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Coronavirus live news: send children to school, UK PM urges; France sees highest cases since May Coronavirus live news: China says it has been vaccinating key workers as Trump approves plasma treatment
(32 minutes later)
Trump gives blood plasma treatment green light; UK schools to reopen in September; Former Ukraine president in serious condition with Covid-19. Follow the latest updates Trump authorises plasma treatment for coronavirus amid attacks on FDA; send children to school, UK PM urges; France sees highest cases since May. Follow the latest updates
Australian theatres are reopening – nervously and with mandatory masks and temperature checks – Elissa Blake reports for the Guardian.
Sydney Theatre Company has announced it is ready to open the doors of the Roslyn Packer theatre and present its first show since March.
Wonnangatta, a new drama written by the award-winning Melbourne playwright Angus Cerini and featuring the actors Hugo Weaving and Wayne Blair, will play from 21 September to 31 October in a socially distanced production for audiences numbering no more than 147 (the Roslyn Packer can usually seat 880 patrons).
Patrons will have to pass temperature checks before they can take their seats, and masks will be mandatory:
The Chinese government has been administering a vaccine candidate to selected groups of key workers since July, a senior health official told state media yesterday.
Zheng Zhongei, head of the national health commission’s science and technology centre, told CCTV the government had authorised “emergency use” and it was in line with the law, the South China Morning Post has reported.
There were no details on which particular vaccine candidate was used or how many people received it, but Zheng said it had been administered to workers including health workers and border officials, who are considered high risk as China’s cases are predominantly imported now. The country has gone seven days without reporting a locally transmitted case.
China is producing several of the vaccine candidates currently in phase three testing around the world. Chinese developers are conducting or approved to conduct tests in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Peru, Morocco, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia and Russia, with tens of thousands of people involved, according to one of the companies.
The Chinese government has previously called for employees of state-owned companies who travel frequently to volunteer for vaccine testing.
Last week a plane load of Chinese mine workers were refused entry to Papua New Guinea, over government concerns of an apparent vaccination trial.
The mine owner, Ramu NiCo, run by Chinese state owned Matallurgical Corporation of China, had reportedly issued an official statement to PNG stating that 48 of its staff had been given a Sars-Cov-2 vaccine in early August.
However they were refused entry to the country over a “lack of information of what these trials are and what possible risks of threats” they may pose to the people of PNG, the PNG pandemic controller, David Manning said.
South Korea South Korea counted its 11th straight day of triple-digit daily jumps in coronavirus cases as officials tighten social distancing restrictions nationwide to combat what they describe as the biggest crisis since the emergence of Covid-19, AP reports. The 266 cases reported by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monday came after three consecutive days of over-300 increases, although infection numbers tend to be lower at the start of the week due to the lesser number of tests in weekends.South Korea South Korea counted its 11th straight day of triple-digit daily jumps in coronavirus cases as officials tighten social distancing restrictions nationwide to combat what they describe as the biggest crisis since the emergence of Covid-19, AP reports. The 266 cases reported by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monday came after three consecutive days of over-300 increases, although infection numbers tend to be lower at the start of the week due to the lesser number of tests in weekends.
The KCDC said 202 of the new cases came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, home to half of the country’s 51 million population, where health workers have struggled to track transmissions linked to various sources, including churches, restaurants, schools and workers.Infections were also reported in major cities throughout the country, including Busan, Daejeon and Sejong.KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said it’s likely the country will continue to report huge infection numbers in coming days as health workers scramble to trace and test contacts of virus carriers.The country since Sunday has banned larger gatherings, shut down nightspots and churches and removed fans from professional sports nationwide.The KCDC said 202 of the new cases came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, home to half of the country’s 51 million population, where health workers have struggled to track transmissions linked to various sources, including churches, restaurants, schools and workers.Infections were also reported in major cities throughout the country, including Busan, Daejeon and Sejong.KCDC director Jeong Eun-kyeong said it’s likely the country will continue to report huge infection numbers in coming days as health workers scramble to trace and test contacts of virus carriers.The country since Sunday has banned larger gatherings, shut down nightspots and churches and removed fans from professional sports nationwide.
