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Coronavirus live news: Iran's death toll exceeds 21,000; India passes 3.2m cases Coronavirus live news: Iran's death toll exceeds 21,000; India passes 3.2m cases
(32 minutes later)
Iran’s death toll from coronavirus rose by 119 to 21,020; Spread of Covid-19 appears to be slowing in hard-hit Americas; India cases top 60,000 for eighth dayIran’s death toll from coronavirus rose by 119 to 21,020; Spread of Covid-19 appears to be slowing in hard-hit Americas; India cases top 60,000 for eighth day
Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta has extended a nationwide curfew by 30 days in a bid to contain the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Kenya’s president has extended a nationwide curfew for 30 days, saying coronavirus cases were rising in areas outside the capital.
Kenyatta said in a televised address he had also extended the closure of bars and nightclubs for 30 days, while he increased the number of people allowed to attend events such as weddings and funerals. In a televised address, Uhuru Kenyatta also ordered bars and nightclubs shut for another 30 days - but increased the number of people allowed to attend weddings, funerals and other events.
He said infections were slowing in Nairobi and the port and tourism hub of Mombasa.
He said:
At present Kenya has 33,016 cases of coronavirus, 564 deaths and 19,296 recoveries.
It will be mandatory for pupils to wear face masks in communal areas of secondary schools in England in places with local lockdowns, the UK education minister Gavin Williamson said on Wednesday in a government U-turn on enforcing their use.
After failing to persuade schools to bring back all students before the summer, the prime minister Boris Johnson is keen to make sure the reopening now happens as he urges people to get back to some kind of normality after the coronavirus lockdown.
Ministers had ruled out the need for pupils to wear masks in corridors despite updated advice from the World Health Organization at the weekend, but Wednesday’s move shifted that stance.
Williamson told Sky News:
On a school visit, Johnson later told students:
Headteachers in other areas will also have the discretion to recommend using masks in their schools for students aged between 11 and 18.
It is the latest U-turn by Johnson’s government which has come under fire for its handling of the pandemic and after a debacle this month when an algorithm-based system saw swathes of pupils awarded lower-than-expected exam grades.
The change on stance on masks also marks the latest occasion when Johnson has followed the devolved Scottish government in revising pandemic rules, after changes to the grading of exams and enforcing face coverings in shops.
Huw Merriman, chairman of parliament’s transport select committee and a member of Johnson’s party, said it felt like the government was making it up as it went along.
He told BBC Radio:
Williamson, who apologised after the exam grade problems, said the shift on masks had come following the change in WHO advice.
You can follow more updates on the situation in the UK over on our UK coronavirus live blog:
Ukraine has imposed a temporary ban on most foreigners from entering the country until 28 September and extended lockdown measures until the end of October to contain a recent surge in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.Ukraine has imposed a temporary ban on most foreigners from entering the country until 28 September and extended lockdown measures until the end of October to contain a recent surge in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.
Speaking at a televised cabinet meeting, the prime minister Denys Shmyhal also said the government would need to take a decision on Thursday on whether to ban major public events in September. Speaking at a televised cabinet meeting, the prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, also said the government would need to take a decision on Thursday on whether to ban major public events in September.
The city of Berlin has banned demonstrations planned for this weekend to oppose measures imposed to stem the coronavirus pandemic, after organisers of a rally earlier this month failed to ensure marchers wore masks and kept their distance.The city of Berlin has banned demonstrations planned for this weekend to oppose measures imposed to stem the coronavirus pandemic, after organisers of a rally earlier this month failed to ensure marchers wore masks and kept their distance.
Andreas Geisel, the Berlin interior senator, said the authorities had to strike a balance between the right to freedom of assembly and the need to protect people against infection. He said:Andreas Geisel, the Berlin interior senator, said the authorities had to strike a balance between the right to freedom of assembly and the need to protect people against infection. He said:
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.
