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 25 Version 26
Coronavirus live news: two Europeans re-infected as Hong Kong says man caught Covid twice Coronavirus live news: two Europeans re-infected as Hong Kong says man caught Covid twice
(32 minutes later)
European re-infections add to immunity concerns prompted by Hong Kong case; Gaza in lockdown after four cases in community; Usain Bolt tests positive for CovidEuropean re-infections add to immunity concerns prompted by Hong Kong case; Gaza in lockdown after four cases in community; Usain Bolt tests positive for Covid
Former Formula 1 team boss and Italian businessman, Flavio Briatore, has been hospitalised, in Milan after contracting coronavirus. EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan has published details of his movements in Ireland as he continues to deny that he broke public health regulations in the country.
Briatore, owner of the Sardinian ‘Billlionaire’s’ nightclub, has been taken to the San Raffaele Hospital, in the Lombardy capital, and his condition is ‘serious’, according to the Italian magazine l’Espresso. Hogan said that to “the best of my knowledge and ability I believe that I complied with public health regulations in Ireland during my visit”.
A few days ago, Briatore attacked the government which, in mid-August, introduced a new decree imposing the closure of all discos in Italy, due to the increase in new cases of Covid-19. He handed in 20 pages of documents to the head of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after she requested further details of his trip home to Ireland earlier this month.
Hogan stated that he played golf in Adare, County Limerick before returning to Kilkenny on 13 August – a day before his 14-day isolation period was due to end.
He however stated that he was tested negative for Covid-19 while in hospital on 5 August and claimed that therefore ended the self-restriction period.
Discrimination, housing and the impact of Covid-19 are among the top priorities for India’s new National Council for Transgender Persons, two trans members said on Tuesday.
India is seen as a global leader for its efforts to improve the lives of an estimated 2 million trans people, who face prejudice in the largely conservative country and survive mostly through begging, performing at weddings or selling sex.
“One point that runs as a spinal cord in all of this is stigma and discrimination,” said Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, one of India’s highest profile trans leaders and a member of the council, which she described as “historic”.
Trans people are often denied access to jobs, education and healthcare – three areas that Tripathi, a founder of the Asia Pacific Transgender Network, highlighted as priorities, along with shelter.
The council aims to ensure equality by advising on and monitoring government policies and to “redress the grievances” of trans people, according to a 2019 law to protect trans rights, which provided for its creation.
Some hope the council will look at the impact of the new coronavirus on trans people, who have been among those worst hit by India’s months-long lockdown, which halted sex work and weddings and passenger trains – a popular site for begging.
“While certain government schemes have helped them, including pension and food ration, others have not reached them,” said Meera Parida, who chairs the All Odisha Third Gender Welfare Trust and a member of the council.
India reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases globally for the 18th straight day, remaining well ahead of the US and Brazil, a Reuters tally based on official reporting showed.
It took India from the end of January, when the country’s first case was reported, until July to reach around 1.6 million cases, a period when the government imposed a strict lockdown.
However, infections have rocketed by a further 1.5 million since the start of August, taking the total to around 3.1 million, behind only Brazil and the US.
The rate of new cases in India is increasing rapidly, climbing by 60,975 in the latest 24-hour period, according to the federal health ministry.
“If we cross the absolute numbers (in Brazil and the United States), I won’t be surprised, but we also have a larger population,” Giridhar Babu, epidemiologist at the non-profit Public Health Foundation of India, told Reuters.
Deaths have remained comparatively low – at 58,390, or 1.84 % of total cases – lower than the global mortality percentage of 3.4%.
India reported its first Covid-19 fatality in mid-March, with the death toll rising to around 35,700 by the end of July. In August so far, around 22,600 deaths have been recorded. Deaths are considered a lagging indicator, given the two-week incubation period of the disease.
The former Formula 1 team boss and Italian businessman Flavio Briatore has been hospitalised, in Milan after contracting coronavirus.
Briatore, owner of the Sardinian Billlionaire’s nightclub, has been taken to the San Raffaele hospital, in the Lombardy capital, where his condition is ”serious”, according to the Italian magazine l’Espresso.
A few days ago, Briatore attacked the Italian government, which, in mid-August, introduced a decree imposing the closure of all discotheques in Italy due to the increase in new cases of Covid-19.
