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Coronavirus live news: Lebanon 'could lose control of outbreak'; Belgium death toll revised down Coronavirus live news: Croatia reports record daily rise in infections; Lebanon 'could lose control of outbreak'
(32 minutes later)
Caretaker PM warns over state of pandemic following Beirut blast; Belgium deaths slightly lower than thought; Iran’s death toll exceeds 21,000 Croatia reports a record 358 new cases; Lebanon’s caretaker PM warns over state of pandemic following Beirut blast; Belgium deaths slightly lower than thought
Croatia has recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus infections as a tricky summer tourism season brings a resurgence of Covid-19 to the Adriatic country.
The nation of 4.2 million braved the first few months of the pandemic without strict lockdown measures, recording less than 100 cases daily for several months and then almost no new infections by mid-May.
But new cases have risen since Croatia opened its borders to tourists for the summer season, hitting more than 200 daily in late August and a record 358 on Wednesday.
In recent days, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have imposed quarantines and other measures for travellers returning from parts of Croatia, while Italy blamed a new cluster of the virus on tourists coming back from the Balkan country.
The government said on Wednesday it still hopes to tackle the crisis without curfews.
“The only option not to impose complete lockdown is to obey the rules and act responsibly,” said Davor Bozinovic, head of the national Covid-19 response team.
Around a third of the new cases were detected along Croatia’s southern coast, where the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic and idyllic islands are a huge tourist draw.
The government admits it has taken risks in an effort to save tourism, which accounts for a fifth of the economy.
“It was, let’s be completely frank, a clear political goal of the Croatian government for the tourism season to be as good at it can be in these circumstances,” prime minister Andrej Plenkovic said last week.
In July, tourist arrivals were slightly under half of last year’s figure, a rate officials hailed as “excellent” under the circumstances.
In total authorities have reported some 8,800 infections and 174 deaths from the respiratory disease since February.
Russia is preparing to approve a second vaccine against COVID-19 in late September or early October, the Russian deputy prime minister Tatiana Golikova said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a televised government meeting, Golikova told the president Vladimir Putin that early-stage clinical trials on the vaccine, developed by the Vector virology institute in Siberia, would be completed by the end of September.
“As of today there have been no complications among those vaccinated in the first and second stages of testing,” she said.Earlier this month Russia became the first country to grant regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing.
The vaccine, called “Sputnik V” in homage to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union, has been hailed as safe and effective by Russian authorities. But Western experts have been sceptical about Russia’s approval of “Sputnik V”, warning against its use until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been taken.
RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, said on Wednesday the final phase of clinical trials on “Sputnik V” were beginning.
It said 40,000 people would take part in the final trials and that similar trials would also be carried out in five other countries. Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, said residents of the Russian capital could apply to take part in the trials.
These final trials, carried out on a large number of people, are normally considered essential precursors for a vaccine to receive regulatory approval.
That’s all from me, Caroline Davies. Handing back to my colleague Lucy Campbell now.That’s all from me, Caroline Davies. Handing back to my colleague Lucy Campbell now.
The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, appears to have employed the services of a celebrity personal trainer after admitting he needed to lose weight after contracting Covid-19.The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, appears to have employed the services of a celebrity personal trainer after admitting he needed to lose weight after contracting Covid-19.
Harry Jameson, who describes himself as an “elite performance coach”, was snapped running alongside Johnson in central London by a photographer from London’s Evening Standard newspaper today.Harry Jameson, who describes himself as an “elite performance coach”, was snapped running alongside Johnson in central London by a photographer from London’s Evening Standard newspaper today.
A UK government source told the Evening Standard: “Yes, he has engaged a personal trainer. I can confirm it is Harry Jameson. It’s because he is really serious about getting fit, as anyone who has seen him over the past couple of months knows. Boris is raring to go.”A UK government source told the Evening Standard: “Yes, he has engaged a personal trainer. I can confirm it is Harry Jameson. It’s because he is really serious about getting fit, as anyone who has seen him over the past couple of months knows. Boris is raring to go.”
Johnson spoke publicly last month about his wish to get into better shape, and admitted that being overweight probably played a factor in the severity of his illness.Johnson spoke publicly last month about his wish to get into better shape, and admitted that being overweight probably played a factor in the severity of his illness.
He was admitted to intensive care at St Thomas’ hospital in London in April and received oxygen as he fought the virus.He was admitted to intensive care at St Thomas’ hospital in London in April and received oxygen as he fought the virus.