About 20,000 people, included libertarians, constitutional loyalists, far-right supporters and anti-vaccination activists, marched in Berlin on 1 August. About 20,000 people, included libertarians, constitutional loyalists, far-right supporters and anti-vaccination activists, marched in the capital on 1 August.
Geisel said the organisers of that protest had deliberately broken the rules they had previously accepted in talks with police, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. Geisel said the organisers of that protest had deliberately broken the rules they had previously accepted in talks with police, including the wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing.
“Such behaviour is not acceptable. The state cannot be given the runaround,” he said, adding he did not want Berlin to be a stage for conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists. “Such behaviour is not acceptable. The state cannot be given the runaround,” he said, adding he did not want Berlin to be a stage for conspiracy theorists and rightwing extremists.
If crowds still gather despite the ban, the police will intervene, he said.If crowds still gather despite the ban, the police will intervene, he said.
Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, said the country was at risk of losing its control over its coronavirus outbreak after a surge in the number of cases in the wake of the massive explosion in Beirut on 4 August.Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, said the country was at risk of losing its control over its coronavirus outbreak after a surge in the number of cases in the wake of the massive explosion in Beirut on 4 August.
“The number of cases is increasing greatly, and if this continues, we will lose control of this epidemic,” Diab was cited as saying in a statement issued by the supreme defence council.“The number of cases is increasing greatly, and if this continues, we will lose control of this epidemic,” Diab was cited as saying in a statement issued by the supreme defence council.
Lebanon registered 525 new Covid-19 infections and 12 deaths on Tuesday. The country experienced a rise in infections following the catastrophic explosion in the capital city at the start of the month.Lebanon registered 525 new Covid-19 infections and 12 deaths on Tuesday. The country experienced a rise in infections following the catastrophic explosion in the capital city at the start of the month.
Cases doubled in the two weeks following the blast, as infections spread in hospitals where victims were being treated, medics say.Cases doubled in the two weeks following the blast, as infections spread in hospitals where victims were being treated, medics say.
The government imposed a partial lockdown last Friday to help combat community spread. But the shutdown, which includes a curfew from 6pm to 6am, still allows for clearing rubble, making repairs and giving out aid in neighbourhoods damaged by the explosion. The airport will remain open, with travellers having to take PCR tests before boarding and on arriving in the country.The government imposed a partial lockdown last Friday to help combat community spread. But the shutdown, which includes a curfew from 6pm to 6am, still allows for clearing rubble, making repairs and giving out aid in neighbourhoods damaged by the explosion. The airport will remain open, with travellers having to take PCR tests before boarding and on arriving in the country.
The health minister for Lebanon’s caretaker government, Hamad Hassan, who also spoke to the council, said the tally of cases was concerning. Hassan added that hospital capacity needed to be increased to help combat the rise in cases, the official said.The health minister for Lebanon’s caretaker government, Hamad Hassan, who also spoke to the council, said the tally of cases was concerning. Hassan added that hospital capacity needed to be increased to help combat the rise in cases, the official said.
Myanmar ordered all schools to close after reporting 70 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, its biggest daily rise, as authorities try to tackle a resurgence of the virus following weeks without confirmed domestic transmission.Myanmar ordered all schools to close after reporting 70 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, its biggest daily rise, as authorities try to tackle a resurgence of the virus following weeks without confirmed domestic transmission.
All but one of the new cases announced on Wednesday were in the western state of Rakhine, found in nine different locations, each linked to an outbreak in the state capital, Sittwe, where a lockdown and curfew were imposed last week.All but one of the new cases announced on Wednesday were in the western state of Rakhine, found in nine different locations, each linked to an outbreak in the state capital, Sittwe, where a lockdown and curfew were imposed last week.
Myanmar’s outbreaks has been relatively small compared with other countries in the region, with six deaths and 574 infections in total, but an increase in Covid-19 cases by nearly 35% in just over a week is causing some concern.Myanmar’s outbreaks has been relatively small compared with other countries in the region, with six deaths and 574 infections in total, but an increase in Covid-19 cases by nearly 35% in just over a week is causing some concern.
