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Coronavirus live news: Turkey infections hit two-month high; India tops global tally of new cases for 18th day Coronavirus live news: Turkey infections hit two-month high; India tops global tally of new cases for 18th day
(32 minutes later)
Turkey records highest number of new cases since mid-June; India worse than US and Brazil in number of daily new cases; European re-infections add to immunity concerns prompted by Hong Kong caseTurkey records highest number of new cases since mid-June; India worse than US and Brazil in number of daily new cases; European re-infections add to immunity concerns prompted by Hong Kong case
Translate Bio said that an experimental coronavirus vaccine it developed with French drugmaker Sanofi induced immune response in early-stage non-human primate studies.
In a regulatory filing, the company cited Sanofi’s presentation slides showing that the vaccine candidate induced neutralising antibodies and T-cell responses in animal studies.
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Turkey recorded its highest number of new coronavirus cases since mid-June. Another 1,502 infections were confirmed on Tuesday, according to government data, taking the official tally over 261,000. New cases were last this high on 15 June, two weeks after Turkey lifted a partial lockdown. The government has responded by banning some celebrations in 14 provinces.
India reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases globally for the 18th straight day. According to a Reuters tally, infections rocketed by another 1.5 million since the start of August, taking India’s total to around 3.1 million, more than in the US and Brazil. The rate of new cases in the country is increasing rapidly, climbing by 60,975 in the latest 24-hour period, according to the federal health ministry.
Gaza entered a 48-hour lockdown after the first cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the general population. Four cases of 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 over from Egypt and Israel. 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.
Two European patients were confirmed to have been reinfected with coronavirus, raising concerns about immunity. Regional public broadcasters said a patient in the Netherlands and another in Belgium had also been reinfected. It follows a report this week by researchers in Hong Kong about a man there who had been reinfected four and a half months after recovering.
The German economy contracted by a record 9.7% in the second quarter, the sharpest decline since Germany began to record quarterly GDP calculations in 1970. The statistics office said it came as consumer spending (10.9% down), company investments (19.6% down) and exports (20.3% down) all collapsed at the height of the pandemic.
Thank you so much to everybody who kept me company throughout the day by sending in news tips and comments, and to all of you for reading along. That’s it from me, Lucy Campbell, ‘til tomorrow.
The French health ministry said it had recorded 3,304 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, well below daily highs seen last week and taking the cumulative total to 248,158.The French health ministry said it had recorded 3,304 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, well below daily highs seen last week and taking the cumulative total to 248,158.
The number of new infections was above the 1,995 reported on Monday – which traditionally shows a dip – but remained well below Sunday’s new post-lockdown record of 4,897 and below the levels above 3,600 reported in the second half of last week.The number of new infections was above the 1,995 reported on Monday – which traditionally shows a dip – but remained well below Sunday’s new post-lockdown record of 4,897 and below the levels above 3,600 reported in the second half of last week.
The ministry also said the death toll rose by 16 to 30,544, while the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 fell to a new post-lockdown low of 4,600. The number of people in intensive care rose by 11 to 410 and is now back up to levels last seen at the end of July.The ministry also said the death toll rose by 16 to 30,544, while the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 fell to a new post-lockdown low of 4,600. The number of people in intensive care rose by 11 to 410 and is now back up to levels last seen at the end of July.
Turkey’s coronavirus cases rose to the country’s highest level since mid-June on Tuesday at 1,502, according to data provided by the government, which responded by banning some celebrations in 14 provinces.Turkey’s coronavirus cases rose to the country’s highest level since mid-June on Tuesday at 1,502, according to data provided by the government, which responded by banning some celebrations in 14 provinces.
The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said on Twitter that 24 more people had died from Covid-19, bringing the toll to 6,163. More than 261,000 people have contracted the disease in Turkey, according to the official tally.The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said on Twitter that 24 more people had died from Covid-19, bringing the toll to 6,163. More than 261,000 people have contracted the disease in Turkey, according to the official tally.
New cases were last this high on 15 June when the country logged 1,592 cases, two weeks after it lifted a partial lockdown.New cases were last this high on 15 June when the country logged 1,592 cases, two weeks after it lifted a partial lockdown.
Sweden’s public health agency said on Tuesday a faulty test kit had returned some 3,700 false positive results, an error discovered by two laboratories during routine quality controls.Sweden’s public health agency said on Tuesday a faulty test kit had returned some 3,700 false positive results, an error discovered by two laboratories during routine quality controls.
