This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/aug/25/coronavirus-live-news-gaza-in-lockdown-following-first-local-cases-hong-kong-man-re-infected

The article has changed 41 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Coronavirus live news: Gaza in lockdown following first local cases; Hong Kong man re-infected Coronavirus live news: Gaza in lockdown following first local cases; Hong Kong man re-infected
(32 minutes later)
Four cases detected in Gaza outside of quarantine facilities; First known case of re-infection prompts immunity concerns; Usain bolt awaiting Covid-19 test results. Follow the latest updatesFour cases detected in Gaza outside of quarantine facilities; First known case of re-infection prompts immunity concerns; Usain bolt awaiting Covid-19 test results. Follow the latest updates
As the debate about wearing face masks continues around the world - here’s an interesting story from Bloomberg about what happened in South Korea when one woman with coronavirus visited a Starbucks cafe north of Seoul earlier this month: more than two dozen patrons tested positive days later, but the four face mask-wearing employees escaped infection.
Secondary school pupils in Scotland will have to wear face coverings in corridors, communal areas and school buses from next Monday.
Scotland’s education secretary John Swinney said the measure applies to all high schools but Swinney added that nobody should be sent home for not wearing a mask.
Swinney told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland:
Yesterday, the Scottish government said that it had been consulting councils and teaching organisations about the measure after face coverings were recommended for secondary schools by the World Health Organization at the weekend.
WHO said face coverings were useful where physical distancing between adults and pupils aged 12 and over was impossible, or in areas of high transmission.
In England, prime minister Boris Johnson is being urged to impose the same measures, which he has thus far resisted. For more on that ongoing debate, please do follow our UK coronavirus liveblog.
The German economy contracted by a record 9.7% in the second quarter as consumer spending, company investments and exports all collapsed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the statistics office said on Tuesday. Reuters reports:The German economy contracted by a record 9.7% in the second quarter as consumer spending, company investments and exports all collapsed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the statistics office said on Tuesday. Reuters reports:
The economic slump was much stronger than during the financial crisis more than a decade ago, and it represented the sharpest decline since Germany began to record quarterly GDP calculations in 1970, the office said.The economic slump was much stronger than during the financial crisis more than a decade ago, and it represented the sharpest decline since Germany began to record quarterly GDP calculations in 1970, the office said.
The reading marked a minor upward revision from an earlier estimate for the April-June period of -10.1% that the office had published last month.The reading marked a minor upward revision from an earlier estimate for the April-June period of -10.1% that the office had published last month.
Consumer spending shrank by 10.9% on the quarter, capital investments by 19.6% and exports by 20.3%, seasonally adjusted data showed.Consumer spending shrank by 10.9% on the quarter, capital investments by 19.6% and exports by 20.3%, seasonally adjusted data showed.
Construction activity, normally a consistent growth driver for the German economy, fell by 4.2% on the quarter.Construction activity, normally a consistent growth driver for the German economy, fell by 4.2% on the quarter.
VP Bank economist Thomas Gitzel said:VP Bank economist Thomas Gitzel said:
The only bright spot was state consumption, which rose by 1.5% on the quarter due to the government’s coronavirus rescue programmes, the office said.The only bright spot was state consumption, which rose by 1.5% on the quarter due to the government’s coronavirus rescue programmes, the office said.
The German parliament has suspended the debt brake this year to allow the government to finance its crisis response and fiscal stimulus push with record new debt of 217.8 billion euros.The German parliament has suspended the debt brake this year to allow the government to finance its crisis response and fiscal stimulus push with record new debt of 217.8 billion euros.
Employment edged down by 1.3% on the year to 44.7 million in as sign that the government’s efforts to shield the labour market from the coronavirus shock with its short-time work programme are paying off.Employment edged down by 1.3% on the year to 44.7 million in as sign that the government’s efforts to shield the labour market from the coronavirus shock with its short-time work programme are paying off.
The German central bank expects household spending to drive a strong recovery in the third quarter, though the economy might not reach its pre-crisis level before 2022.The German central bank expects household spending to drive a strong recovery in the third quarter, though the economy might not reach its pre-crisis level before 2022.
The government’s stimulus measures include a temporary VAT cut from July to December worth up to 20 billion euros, which Berlin hopes will give household spending an additional push.The government’s stimulus measures include a temporary VAT cut from July to December worth up to 20 billion euros, which Berlin hopes will give household spending an additional push.