India’s coronavirus caseload topped 3 million on Sunday, with the country leading the world in new infections as the disease marched through impoverished rural areas in the north and the wealthier but older populations of the south, AP reports. Health authorities reported 69,239 new cases and 912 deaths, bringing the total to 3,044,940.India’s coronavirus caseload topped 3 million on Sunday, with the country leading the world in new infections as the disease marched through impoverished rural areas in the north and the wealthier but older populations of the south, AP reports. Health authorities reported 69,239 new cases and 912 deaths, bringing the total to 3,044,940.
Cases have levelled off in India’s two largest cities, with serological surveys showing widespread prevalence among the residents of the capital, New Delhi, and financial centre Mumbai.New hot spots continue to feed surges in cases in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states in India’s north, and in the southern states of Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.India has the third-highest caseload after the United States and Brazil, and its 56,706 fatalities are the fourth-highest in the world.Cases have levelled off in India’s two largest cities, with serological surveys showing widespread prevalence among the residents of the capital, New Delhi, and financial centre Mumbai.New hot spots continue to feed surges in cases in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states in India’s north, and in the southern states of Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.India has the third-highest caseload after the United States and Brazil, and its 56,706 fatalities are the fourth-highest in the world.
Mexico’s health ministry on Sunday reported 3,948 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 226 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 560,164 cases and 60,480 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.Mexico’s health ministry on Sunday reported 3,948 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 226 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 560,164 cases and 60,480 deaths.The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.
China reported 16 new Covid-19 cases in the mainland for 23 August, all of which were imported infections involving travellers from overseas, the country’s health authority said on Monday, Reuters reports. This compared with 12 new Covid-19 cases reported a day earlier, all imported too, and marked the eighth consecutive day of no locally transmitted cases.China reported 16 new Covid-19 cases in the mainland for 23 August, all of which were imported infections involving travellers from overseas, the country’s health authority said on Monday, Reuters reports. This compared with 12 new Covid-19 cases reported a day earlier, all imported too, and marked the eighth consecutive day of no locally transmitted cases.
The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 84,967, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,634.The National Health Commission said in a statement that 27 new asymptomatic Covid-19 cases - patients who are infected with the coronavirus but not exhibiting any symptoms - compared with 15 such cases reported a day earlier.The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 84,967, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,634.The National Health Commission said in a statement that 27 new asymptomatic Covid-19 cases - patients who are infected with the coronavirus but not exhibiting any symptoms - compared with 15 such cases reported a day earlier.
The state of Victoria’s one-day case rise is the lowest in seven weeks, Reuters reports.The state of Victoria’s one-day case rise is the lowest in seven weeks, Reuters reports.
The Australian state of Victoria reported its lowest daily rise in new coronavirus infections in seven weeks on Monday, fuelling optimism that a deadly second wave there is subsiding.Victoria on Monday reported 116 cases and 15 deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours, down from a peak of more than 700 cases early this month.Australia saw a surge in infections in the past month in Melbourne, Victoria’s capital and the country’s second-largest city, but cases have been trending downward in recent days helped by a total lockdown.The Australian state of Victoria reported its lowest daily rise in new coronavirus infections in seven weeks on Monday, fuelling optimism that a deadly second wave there is subsiding.Victoria on Monday reported 116 cases and 15 deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours, down from a peak of more than 700 cases early this month.Australia saw a surge in infections in the past month in Melbourne, Victoria’s capital and the country’s second-largest city, but cases have been trending downward in recent days helped by a total lockdown.
Blood pressure medicine improves survival rates from Covid-19 in people with hypertension, according to research that contradicts earlier fears the pills could make the disease worse.Blood pressure medicine improves survival rates from Covid-19 in people with hypertension, according to research that contradicts earlier fears the pills could make the disease worse.
The risk of critical illness or death from Covid for people with high blood pressure was found to be significantly lower if they were taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB).The risk of critical illness or death from Covid for people with high blood pressure was found to be significantly lower if they were taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB).
Researchers from the Norwich medical school at the University of East Anglia (UEA) looked at the effect of taking the common medications on coronavirus patients with a range of conditions.Researchers from the Norwich medical school at the University of East Anglia (UEA) looked at the effect of taking the common medications on coronavirus patients with a range of conditions.
