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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
Pupils in England will no longer be advised against using face masks in schools after prime minister Boris Johnson made an 11th-hour U-turn days before students head back to the classroom.
In lockdown areas such as Greater Manchester, which have greater restrictions to stop the spread of the virus, wearing face coverings will become mandatory in school corridors where social distancing is more difficult.
In areas of England not subject to tighter restrictions, headteachers will have discretion over whether to require face masks, but the government will no longer advise against their use, a senior government source said.
The prime minister bowed to pressure and changed the guidance late on Tuesday after scores of headteachers broke ranks to urge their use, backed by Labour and trade unions.
Johnson told reporters earlier in the day he would “look at the changing medical evidence as we go on” but insisted schools would be safe regardless.
The US agency in charge of processing immigration applications said it had avoided a planned furlough of 70% of its staff but warned that it still faced financial hardship that could result in some applicants experiencing longer wait times.The US agency in charge of processing immigration applications said it had avoided a planned furlough of 70% of its staff but warned that it still faced financial hardship that could result in some applicants experiencing longer wait times.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency in charge of processing work permits, so-called green cards and other visas, said that it had avoided furloughs planned for 30 August.The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency in charge of processing work permits, so-called green cards and other visas, said that it had avoided furloughs planned for 30 August.
But aggressive spending cuts the agency planned to put in place would impact all operations, including naturalisations, it said in a statement.But aggressive spending cuts the agency planned to put in place would impact all operations, including naturalisations, it said in a statement.
USCIS is dependent on fees from new immigration applications. The agency reported a 50% drop in fees in June due to less immigration during the coronavirus pandemic.USCIS is dependent on fees from new immigration applications. The agency reported a 50% drop in fees in June due to less immigration during the coronavirus pandemic.
But immigration experts and former officials say even before the onset of the pandemic, the agency had seen revenues fall sharply as a result of slowdowns in processing and other limits placed on immigration applications.But immigration experts and former officials say even before the onset of the pandemic, the agency had seen revenues fall sharply as a result of slowdowns in processing and other limits placed on immigration applications.
Republican president Donald Trump has made curbing immigration a priority during his years in office.Republican president Donald Trump has made curbing immigration a priority during his years in office.
The USCIS deputy director for policy, Joseph Edlow, warned in the statement there was no guarantee the agency can avoid future furloughs and called on the US Congress to ensure the agency had sufficient funding for fiscal year 2021, which starts in October.The USCIS deputy director for policy, Joseph Edlow, warned in the statement there was no guarantee the agency can avoid future furloughs and called on the US Congress to ensure the agency had sufficient funding for fiscal year 2021, which starts in October.
USCIS had asked for a $1.2bn bailout from Congress in May to avoid the projected furloughs, but lawmakers pushed back, arguing the agency had the funding it needed to continue operations through the fiscal year.USCIS had asked for a $1.2bn bailout from Congress in May to avoid the projected furloughs, but lawmakers pushed back, arguing the agency had the funding it needed to continue operations through the fiscal year.
Switzerland is set to be the next country on which to have quarantine measures imposed by the government in England, the Telegraph has reported, with the Czech Republic and Iceland moving into the “danger zone” due to high coronavirus infection rates.Switzerland is set to be the next country on which to have quarantine measures imposed by the government in England, the Telegraph has reported, with the Czech Republic and Iceland moving into the “danger zone” due to high coronavirus infection rates.
If confirmed, it will means travellers from Switzerland will have to self-isolate for two weeks on arrival in the country, along with travellers from Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and a number of other countries the UK government deems to have worrying coronavirus infection levels.If confirmed, it will means travellers from Switzerland will have to self-isolate for two weeks on arrival in the country, along with travellers from Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and a number of other countries the UK government deems to have worrying coronavirus infection levels.
Ministers are due to meet within the next 48 hours to make a decision, the Telegraph reports, with an announcement expected on Thursday ahead of the usual 4am on Saturday deadline for the new rules to come into effect.Ministers are due to meet within the next 48 hours to make a decision, the Telegraph reports, with an announcement expected on Thursday ahead of the usual 4am on Saturday deadline for the new rules to come into effect.
Young people are driving the spread of Covid-19 in the Americas, the head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has said, noting that both deaths and caseloads have doubled in the region over the past six weeks.Young people are driving the spread of Covid-19 in the Americas, the head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has said, noting that both deaths and caseloads have doubled in the region over the past six weeks.
Dr Carissa Etienne chastised governments that have rushed economic reopenings despite data that shows a worsening pandemic.Dr Carissa Etienne chastised governments that have rushed economic reopenings despite data that shows a worsening pandemic.
“This is not a good sign. Wishing the virus away will not work,” she said, detailing what she described as a “real disconnect” between the relaxation of containment measures and the continuing spread of the virus.“This is not a good sign. Wishing the virus away will not work,” she said, detailing what she described as a “real disconnect” between the relaxation of containment measures and the continuing spread of the virus.
The PAHO is the Washington-based Americas arm of the UN World Health Organization.The PAHO is the Washington-based Americas arm of the UN World Health Organization.