The agency said the PCR kits, which test for an ongoing Covid-19 infection, were made in China by the company BGI Genomics and had been distributed worldwide.The agency said the PCR kits, which test for an ongoing Covid-19 infection, were made in China by the company BGI Genomics and had been distributed worldwide.
In Sweden, the kits were used by people conducting at-home tests between March and August, the agency said.In Sweden, the kits were used by people conducting at-home tests between March and August, the agency said.
Mostly, “people who had mild symptoms or who didn’t feel any symptoms at the time of the test received false positive results”, the agency said in a statement.Mostly, “people who had mild symptoms or who didn’t feel any symptoms at the time of the test received false positive results”, the agency said in a statement.
It added that it would contact those affected this week, as well as adjusting Sweden’s official number of cases.It added that it would contact those affected this week, as well as adjusting Sweden’s official number of cases.
“The faulty test kit has been reported to the Swedish Medical Products Agency. It has been exported by China to many other countries,” the agency said, adding that it has “informed relevant authorities in Europe and the WHO”.“The faulty test kit has been reported to the Swedish Medical Products Agency. It has been exported by China to many other countries,” the agency said, adding that it has “informed relevant authorities in Europe and the WHO”.
Sweden on Tuesday said it had 86,891 confirmed cases of coronavirus and there had been 5,814 deaths.Sweden on Tuesday said it had 86,891 confirmed cases of coronavirus and there had been 5,814 deaths.
Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of president Jair Bolsonaro, has tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement by Flavio’s spokesman.Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of president Jair Bolsonaro, has tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement by Flavio’s spokesman.
Flavio has no symptoms of Covid-19 and is at home, it said, adding he has started taking chloroquine and azithromycin as part of a treatment against the virus.Flavio has no symptoms of Covid-19 and is at home, it said, adding he has started taking chloroquine and azithromycin as part of a treatment against the virus.
President Bolsonaro is a big supporter of chloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria, despite the lack of solid evidence it works against the disease.President Bolsonaro is a big supporter of chloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria, despite the lack of solid evidence it works against the disease.
Bolsonaro himself caught the virus earlier, as did his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, and his youngest son, Jair Renan.Bolsonaro himself caught the virus earlier, as did his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, and his youngest son, Jair Renan.
Hungary can reopen schools next week for the first time since mid-March based on fresh data on coronavirus infections, state news agency MTI reported on Tuesday, citing the minister of human capacities Miklos Kasler.Hungary can reopen schools next week for the first time since mid-March based on fresh data on coronavirus infections, state news agency MTI reported on Tuesday, citing the minister of human capacities Miklos Kasler.
Kasler said the government had worked out a protocol for schools to follow about social distancing, using sanitisers, and the use of common areas.Kasler said the government had worked out a protocol for schools to follow about social distancing, using sanitisers, and the use of common areas.
He did not go into detail and did not say if wearing a mask would be mandatory.He did not go into detail and did not say if wearing a mask would be mandatory.
The central European country of about 10 million people has reported 5,215 cases of coronavirus and 614 deaths. On Tuesday, 24 new cases were recorded.The central European country of about 10 million people has reported 5,215 cases of coronavirus and 614 deaths. On Tuesday, 24 new cases were recorded.
Hungary will tighten border crossing rules from 1 September to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the number of new infections is rising in neighbouring countries, prime minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday.Hungary will tighten border crossing rules from 1 September to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the number of new infections is rising in neighbouring countries, prime minister Viktor Orbán said on Friday.
“As the school year starts, we will no longer be able to work with the border crossing system that was used during the summer,” Orban said.“As the school year starts, we will no longer be able to work with the border crossing system that was used during the summer,” Orban said.
The government is expected to announce the new rules this week. Nationalist Orban’s government imposed strict lockdown rules in March to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and eased those restrictions only gradually in May.The government is expected to announce the new rules this week. Nationalist Orban’s government imposed strict lockdown rules in March to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and eased those restrictions only gradually in May.
Portugal’s prime minister, Antonio Costa, met a top doctors’ representative on Tuesday to apologise for calling a group of medics sent into a virus-stricken retirement home “cowards”.Portugal’s prime minister, Antonio Costa, met a top doctors’ representative on Tuesday to apologise for calling a group of medics sent into a virus-stricken retirement home “cowards”.