As officials across Spain wrestle with a surge in coronavirus cases, a chorus of voices is warning that another lockdown could have dire consequences for a country that just months ago emerged from one of Europe’s strictest confinements, reports Ashifa Kassam in Madrid.As officials across Spain wrestle with a surge in coronavirus cases, a chorus of voices is warning that another lockdown could have dire consequences for a country that just months ago emerged from one of Europe’s strictest confinements, reports Ashifa Kassam in Madrid.
While cases of the virus have climbed across Europe, Spain has led the pack in recent days. More than 78,000 cases have been detected in the past two weeks, pushing the 14-day infection rate to 166 per 100,000, compared with 67 in France and 22 in the UK.While cases of the virus have climbed across Europe, Spain has led the pack in recent days. More than 78,000 cases have been detected in the past two weeks, pushing the 14-day infection rate to 166 per 100,000, compared with 67 in France and 22 in the UK.
Read the full story below:Read the full story below:
At the Republican convention in the US on Monday, President Donald Trump sought to distance himself from the impact of the coronavirus on the country and his administration’s handling of the crisis, referring to Covid-19 as the “plague from China”.At the Republican convention in the US on Monday, President Donald Trump sought to distance himself from the impact of the coronavirus on the country and his administration’s handling of the crisis, referring to Covid-19 as the “plague from China”.
Hong Kong is set to ease some coronavirus measures from 28 August, allowing venues such as cinemas and beauty parlours to reopen and restaurants to extend dining hours, authorities said on Tuesday. Reuters reports:Hong Kong is set to ease some coronavirus measures from 28 August, allowing venues such as cinemas and beauty parlours to reopen and restaurants to extend dining hours, authorities said on Tuesday. Reuters reports:
Hong Kong had seen a resurgence of locally transmitted cases since the start of July but the daily number has fallen from triple digits in recent weeks to low double digits. Monday’s infection count of nine new cases was the lowest in nearly two months.Hong Kong had seen a resurgence of locally transmitted cases since the start of July but the daily number has fallen from triple digits in recent weeks to low double digits. Monday’s infection count of nine new cases was the lowest in nearly two months.
Health secretary Sophia Chan said the government would allow outdoor sports centres to reopen and would lift mandatory mask wearing for outdoor sports and country parks. Restaurants would extend dining to 9pm having previously only been able to offer takeaways past 6pm.Health secretary Sophia Chan said the government would allow outdoor sports centres to reopen and would lift mandatory mask wearing for outdoor sports and country parks. Restaurants would extend dining to 9pm having previously only been able to offer takeaways past 6pm.
The government had imposed strict regulations at the start of July including the mandatory wearing of masks in all public outdoor places and a ban on gatherings of more than two people.The government had imposed strict regulations at the start of July including the mandatory wearing of masks in all public outdoor places and a ban on gatherings of more than two people.
The cap on the number of people that can meet would remain in place past Friday, and Chan gave no indication on when this would change.The cap on the number of people that can meet would remain in place past Friday, and Chan gave no indication on when this would change.
The relaxation of measures comes ahead of mass testing of residents in the Asian financial hub which is set to begin on 1 September.The relaxation of measures comes ahead of mass testing of residents in the Asian financial hub which is set to begin on 1 September.
Since late January, about 4,700 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 77 of whom have died.Since late January, about 4,700 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 77 of whom have died.
A Hong Kong man who recovered from Covid-19 was re-infected four-and-a-half months later in what is the first documented instance of human re-infection, researchers at the University of Hong Kong said on Monday.A Hong Kong man who recovered from Covid-19 was re-infected four-and-a-half months later in what is the first documented instance of human re-infection, researchers at the University of Hong Kong said on Monday.
This is a great video from the Ugandan ministry of health about why social distancing matters.This is a great video from the Ugandan ministry of health about why social distancing matters.
Good morning from London, where I’ll be looking after the global coronavirus live blog for the next few hours. My thanks (and solidarity!) to my colleague Helen Sullivan in Sydney.Good morning from London, where I’ll be looking after the global coronavirus live blog for the next few hours. My thanks (and solidarity!) to my colleague Helen Sullivan in Sydney.
If you want to get in touch with stories from where you are please do. My email is alexandra.topping@theguardian.com and I’m @lexytopping on Twitter. My DMs are open.If you want to get in touch with stories from where you are please do. My email is alexandra.topping@theguardian.com and I’m @lexytopping on Twitter. My DMs are open.