“We have called all the schools and instructed them to close from tomorrow,” Ko Layy Win, director general of the country’s department of basic education, told Reuters.“We have called all the schools and instructed them to close from tomorrow,” Ko Layy Win, director general of the country’s department of basic education, told Reuters.
One of Wednesday’s cases was in the biggest city Yangon, in an individual seeking medical clearance to travel.One of Wednesday’s cases was in the biggest city Yangon, in an individual seeking medical clearance to travel.
The virus resurfaced in Myanmar on 16 August after a month without community transmission, with the majority of those cases in Sittwe.The virus resurfaced in Myanmar on 16 August after a month without community transmission, with the majority of those cases in Sittwe.
Sittwe is also home to crowded camps where about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims have been confined since violence erupted in 2012. Rohingya mostly face strict curbs on freedom of movement and access to healthcare.Sittwe is also home to crowded camps where about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims have been confined since violence erupted in 2012. Rohingya mostly face strict curbs on freedom of movement and access to healthcare.
Myanmar has restricted internet access in much of the region on security grounds. Humanitarian workers have urged the authorities to restore it at higher speeds to ensure reliable health information is available.Myanmar has restricted internet access in much of the region on security grounds. Humanitarian workers have urged the authorities to restore it at higher speeds to ensure reliable health information is available.
Among the 179 domestic infections since early last week, authorities have detected a mutation thought to be more contagious than previously seen in Myanmar.Among the 179 domestic infections since early last week, authorities have detected a mutation thought to be more contagious than previously seen in Myanmar.
To keep Covid-19 at bay, Myanmar has since late March closed its borders to all but returning citizens, who are required to undergo quarantine.To keep Covid-19 at bay, Myanmar has since late March closed its borders to all but returning citizens, who are required to undergo quarantine.
Sweden has withdrawn its advice against unnecessary travel to the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Romania.Sweden has withdrawn its advice against unnecessary travel to the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Romania.
Sweden earlier withdrew advice against unnecessary trips to Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Vatican and Austria.Sweden earlier withdrew advice against unnecessary trips to Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Vatican and Austria.
The foreign ministry in a statement on its website extended its advice against travel to other EU and Schengen countries and Britain until 9 September, and to the rest of the world until 15 November.The foreign ministry in a statement on its website extended its advice against travel to other EU and Schengen countries and Britain until 9 September, and to the rest of the world until 15 November.
Rising numbers of confirmed cases in some countries are fuelling fears of a resurgence in the spread of Covid-19.Rising numbers of confirmed cases in some countries are fuelling fears of a resurgence in the spread of Covid-19.
Germany’s foreign ministry is extending its travel warning for countries outside Europe until 14 September due to continued concern about the coronavirus, a government source told Reuters on Wednesday.Germany’s foreign ministry is extending its travel warning for countries outside Europe until 14 September due to continued concern about the coronavirus, a government source told Reuters on Wednesday.
The warning had been due to expire at the end of August.The warning had been due to expire at the end of August.
Germany also wants to intensify its monitoring of returning travellers to make sure they are abiding by quarantine rules, health minister Jens Spahn said on Wednesday, after data showed more than 40% of new infections were contracted overseas.Germany also wants to intensify its monitoring of returning travellers to make sure they are abiding by quarantine rules, health minister Jens Spahn said on Wednesday, after data showed more than 40% of new infections were contracted overseas.
Spahn said:Spahn said:
Iran’s death toll from coronavirus rose by 119 to 21,020, the health ministry’s spokeswoman told state TV on Wednesday, with the total number of identified cases rising to 365,606.Iran’s death toll from coronavirus rose by 119 to 21,020, the health ministry’s spokeswoman told state TV on Wednesday, with the total number of identified cases rising to 365,606.