Since July, coronavirus cases in the Americas have more than doubled to about 12 million confirmed infections, while deaths have shot up by roughly the same rate to some 450,000, according to PAHO data.Since July, coronavirus cases in the Americas have more than doubled to about 12 million confirmed infections, while deaths have shot up by roughly the same rate to some 450,000, according to PAHO data.
Etienne said that “the vast majority” of reported Covid-19 cases in the Americas have been among those between the ages of 19 and 59, but that almost 70% of deaths have been among individuals who are 60 years old or older.Etienne said that “the vast majority” of reported Covid-19 cases in the Americas have been among those between the ages of 19 and 59, but that almost 70% of deaths have been among individuals who are 60 years old or older.
“This indicates that younger people are primarily driving the spread of the disease in our region,” she said.“This indicates that younger people are primarily driving the spread of the disease in our region,” she said.
A recent uptick in cases in several Caribbean nations including the Bahamas is also a growing concern, said Etienne, with new infections not only driven by tourism but also returning residents.A recent uptick in cases in several Caribbean nations including the Bahamas is also a growing concern, said Etienne, with new infections not only driven by tourism but also returning residents.
Overall, governments should base their reopening decisions on the best available data and expand testing and contract tracing programmes to better identify and control spikes in cases, she said.Overall, governments should base their reopening decisions on the best available data and expand testing and contract tracing programmes to better identify and control spikes in cases, she said.
Six of the world’s 10 most affected countries are in the Americas, said Etienne, pointing to the US, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina.Six of the world’s 10 most affected countries are in the Americas, said Etienne, pointing to the US, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
More US colleges are grappling with high numbers of students testing positive for Covid-19 just days into the start of the new semester, after some universities rolled back their campus reopening plans in recent weeks.More US colleges are grappling with high numbers of students testing positive for Covid-19 just days into the start of the new semester, after some universities rolled back their campus reopening plans in recent weeks.
The University of Alabama on Monday reported more than 550 people across its campuses had tested positive for Covid-19 since it resumed in-person classes on 19 August. Most of those infected were students, faculty and staff at the university’s main campus in Tuscaloosa.The University of Alabama on Monday reported more than 550 people across its campuses had tested positive for Covid-19 since it resumed in-person classes on 19 August. Most of those infected were students, faculty and staff at the university’s main campus in Tuscaloosa.
Citing a “dramatic increase” in coronavirus cases on campus, the mayor of Tuscaloosa issued an executive order on Monday ordering bars to shut down for 14 days and placing restrictions on other establishments.Citing a “dramatic increase” in coronavirus cases on campus, the mayor of Tuscaloosa issued an executive order on Monday ordering bars to shut down for 14 days and placing restrictions on other establishments.
“Many students who tested positive for Covid-19 have chosen to go home to isolate,” Kellee Reinhart, the university’s vice chancellor for communications, told Reuters.“Many students who tested positive for Covid-19 have chosen to go home to isolate,” Kellee Reinhart, the university’s vice chancellor for communications, told Reuters.
Reinhart said the school had an “ample amount” of space for Covid-19 positive students to isolate and that it was enhancing testing of various groups.Reinhart said the school had an “ample amount” of space for Covid-19 positive students to isolate and that it was enhancing testing of various groups.
The university has conducted more than 46,000 tests, according to a dashboard it released this week, and the positivity rate stood at about 1%.The university has conducted more than 46,000 tests, according to a dashboard it released this week, and the positivity rate stood at about 1%.
The number of positive cases does not include the 400 students who tested positive upon returning to University of Alabama campuses before classes began last week.The number of positive cases does not include the 400 students who tested positive upon returning to University of Alabama campuses before classes began last week.
Alabama is not alone in scrambling to deal with Covid-19 college outbreaks.Alabama is not alone in scrambling to deal with Covid-19 college outbreaks.
The University of Southern California (USC), which resumed education almost entirely online on 17 August, on Monday said that more than 100 students at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles were in a 14-day quarantine after exposure to the virus.The University of Southern California (USC), which resumed education almost entirely online on 17 August, on Monday said that more than 100 students at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles were in a 14-day quarantine after exposure to the virus.
Ohio State University, where classes resume on Tuesday, this week issued more than 200 interim suspensions for students following a string of large parties where health and safety rules were largely ignored, according to media reports.Ohio State University, where classes resume on Tuesday, this week issued more than 200 interim suspensions for students following a string of large parties where health and safety rules were largely ignored, according to media reports.
Last week, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cancelled in-class instruction after positive cases of Covid-19 shot up dramatically.Last week, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cancelled in-class instruction after positive cases of Covid-19 shot up dramatically.
A representative of Lebanon’s hospitality sector said that service and tourism businesses would defy a newly reinstated coronavirus lockdown that has compounded the crisis-hit country’s economic woes.A representative of Lebanon’s hospitality sector said that service and tourism businesses would defy a newly reinstated coronavirus lockdown that has compounded the crisis-hit country’s economic woes.
“From tomorrow, we will open our doors,” said Tony Ramy, head of the syndicate of owners of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and pastry shops.“From tomorrow, we will open our doors,” said Tony Ramy, head of the syndicate of owners of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and pastry shops.