Reuters has a fascinating story this morning on the scientific discoveries that are being made about Covid-19. They report:Reuters has a fascinating story this morning on the scientific discoveries that are being made about Covid-19. They report:
“Genetic barcodes” can help track how the new coronavirus spreads and mutates, researchers said on Saturday in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.“Genetic barcodes” can help track how the new coronavirus spreads and mutates, researchers said on Saturday in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Based on the sequence of the genetic code of the virus, the researchers identified 11 distinct SARS-CoV-2 “barcodes” that represent different clades, or lineages, descended from a common viral ancestor.Based on the sequence of the genetic code of the virus, the researchers identified 11 distinct SARS-CoV-2 “barcodes” that represent different clades, or lineages, descended from a common viral ancestor.
Different continents have different variations, Arnab Pain of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and his team found. The subtle differences in the genetic sequences represented by the barcodes may affect virus infectivity or illness severity, Pain noted.Different continents have different variations, Arnab Pain of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and his team found. The subtle differences in the genetic sequences represented by the barcodes may affect virus infectivity or illness severity, Pain noted.
The researchers plan to regularly update the barcodes. “This is a dynamic process, and some virus clades/subclades may eventually die off in the future, and new clades may form,” Pain said.The researchers plan to regularly update the barcodes. “This is a dynamic process, and some virus clades/subclades may eventually die off in the future, and new clades may form,” Pain said.
That’s it for me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’m having four wisdom teeth yanked from my jaws tomorrow and won’t be blogging for a few days.That’s it for me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’m having four wisdom teeth yanked from my jaws tomorrow and won’t be blogging for a few days.
My colleague Alexandra Topping will be taking you through the next few hours of pandemic news.My colleague Alexandra Topping will be taking you through the next few hours of pandemic news.
Residents in the capital of Xinjiang are being forced to take Chinese medicine, being handcuffed to buildings and ordered to stay inside for weeks as part of a harsh range of measures to tackle coronavirus, it has emerged.Residents in the capital of Xinjiang are being forced to take Chinese medicine, being handcuffed to buildings and ordered to stay inside for weeks as part of a harsh range of measures to tackle coronavirus, it has emerged.
Urumqi, the capital of the semi-autonomous region known for its draconian security measures, has been in a “wartime state” of lockdown for more than a month after a cluster of cases emerged in July, when the outbreak had been mostly contained elsewhere in China.Urumqi, the capital of the semi-autonomous region known for its draconian security measures, has been in a “wartime state” of lockdown for more than a month after a cluster of cases emerged in July, when the outbreak had been mostly contained elsewhere in China.
Since Friday, internet users have flooded social media platforms with complaints about overly harsh measures and extended quarantine at home or in designated locations, even as cases have gone down. The city, which had documented more than 531 cases by mid-August, has not seen new cases in eight consecutive days:Since Friday, internet users have flooded social media platforms with complaints about overly harsh measures and extended quarantine at home or in designated locations, even as cases have gone down. The city, which had documented more than 531 cases by mid-August, has not seen new cases in eight consecutive days:
Here are the key developments from the last few hours:Here are the key developments from the last few hours:
Gaza reported its first Covid-19 cases outside quarantine areas and declared lockdown. The first cases of coronavirus have been detected outside of quarantine facilities within the Gaza Strip, a potentially disastrous development given the enclave’s fragile health system.Gaza reported its first Covid-19 cases outside quarantine areas and declared lockdown. The first cases of coronavirus have been detected outside of quarantine facilities within the Gaza Strip, a potentially disastrous development given the enclave’s fragile health system.
MPs urge Boris Johnson to meet ‘forgotten victims’ of coronavirus. Boris Johnson must meet families whose relatives have been killed by coronavirus and fund research into the longer-term effects, known as “long Covid”, to help the pandemic’s forgotten victims, MPs have said.Their recommendations form part of a fresh set of demands made on the prime minister intended to shape how he prepares for a potential second wave of the illness this autumn.MPs urge Boris Johnson to meet ‘forgotten victims’ of coronavirus. Boris Johnson must meet families whose relatives have been killed by coronavirus and fund research into the longer-term effects, known as “long Covid”, to help the pandemic’s forgotten victims, MPs have said.Their recommendations form part of a fresh set of demands made on the prime minister intended to shape how he prepares for a potential second wave of the illness this autumn.
