
It is not the first time that Italy has deployed its soldiers to patrol facilities housing quarantined migrants.It is not the first time that Italy has deployed its soldiers to patrol facilities housing quarantined migrants.
In July, authorities sent dozens of soldiers to a town in Calabria to patrol apartment buildings where 13 migrants from Bangladesh who tested positive for Covid-19 had been placed under quarantine.In July, authorities sent dozens of soldiers to a town in Calabria to patrol apartment buildings where 13 migrants from Bangladesh who tested positive for Covid-19 had been placed under quarantine.
At the time, the decision followed residents’ protests in Amantea, in the province of Cosenza, where the asylum seekers were moved to after arriving in the coastal town of Roccella Jonica and testing positive for the virus.At the time, the decision followed residents’ protests in Amantea, in the province of Cosenza, where the asylum seekers were moved to after arriving in the coastal town of Roccella Jonica and testing positive for the virus.
The city of Brussels has made face masks compulsory in all public places, following a rise in coronavirus cases in the Belgian capital.The city of Brussels has made face masks compulsory in all public places, following a rise in coronavirus cases in the Belgian capital.
The Minister President of the Brussels region, Rudi Vervoort, announced the measure on Wednesday, after coronavirus cases exceeded 50 per 100,000 people in the capital.The Minister President of the Brussels region, Rudi Vervoort, announced the measure on Wednesday, after coronavirus cases exceeded 50 per 100,000 people in the capital.
Exempt from the rules are children under 12, people doing sport or intense physical labour in the street, or those with a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.Exempt from the rules are children under 12, people doing sport or intense physical labour in the street, or those with a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.
The Belgian government said the nationwide increase in coronavirus cases had stabilised, with an 12% increase in cases this week, compared to the previous week. That compares to a 58% increase in cases in July.The Belgian government said the nationwide increase in coronavirus cases had stabilised, with an 12% increase in cases this week, compared to the previous week. That compares to a 58% increase in cases in July.
However, cases are rising at a faster rate in Brussels, home to 1.2 million people, as well as the EU institutions and Nato. The latest weekly data shows a 57% increase in coronavirus cases in the capital, which the government described as “alarming”.However, cases are rising at a faster rate in Brussels, home to 1.2 million people, as well as the EU institutions and Nato. The latest weekly data shows a 57% increase in coronavirus cases in the capital, which the government described as “alarming”.
Cases are now declining in Antwerp, which became a hotspot at the end of last month.Cases are now declining in Antwerp, which became a hotspot at the end of last month.
In the week ending 8 August, an average of 604 people were diagnosed with coronavirus each day, compared to 538 the previous week, and up to 1,700 at the peak of the pandemic in the spring.In the week ending 8 August, an average of 604 people were diagnosed with coronavirus each day, compared to 538 the previous week, and up to 1,700 at the peak of the pandemic in the spring.
The number of people being hospitalised each day has returned to the level of late May.The number of people being hospitalised each day has returned to the level of late May.
“That should remind us that the virus remains dangerous,” said crisis centre spokesperson Frédérique Jacobs. “Even if we are not in the same dramatic situation as in March or April.”“That should remind us that the virus remains dangerous,” said crisis centre spokesperson Frédérique Jacobs. “Even if we are not in the same dramatic situation as in March or April.”
Further restrictions have been imposed on people travelling to and from Spain.Further restrictions have been imposed on people travelling to and from Spain.
Germany has added Madrid and the Basque Country to its blacklist of areas not to visit, along with Catalonia, Aragón and Navarra.Germany has added Madrid and the Basque Country to its blacklist of areas not to visit, along with Catalonia, Aragón and Navarra.
As of today, the northern Italian region of Emilio-Romagna is insisting on Covid-19 tests for anyone travelling from Spain, Greece and Malta.As of today, the northern Italian region of Emilio-Romagna is insisting on Covid-19 tests for anyone travelling from Spain, Greece and Malta.
The move follows spikes in infections in Madrid and the Basque Country, as well as Castilla-León in Spain’s northwest. Infection rates continue to be high in Aragón but are falling in the Barcelona region.The move follows spikes in infections in Madrid and the Basque Country, as well as Castilla-León in Spain’s northwest. Infection rates continue to be high in Aragón but are falling in the Barcelona region.