“This new decree was written by a madman”, Briatore said.“This new decree was written by a madman”, Briatore said.
However, a few days later, over 50 people tested positive for Covid-19 at Billionaire’s, including Briatore. A few days later, more than 50 people tested positive for Covid-19 at Billionaire’s, including Briatore.
Meanwhile, former footballer and coach of the Seria A Bologna team, Sinisa Mihajlovic, has also tested positive. Mihahilovic had socialised with Briatore, in Sardinia, a few days before. Meanwhile, the former footballer and coach of the Seria A Bologna team, Sinisa Mihajlović, has also tested positive. Mihajlović had socialised with Briatore in Sardinia a few days before.
On 12 August, Briatore met the former Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, at his house, on the Costa Smeralda, in Sardinia. “I came to visit my friend, the President: I love him so much and find him in good shape. Bravo Silvio,” Briatore said in a short video posted on Instagram. On 12 August, Briatore met the former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi at his house, on the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. “I came to visit my friend, the president: I love him so much and find him in good shape. Bravo Silvio,” Briatore said in a short video posted on Instagram.
Turkey’s coronavirus tracking app is under fire from privacy advocates for adding a feature allowing users to report social distancing rule violations, with the option to send photos, AFP reports.Turkey’s coronavirus tracking app is under fire from privacy advocates for adding a feature allowing users to report social distancing rule violations, with the option to send photos, AFP reports.
Critics say the function breaches civil liberties and promotes a “culture of denunciation”. Turkish officials counter that the measure is needed to save lives and does not violate laws protecting individual rights.Critics say the function breaches civil liberties and promotes a “culture of denunciation”. Turkish officials counter that the measure is needed to save lives and does not violate laws protecting individual rights.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, said the health ministry’s entire pandemic tracking system - which includes the app - made “us even stronger against the virus”.President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, said the health ministry’s entire pandemic tracking system - which includes the app - made “us even stronger against the virus”.
In April, the health ministry launched a phone app called “Hayat Eve Sigar” (Life Fits Into Home) that helps people monitor confirmed virus cases, showing the risk levels and infection rates in specific neighbourhoods.In April, the health ministry launched a phone app called “Hayat Eve Sigar” (Life Fits Into Home) that helps people monitor confirmed virus cases, showing the risk levels and infection rates in specific neighbourhoods.
It also offers information about nearby hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets and public transport stops.It also offers information about nearby hospitals, pharmacies, supermarkets and public transport stops.
One of its latest features, added this week, allows users to report rule violations in places such as restaurants and cafes, with an ultimate goal of helping control the spread of the virus, which has claimed over 6,000 lives in Turkey.One of its latest features, added this week, allows users to report rule violations in places such as restaurants and cafes, with an ultimate goal of helping control the spread of the virus, which has claimed over 6,000 lives in Turkey.
“Help control the virus by reporting rule violations that you encounter,” a message on the app says above an “add photo” function and a line for the corresponding street address.“Help control the virus by reporting rule violations that you encounter,” a message on the app says above an “add photo” function and a line for the corresponding street address.
Critics see the new feature as a threat that exposes Turks to government agencies without their consent and makes people feel unsafe.Critics see the new feature as a threat that exposes Turks to government agencies without their consent and makes people feel unsafe.
“This system lacks credibility,” said Faruk Cayir, a lawyer and president of Turkey’s Alternative Informatics Association on cyber rights and online censorship.“This system lacks credibility,” said Faruk Cayir, a lawyer and president of Turkey’s Alternative Informatics Association on cyber rights and online censorship.
He told AFP the information stored in the app was being shared with other government agencies, including the interior ministry and even private travel companies:He told AFP the information stored in the app was being shared with other government agencies, including the interior ministry and even private travel companies:
Cayir argued that reporting violations with photos “would encourage a culture of denunciation, the examples of which have already been seen in Turkey”.Cayir argued that reporting violations with photos “would encourage a culture of denunciation, the examples of which have already been seen in Turkey”.
Turkey has officially registered almost 260,000 virus infections and 6,139 deaths. The number of daily new cases went up above 1,000 in early August and has yet to go back down.Turkey has officially registered almost 260,000 virus infections and 6,139 deaths. The number of daily new cases went up above 1,000 in early August and has yet to go back down.