“Very low evidence’ for plasma therapy authorised by Trump,” says WHO. In case you missed this in the earlier blog: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.“Very low evidence’ for plasma therapy authorised by Trump,” says WHO. In case you missed this in the earlier blog: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 Fauci warned against rushing out vaccine. Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, warned that distributing a Covid-19 vaccine under special emergency use guidelines before it has been proved safe and effective in large trials is a bad idea that could have a chilling effect on the testing of other vaccines.Dr Fauci warned against rushing out vaccine. Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, warned that distributing a Covid-19 vaccine under special emergency use guidelines before it has been proved safe and effective in large trials is a bad idea that could have a chilling effect on the testing of other vaccines.
Usain Bolt has tested positive for coronavirus. World-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has tested positive for the coronavirus and is self-isolating at his home in Jamaica after last week celebrating his 34th birthday with a big bash mask-free, Reuters reports.Usain Bolt has tested positive for coronavirus. World-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has tested positive for the coronavirus and is self-isolating at his home in Jamaica after last week celebrating his 34th birthday with a big bash mask-free, Reuters reports.
South Korea orders most Seoul schools to close. South Korea on Tuesday ordered most schools in Seoul and surrounding areas to close and move classes back online, the latest in a series of precautionary measures aimed at heading off a resurgence in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.South Korea orders most Seoul schools to close. South Korea on Tuesday ordered most schools in Seoul and surrounding areas to close and move classes back online, the latest in a series of precautionary measures aimed at heading off a resurgence in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.
A Hong Kong man has been re-infected with Covid-19 after four-and-a-half months, leading to immunity concerns. A Hong Kong man who recovered from Covid-19 was infected again four-and-a-half months later in the first documented instance of human re-infection, researchers at the University of Hong Kong said on Monday.A Hong Kong man has been re-infected with Covid-19 after four-and-a-half months, leading to immunity concerns. A Hong Kong man who recovered from Covid-19 was infected again four-and-a-half months later in the first documented instance of human re-infection, researchers at the University of Hong Kong said on Monday.
Sweden is not expecting big second wave: chief epidemiologist. 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, Sweden’s top epidemiologist and architect of its unorthodox pandemic strategy said.Sweden is not expecting big second wave: chief epidemiologist. 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, Sweden’s top epidemiologist and architect of its unorthodox pandemic strategy said.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro said journalist “wimps” are more likely to die of Covid-19. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as “wimps” and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of Covid-19 because they are not athletic.Brazil’s Bolsonaro said journalist “wimps” are more likely to die of Covid-19. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as “wimps” and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of Covid-19 because they are not athletic.
RNC 2020: key takeaways from the first night of Republicans’ dark conventionRNC 2020: key takeaways from the first night of Republicans’ dark convention
The convention kept factcheckers busy as the RNC peddled falsehoods about the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans praised Trump’s response to the pandemic and accused Democrats and the media of failing to recognize the threat posed by coronavirus, even though the president has said as recently as this month that the virus “will go away”.The convention kept factcheckers busy as the RNC peddled falsehoods about the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans praised Trump’s response to the pandemic and accused Democrats and the media of failing to recognize the threat posed by coronavirus, even though the president has said as recently as this month that the virus “will go away”.
Speakers also celebrated Trump’s “swift action” to protect American lives, even as the country’s coronavirus death toll stands at 177,000, far outpacing every other nation in the world. Health experts dismissed the presentation as “all propaganda”:Speakers also celebrated Trump’s “swift action” to protect American lives, even as the country’s coronavirus death toll stands at 177,000, far outpacing every other nation in the world. Health experts dismissed the presentation as “all propaganda”:
The first cases of coronavirus have been detected within the Gaza Strip outside its quarantine facilities, Palestinian officials have said, a potentially disastrous development given the enclave’s fragile health system.The first cases of coronavirus have been detected within the Gaza Strip outside its quarantine facilities, Palestinian officials have said, a potentially disastrous development given the enclave’s fragile health system.
Four people from the same family have so far tested positive for coronavirus, Gaza’s interior ministry said on Monday as authorities imposed a 48-hour lockdown.Four people from the same family have so far tested positive for coronavirus, Gaza’s interior ministry said on Monday as authorities imposed a 48-hour lockdown.
“As soon as the virus cases were detected, the leadership of the interior ministry and the crisis unit held intensive meetings,” said ministry spokesman Iyad al-Bazam.“As soon as the virus cases were detected, the leadership of the interior ministry and the crisis unit held intensive meetings,” said ministry spokesman Iyad al-Bazam.