Costa “clearly communicated the respect and confidence he has” in the profession, said the president of the Order of Physicians, Miguel Guimaraes.Costa “clearly communicated the respect and confidence he has” in the profession, said the president of the Order of Physicians, Miguel Guimaraes.
Costa himself said he hoped the “misunderstandings” had been cleared up.Costa himself said he hoped the “misunderstandings” had been cleared up.
The row erupted after doctors had to be sent into a retirement home in southern Portugal where 18 had died from the virus and the infected staff were themselves unable to continue caring for the residents.The row erupted after doctors had to be sent into a retirement home in southern Portugal where 18 had died from the virus and the infected staff were themselves unable to continue caring for the residents.
A seven-second video clip shared widely on social networks had shown Costa complaining that “the president of the regional health authority sent the doctors to do their jobs. And these guys, the cowards, didn’t do anything.”A seven-second video clip shared widely on social networks had shown Costa complaining that “the president of the regional health authority sent the doctors to do their jobs. And these guys, the cowards, didn’t do anything.”
The remarks were from an off-the-record conversation following an interview Costa gave to the Expresso weekly.The remarks were from an off-the-record conversation following an interview Costa gave to the Expresso weekly.
But a statement from the Order of Physicians said that whether on or off the record, the remarks were offensives.But a statement from the Order of Physicians said that whether on or off the record, the remarks were offensives.
Despite a lack of resources, their members had never refused to cooperate in looking after the sick, elderly people, dismissing allegations made by the prime minister, said the order.Despite a lack of resources, their members had never refused to cooperate in looking after the sick, elderly people, dismissing allegations made by the prime minister, said the order.
In the portion of the interview that was published on Saturday, Costa had defended the state against criticism from the Order of Physicians, saying the health authorities had “reacted immediately” to the retirement home crisis.In the portion of the interview that was published on Saturday, Costa had defended the state against criticism from the Order of Physicians, saying the health authorities had “reacted immediately” to the retirement home crisis.
Portugal has recorded 1,805 deaths and 55,912 infections from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, among a population of roughly 10 million people.Portugal has recorded 1,805 deaths and 55,912 infections from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, among a population of roughly 10 million people.
American Airlines has said it will cut 19,000 US jobs in October as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to weigh on air travel, unless the government extends aid for airline employee payrolls.American Airlines has said it will cut 19,000 US jobs in October as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to weigh on air travel, unless the government extends aid for airline employee payrolls.
Airlines received $25bn in US government stimulus funds in March meant to cover payrolls and protect jobs through September. As the money runs out without a travel recovery in sight, airlines and unions have lobbied Washington for a further $25bn, but talks have stalled.Airlines received $25bn in US government stimulus funds in March meant to cover payrolls and protect jobs through September. As the money runs out without a travel recovery in sight, airlines and unions have lobbied Washington for a further $25bn, but talks have stalled.
Including voluntary exits and leaves, the US carrier’s workforce will shrink to about 100,000 in October from the 140,000 it employed in March.Including voluntary exits and leaves, the US carrier’s workforce will shrink to about 100,000 in October from the 140,000 it employed in March.
“In short, American’s team will have at least 40,000 fewer people working October 1 than we had when we entered this pandemic,” chief executive Doug Parker and president Robert Isom said in a memo to employees that was reviewed by Reuters.“In short, American’s team will have at least 40,000 fewer people working October 1 than we had when we entered this pandemic,” chief executive Doug Parker and president Robert Isom said in a memo to employees that was reviewed by Reuters.
The October job cuts comprise 17,500 furloughs of union workers – including 1,600 pilots and 8,100 flight attendants – and 1,500 management positions.The October job cuts comprise 17,500 furloughs of union workers – including 1,600 pilots and 8,100 flight attendants – and 1,500 management positions.
Based on current demand levels, the airline plans to fly less than 50% of its normal schedule in the fourth quarter, with international flying reduced to only a quarter of 2019 levels, Parker and Isom said in the memo.Based on current demand levels, the airline plans to fly less than 50% of its normal schedule in the fourth quarter, with international flying reduced to only a quarter of 2019 levels, Parker and Isom said in the memo.
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.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.
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”.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”.
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.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.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.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.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.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”.“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.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.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.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.“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.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.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.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.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.“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%.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.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.