The health ministry developed the app in cooperation with the Turkey’s mobile phone operators and the government’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).The health ministry developed the app in cooperation with the Turkey’s mobile phone operators and the government’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).
Turks are advised to download the app so that security forces are informed when infected people leave their homes in defiance of warnings, with the possibility of criminal prosecution.Turks are advised to download the app so that security forces are informed when infected people leave their homes in defiance of warnings, with the possibility of criminal prosecution.
Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International’s Turkey researcher, said the pandemic was confronting governments with difficult choices.Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International’s Turkey researcher, said the pandemic was confronting governments with difficult choices.
“Governments have an obligation to protect people’s health. This is a human rights issue,” Gardner told AFP.“Governments have an obligation to protect people’s health. This is a human rights issue,” Gardner told AFP.
He said maintaining social distancing rules was important to prevent the spread and protect people’s health.He said maintaining social distancing rules was important to prevent the spread and protect people’s health.
Guidance saying that face coverings are not required in England’s schools could be altered if the medical advice changed, according to Boris Johnson.Guidance saying that face coverings are not required in England’s schools could be altered if the medical advice changed, according to Boris Johnson.
The prime minister told reporters:The prime minister told reporters:
Asked why the UK government was ignoring the World Health Organization’s advice that children over 12 should wear masks, Johnson said:Asked why the UK government was ignoring the World Health Organization’s advice that children over 12 should wear masks, Johnson said:
It comes as Scotland announced that all secondary school pupils over the age of 12 should wear face coverings on school buses, in corridors and in communal areas from Monday, and the Welsh government pledged to review its own guidance on whether children should wear face coverings in schools.It comes as Scotland announced that all secondary school pupils over the age of 12 should wear face coverings on school buses, in corridors and in communal areas from Monday, and the Welsh government pledged to review its own guidance on whether children should wear face coverings in schools.
The PM added he was “really pleased” by the work teachers had done to get ready to reopen from next week, a test of his government after it failed to return all children to schools earlier this year.The PM added he was “really pleased” by the work teachers had done to get ready to reopen from next week, a test of his government after it failed to return all children to schools earlier this year.
Johnson, whose Conservative government has come under fire for how it has tackled education during the coronavirus crisis, said it was “crucial” for all children to return to school.Johnson, whose Conservative government has come under fire for how it has tackled education during the coronavirus crisis, said it was “crucial” for all children to return to school.
For more updates from the UK, head over to the UK coronavirus live blog:For more updates from the UK, head over to the UK coronavirus live blog:
A lockdown took hold in Gaza on Tuesday after confirmation of the first cases of Covid-19 in the general population of the Palestinian enclave, whose restricted borders have spared it from wide infection.A lockdown took hold in Gaza on Tuesday after confirmation of the first cases of Covid-19 in the general population of the Palestinian enclave, whose restricted borders have spared it from wide infection.
Reuters reports that health authorities in the Hamas Islamist-run territory of 2 million people are concerned over the potentially disastrous combination of poverty, densely populated refugee camps and limited hospital facilities in dealing with an outbreak.Reuters reports that health authorities in the Hamas Islamist-run territory of 2 million people are concerned over the potentially disastrous combination of poverty, densely populated refugee camps and limited hospital facilities in dealing with an outbreak.
A government spokesman said four cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in a single family in a refugee camp, the first in Gaza that did not involve people quarantined in border facilities after crossing into the coastal enclave from Egypt and Israel.A government spokesman said four cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in a single family in a refugee camp, the first in Gaza that did not involve people quarantined in border facilities after crossing into the coastal enclave from Egypt and Israel.
Citing security concerns, both Egypt and Israel maintain tight restrictions at the Gaza frontier, leaving Gazans with little access to the outside world for years and hospitals often complaining of shortages in medical supplies.Citing security concerns, both Egypt and Israel maintain tight restrictions at the Gaza frontier, leaving Gazans with little access to the outside world for years and hospitals often complaining of shortages in medical supplies.
“What happens if one of us gets infected?” asked Khaled Sami, a Gaza resident. “When people are seriously ill, they send them into Israel, the West Bank or Egypt. Everything is closed now and who is going to open the gate for someone suffering from the coronavirus?”“What happens if one of us gets infected?” asked Khaled Sami, a Gaza resident. “When people are seriously ill, they send them into Israel, the West Bank or Egypt. Everything is closed now and who is going to open the gate for someone suffering from the coronavirus?”
