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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
(32 minutes later)
France to impose 14-day quarantine; ‘Very low evidence’ for plasma therapy authorised by Trump — WHO; Italy sees sharp rise in case numbersFrance to impose 14-day quarantine; ‘Very low evidence’ for plasma therapy authorised by Trump — WHO; Italy sees sharp rise in case numbers
Financial markets around the world have rallied strongly after the US government approved a new coronavirus treatment using the plasma of recovered patients, and as hopes rise for the development of a vaccine.
Against a backdrop of rising optimism that medical advances could help to sustain a stronger economic recovery from the pandemic, stocks in Europe climbed higher on Monday after gains in Asia overnight.
The FTSE 100 index of leading UK company shares rose by more than 100 points, about 1.9%, to trade above 6,100 after Donald Trump announced on Sunday that his administration would allow the use of convalescent plasma, a method that has been used to treat flu and measles, for Covid-19 patients.
Shares rallied across Europe after gains across the board in Asia, where Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index jumped 1.4%, Korea’s Kospi 200 gained 1% and China’s CSI 300 gained 0.8%.
The company manufacturing the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine has denied it is in talks with the Trump administration about fast tracking its vaccine for emergency use ahead of November’s presidential elections, Peter Beaumont and Sarah Boseley write.The company manufacturing the Oxford University coronavirus vaccine has denied it is in talks with the Trump administration about fast tracking its vaccine for emergency use ahead of November’s presidential elections, Peter Beaumont and Sarah Boseley write.
With both Russia and China pressing ahead with inoculations involving experimental vaccines yet to pass final efficacy and safety trials, the Trump administration has become increasingly frustrated with the Food and Drug Administration, which the president has tried to suggest is slowing approval of a vaccine for “political reasons.”With both Russia and China pressing ahead with inoculations involving experimental vaccines yet to pass final efficacy and safety trials, the Trump administration has become increasingly frustrated with the Food and Drug Administration, which the president has tried to suggest is slowing approval of a vaccine for “political reasons.”
In a statement released following a report in the Financial Times, the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca insisted it had “not discussed emergency use authorisation with the US government and it would be premature to speculate on that possibility.”In a statement released following a report in the Financial Times, the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca insisted it had “not discussed emergency use authorisation with the US government and it would be premature to speculate on that possibility.”
It added that “late stage phase 2/3 trials for [the vaccine] are ongoing in the UK and other markets globally, and we do not anticipate efficacy results until later this year.” The team at Oxford University developing the vaccine directed queries to AstraZeneca.It added that “late stage phase 2/3 trials for [the vaccine] are ongoing in the UK and other markets globally, and we do not anticipate efficacy results until later this year.” The team at Oxford University developing the vaccine directed queries to AstraZeneca.
The number of new Covid infections continues to rise in Italy, our southern Italy correspondent reports.The number of new Covid infections continues to rise in Italy, our southern Italy correspondent reports.
Another 1,210 people tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, the sharpest daily rise since May, when the country was still in lockdown.Another 1,210 people tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, the sharpest daily rise since May, when the country was still in lockdown.
About half of the 1,210 new cases are holidaymakers returning from Croatia, Greece, Spain and Malta — but also from Sardinia.About half of the 1,210 new cases are holidaymakers returning from Croatia, Greece, Spain and Malta — but also from Sardinia.
The Italian island has been recording an increase in Covid positive tourists in recent days.The Italian island has been recording an increase in Covid positive tourists in recent days.
With many domestic tourists taking ferries to and from Sardinia, the mainland region of Lazio set up a testing facility at the dock at Civitavecchia, so those driving vehicles off the ferries could line up for immediate testing on their return home.With many domestic tourists taking ferries to and from Sardinia, the mainland region of Lazio set up a testing facility at the dock at Civitavecchia, so those driving vehicles off the ferries could line up for immediate testing on their return home.
The latest cases have pushed the overall national tally, since the start of the emergency, up to 259,345. The death toll is now 35,437.The latest cases have pushed the overall national tally, since the start of the emergency, up to 259,345. The death toll is now 35,437.
Italy’s first wave of the pandemic was brutal, with more than 250,000 infections, peaking at about 6,000 cases a day in March. Despite the surge in coronavirus cases, the government has said there are no plans for a new lockdown.Italy’s first wave of the pandemic was brutal, with more than 250,000 infections, peaking at about 6,000 cases a day in March. Despite the surge in coronavirus cases, the government has said there are no plans for a new lockdown.
Reuters news agency reports the latest remarks from Sweden’s top epidemiologist and architect of its unorthodox pandemic strategy.Reuters news agency reports the latest remarks from Sweden’s top epidemiologist and architect of its unorthodox pandemic strategy.
Sweden is likely to see local outbreaks but no big second wave of Covid-19 cases in the autumn, such as inundated hospitals a few months ago, Anders Tegnell said on Monday.Sweden is likely to see local outbreaks but no big second wave of Covid-19 cases in the autumn, such as inundated hospitals a few months ago, Anders Tegnell said on Monday.
