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Coronavirus live news: France to impose reciprocal quarantine on travellers returning from UK Coronavirus live news: France to impose reciprocal quarantine on travellers returning from UK
(30 minutes later)
France to impose 14-day quarantine; China ‘has been vaccinating’ key workers; Trump authorises plasma treatment amid attacks on FDAFrance to impose 14-day quarantine; China ‘has been vaccinating’ key workers; Trump authorises plasma treatment amid attacks on FDA
Asked about schools reopening, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead at the WHO, said that while most children had mild or asymptomatic infections, “there are young children that can develop severe disease and there are children who have died from severe infection.”
She says many studies are underway to establish the risks to children and their families. “What we see from some of the preliminary results is that there is some difference in the transmission rate among the younger children and teenagers. So we do need to differentiate between different age groups,” she said.
The focus should be on getting transmission down in the community, she stressed, saying “everyone has agreed how important it is that schools can reopen safely”.
A question from a journalist in Bosnia, who asks whether Balkan countries should put in orders for the Russian vaccine.
Dr Bruce Aylward, senior advisor to the director-general of the WHO, said it won’t recommend any vaccines that haven’t passed through its “pre-qualification emergency use licensing programme”.
None have yet passed that milestone.
There is a question at the WHO press conference about the Russian vaccine programme.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the WHO, says the organisation has asked the Russians to share data on efficacy. “Safety needs to be assessed short term but also long term as some side effects are only picked up later on,” she says.
There are 30 trials at various stages of development across the world, she adds.
Earlier this month Russia became the first country in the world to license a coronavirus vaccine when the president, Vladimir Putin, announced its approval ahead of conventional phase 3 testing.
At the time of the announcement the vaccine had not passed the advanced trials normally required to prove it works before being licensed, a major breach of scientific protocol. Russian officials claimed the vaccine would provide lasting immunity to Covid-19 but offered no proof.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for Covid-19 at the World Health Organization, has been asked by an Australian reporter about a case of someone being reinfected with Covid after recovering.Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for Covid-19 at the World Health Organization, has been asked by an Australian reporter about a case of someone being reinfected with Covid after recovering.
She says that while people do develop an immune response, it is not clear how long that response lasts. A lot of work is going on to establish how long this immunity lasts. Many studies are underway.She says that while people do develop an immune response, it is not clear how long that response lasts. A lot of work is going on to establish how long this immunity lasts. Many studies are underway.
She said there have been more than 24m cases recorded across the globe to date and it is important to put the reinfection case into context.She said there have been more than 24m cases recorded across the globe to date and it is important to put the reinfection case into context.
“I don’t want people to be afraid. We need people to understand that if they are infected, even if it is only a mild case, they do develop an immune response,” she says.“I don’t want people to be afraid. We need people to understand that if they are infected, even if it is only a mild case, they do develop an immune response,” she says.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organisation, has appealed to countries across the world to contribute more to Covax, a global effort to develop a vaccine against Covid-19, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, has appealed to countries across the world to contribute more to Covax, a global effort to develop a vaccine against Covid-19.
At a press conference (which we are carrying live on this blog), he said more money is “urgently needed to move the portfolio forward”. The goal is to deliver at least two billion safe, effective vaccines by the end of 2021. Some 172 countries are involved in the programme, he said.
At a press conference (which we are carrying live on this blog), he said more money is “urgently needed to move the portfolio forward”. The goal is to deliver at least 2bn safe, effective vaccines by the end of 2021.
Ghebreyesus insists it is not all doom and gloom. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. As I said last week, we can do it,” he said.Ghebreyesus insists it is not all doom and gloom. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. As I said last week, we can do it,” he said.
Thanks for following everyone. I am now handing over the blog to my colleague Helen Pidd. Below is a summary of the latest developments:Thanks for following everyone. I am now handing over the blog to my colleague Helen Pidd. Below is a summary of the latest developments:
French authorities will in the coming days reciprocate Britain’s decision to impose a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals from France, the junior minister for European affairs said on Monday.French authorities will in the coming days reciprocate Britain’s decision to impose a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals from France, the junior minister for European affairs said on Monday.