Germany will stop mandatory tests for travellers from high-risk areas and require them to quarantine for at least five days instead as it focuses its testing strategy on people with symptoms or possible exposure to Covid-19 patients, the country’s health minister said today.Germany will stop mandatory tests for travellers from high-risk areas and require them to quarantine for at least five days instead as it focuses its testing strategy on people with symptoms or possible exposure to Covid-19 patients, the country’s health minister said today.
Jens Spahn said that over the summer vacation period the number of virus tests performed in Germany nearly doubled to 900,000 a week, in part to identify people who caught the virus during trips abroad, the Associated Press agency reports.Jens Spahn said that over the summer vacation period the number of virus tests performed in Germany nearly doubled to 900,000 a week, in part to identify people who caught the virus during trips abroad, the Associated Press agency reports.
People coming home from coronavirus risk areas were offered free tests at airports, train stations and highway stops, allowing them to cut short the required two-week quarantine if their result came back negative.People coming home from coronavirus risk areas were offered free tests at airports, train stations and highway stops, allowing them to cut short the required two-week quarantine if their result came back negative.
But now, travellers returning from high-risk areas, which include most countries outside the European Union and some regions inside the bloc, will be required to go into mandatory quarantines for at least five days before taking a test, which may no longer be free unless ordered by a doctor.But now, travellers returning from high-risk areas, which include most countries outside the European Union and some regions inside the bloc, will be required to go into mandatory quarantines for at least five days before taking a test, which may no longer be free unless ordered by a doctor.
The change in the country’s testing strategy is also due to Germany’s labs reaching the limits of their capacities, Spahn said.The change in the country’s testing strategy is also due to Germany’s labs reaching the limits of their capacities, Spahn said.
With the end of the vacation period … this risk is going down again, Spahn told reporters in Berlin. We have to focus more on patients with symptoms and those who had contact with Covid patients.With the end of the vacation period … this risk is going down again, Spahn told reporters in Berlin. We have to focus more on patients with symptoms and those who had contact with Covid patients.
Spahn did not say when the testing strategy would change, but it is likely the decision will be made at a meeting on Thursday between chancellor Angela Merkel and the country’s 16 state governors.Spahn did not say when the testing strategy would change, but it is likely the decision will be made at a meeting on Thursday between chancellor Angela Merkel and the country’s 16 state governors.
Hi. Caroline Davies here, taking over the blog for a short while. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.comHi. Caroline Davies here, taking over the blog for a short while. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.com
The World Economic Forum has decided to postpone its upcoming annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, out of caution amid the Covid-19 pandemic.The World Economic Forum has decided to postpone its upcoming annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, out of caution amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The meeting, originally scheduled for January 2021, will be rescheduled to “early next summer”, according to organisers.The meeting, originally scheduled for January 2021, will be rescheduled to “early next summer”, according to organisers.
Adrian Monck, managing director of public engagement at the Forum, said in a press release:Adrian Monck, managing director of public engagement at the Forum, said in a press release:
Belgium has revised down its Covid-19 death toll, just as it was about to pass the milestone of 10,000 fatalities.Belgium has revised down its Covid-19 death toll, just as it was about to pass the milestone of 10,000 fatalities.
Health authorities reviewed figures from care homes in the northern region of Flanders and found some Covid-19 deaths not reported as such, some recorded twice and some not caused by coronavirus. The net effect is a reduction of 121.Health authorities reviewed figures from care homes in the northern region of Flanders and found some Covid-19 deaths not reported as such, some recorded twice and some not caused by coronavirus. The net effect is a reduction of 121.
The revision brought the total fatalities to 9,878 by Wednesday. Otherwise, it would have been 9,999.The revision brought the total fatalities to 9,878 by Wednesday. Otherwise, it would have been 9,999.
The UK government lowered England’s death toll by more than 5,000 two weeks ago after the government adopted a new method of counting fatalities.The UK government lowered England’s death toll by more than 5,000 two weeks ago after the government adopted a new method of counting fatalities.
Belgium’s Covid-19 deaths per capita are among the highest in the world and it reports a higher proportion of fatalities in care homes than other countries, including when the disease is suspected but not confirmed.Belgium’s Covid-19 deaths per capita are among the highest in the world and it reports a higher proportion of fatalities in care homes than other countries, including when the disease is suspected but not confirmed.