Hamas authorities urged Gazans to abide by the immediate shutdown, which includes the closure of workplaces, schools and mosques:Hamas authorities urged Gazans to abide by the immediate shutdown, which includes the closure of workplaces, schools and mosques:
Mexican health authorities will begin this week to use a broader definition to identify possible coronavirus cases, a top official said on Monday, after questions about whether testing was too limited, Reuters reports. A new definition of “suspected” infections will come into use on Tuesday and will include loss of smell, loss of taste and diarrhea as possible Covid-19 symptoms, Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said.Mexican health authorities will begin this week to use a broader definition to identify possible coronavirus cases, a top official said on Monday, after questions about whether testing was too limited, Reuters reports. A new definition of “suspected” infections will come into use on Tuesday and will include loss of smell, loss of taste and diarrhea as possible Covid-19 symptoms, Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said.
It will also allow a person with just one symptom, rather than two or more, to be viewed as potentially infected.“This gives you a larger margin of potential, which will result in faster, timelier attention for a greater number of people,” Lopez-Gatell told a news conference.The broader definition could lead to a higher number of cases but that would be an “artificial effect” before stabilizing, he said.Mexico’s policy is to apply tests to people who show sufficient symptoms, he noted.Mexico on Monday reported 3,541 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 320 more fatalities, bringing its total tallies to 563,705 cases and 60,800 deaths.It will also allow a person with just one symptom, rather than two or more, to be viewed as potentially infected.“This gives you a larger margin of potential, which will result in faster, timelier attention for a greater number of people,” Lopez-Gatell told a news conference.The broader definition could lead to a higher number of cases but that would be an “artificial effect” before stabilizing, he said.Mexico’s policy is to apply tests to people who show sufficient symptoms, he noted.Mexico on Monday reported 3,541 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 320 more fatalities, bringing its total tallies to 563,705 cases and 60,800 deaths.
Boris Johnson must meet families whose relatives have been killed by coronavirus and fund research into the longer-term effects, known as “long Covid”, to help the pandemic’s forgotten victims, MPs have said.Boris Johnson must meet families whose relatives have been killed by coronavirus and fund research into the longer-term effects, known as “long Covid”, to help the pandemic’s forgotten victims, MPs have said.
Their recommendations form part of a fresh set of demands made on the prime minister intended to shape how he prepares for a potential second wave of the illness this autumn.Their recommendations form part of a fresh set of demands made on the prime minister intended to shape how he prepares for a potential second wave of the illness this autumn.
MPs on the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on coronavirus inquiry, which releases recommendations every two weeks, have heard from more than 1,100 people who have either lost loved ones to the illness, or who continue to suffer its long-term effects.MPs on the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on coronavirus inquiry, which releases recommendations every two weeks, have heard from more than 1,100 people who have either lost loved ones to the illness, or who continue to suffer its long-term effects.
One woman wrote how she had no choice but to say goodbye to her father over a rushed video call only made possible because a nurse lent him her personal mobile. He later died alone:One woman wrote how she had no choice but to say goodbye to her father over a rushed video call only made possible because a nurse lent him her personal mobile. He later died alone:
Not strictly coronavirus-related, but is perhaps some needed good news:Not strictly coronavirus-related, but is perhaps some needed good news:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to certify on Tuesday that the African continent is free from wild polio, four years after the last cases appeared in northeastern Nigeria, AFP reports.The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to certify on Tuesday that the African continent is free from wild polio, four years after the last cases appeared in northeastern Nigeria, AFP reports.
“Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling life-long paralysis,” the WHO said in a statement.“Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling life-long paralysis,” the WHO said in a statement.
“Happiness is an understatement. We’ve been on this marathon for over 30 years,” said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International.“Happiness is an understatement. We’ve been on this marathon for over 30 years,” said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International.
He said it marked a crucial step in the total eradication of the illness at the global level.He said it marked a crucial step in the total eradication of the illness at the global level.
“It’s a real achievement, I feel joy and relief at the same time,” he added.“It’s a real achievement, I feel joy and relief at the same time,” he added.
As officials across Spain wrestle with a surge in coronavirus cases, a chorus of voices is warning that another lockdown could have dire consequences for a country that just months ago emerged from one of Europe’s strictest confinements.As officials across Spain wrestle with a surge in coronavirus cases, a chorus of voices is warning that another lockdown could have dire consequences for a country that just months ago emerged from one of Europe’s strictest confinements.