The Chinese government has been administering a coronavirus vaccine candidate to selected groups of key workers since July, a senior health official has said. Zheng Zhongwei, the head of the national health commission’s science and technology centre, told state media organisation CCTV on Sunday the government had authorised “emergency use” of a Sars-Cov-2 vaccine for workers including health workers and border officials.The Chinese government has been administering a coronavirus vaccine candidate to selected groups of key workers since July, a senior health official has said. Zheng Zhongwei, the head of the national health commission’s science and technology centre, told state media organisation CCTV on Sunday the government had authorised “emergency use” of a Sars-Cov-2 vaccine for workers including health workers and border officials.
Boris Johnson has issued a plea to parents to send their children back to the classroom when schools reopen in September. The UK prime minister said the risk of contracting coronavirus in schools is “very small”, and that pupils face greater harm by continuing to stay away from the classroom.Boris Johnson has issued a plea to parents to send their children back to the classroom when schools reopen in September. The UK prime minister said the risk of contracting coronavirus in schools is “very small”, and that pupils face greater harm by continuing to stay away from the classroom.
The number of daily coronavirus cases recorded in Italy has nearly doubled in the past five days, rising to more than 1,200 on Sunday. Italy recorded 1,210 cases in the past 24 hours, compared with 642 on Wednesday, latest official figures showed.The number of daily coronavirus cases recorded in Italy has nearly doubled in the past five days, rising to more than 1,200 on Sunday. Italy recorded 1,210 cases in the past 24 hours, compared with 642 on Wednesday, latest official figures showed.
French regional health authorities on Sunday said there had been a “very worrying” outbreak of coronavirus at a naturist holiday resort on France’s Mediterranean coast, with 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive. The Cap d’Agde resort in the Herault region, hugely popular among naturists, reported 38 positive tests on Monday and a further 57 on Wednesday, the regional health authority said.French regional health authorities on Sunday said there had been a “very worrying” outbreak of coronavirus at a naturist holiday resort on France’s Mediterranean coast, with 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive. The Cap d’Agde resort in the Herault region, hugely popular among naturists, reported 38 positive tests on Monday and a further 57 on Wednesday, the regional health authority said.
The Irish prime minister, , called on European trade commissioner Phil Hogan to give the public absolute assurances he did not break Covid-19 when he travelled to a golf dinner that has caused outrage in his native Ireland.The Irish prime minister, , called on European trade commissioner Phil Hogan to give the public absolute assurances he did not break Covid-19 when he travelled to a golf dinner that has caused outrage in his native Ireland.
Marin said Hogan was adamant he did not breach a local lockdown while he was staying in County Kildare but given there was a discrepancy between the commissioner’s public statements on the issue, he needed to provide a full public account.Marin said Hogan was adamant he did not breach a local lockdown while he was staying in County Kildare but given there was a discrepancy between the commissioner’s public statements on the issue, he needed to provide a full public account.
“I need absolute … the public needs absolute assurances that the restrictions that were imposed in Kildare were not breached. That to me would be very, very serious indeed,” Martin, who called for Hogan to consider his position on Saturday, told national broadcaster RTE.“I need absolute … the public needs absolute assurances that the restrictions that were imposed in Kildare were not breached. That to me would be very, very serious indeed,” Martin, who called for Hogan to consider his position on Saturday, told national broadcaster RTE.
Hello everyone. I am running the Guardian’s global live feed from London. Please do keep in touch with me and share any thoughts, comments or news tips via any of the channels below. Thanks in advance.Hello everyone. I am running the Guardian’s global live feed from London. Please do keep in touch with me and share any thoughts, comments or news tips via any of the channels below. Thanks in advance.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
French health authorities have reported a “very worrying” outbreak of Covid-19 at a naturist resort in the south of France.French health authorities have reported a “very worrying” outbreak of Covid-19 at a naturist resort in the south of France.
Around 100 holidaymakers at the camp at Cap d’Agde on the Mediterranean coast near Béziers, have tested positive for coronavirus and the results of further 310 tests are awaited.Around 100 holidaymakers at the camp at Cap d’Agde on the Mediterranean coast near Béziers, have tested positive for coronavirus and the results of further 310 tests are awaited.
A further 50 naturists who had been at the resort and returned home also tested positive, according to the authorities. The number of positive tests at the holiday resort was four times higher than that in the village where it is situated.A further 50 naturists who had been at the resort and returned home also tested positive, according to the authorities. The number of positive tests at the holiday resort was four times higher than that in the village where it is situated.
The regional health authority said the situation was “very worrying”.The regional health authority said the situation was “very worrying”.