The Belgian Covid-19 taskforce spokesman and virologist Steven Van Gucht told Reuters TV the country had been hit hard.The Belgian Covid-19 taskforce spokesman and virologist Steven Van Gucht told Reuters TV the country had been hit hard.
“But if you compare Belgium with, for example, the United Kingdom or Spain you see they were actually hit even worse,” he said, adding this was reflected in “excess” mortality rates.“But if you compare Belgium with, for example, the United Kingdom or Spain you see they were actually hit even worse,” he said, adding this was reflected in “excess” mortality rates.
The number of new cases in Belgium has risen steadily from a low of about 80 per day in early July to an average of 490 for the week of 16-22 August, although numbers had been falling for 10 days.The number of new cases in Belgium has risen steadily from a low of about 80 per day in early July to an average of 490 for the week of 16-22 August, although numbers had been falling for 10 days.
Van Gucht said about a fifth of new infections appeared to have been caught on summer holidays. A new challenge would come from reopening schools and a public tiring of measures among the strictest in Europe.Van Gucht said about a fifth of new infections appeared to have been caught on summer holidays. A new challenge would come from reopening schools and a public tiring of measures among the strictest in Europe.
France will not let its guard down against a still-virulent coronavirus but life must return to some kind of normality, the prime minister said on Wednesday, as a senior adviser to the government warned of a second wave in November.France will not let its guard down against a still-virulent coronavirus but life must return to some kind of normality, the prime minister said on Wednesday, as a senior adviser to the government warned of a second wave in November.
Jean Castex, the prime minister, said his government wanted to ensure the French could return to school, get back to work and enjoy a social life “as normally as possible”.Jean Castex, the prime minister, said his government wanted to ensure the French could return to school, get back to work and enjoy a social life “as normally as possible”.
Face masks would remain central to the government’s strategy after a surge in the rate of coronavirus infections in recent weeks, he said. Castex told France Inter radio:Face masks would remain central to the government’s strategy after a surge in the rate of coronavirus infections in recent weeks, he said. Castex told France Inter radio:
France has the seventh-highest Covid-19 death toll in the world, with 30,544 fatalities.France has the seventh-highest Covid-19 death toll in the world, with 30,544 fatalities.
It reported 3,304 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, below last week’s daily highs but much higher than after the president, Emmanuel Macron, initially eased a nationwide lockdown.It reported 3,304 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, below last week’s daily highs but much higher than after the president, Emmanuel Macron, initially eased a nationwide lockdown.
Pupils in France aged 11 and over must wear masks when they return to school on 1 September and masks will be provided for free to those with health risks or from impoverished families.Pupils in France aged 11 and over must wear masks when they return to school on 1 September and masks will be provided for free to those with health risks or from impoverished families.
The country has also made it mandatory to wear a mask in workplaces from next week to counter the rise in infections as employees return from their summer holidays.The country has also made it mandatory to wear a mask in workplaces from next week to counter the rise in infections as employees return from their summer holidays.
Countries across Europe are grappling with how reboot their economies and get the daily lives of citizens as close to normal as possible without accelerating the spread of the virus.Countries across Europe are grappling with how reboot their economies and get the daily lives of citizens as close to normal as possible without accelerating the spread of the virus.
Underlining the delicate balancing act, the head of the scientific council advising France’s government said a second wave of the coronavirus could hit in November.Underlining the delicate balancing act, the head of the scientific council advising France’s government said a second wave of the coronavirus could hit in November.
“We may have to toughen measures again,” said Castex, who said local lockdowns would be imposed if needed.“We may have to toughen measures again,” said Castex, who said local lockdowns would be imposed if needed.
The government’s delayed €100bn ($118.07bn) recovery plan will be unveiled on 3 September, he added.The government’s delayed €100bn ($118.07bn) recovery plan will be unveiled on 3 September, he added.
Kenya’s president has extended a nationwide curfew for 30 days, saying coronavirus cases were rising in areas outside the capital.Kenya’s president has extended a nationwide curfew for 30 days, saying coronavirus cases were rising in areas outside the capital.
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.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 infections were slowing in Nairobi and the port and tourism hub of Mombasa.
He said:He said:
At present Kenya has 33,016 cases of coronavirus, 564 deaths and 19,296 recoveries.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.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.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.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:Williamson told Sky News:
On a school visit, Johnson later told students: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.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.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.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.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: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.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: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 the capital 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 the wearing of 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 rightwing 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.