With businesses, schools and mosques ordered shuttered late on Monday for at least 48 hours, Gaza’s streets were largely deserted. But some people scrambled to buy essentials in groceries and bakeries, a limited number of which were open.With businesses, schools and mosques ordered shuttered late on Monday for at least 48 hours, Gaza’s streets were largely deserted. But some people scrambled to buy essentials in groceries and bakeries, a limited number of which were open.
“I hope the whole world can now help Gaza. We can’t resolve this issue on our own,” said another Gaza resident, who asked to be identified only as Abu Ahmed.“I hope the whole world can now help Gaza. We can’t resolve this issue on our own,” said another Gaza resident, who asked to be identified only as Abu Ahmed.
Despite the lockdown, hundreds attended the funeral of four Islamic Jihad gunmen who died in an explosion in Gaza on Monday. The cause of the blast was not immediately disclosed.Despite the lockdown, hundreds attended the funeral of four Islamic Jihad gunmen who died in an explosion in Gaza on Monday. The cause of the blast was not immediately disclosed.
But in many places, only the sounds of home generators, used to make up for power cuts that can stretch up to 20 hours a day, could be heard.But in many places, only the sounds of home generators, used to make up for power cuts that can stretch up to 20 hours a day, could be heard.
The health crisis came amid heightened tensions fuelled by the launching of sporadic rocket attacks and incendiary balloons at Israel, which has responded with airstrikes against Hamas positions.The health crisis came amid heightened tensions fuelled by the launching of sporadic rocket attacks and incendiary balloons at Israel, which has responded with airstrikes against Hamas positions.
Gaza’s health ministry said the four Covid-19 cases were uncovered after a woman travelled to the West Bank, where she tested positive.Gaza’s health ministry said the four Covid-19 cases were uncovered after a woman travelled to the West Bank, where she tested positive.
The ministry said there have been 110 cases of the coronavirus inside border quarantine facilities and one death since the world pandemic began.The ministry said there have been 110 cases of the coronavirus inside border quarantine facilities and one death since the world pandemic began.
Last month, the Gaza director of the World Health Organization, Abdelnaser Soboh, said the territory’s health system could deal with only 500 positive cases at one time.Last month, the Gaza director of the World Health Organization, Abdelnaser Soboh, said the territory’s health system could deal with only 500 positive cases at one time.
Finnish national carrier Finnair announced plans on Tuesday to cut 1,000 jobs – 15% of its workforce – amid dire warnings about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.Finnish national carrier Finnair announced plans on Tuesday to cut 1,000 jobs – 15% of its workforce – amid dire warnings about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“A rapid turn for the better in the pandemic situation is unfortunately not in sight,” chief executive Topi Manner said in a statement.“A rapid turn for the better in the pandemic situation is unfortunately not in sight,” chief executive Topi Manner said in a statement.
“Our revenue has decreased considerably, and that is why we simply must adjust our costs to our new size.”“Our revenue has decreased considerably, and that is why we simply must adjust our costs to our new size.”
The job cuts will not apply to cabin and flight deck crew, Finnair said, although flying staff will remain on furlough “until further notice”.The job cuts will not apply to cabin and flight deck crew, Finnair said, although flying staff will remain on furlough “until further notice”.
The vast majority of the airline’s 6,700 employees are on temporary layoffs.The vast majority of the airline’s 6,700 employees are on temporary layoffs.
Alongside job cuts, the carrier will make other structural changes and on Tuesday updated its savings target from 80 million euros ($94m) to €100m.Alongside job cuts, the carrier will make other structural changes and on Tuesday updated its savings target from 80 million euros ($94m) to €100m.
Finnair, which is majority owned by the Finnish state, cut 90% of its flights on 1 April and issued a profit warning as coronavirus restrictions brought international passenger travel almost to a standstill.Finnair, which is majority owned by the Finnish state, cut 90% of its flights on 1 April and issued a profit warning as coronavirus restrictions brought international passenger travel almost to a standstill.
The company has been particularly hard hit by the drop-off in long-haul traffic, with flights between Helsinki and Asia a key part of the group’s growth strategy this past decade.The company has been particularly hard hit by the drop-off in long-haul traffic, with flights between Helsinki and Asia a key part of the group’s growth strategy this past decade.