While cases of the virus have climbed across Europe, Spain has led the pack in recent days. More than 78,000 cases have been detected in the past two weeks, pushing the 14-day infection rate to 166 per 100,000, compared with 67 in France and 22 in the UK.While cases of the virus have climbed across Europe, Spain has led the pack in recent days. More than 78,000 cases have been detected in the past two weeks, pushing the 14-day infection rate to 166 per 100,000, compared with 67 in France and 22 in the UK.
The steady rise has raised the spectre of fresh lockdowns in the coming weeks, particularly in Madrid where unions have warned that the primary care system is “on the edge of collapse”, due to a lack of staff and testing resources:The steady rise has raised the spectre of fresh lockdowns in the coming weeks, particularly in Madrid where unions have warned that the primary care system is “on the edge of collapse”, due to a lack of staff and testing resources:
Hello, Helen Sullivan here.Hello, Helen Sullivan here.
I’ll still be bringing you the latest for a little while.I’ll still be bringing you the latest for a little while.
Seen anything I’ve missed – or that might make our readers laugh?Seen anything I’ve missed – or that might make our readers laugh?
Get in touch:Get in touch:
Twitter: @helenrsullivanEmail: helen.sullivan@theguardian.comTwitter: @helenrsullivanEmail: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com
Uki Goñi reports for the Guardian from Argentina:Uki Goñi reports for the Guardian from Argentina:
A 34-year-old doctor in Argentina is the country’s first confirmed case of someone who, after having recovered from Covid-19, fell ill with the virus a second time four months later.A 34-year-old doctor in Argentina is the country’s first confirmed case of someone who, after having recovered from Covid-19, fell ill with the virus a second time four months later.
On Monday, a Hong Kong man who recovered from Covid-19 was infected again four-and-a-half months later in what researchers at the University of Hong Kong said was the first documented instance of human re-infection.On Monday, a Hong Kong man who recovered from Covid-19 was infected again four-and-a-half months later in what researchers at the University of Hong Kong said was the first documented instance of human re-infection.
In Argentina, Alejandra Müller, a hospital director in the town of Helvecia in the central province of Santa Fe, was first diagnosed with Covid-19 on 24 March, after acquiring the virus from a child who had fallen ill. Müller recovered from the virus and, after testing negative, was able to return to her job.In Argentina, Alejandra Müller, a hospital director in the town of Helvecia in the central province of Santa Fe, was first diagnosed with Covid-19 on 24 March, after acquiring the virus from a child who had fallen ill. Müller recovered from the virus and, after testing negative, was able to return to her job.
“That first time I was back at work after two weeks, having had only some chest pain, some throat congestion, a bit of fever and pharyngitis,” Müller told the daily La Nación.“That first time I was back at work after two weeks, having had only some chest pain, some throat congestion, a bit of fever and pharyngitis,” Müller told the daily La Nación.
The doctor submitted to two tests in April, both of which came back negative, before receiving the all clear. “I thought I had acquired immunity,” Müller said.But four months later Müller fell ill with the virus again, much harder this time. “The second time the infection was completely different,” said Müller. The doctor developed pneumonia at the end of July and had to go into hospital for five days. “I had all the symptoms, except losing my sense of taste, though I did lose my senseof smell.”Müller’s samples from both infections, in March and July, have been sent to the capital city of Buenos Aires for analysis and study. “Maybe she developed few antibodies because she only had a mild infection the first time,” said doctor Eduardo López, a government coronavirus expert in Buenos Aires.Argentina had a record-breaking 8,713 new cases and 382 coronavirus-related deaths Monday, with nearly 351 thousand accumulated cases and 7,366 deaths so far.The doctor submitted to two tests in April, both of which came back negative, before receiving the all clear. “I thought I had acquired immunity,” Müller said.But four months later Müller fell ill with the virus again, much harder this time. “The second time the infection was completely different,” said Müller. The doctor developed pneumonia at the end of July and had to go into hospital for five days. “I had all the symptoms, except losing my sense of taste, though I did lose my senseof smell.”Müller’s samples from both infections, in March and July, have been sent to the capital city of Buenos Aires for analysis and study. “Maybe she developed few antibodies because she only had a mild infection the first time,” said doctor Eduardo López, a government coronavirus expert in Buenos Aires.Argentina had a record-breaking 8,713 new cases and 382 coronavirus-related deaths Monday, with nearly 351 thousand accumulated cases and 7,366 deaths so far.