Mass testing has been carried out in some Catalan towns and is to be extended to parts of Barcelona at the weekend.Mass testing has been carried out in some Catalan towns and is to be extended to parts of Barcelona at the weekend.
The average age of those testing positive is 40 and the overall positive rate in Catalonia is 8.63 per 100, considerably above the WHO’s recommended maximum of 5%.The average age of those testing positive is 40 and the overall positive rate in Catalonia is 8.63 per 100, considerably above the WHO’s recommended maximum of 5%.
Track and trace teams in the region say they are meeting resistance from people who have been in contact with infected individuals.Track and trace teams in the region say they are meeting resistance from people who have been in contact with infected individuals.
Some refuse to be tested while others won’t accept being quarantined after only being in contact with someone positive for 15 minutes. In the town of Ripollet, for example, 45 out of 193 people traced refused to be tested.Some refuse to be tested while others won’t accept being quarantined after only being in contact with someone positive for 15 minutes. In the town of Ripollet, for example, 45 out of 193 people traced refused to be tested.
Meanwhile, in order to meet its targets, Madrid has privatised testing, and track and trace, paying the private medical company Quiron €194,000 for a three-month contract.Meanwhile, in order to meet its targets, Madrid has privatised testing, and track and trace, paying the private medical company Quiron €194,000 for a three-month contract.
The UK’s de facto travel ban has effectively killed off British travel to Spain with the industry reporting an 80% drop in reservations right through until the end of the year.The UK’s de facto travel ban has effectively killed off British travel to Spain with the industry reporting an 80% drop in reservations right through until the end of the year.
France’s advice to avoid the region has also had a negative impact. Spain is not planning to retaliate with quarantine or other restrictive measures.France’s advice to avoid the region has also had a negative impact. Spain is not planning to retaliate with quarantine or other restrictive measures.
Vietnam’s prime minister has said the next 10 days will be critical in the country’s fight against Covid-19, which resurfaced late last month after three months of no domestic cases.Vietnam’s prime minister has said the next 10 days will be critical in the country’s fight against Covid-19, which resurfaced late last month after three months of no domestic cases.
Vietnam was lauded for suppressing an earlier outbreak through aggressive testing, contact-tracing and quarantining, but it is now racing to control infections in multiple locations linked to the popular holiday city of Danang, where a new outbreak was detected on 25 July.Vietnam was lauded for suppressing an earlier outbreak through aggressive testing, contact-tracing and quarantining, but it is now racing to control infections in multiple locations linked to the popular holiday city of Danang, where a new outbreak was detected on 25 July.
Prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in a government statement:Prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in a government statement:
Vietnam reported three new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, raising the number of cases in the country to 866, with 17 deaths. All fatalities stemmed from the new outbreak.Vietnam reported three new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, raising the number of cases in the country to 866, with 17 deaths. All fatalities stemmed from the new outbreak.
The majority of recent cases were in Danang, a town of 1.1 million, where broad social distancing measures and a city-wide lockdown were extended indefinitely on Tuesday.The majority of recent cases were in Danang, a town of 1.1 million, where broad social distancing measures and a city-wide lockdown were extended indefinitely on Tuesday.
A sports stadium converted into a 1,000-bed field hospital received its first Covid-19 patients on Wednesday, many of them from three urban hospitals at the centre of Danang’s outbreak.A sports stadium converted into a 1,000-bed field hospital received its first Covid-19 patients on Wednesday, many of them from three urban hospitals at the centre of Danang’s outbreak.
Phuc characterised actions taken by the authorities to combat the current, third wave of infections as better than previous outbreaks.Phuc characterised actions taken by the authorities to combat the current, third wave of infections as better than previous outbreaks.
People in Vietnam had also reacted more calmly, despite the sudden re-emergence of the virus, Phuc said.People in Vietnam had also reacted more calmly, despite the sudden re-emergence of the virus, Phuc said.
He has previously said early August would be the decisive time within which to stop the virus spreading in Vietnam on a large scale.He has previously said early August would be the decisive time within which to stop the virus spreading in Vietnam on a large scale.