Sweden has been an outlier in Europe’s fight against the novel coronavirus, keeping businesses, restaurants and most schools open throughout the pandemic, while not recommending the use of face masks, which remain a rare sight on city streets.Sweden has been an outlier in Europe’s fight against the novel coronavirus, keeping businesses, restaurants and most schools open throughout the pandemic, while not recommending the use of face masks, which remain a rare sight on city streets.
Per capita, Sweden has suffered many times more COVID-19 deaths than its Nordic neighbours, though not quite as many as Europe’s worst-hit countries such as Belgium, Spain and Britain.Per capita, Sweden has suffered many times more COVID-19 deaths than its Nordic neighbours, though not quite as many as Europe’s worst-hit countries such as Belgium, Spain and Britain.
New cases, hospitalisations and mortality have fallen sharply over the past couple of months. With most Swedes having returned from summer vacations and schools reopening last week for the new semester, there are concerns the country could see a second wave of infections.New cases, hospitalisations and mortality have fallen sharply over the past couple of months. With most Swedes having returned from summer vacations and schools reopening last week for the new semester, there are concerns the country could see a second wave of infections.
In an interview with broadcaster TV4, Tegnell said:In an interview with broadcaster TV4, Tegnell said:
With the Swedish death toll nearing 6,000 people, including many nursing home residents who succumbed during March, April and May, Tegnell and the pandemic strategy he champions has divided opinion both at home and abroad.With the Swedish death toll nearing 6,000 people, including many nursing home residents who succumbed during March, April and May, Tegnell and the pandemic strategy he champions has divided opinion both at home and abroad.
A group of scientists that has long been critical of the country’s response, sometimes engaging in fierce argument with Tegnell, this month warned of a renewed spread of the virus as schools reopened, calling on authorities to step up safeguards.A group of scientists that has long been critical of the country’s response, sometimes engaging in fierce argument with Tegnell, this month warned of a renewed spread of the virus as schools reopened, calling on authorities to step up safeguards.
“I think one should always be worried about this disease because it is constantly causing new mischief and is very unpredictable,” Tegnell said. “But that we would return to the situation we had during the spring - we don’t see that.”“I think one should always be worried about this disease because it is constantly causing new mischief and is very unpredictable,” Tegnell said. “But that we would return to the situation we had during the spring - we don’t see that.”
The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, is investigating the circumstances surrounding Irish commissioner Phil Hogan’s attendance at a golf event that may have breached Covid guidelines.The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, is investigating the circumstances surrounding Irish commissioner Phil Hogan’s attendance at a golf event that may have breached Covid guidelines.
Brussels said Hogan, the EU’s trade commissioner, had given an account of his actions to the president, but she had requested further clarification from him.Brussels said Hogan, the EU’s trade commissioner, had given an account of his actions to the president, but she had requested further clarification from him.
European commission spokesman Dana Spinant told reporters there were “moral aspects” involved in the need to follow coronavirus rules, as well as legal ones:European commission spokesman Dana Spinant told reporters there were “moral aspects” involved in the need to follow coronavirus rules, as well as legal ones:
Hogan was asked on Saturday by Ireland’s prime minister and deputy prime minister to consider his position after his attendance at a golf dinner caused public outrage and led to other political resignations.Hogan was asked on Saturday by Ireland’s prime minister and deputy prime minister to consider his position after his attendance at a golf dinner caused public outrage and led to other political resignations.
Hogan offered his initial apology on Friday only after the prime minister, Micheál Martin, demanded one.Hogan offered his initial apology on Friday only after the prime minister, Micheál Martin, demanded one.
A quick diversion from the WHO press briefing to bring you the latest news from Spain, from our correspondent Stephen Burgen.A quick diversion from the WHO press briefing to bring you the latest news from Spain, from our correspondent Stephen Burgen.
The Catalan government has called on citizens to rigorously follow existing measures designed to contain the virus after the region registered 1,766 new cases over the past 24 hours, the fifth consecutive day of more than 1,000 new infections. No deaths were reported in the same 24-hour period.The Catalan government has called on citizens to rigorously follow existing measures designed to contain the virus after the region registered 1,766 new cases over the past 24 hours, the fifth consecutive day of more than 1,000 new infections. No deaths were reported in the same 24-hour period.
“Come what may, we have to go back to work and we have to go back to school,” the regional president, Quim Torra, told a news conference. He said the next three weeks before school starts are vital and called for everyone to limit social activity. Meetings of more than 10 people, private and public, are prohibited.“Come what may, we have to go back to work and we have to go back to school,” the regional president, Quim Torra, told a news conference. He said the next three weeks before school starts are vital and called for everyone to limit social activity. Meetings of more than 10 people, private and public, are prohibited.
Torra announced that between 15 September and 15 November, 500,000 tests would be carried out in primary and secondary schools. Alba Vergés, the Catalan health minister, said 70% of infections arose from social and family gatherings.Torra announced that between 15 September and 15 November, 500,000 tests would be carried out in primary and secondary schools. Alba Vergés, the Catalan health minister, said 70% of infections arose from social and family gatherings.