Those with high blood pressure – a group known to be at greater risk from the illness – who were taking the drugs were 0.67 times less likely to have a critical or fatal outcome than those who were not, the study concluded:Those with high blood pressure – a group known to be at greater risk from the illness – who were taking the drugs were 0.67 times less likely to have a critical or fatal outcome than those who were not, the study concluded:
In Australia, the state of Victoria has recorded 116 new coronavirus cases and 15 deaths.In Australia, the state of Victoria has recorded 116 new coronavirus cases and 15 deaths.
The cases mark a continuing downward trend following the state’s lockdown, which is set to end on 13 September.The cases mark a continuing downward trend following the state’s lockdown, which is set to end on 13 September.
Helen Sullivan here. I’ll be bringing you the latest news from around the world for the next while.Helen Sullivan here. I’ll be bringing you the latest news from around the world for the next while.
As always, we welcome your questions, comments and news tips.You can send me these things on Twitter @helenrsullivan or via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.As always, we welcome your questions, comments and news tips.You can send me these things on Twitter @helenrsullivan or via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
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 some 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive, AFP reports.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 some 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive, AFP reports.
The Cap d’Agde resort in the Herault region, hugely popular among naturists, saw 38 positive tests on Monday and another 57 on Wednesday, the regional health authority said.The Cap d’Agde resort in the Herault region, hugely popular among naturists, saw 38 positive tests on Monday and another 57 on Wednesday, the regional health authority said.
The rate of infection was four times higher among naturists in the resort than in the village itself, it added. Another 50 holidaymakers had also tested positive after returning home and results of more tests were expected next week.The rate of infection was four times higher among naturists in the resort than in the village itself, it added. Another 50 holidaymakers had also tested positive after returning home and results of more tests were expected next week.
The figures are “very worrying” it said, adding an alert had been issued over the resort.The figures are “very worrying” it said, adding an alert had been issued over the resort.
The outbreak comes as France on Sunday reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May, as the health minister acknowledged there were “risks” in the surging infection levels nationwide.The outbreak comes as France on Sunday reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May, as the health minister acknowledged there were “risks” in the surging infection levels nationwide.
The amount paid out by big companies to their investors plummeted between April and June as firms cancelled or cut their dividends to conserve cash during the coronavirus pandemic crisis.The amount paid out by big companies to their investors plummeted between April and June as firms cancelled or cut their dividends to conserve cash during the coronavirus pandemic crisis.
Total shareholder payouts made globally slumped by $108.1bn (£82.6bn) to $382.2bn, a fall of 22%.Total shareholder payouts made globally slumped by $108.1bn (£82.6bn) to $382.2bn, a fall of 22%.
A quarter (27%) of companies expected to pay a dividend in the second quarter slashed their payments, while half of that group cancelled the payout altogether:A quarter (27%) of companies expected to pay a dividend in the second quarter slashed their payments, while half of that group cancelled the payout altogether:
After France reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May, the country’s health minister acknowledged there were risks in the surging infection levels.After France reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May, the country’s health minister acknowledged there were risks in the surging infection levels.
“We are in a situation where there are risks,” Olivier Veran said in an interview with the Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper as the French prepare to return to work from the summer holidays.“We are in a situation where there are risks,” Olivier Veran said in an interview with the Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper as the French prepare to return to work from the summer holidays.
He emphasised however that the situation was “not the same as it was in February” when the virus began spreading in France, with Covid-19 now circulating four times as much among the under 40s as the over 65s.He emphasised however that the situation was “not the same as it was in February” when the virus began spreading in France, with Covid-19 now circulating four times as much among the under 40s as the over 65s.
Testing had now been ramped up so France can undertake 700,000 tests a week, he added but acknowledged the risk was that young people could pass on the virus to the elderly.Testing had now been ramped up so France can undertake 700,000 tests a week, he added but acknowledged the risk was that young people could pass on the virus to the elderly.
Veran lamented that most infections were happening in “festive situations” attended by young people where social distancing was not respected.Veran lamented that most infections were happening in “festive situations” attended by young people where social distancing was not respected.