Sima Sadat Lari said that 2,243 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours in Iran, rising from 2,213 a day earlier. Lari said:Sima Sadat Lari said that 2,243 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours in Iran, rising from 2,213 a day earlier. Lari said:
Iran’s top health officials have appealed to Iranians to avoid travelling during the Shia Muslim religious holiday of Ashura later this week to avoid the risk of a fresh surge of infections.Iran’s top health officials have appealed to Iranians to avoid travelling during the Shia Muslim religious holiday of Ashura later this week to avoid the risk of a fresh surge of infections.
Ashura is the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram when, according to Islamic tradition, Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Mohammed, was killed in battle in 680.Ashura is the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram when, according to Islamic tradition, Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Mohammed, was killed in battle in 680.
But despite warnings by the authorities against travelling, state media reported heavy traffic on roads leading to the Caspian coast in northern Iran, a favourite destination during holidays.But despite warnings by the authorities against travelling, state media reported heavy traffic on roads leading to the Caspian coast in northern Iran, a favourite destination during holidays.
A 61-year-old man has died in the Gaza Strip after contracting the coronavirus, Palestinian authorities said on Wednesday as they clamped down on an outbreak in the enclave.A 61-year-old man has died in the Gaza Strip after contracting the coronavirus, Palestinian authorities said on Wednesday as they clamped down on an outbreak in the enclave.
The man had suffered previous illnesses and had been on a respirator, the health ministry said. It was the first death among the general population since an infected woman died at a quarantine centre in March.The man had suffered previous illnesses and had been on a respirator, the health ministry said. It was the first death among the general population since an infected woman died at a quarantine centre in March.
Health officials said nine more cases were discovered on Wednesday. Six of them were in the isolated Maghazi refugee camp where a first four cases had been confirmed on Monday, prompting Gaza’s Hamas authorities to impose a full lockdown.Health officials said nine more cases were discovered on Wednesday. Six of them were in the isolated Maghazi refugee camp where a first four cases had been confirmed on Monday, prompting Gaza’s Hamas authorities to impose a full lockdown.
The three other cases were in northern Gaza Strip, indicating the virus has begun to spread into different areas of the enclave of 2 million people.The three other cases were in northern Gaza Strip, indicating the virus has begun to spread into different areas of the enclave of 2 million people.
The outbreak outside Maghazi remains slow but it cemented concerns by local and international health organisations over the territory’s potentially disastrous combination of poverty, densely populated refugee camps and limited hospital capacity.The outbreak outside Maghazi remains slow but it cemented concerns by local and international health organisations over the territory’s potentially disastrous combination of poverty, densely populated refugee camps and limited hospital capacity.
With local authorities maintaining a lockdown in all cities, people were instructed to stay home at all times and to wear face masks if, in cases of extreme necessity, they had to go out.With local authorities maintaining a lockdown in all cities, people were instructed to stay home at all times and to wear face masks if, in cases of extreme necessity, they had to go out.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which helps over half of Gaza’s population, said it was looking into alternative plans to continue health, education and food services to beneficiaries should the lockdown be extended.The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which helps over half of Gaza’s population, said it was looking into alternative plans to continue health, education and food services to beneficiaries should the lockdown be extended.
Adnan Abu Hasna, UNRWA spokesman in Gaza, said clinics remained open but physical presence was prohibited, instead staffers were providing medical consultation over the phone and some medication was delivered to patients at home.Adnan Abu Hasna, UNRWA spokesman in Gaza, said clinics remained open but physical presence was prohibited, instead staffers were providing medical consultation over the phone and some medication was delivered to patients at home.
Abus Hasna said:Abus Hasna said:
Monday’s cases were uncovered after a woman traveled to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where she tested positive, the Gaza health ministry said.Monday’s cases were uncovered after a woman traveled to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where she tested positive, the Gaza health ministry said.
A ministry spokesman urged everyone who might have visited a supermarket outside a hospital in central Gaza to quarantine themselves and report to medics immediately.A ministry spokesman urged everyone who might have visited a supermarket outside a hospital in central Gaza to quarantine themselves and report to medics immediately.
Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be steering you through all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch to share news tips and stories with me as I work - your thoughts are always welcome!Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be steering you through all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch to share news tips and stories with me as I work - your thoughts are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
Thanks all from me for today. I’m handing over the reins to Lucy Campbell, who will keep you updated throughout the day.Thanks all from me for today. I’m handing over the reins to Lucy Campbell, who will keep you updated throughout the day.
Iran’s death toll from Covid-19 rose by 119 to 21,020, the health ministry’s spokeswoman told state TV on Wednesday. That takes the total number of identified Iranian cases to 365,606.Iran’s death toll from Covid-19 rose by 119 to 21,020, the health ministry’s spokeswoman told state TV on Wednesday. That takes the total number of identified Iranian cases to 365,606.
Sima Sadat Lari said that 2,243 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours in Iran, rising from 2,213 a day earlier, Reuters reports.Sima Sadat Lari said that 2,243 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours in Iran, rising from 2,213 a day earlier, Reuters reports.
Melania Trump has offered her condolences to the loved ones of the more than 178,000 Americans who have now died from the virus and the millions more who have been infected, Lauren Gambino reports.Melania Trump has offered her condolences to the loved ones of the more than 178,000 Americans who have now died from the virus and the millions more who have been infected, Lauren Gambino reports.
The Philippines has reported 5,277 new Covid infections, the highest daily increase in 12 days, and a further 99 deaths.The Philippines has reported 5,277 new Covid infections, the highest daily increase in 12 days, and a further 99 deaths.
The country’s health ministry said the total number of confirmed cases had risen to 202,361, more than 60% of which were reported in the past month, while deaths had increased to 3,137.The country’s health ministry said the total number of confirmed cases had risen to 202,361, more than 60% of which were reported in the past month, while deaths had increased to 3,137.
The Philippines has the largest number of Covid-19 cases in south-east Asia.The Philippines has the largest number of Covid-19 cases in south-east Asia.
The German government has agreed to pump another €10bn into its Covid-hit economy, prolonging a short-time work scheme and freezing insolvency rules.The German government has agreed to pump another €10bn into its Covid-hit economy, prolonging a short-time work scheme and freezing insolvency rules.
Short-time work saves jobs by allowing employers to reduce the employees’ hours but keeps them in work. That programme had been due to expire in March 2021 and will now be extended until the end of next year.Short-time work saves jobs by allowing employers to reduce the employees’ hours but keeps them in work. That programme had been due to expire in March 2021 and will now be extended until the end of next year.
Bridging aid for small and mid-sized companies will now be extended until the end of this year too.Bridging aid for small and mid-sized companies will now be extended until the end of this year too.
The latest €10bn pledge comes on top of a massive stimulus package, worth more than €130bn, which Angela Merkel’s government hope will help the economy return to growth.The latest €10bn pledge comes on top of a massive stimulus package, worth more than €130bn, which Angela Merkel’s government hope will help the economy return to growth.
The German economy contracted at its steepest rate on record in the second quarter and the government is desperate to mitigate the effects of the pandemic as much as possible, especially in the run-up to elections in the autumn of 2021.The German economy contracted at its steepest rate on record in the second quarter and the government is desperate to mitigate the effects of the pandemic as much as possible, especially in the run-up to elections in the autumn of 2021.
Finance minister Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, told public broadcaster ZDF the measures could cost up to €10bn next year.Finance minister Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, told public broadcaster ZDF the measures could cost up to €10bn next year.
“The goal now is to stabilise the economy,” said Scholz. “The fact that we acted fast and big has resulted in Germany weathering the crisis much better than other (countries).”“The goal now is to stabilise the economy,” said Scholz. “The fact that we acted fast and big has resulted in Germany weathering the crisis much better than other (countries).”
The parties also agreed to prolong measures aimed at staving off bankruptcies by allowing firms in financial trouble due to the pandemic to delay filing for insolvency until the end of the year.The parties also agreed to prolong measures aimed at staving off bankruptcies by allowing firms in financial trouble due to the pandemic to delay filing for insolvency until the end of the year.