“More than 800 tests were carried out last week.The results of those tests showed almost 30% were positive among the people who had been to the naturist village at Cap d’Agde,” said the regional health authority in a statement.“More than 800 tests were carried out last week.The results of those tests showed almost 30% were positive among the people who had been to the naturist village at Cap d’Agde,” said the regional health authority in a statement.
“The results of these biological analyses relate to 278 tests carried out on Wednesday 19 August … 58 were positive. We are awaiting the results of 310 tests carried out on Friday.” It called for a strict respecting of the prevention and protection rules at the resort.“The results of these biological analyses relate to 278 tests carried out on Wednesday 19 August … 58 were positive. We are awaiting the results of 310 tests carried out on Friday.” It called for a strict respecting of the prevention and protection rules at the resort.
More Covid-19 tests were due to be carried out at the naturist resort on Monday.More Covid-19 tests were due to be carried out at the naturist resort on Monday.
In its latest figures released on Sunday evening, France reported 4,897 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours. The country is carrying out more than 700,000 Covid-19 tests a week, the health minister, Olivier Véran, said, but experts say the increase in new cases cannot be explained by the increase in testing.In its latest figures released on Sunday evening, France reported 4,897 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours. The country is carrying out more than 700,000 Covid-19 tests a week, the health minister, Olivier Véran, said, but experts say the increase in new cases cannot be explained by the increase in testing.
The rate of infection number is now 1.34, meaning every 10 people infected are passing the virus on to more than 13 others. The figure has been rising since the end of June.The rate of infection number is now 1.34, meaning every 10 people infected are passing the virus on to more than 13 others. The figure has been rising since the end of June.
There are 333 clusters under investigation in France, 32 more than the previous 24 hours. There were 29 new patients admitted to hospital with the virus, and six new patients taken into intensive care during the same period.There are 333 clusters under investigation in France, 32 more than the previous 24 hours. There were 29 new patients admitted to hospital with the virus, and six new patients taken into intensive care during the same period.
There was one death recorded in French hospitals, bringing the official total number of deaths attributed to Covid-19 in France to 30,513.There was one death recorded in French hospitals, bringing the official total number of deaths attributed to Covid-19 in France to 30,513.
Out of France’s 101 departments, 38 are listed as being of moderate or substantial risk with Covid-19.Out of France’s 101 departments, 38 are listed as being of moderate or substantial risk with Covid-19.
The incidence of coronavirus in France reached a peak on 3 April before gradually declining to a low in June. It began rising again around mid-July. However, the number of patients requiring intensive care has remained stable for several weeks, suggesting the virus is spreading but is less serious.The incidence of coronavirus in France reached a peak on 3 April before gradually declining to a low in June. It began rising again around mid-July. However, the number of patients requiring intensive care has remained stable for several weeks, suggesting the virus is spreading but is less serious.
French authorities will in the coming days reciprocate Britain’s decision to impose a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals from France, the junior minister for European affairs said on Monday.French authorities will in the coming days reciprocate Britain’s decision to impose a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals from France, the junior minister for European affairs said on Monday.
Britain said on Friday travellers from the UK to France would be required to self-certify that they are not suffering from coronavirus symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed case within 14 days preceding travel.Britain said on Friday travellers from the UK to France would be required to self-certify that they are not suffering from coronavirus symptoms or have been in contact with a confirmed case within 14 days preceding travel.
Since 15 August British authorities have also required travellers returning from France to self-isolate upon their return due to high Covid-19 infection rates in France.Since 15 August British authorities have also required travellers returning from France to self-isolate upon their return due to high Covid-19 infection rates in France.
“We will have a measure called reciprocity so that our British friends do not close the border in one single way,” the French junior European affairs minister Clément Beaune told France 2 television.“We will have a measure called reciprocity so that our British friends do not close the border in one single way,” the French junior European affairs minister Clément Beaune told France 2 television.
“For travellers returning from the United Kingdom, there will probably be restrictive measures decided in the next few days by the prime minister and by the defence council.”“For travellers returning from the United Kingdom, there will probably be restrictive measures decided in the next few days by the prime minister and by the defence council.”
Residents in China’s north-western Xinjiang region have complained on social media about the harsh coronavirus lockdown measures in the sensitive region after a local outbreak.Residents in China’s north-western Xinjiang region have complained on social media about the harsh coronavirus lockdown measures in the sensitive region after a local outbreak.