However, he insisted a new nationwide lockdown was “not on the agenda” and unlike in the spring “we have more knowledge and means at our disposal” with targeted local measures the best action to take.However, he insisted a new nationwide lockdown was “not on the agenda” and unlike in the spring “we have more knowledge and means at our disposal” with targeted local measures the best action to take.
Veran said he was aware of speculation that the virus was now less deadly because it had mutated but said the argument “alas” had no scientific basis.Veran said he was aware of speculation that the virus was now less deadly because it had mutated but said the argument “alas” had no scientific basis.
“The Covid that is spreading is the same that has killed 30,000 French. Only the profile of the patients has changed, they are younger and have fewer symptoms,” he said.“The Covid that is spreading is the same that has killed 30,000 French. Only the profile of the patients has changed, they are younger and have fewer symptoms,” he said.
Boris Johnson attempted to reassert his grip over education after days of chaos by making a personal plea to parents to send their children back to the classroom in England in September.Boris Johnson attempted to reassert his grip over education after days of chaos by making a personal plea to parents to send their children back to the classroom in England in September.
The prime minister, who was criticised for going on holiday to Scotland during the A-level debacle, has spoken out to say the risk of contracting coronavirus in school is low and that it is damaging for children to be out of education for any longer.The prime minister, who was criticised for going on holiday to Scotland during the A-level debacle, has spoken out to say the risk of contracting coronavirus in school is low and that it is damaging for children to be out of education for any longer.
His decision to personally front the return-to-school drive rather than Gavin Williamson, the beleaguered education secretary who has faced calls to quit over the fiasco, is part of a deliberate attempt to switch the “messenger” and win back the public, a senior Tory suggested.His decision to personally front the return-to-school drive rather than Gavin Williamson, the beleaguered education secretary who has faced calls to quit over the fiasco, is part of a deliberate attempt to switch the “messenger” and win back the public, a senior Tory suggested.
Johnson’s intervention comes after the chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said children could be at greater harm by staying at home than attending school.Johnson’s intervention comes after the chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said children could be at greater harm by staying at home than attending school.
Regarding the expected return on 1 September, Johnson said: “I have previously spoken about the moral duty to reopen schools to all pupils safely, and I would like to thank the school staff who have spent the summer months making classrooms Covid-secure in preparation for a full return in September.Regarding the expected return on 1 September, Johnson said: “I have previously spoken about the moral duty to reopen schools to all pupils safely, and I would like to thank the school staff who have spent the summer months making classrooms Covid-secure in preparation for a full return in September.
“We have always been guided by our scientific and medical experts, and we now know far more about coronavirus than we did earlier this year. As the chief medical officer has said, the risk of contracting Covid-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child’s development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer.“We have always been guided by our scientific and medical experts, and we now know far more about coronavirus than we did earlier this year. As the chief medical officer has said, the risk of contracting Covid-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child’s development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer.
“This is why it’s vitally important that we get our children back into the classroom to learn and to be with their friends. Nothing will have a greater effect on the life chances of our children than returning to school.”“This is why it’s vitally important that we get our children back into the classroom to learn and to be with their friends. Nothing will have a greater effect on the life chances of our children than returning to school.”
After expressing frustration at the slow pace of approval for coronavirus treatments, and causing controversy by publicly linking the Food and Drug Administration to the “deep state” conspiracy theory, Donald Trump on Sunday announced the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma, a method which has been used to treat flu and measles, for Covid-19 patients.After expressing frustration at the slow pace of approval for coronavirus treatments, and causing controversy by publicly linking the Food and Drug Administration to the “deep state” conspiracy theory, Donald Trump on Sunday announced the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma, a method which has been used to treat flu and measles, for Covid-19 patients.
‘The haves and the have-nots’: how Covid revealed Florida’s wealth gapRead more
Covid-19 has killed more than 175,000, cratered the economy and upended the president’s hopes of re-election. The White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine, known as Operation Warp Speed, which aides hope will produce an “October surprise” before the presidential election on 3 November.Covid-19 has killed more than 175,000, cratered the economy and upended the president’s hopes of re-election. The White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine, known as Operation Warp Speed, which aides hope will produce an “October surprise” before the presidential election on 3 November.