“The arbitrary and demagogic decision to close down, whether partially or fully, does not concern us any more,” he said in a televised statement from a Beirut street heavily damaged by the huge 4 August explosion at the capital’s port.“The arbitrary and demagogic decision to close down, whether partially or fully, does not concern us any more,” he said in a televised statement from a Beirut street heavily damaged by the huge 4 August explosion at the capital’s port.
An AFP photographer said dozens of people gathered in support of the announcement, some holding signs that read “Tourism is the pulse of Lebanon” and “For us, the state vanished with the blast”.An AFP photographer said dozens of people gathered in support of the announcement, some holding signs that read “Tourism is the pulse of Lebanon” and “For us, the state vanished with the blast”.
The declaration, made on behalf of a wider tourism body also representing hotels and seaside resorts, came four days after authorities imposed a two-week coronavirus lockdown to stem a string of record-hitting daily infection tolls.The declaration, made on behalf of a wider tourism body also representing hotels and seaside resorts, came four days after authorities imposed a two-week coronavirus lockdown to stem a string of record-hitting daily infection tolls.
Lebanon has registered 13,687 coronavirus cases, including 138 deaths.Lebanon has registered 13,687 coronavirus cases, including 138 deaths.
Under the latest rules, malls, nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools, restaurants and coffee shops have been ordered to close.Under the latest rules, malls, nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools, restaurants and coffee shops have been ordered to close.
Restaurants, coffee shops and pastry shops can deliver, but only between 6am and 6pm due to an overnight curfew.Restaurants, coffee shops and pastry shops can deliver, but only between 6am and 6pm due to an overnight curfew.
Ramy blamed the government for the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port and the huge losses it has caused the tourism industry, which he estimated at around $1bn – including $315m for restaurants alone.Ramy blamed the government for the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port and the huge losses it has caused the tourism industry, which he estimated at around $1bn – including $315m for restaurants alone.
He called on the sector to engage in “civil disobedience” against the state by severing commercial ties with the government and depriving it of tax money.He called on the sector to engage in “civil disobedience” against the state by severing commercial ties with the government and depriving it of tax money.
“We will not pay a single penny until we have a new state,” he said.“We will not pay a single penny until we have a new state,” he said.
The interior ministry responded that it would punish those who flouted the lockdown, and urged Lebanese to act in the public interest.The interior ministry responded that it would punish those who flouted the lockdown, and urged Lebanese to act in the public interest.
“The interior ministry ... warns it will not be lenient in implementing what the laws stipulate for transgressors, from issuing fines to referral to the relevant judicial authority,” caretaker interior minister Mohammed Fahmi said, shortly before the country announced a record 24-hour coronavirus death toll of 12.“The interior ministry ... warns it will not be lenient in implementing what the laws stipulate for transgressors, from issuing fines to referral to the relevant judicial authority,” caretaker interior minister Mohammed Fahmi said, shortly before the country announced a record 24-hour coronavirus death toll of 12.
The Beirut traders’ association this week also said businesses wanted to reopen from Wednesday.The Beirut traders’ association this week also said businesses wanted to reopen from Wednesday.
Authorities fear Lebanon’s fragile health sector would struggle to cope with a further spike in coronavirus cases, especially after some hospitals near the port were damaged or taken out of commission in the explosion.Authorities fear Lebanon’s fragile health sector would struggle to cope with a further spike in coronavirus cases, especially after some hospitals near the port were damaged or taken out of commission in the explosion.
Translate Bio said that an experimental coronavirus vaccine it developed with French drugmaker Sanofi induced immune response in early-stage non-human primate studies.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.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.
Translate, which signed a potential $2bn vaccine development deal with Sanofi last month, said their vaccine candidate is set to be evaluated in an early- to mid-stage human trial.Translate, which signed a potential $2bn vaccine development deal with Sanofi last month, said their vaccine candidate is set to be evaluated in an early- to mid-stage human trial.
Other drugmakers racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19 are further ahead in their testing, with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer starting their late-stage studies.Other drugmakers racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19 are further ahead in their testing, with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer starting their late-stage studies.
Translate’s vaccine, like Moderna’s, uses mRNA technology which delivers proteins that produce immune response against the disease directly to target cells.Translate’s vaccine, like Moderna’s, uses mRNA technology which delivers proteins that produce immune response against the disease directly to target cells.
Sanofi is developing another Covid-19 vaccine candidate with British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.Sanofi is developing another Covid-19 vaccine candidate with British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.
In July, the US government said it is providing $2.1bn to Sanofi and GSK for Covid-19 vaccines to cover 50 million people and to underwrite the drugmakers’ testing and manufacturing.In July, the US government said it is providing $2.1bn to Sanofi and GSK for Covid-19 vaccines to cover 50 million people and to underwrite the drugmakers’ testing and manufacturing.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray, I’ll be steering the blog for the next few hours.Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray, I’ll be steering the blog for the next few hours.
Feel free to get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share.Feel free to get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share.
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.