Over the past 14 days Spain has had Europe’s highest rate of infection, 152.7 per 100,000 inhabitants (compared with 9.89 in mid-June) and continues to have the highest overall number of cases in western Europe, ahead of the UK where the 14-day infection rate is 22.3 per 100,000. In Madrid and Aragón, 15% of PCR tests are positive, three times the WHO’s recommended maximum of 5%.Over the past 14 days Spain has had Europe’s highest rate of infection, 152.7 per 100,000 inhabitants (compared with 9.89 in mid-June) and continues to have the highest overall number of cases in western Europe, ahead of the UK where the 14-day infection rate is 22.3 per 100,000. In Madrid and Aragón, 15% of PCR tests are positive, three times the WHO’s recommended maximum of 5%.
The Madrid government has asked people to avoid what it calls unnecessary gatherings such as family reunions but at the same time insists they should go to work. The outbreaks have led Apple to close its stores in the capital. In a bid to limit new infections, all bars, restaurants and parks have been closed in the Madrid municipality of Tielmes, while a 14-day lockdown has been imposed on the towns of Cantalejo and Carrascal in Castilla y León.The Madrid government has asked people to avoid what it calls unnecessary gatherings such as family reunions but at the same time insists they should go to work. The outbreaks have led Apple to close its stores in the capital. In a bid to limit new infections, all bars, restaurants and parks have been closed in the Madrid municipality of Tielmes, while a 14-day lockdown has been imposed on the towns of Cantalejo and Carrascal in Castilla y León.
Despite the many restrictions and widespread compliance, including wearing masks indoors and outdoors, the situation in Spain continues to deteriorate. One explanation put forward by Jonay Ojeda, a specialist in preventive medicine in Madrid, is that after the lockdown ended, responsibility for managing the pandemic passed to the 17 autonomous governments, making a coordinated response all but impossible. Ojeda says the national health ministry took its eye off the ball and accuses it of a lack of leadership.Despite the many restrictions and widespread compliance, including wearing masks indoors and outdoors, the situation in Spain continues to deteriorate. One explanation put forward by Jonay Ojeda, a specialist in preventive medicine in Madrid, is that after the lockdown ended, responsibility for managing the pandemic passed to the 17 autonomous governments, making a coordinated response all but impossible. Ojeda says the national health ministry took its eye off the ball and accuses it of a lack of leadership.
Donald Trump on Sunday announced the emergency authorisation of convalescent plasma, a method involving taking plasma from people who have recovered from Covid-19, for coronavirus patients.Donald Trump on Sunday announced the emergency authorisation of convalescent plasma, a method involving taking plasma from people who have recovered from Covid-19, for coronavirus patients.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the WHO, stressed that it was still unproven and that there was “very low evidence” it was safe and effective.Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the WHO, stressed that it was still unproven and that there was “very low evidence” it was safe and effective.
“There are a number of clinical trials going on around the world looking at convalescent plasma … but only a few of them have reported on results. The results are not conclusive. The trials have been relatively small and the results in some cases point to some benefit but have not been conclusive. We have been tracking this and do ongoing … reviews to see where the evidence is shifting or pointing at and the moment it is still very low evidence,” she said.“There are a number of clinical trials going on around the world looking at convalescent plasma … but only a few of them have reported on results. The results are not conclusive. The trials have been relatively small and the results in some cases point to some benefit but have not been conclusive. We have been tracking this and do ongoing … reviews to see where the evidence is shifting or pointing at and the moment it is still very low evidence,” she said.
Dr Bruce Aylward, senior adviser to the director general of the WHO, warned that the side-effects of convalescent plasma ranged from mild chills and fevers to more severe lung problems and circulatory overload.”Dr Bruce Aylward, senior adviser to the director general of the WHO, warned that the side-effects of convalescent plasma ranged from mild chills and fevers to more severe lung problems and circulatory overload.”
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”.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 under way 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.She says many studies are under way 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”.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.A question from a journalist in Bosnia, who asks whether Balkan countries should put in orders for the Russian vaccine.
Dr Bruce Aylward, senior adviser to the director general of the WHO, said it would not recommend any vaccines that had not passed through its pre-qualification emergency use licensing programme.Dr Bruce Aylward, senior adviser to the director general of the WHO, said it would not recommend any vaccines that had not passed through its pre-qualification emergency use licensing programme.
None have yet passed that milestone.None have yet passed that milestone.
There is a question at the WHO press conference about the Russian vaccine programme.There is a question at the WHO press conference about the Russian vaccine programme.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the chief scientist at the WHO, said the organisation had 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 said.Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the chief scientist at the WHO, said the organisation had 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 said.
There are 30 trials at various stages of development across the world, she added.There are 30 trials at various stages of development across the world, she added.
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.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.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 Organization, 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.
Some 172 countries are involved in the programme, he said.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.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.
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