Making the announcement at a press conference, and with FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn standing with him, Trump added to days of White House officials suggesting politically motivated delays in approving a vaccine and therapeutics.Making the announcement at a press conference, and with FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn standing with him, Trump added to days of White House officials suggesting politically motivated delays in approving a vaccine and therapeutics.
“This is what I’ve been looking to do for a long time,” Trump told reporters on Sunday at the White House. “I’m pleased to make a truly historic announcement in our battle against the China virus that will save countless lives.”“This is what I’ve been looking to do for a long time,” Trump told reporters on Sunday at the White House. “I’m pleased to make a truly historic announcement in our battle against the China virus that will save countless lives.”
Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
My name is Helen Sullivan and I’ll be bringing you the latest news from around the world for the next while.My name is Helen Sullivan and I’ll be bringing you the latest news from around the world for the next while.
As always, we welcome your questions, comments, news tips and thoughtful gifts. You can send me these things on Twitter @helenrsullivan or via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.As always, we welcome your questions, comments, news tips and thoughtful gifts. You can send me these things on Twitter @helenrsullivan or via email: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged parents to send their children back to the classroom when schools reopen next month.UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged parents to send their children back to the classroom when schools reopen next month.
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 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.
Many pupils in England have not been to class since March when schools were closed except to look after vulnerable children and those of key workers.Many pupils in England have not been to class since March when schools were closed except to look after vulnerable children and those of key workers.
In response to Johnson’s plea, Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran said: “The government must rapidly upscale Test and Trace and ensure schools have the mental health support, financial resources and the use of community spaces they need ahead of opening fully.In response to Johnson’s plea, Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Layla Moran said: “The government must rapidly upscale Test and Trace and ensure schools have the mental health support, financial resources and the use of community spaces they need ahead of opening fully.
France meanwhile reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May.France meanwhile reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May.
Here are the key developments from the last few hours:Here are the key developments from the last few hours:
Blood plasma treatment given green light in the US. The US Food & Drug Administration said it has authorised the use of blood plasma from patients who have recovered from Covid-19 as a treatment for the disease, a day after President Donald Trump blamed the agency for impeding the rollout of coronavirus vaccines for political reasons.Blood plasma treatment given green light in the US. The US Food & Drug Administration said it has authorised the use of blood plasma from patients who have recovered from Covid-19 as a treatment for the disease, a day after President Donald Trump blamed the agency for impeding the rollout of coronavirus vaccines for political reasons.
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.
France reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May. French regional health authorities also said there had been a very worrying outbreak of coronavirus at a naturist holiday resort on the Mediterranean coast, with more than 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive.France reported almost 4,900 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, its highest figure since May. French regional health authorities also said there had been a very worrying outbreak of coronavirus at a naturist holiday resort on the Mediterranean coast, with more than 100 holidaymakers so far testing positive.
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.
The UK recorded 1,041 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, down from 1,288 on Saturday, government figures showed. It is the fourth day in a row that new infections have been more than 1,000 in 24 hours.The UK recorded 1,041 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, down from 1,288 on Saturday, government figures showed. It is the fourth day in a row that new infections have been more than 1,000 in 24 hours.
Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko has tested positive for Covid-19 and is in a serious condition with a fever, Reuters reports. Tymoshenko, who twice served as leader before her defeat in the 2010 presidential election, became the first high-profile Ukrainian politician known to have contracted Covid-19.Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko has tested positive for Covid-19 and is in a serious condition with a fever, Reuters reports. Tymoshenko, who twice served as leader before her defeat in the 2010 presidential election, became the first high-profile Ukrainian politician known to have contracted Covid-19.
The Greek island of Lesbos was added to a list of areas under heightened Covid-19 vigilance, officials said. The move came as health authorities announced a new daily infection high of 284 cases nationwide in the last 24 hours.The Greek island of Lesbos was added to a list of areas under heightened Covid-19 vigilance, officials said. The move came as health authorities announced a new daily infection high of 284 cases nationwide in the last 24 hours.