The carrier released €500m-worth of shares in June to boost liquidity.The carrier released €500m-worth of shares in June to boost liquidity.
Finland’s government further tightened coronavirus travel restrictions last week to become what it called the strictest in the EU, banning tourists from all but a handful of member states.Finland’s government further tightened coronavirus travel restrictions last week to become what it called the strictest in the EU, banning tourists from all but a handful of member states.
Around 6% of the residents of a German town that was an early hotspot for coronavirus had antibodies to Covid-19, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases said on Tuesday.Around 6% of the residents of a German town that was an early hotspot for coronavirus had antibodies to Covid-19, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases said on Tuesday.
Researchers tested 2,153 people in the southern town of Bad Feilnbach between 23 June and 4 July and found about 2.6 times more infections than previously reported. The town had to evacuate a nursing home for elderly people during the outbreak.Researchers tested 2,153 people in the southern town of Bad Feilnbach between 23 June and 4 July and found about 2.6 times more infections than previously reported. The town had to evacuate a nursing home for elderly people during the outbreak.
Some people with Covid-19 are asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms, so antibody tests can help establish the true prevalence of the disease.Some people with Covid-19 are asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms, so antibody tests can help establish the true prevalence of the disease.
The German study showed the highest prevalence of the virus among residents aged 18-34 – at almost 8%, project leader Claudia Santos-Hoevener, from the RKI, told a news conference.The German study showed the highest prevalence of the virus among residents aged 18-34 – at almost 8%, project leader Claudia Santos-Hoevener, from the RKI, told a news conference.
Of those who had antibodies, 14.5% had shown no symptoms, while 40% of those who had previously tested positive for coronavirus had no sign of antibodies.Of those who had antibodies, 14.5% had shown no symptoms, while 40% of those who had previously tested positive for coronavirus had no sign of antibodies.
The prevalence of the disease was lower than an earlier related study conducted in the town of Kupferzell, where 7.7% of residents had antibodies, which Santos-Hoevener said could be due to the fact that antibodies diminish over time.The prevalence of the disease was lower than an earlier related study conducted in the town of Kupferzell, where 7.7% of residents had antibodies, which Santos-Hoevener said could be due to the fact that antibodies diminish over time.
The research is part of an ongoing study in towns in Germany, and the RKI said it would wait for further results before drawing broader conclusions.The research is part of an ongoing study in towns in Germany, and the RKI said it would wait for further results before drawing broader conclusions.
Germany has managed to keep the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths relatively low compared with some other large European countries, but the number of new daily cases has been rising steadily since early July and has accelerated in recent weeks.Germany has managed to keep the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths relatively low compared with some other large European countries, but the number of new daily cases has been rising steadily since early July and has accelerated in recent weeks.
The number of confirmed cases in Germany increased by 1,278 to 234,853, data from the RKI showed on Tuesday, while the reported death toll rose by five to 9,277.The number of confirmed cases in Germany increased by 1,278 to 234,853, data from the RKI showed on Tuesday, while the reported death toll rose by five to 9,277.
“The current developments should be taken seriously,” RKI epidemiologist Osamah Hamouda told the news conference, adding that the region near Bad Feilnbach had seen a jump in cases connected with people returning from trips abroad.“The current developments should be taken seriously,” RKI epidemiologist Osamah Hamouda told the news conference, adding that the region near Bad Feilnbach had seen a jump in cases connected with people returning from trips abroad.
The Spanish city of Zaragoza is believed to be the first in the country to have deployed a quarantine patrol, a team of 12 people who carry out home visits to make sure people are keeping quarantine.The Spanish city of Zaragoza is believed to be the first in the country to have deployed a quarantine patrol, a team of 12 people who carry out home visits to make sure people are keeping quarantine.
The north-eastern city is the regional capital of Aragon, where cases have surged in recent weeks. The 14-day rate of new infections sits at 441 per 100,000 in the region, according to the most recent data from Spain’s health ministry.The north-eastern city is the regional capital of Aragon, where cases have surged in recent weeks. The 14-day rate of new infections sits at 441 per 100,000 in the region, according to the most recent data from Spain’s health ministry.