China - where the disease first emerged - had largely brought domestic transmission under control through lockdowns, travel restrictions and testing, but sporadic regional outbreaks have emerged.China - where the disease first emerged - had largely brought domestic transmission under control through lockdowns, travel restrictions and testing, but sporadic regional outbreaks have emerged.
A new cluster in Xinjiang’s capital Urumqi in mid-July prompted fresh restrictions. A total of 902 cases have been officially reported in the outbreak.A new cluster in Xinjiang’s capital Urumqi in mid-July prompted fresh restrictions. A total of 902 cases have been officially reported in the outbreak.
Officials said earlier this month that they had “effectively contained” the spread of the Urumqi cluster, and there have been no new cases reported in the last eight days.Officials said earlier this month that they had “effectively contained” the spread of the Urumqi cluster, and there have been no new cases reported in the last eight days.
But hundreds of local residents flooded local social media forums in recent days to complain about harsh conditions, including many being forced to stay home.But hundreds of local residents flooded local social media forums in recent days to complain about harsh conditions, including many being forced to stay home.
After some of these comments were removed – China’s internet is heavily censored – users tried to flood local forums on the Twitter-like Weibo platform in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.After some of these comments were removed – China’s internet is heavily censored – users tried to flood local forums on the Twitter-like Weibo platform in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Social media users shared photos of front doors sealed with steel crowbars, and locks installed by community workers.Social media users shared photos of front doors sealed with steel crowbars, and locks installed by community workers.
“Why can’t prefectures with no cases remove the lockdown? Why do you need to lock down the whole of Xinjiang?” read one comment on Weibo, which received thousands of likes.“Why can’t prefectures with no cases remove the lockdown? Why do you need to lock down the whole of Xinjiang?” read one comment on Weibo, which received thousands of likes.
South Korea’s capital on Monday ordered masks to be worn in both indoor and outdoor public places for the first time, as it battles a surge in coronavirus cases centred in the densely populated metropolitan area.South Korea’s capital on Monday ordered masks to be worn in both indoor and outdoor public places for the first time, as it battles a surge in coronavirus cases centred in the densely populated metropolitan area.
In May, the city government ordered that masks be worn on public transport and in taxis, but a recent spike in cases has health officials worried that the country may need to impose its highest level of social distancing, known as phase 3.In May, the city government ordered that masks be worn on public transport and in taxis, but a recent spike in cases has health officials worried that the country may need to impose its highest level of social distancing, known as phase 3.
“If we can’t stop it at this stage, we have no choice but to upgrade to the third phase of social distancing,” President Moon Jae-in told his top aides. “The raise to phase 3 is by no means an easy option.”“If we can’t stop it at this stage, we have no choice but to upgrade to the third phase of social distancing,” President Moon Jae-in told his top aides. “The raise to phase 3 is by no means an easy option.”
Under phase 3, schools and business will be urged to close, inflicting more damage on Asia’s fourth-largest economy.Under phase 3, schools and business will be urged to close, inflicting more damage on Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 266 new cases as of midnight on Sunday, down from 397 a day earlier but another in more than a week of triple-digit daily increases.The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 266 new cases as of midnight on Sunday, down from 397 a day earlier but another in more than a week of triple-digit daily increases.
Overall, South Korea has reported 17,665 coronavirus cases and 309 deaths.Overall, South Korea has reported 17,665 coronavirus cases and 309 deaths.
Russia reported 4,744 new coronavirus cases on Monday, pushing its confirmed infection tally to 961,493, the fourth largest in the world. Authorities said 65 people had died over the past 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 16,448.Russia reported 4,744 new coronavirus cases on Monday, pushing its confirmed infection tally to 961,493, the fourth largest in the world. Authorities said 65 people had died over the past 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 16,448.
The FTSE 100 jumped on Monday, tracking Asian markets as US regulators authorised a Covid-19 treatment over the weekend, while AstraZeneca rose on a report the US government was considering fast-tracking its experimental vaccine.The FTSE 100 jumped on Monday, tracking Asian markets as US regulators authorised a Covid-19 treatment over the weekend, while AstraZeneca rose on a report the US government was considering fast-tracking its experimental vaccine.