The patrols, carried out in teams of two that include one social worker, were launched earlier this month. So far they’ve visited more than 100 homes, ferreting out more than a dozen cases where people have skipped out on quarantine.The patrols, carried out in teams of two that include one social worker, were launched earlier this month. So far they’ve visited more than 100 homes, ferreting out more than a dozen cases where people have skipped out on quarantine.
“We always get a nice welcome, they invite you in and everything,” one member of the team, Virginia Guillén, told Spanish newspaper El País. Working in tandem with health authorities, the team visits homes where people have been hard to track down by phone after testing positive or where there are concerns that quarantine may not be observed.“We always get a nice welcome, they invite you in and everything,” one member of the team, Virginia Guillén, told Spanish newspaper El País. Working in tandem with health authorities, the team visits homes where people have been hard to track down by phone after testing positive or where there are concerns that quarantine may not be observed.
The goal is to not impose controls, added Guillén, “but rather to check on why we someone has not been reached by phone and explain to them that we are here if they need anything.”The goal is to not impose controls, added Guillén, “but rather to check on why we someone has not been reached by phone and explain to them that we are here if they need anything.”
Along with reinforcing the measures that must be put in place to protect family members from the virus, the patrols ensure that the home is large enough to allow for self-isolation. If not, residents are reminded that alternative accommodation is available to house asymptomatic cases.Along with reinforcing the measures that must be put in place to protect family members from the virus, the patrols ensure that the home is large enough to allow for self-isolation. If not, residents are reminded that alternative accommodation is available to house asymptomatic cases.
Two European patients were confirmed to have been re-infected with the coronavirus, according to regional public broadcasters, raising concerns about immunity.Two European patients were confirmed to have been re-infected with the coronavirus, according to regional public broadcasters, raising concerns about immunity.
The news follows a report this week by researchers in Hong Kong about a man there who had been re-infected four and a half months after recovering.The news follows a report this week by researchers in Hong Kong about a man there who had been re-infected four and a half months after recovering.
Broadcasters said on Tuesday a patient in the Netherlands and another in Belgium had also been re-infected with the virus.Broadcasters said on Tuesday a patient in the Netherlands and another in Belgium had also been re-infected with the virus.
Dutch broadcaster NOS cited virologist Marion Koopmans as saying the patient in the Netherlands was an older person with a weakened immune system. “That someone would pop up with a re-infection, it doesn’t make me nervous,” she said. “We have to see whether it happens often.”Dutch broadcaster NOS cited virologist Marion Koopmans as saying the patient in the Netherlands was an older person with a weakened immune system. “That someone would pop up with a re-infection, it doesn’t make me nervous,” she said. “We have to see whether it happens often.”
Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on Covid-19 for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work – your comments are always welcome!Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on Covid-19 for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work – your comments are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
In the UK, a leading member of the Oxford University team trying to find a vaccine for coronavirus has not ruled it out being ready for this winter.In the UK, a leading member of the Oxford University team trying to find a vaccine for coronavirus has not ruled it out being ready for this winter.
The trials ongoing around the world hope to involve around 50,000 people and he said if cases accrue rapidly in clinical trials they could present data to regulators this year.The trials ongoing around the world hope to involve around 50,000 people and he said if cases accrue rapidly in clinical trials they could present data to regulators this year.
It comes after the chief medical officer for England, Chris Witty, suggested that a vaccine would most reasonably be ready next winter or in the one after.It comes after the chief medical officer for England, Chris Witty, suggested that a vaccine would most reasonably be ready next winter or in the one after.
Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity at Oxford University, said:Andrew Pollard, professor of paediatric infection and immunity at Oxford University, said:
The potential vaccine, developed by Oxford University and drug company AstraZeneca, is thought to be the most advanced candidate in clinical trials.The potential vaccine, developed by Oxford University and drug company AstraZeneca, is thought to be the most advanced candidate in clinical trials.
It is being tested on 10,000 people in the UK, and a further 10,000 in Brazil and South Africa. Scientists also hope to enrol 30,000 people in US trials.It is being tested on 10,000 people in the UK, and a further 10,000 in Brazil and South Africa. Scientists also hope to enrol 30,000 people in US trials.
Following reports that US president Donald Trump wants to speed up approval of the vaccine in time for the November election, AstraZeneca said it had not discussed any fast-tracking with regulators.Following reports that US president Donald Trump wants to speed up approval of the vaccine in time for the November election, AstraZeneca said it had not discussed any fast-tracking with regulators.