The drugmaker gained 1.5% and was the top boost to the FTSE 100 as the report said one option being explored would involve the US health regulator awarding “emergency use authorisation” in October to the potential vaccine.The drugmaker gained 1.5% and was the top boost to the FTSE 100 as the report said one option being explored would involve the US health regulator awarding “emergency use authorisation” in October to the potential vaccine.
The export-laden FTSE 100 was up 1.2% after ending Friday with its first weekly loss in three as fresh Brexit concerns compounded fears over the UK’s post-pandemic economic recovery.The export-laden FTSE 100 was up 1.2% after ending Friday with its first weekly loss in three as fresh Brexit concerns compounded fears over the UK’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
The blue-chip index has gained about 23% from its March lows, but lagged the US benchmark S&P 500, which is scaling record highs on historic fiscal and monetary stimulus and hopes that the worst of the pandemic’s economic damage was over. On Sunday, the US Food & Drug administration said it authorised the use of blood plasma from patients who had recovered from Covid-19 as a treatment for the disease.The blue-chip index has gained about 23% from its March lows, but lagged the US benchmark S&P 500, which is scaling record highs on historic fiscal and monetary stimulus and hopes that the worst of the pandemic’s economic damage was over. On Sunday, the US Food & Drug administration said it authorised the use of blood plasma from patients who had recovered from Covid-19 as a treatment for the disease.
The UK’s mid-cap FTSE 250 rose 0.5%, led by financial, industrial and consumer discretionary stocks.The UK’s mid-cap FTSE 250 rose 0.5%, led by financial, industrial and consumer discretionary stocks.
Russian authorities may this week announce the resumption of international flights to France, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus, Jordan, Egypt and China’s Shanghai, the Izvestia newspaper cited unnamed airport and airline sources as saying on Monday.Russian authorities may this week announce the resumption of international flights to France, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus, Jordan, Egypt and China’s Shanghai, the Izvestia newspaper cited unnamed airport and airline sources as saying on Monday.
Russia grounded international commercial flights during the coronavirus lockdown earlier this year and has so far only resumed flights to London, Turkey, Tanzania and Switzerland.Russia grounded international commercial flights during the coronavirus lockdown earlier this year and has so far only resumed flights to London, Turkey, Tanzania and Switzerland.
Russia has confirmed the world’s fourth largest tally of coronavirus cases. It has recorded close to 5,000 new cases of the virus on a daily basis for the last several weeks.Russia has confirmed the world’s fourth largest tally of coronavirus cases. It has recorded close to 5,000 new cases of the virus on a daily basis for the last several weeks.
Hello everyone. I am taking over the Guardian’s global live feed this morning from London. Please do keep in touch with me and share any thoughts, comments or news tips via any of the channels below. Thanks in advance.Hello everyone. I am taking over the Guardian’s global live feed this morning from London. Please do keep in touch with me and share any thoughts, comments or news tips via any of the channels below. Thanks in advance.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. Thanks for following along.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan for today. Thanks for following along.
For those readers who are just tuning in, you can find a summary of the key developments from the last few hours here.For those readers who are just tuning in, you can find a summary of the key developments from the last few hours here.
My colleague Sarah Marsh will be bringing you the latest for the next while.My colleague Sarah Marsh will be bringing you the latest for the next while.
The commute completely transformed Britain. Is it over for ever?The commute completely transformed Britain. Is it over for ever?
It is 7.45 on a Monday morning and I am heading for the office. It is my first visit to the Guardian for more than four months, but the prime minister wants us back at work. Commuters are reliable, law-abiding creatures of habit, cogs in a greater machine; I am doing what I am told.It is 7.45 on a Monday morning and I am heading for the office. It is my first visit to the Guardian for more than four months, but the prime minister wants us back at work. Commuters are reliable, law-abiding creatures of habit, cogs in a greater machine; I am doing what I am told.
Before Covid-19, in the rush-hour, you would often have to ruck and maul just to get on to a train. Today, there are only three people, masked and well-distanced, in the carriage. It does not get much busier as the journey continues. A couple more at Willesden Green, once a rural area with a few grand houses – until about 1870, when the builders moved in and began turning it into a working-class suburb for a new breed of commuter:Before Covid-19, in the rush-hour, you would often have to ruck and maul just to get on to a train. Today, there are only three people, masked and well-distanced, in the carriage. It does not get much busier as the journey continues. A couple more at Willesden Green, once a rural area with a few grand houses – until about 1870, when the builders moved in and began turning it into a working-class suburb for a new breed of commuter: