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Coronavirus live news: Croatia reports record daily rise in infections; Lebanon 'could lose control of outbreak' Coronavirus live news: Italy hits record daily cases since May; Croatia reports record daily infections rise
(32 minutes later)
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 Italy sees 1,367 new cases; Croatia reports record 358 new cases; Lebanon’s caretaker PM country could ‘lose control’ of outbreak; Belgium deaths lower than thought
Norway has said it will impose a 10-day quarantine on all people arriving from Germany and Liechtenstein from 29 August due to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in those countries.
Similar restrictions will also be imposed on those coming from two additional regions in Sweden, the Norwegian foreign ministry said in a statement.
To try to prevent a domestic resurgence of the coronavirus, Norway quarantines all travellers from countries with more than 20 confirmed new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 population during the past two weeks.
It also advices against travel to those nations. With its latest additions, Norway will be restricting travel from most European countries, including France, Britain, Spain, Poland and Switzerland.
It still allows quarantine-free travel from EU countries Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Finland and the Baltic states as well as some parts of Denmark and Sweden.
Portugal’s government has reported a public deficit of 8.3 billion euros between January and July this year, over 17 times higher compared to the same period last year, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Total revenues fell 10.5% and tax revenues dropped 14.6% as a consequence of a “contraction of the economic activity”, the finance ministry said in a statement, adding expenditures grew 6.9% due to, among other things, subsidies for the unemployment and ill people.
The ministry said:
The outbreak is set to leave long-lasting scars on Portugal’s tourism-dependent economy, with the central bank expecting it to contract 9.5% this year.
Last year, the country reported 2.2% growth and a budget surplus of 0.2% of gross domestic product.
Germany has issued a travel warnings for Andorra and Gibraltar due to rising coronavirus infections, the foreign ministry in Berlin said on Wednesday.
The foreign ministry said it was also warning against unnecessary tourist trips to Saint Martin and Guadeloupe as well as Aruba and Saint Maarten.
Spain reported another 3,594 coronavirus cases on Wednesday as it struggled to contain a second wave of contagion that hit a peak of some 8,000 cases last Friday.
The country has registered the largest number of cases in western Europe since the pandemic began six months ago and the biggest resurgence after lifting one of the continent’s strictest lockdowns against the spread of Covid-19.
The latest daily increase was below the roughly 4,000 cases recorded a day earlier, according to updated health ministry data, and brought the cumulative total to 419,849. Seven more deaths were recorded, pushing the overall toll to 28,971. Daily numbers can still be retroactively updated.
Accounting for 1,513 cases, the Madrid capital region was by far the hardest hit. Separate data from regional authorities showed several municipalities with more than 700 cases per 100,000 people - more than seven times the national average for the past week.
While officials have advised residents in some areas to stay at home, the Madrid region’s deputy leader said there were no plans to request a localised state of emergency under new powers granted by the central government.
Ignacio Aguado told a news conference:
He also hit out at the central government’s lack of a strategy to safely reopen schools, accusing the education ministry of leaving local authorities to fend for themselves.
In the absence of national guidelines, Spain’s 17 regions have been left to develop their own plans, frustrating parents and teachers and prompting students to call for three days of strikes in September.
Student union leader Coral Latorre told state broadcaster TVE:
Italy reported 1,367 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, its highest daily tally since May when the country was still in lockdown, bringing the total number to 262,540.Italy reported 1,367 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, its highest daily tally since May when the country was still in lockdown, bringing the total number to 262,540.
Authorities have also registered the highest number of tests: 93,529, almost 20,000 more than Tuesday and a record since the beginning of the pandemic.Authorities have also registered the highest number of tests: 93,529, almost 20,000 more than Tuesday and a record since the beginning of the pandemic.
Thirteen more people have died with the virus in the last 24 hours, and the death toll now stands at 35.458. Thirteen more people have died with the virus in the last 24 hours, and the death toll now stands at 35,458.
Despite the surge in infections, the government insists there are no plans for a new lockdown.Despite the surge in infections, the government insists there are no plans for a new lockdown.
Health authorities are particularly concerned about a cluster that emerged in the Sardinian ‘Billionaire’ nightclub, owned by former Formula 1 team boss and Italian businessman, Flavio Briatore, who has been hospitalised in Milan after contracting coronavirus.Health authorities are particularly concerned about a cluster that emerged in the Sardinian ‘Billionaire’ nightclub, owned by former Formula 1 team boss and Italian businessman, Flavio Briatore, who has been hospitalised in Milan after contracting coronavirus.
More than 60 people tested positive for Covid-19 at Billionaire’s, as authorities are struggling to find and test thousands of customers who have been at the Briatore’s nightclub in the last weeks.More than 60 people tested positive for Covid-19 at Billionaire’s, as authorities are struggling to find and test thousands of customers who have been at the Briatore’s nightclub in the last weeks.
The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said his government will provide as much as C$2 billion to help students safely return to schools as the country prepares for a return to classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said his government will provide as much as C$2 billion to help students safely return to schools as the country prepares for a return to classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our children must be safe in the classroom. That’s non-negotiable ,” he told reporters Wednesday.“Our children must be safe in the classroom. That’s non-negotiable ,” he told reporters Wednesday.
Announcing the funding at a school gymnasium in north Toronto, Trudeau emphasised the importance of a safe reopening and said the funding could be used for distance learning and disinfectants.Announcing the funding at a school gymnasium in north Toronto, Trudeau emphasised the importance of a safe reopening and said the funding could be used for distance learning and disinfectants.
The billions in funding is a rare step by the federal government into education, a provincial jurisdiction, underscoring the unprecedented nature of school reopening.The billions in funding is a rare step by the federal government into education, a provincial jurisdiction, underscoring the unprecedented nature of school reopening.
The announcement also comes weeks, if not days, before schools across the country welcome back students, raising questions about the timing of the federal government’s plans. Trudeau has faced accusations from political rivals in recent days that he is looking to buy political points ahead of parliament’s return and a possible election.The announcement also comes weeks, if not days, before schools across the country welcome back students, raising questions about the timing of the federal government’s plans. Trudeau has faced accusations from political rivals in recent days that he is looking to buy political points ahead of parliament’s return and a possible election.
While Canada has seen a relatively low growth rate in new coronavirus cases throughout the summer, experts fear a rushed or ill-planned return to school could reverse the success in reining in the virus.While Canada has seen a relatively low growth rate in new coronavirus cases throughout the summer, experts fear a rushed or ill-planned return to school could reverse the success in reining in the virus.
As school boards across the country scramble to finalise their return strategies, many have been forced to amend their plans in response to fears from parents and educators. A number of boards across the country have announced they will delay the start of school, stagger the return of students and make masks mandatory for all grade levels.As school boards across the country scramble to finalise their return strategies, many have been forced to amend their plans in response to fears from parents and educators. A number of boards across the country have announced they will delay the start of school, stagger the return of students and make masks mandatory for all grade levels.
Spain diagnosed 3,594 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, after an updated tally of around 4,000 cases the previous day, which marked this week’s highest level but off last week’s peaks.
Cumulative cases, including the results from antibody tests on patients who may have already recovered, reached 419,849, the highest level in western Europe. Seven more deaths were recorded, bringing the overall toll to 28,971.
The data showed Spain reached a new peak last week, recording around 8,000 new infections on Friday. These figures are subject to modification as Spain updates its statistics retroactively.
The UK’s second-busiest airport, Gatwick, announced 600 job cuts because of the collapse in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.The UK’s second-busiest airport, Gatwick, announced 600 job cuts because of the collapse in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The airport, south of London, said the losses, which represent nearly a quarter of its workforce, come as August passenger numbers plunged 80% compared with last year.The airport, south of London, said the losses, which represent nearly a quarter of its workforce, come as August passenger numbers plunged 80% compared with last year.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said:Chief executive Stewart Wingate said:
The slump amid the global pandemic has forced Gatwick to operate from just one of its two terminals, and the airport is operating at 20% of capacity. More than 75% of staff are on furlough.The slump amid the global pandemic has forced Gatwick to operate from just one of its two terminals, and the airport is operating at 20% of capacity. More than 75% of staff are on furlough.
Wingate promised management would try to safeguard as many jobs as possible and said restructuring would lead to a “fitter and stronger organisation”.Wingate promised management would try to safeguard as many jobs as possible and said restructuring would lead to a “fitter and stronger organisation”.
In late July, Heathrow - the country’s busiest airport - announced a pre-tax loss of £1.1 billion in the first six months of 2020.In late July, Heathrow - the country’s busiest airport - announced a pre-tax loss of £1.1 billion in the first six months of 2020.
Revenues halved year-on-year while passenger numbers fell 96% in the second quarter, as air travel came to a virtual standstill due to lockdowns around the world.Revenues halved year-on-year while passenger numbers fell 96% in the second quarter, as air travel came to a virtual standstill due to lockdowns around the world.
The airport, which directly employs 7,000 staff, began voluntary redundancies and reduced its management by a third. It also cut operating costs by at least £300 million and cancelled or paused over £650 million in projects.The airport, which directly employs 7,000 staff, began voluntary redundancies and reduced its management by a third. It also cut operating costs by at least £300 million and cancelled or paused over £650 million in projects.
Romanian theatres and cinemas could reopen from 1 September with social distancing restrictions and protective masks, while the return of indoor restaurants depends on the number of new coronavirus cases in each region, the president said on Wednesday.Romanian theatres and cinemas could reopen from 1 September with social distancing restrictions and protective masks, while the return of indoor restaurants depends on the number of new coronavirus cases in each region, the president said on Wednesday.
Romania has been reporting just over 1,000 new cases per day since late July, bringing confirmed cases to 81,646 since the pandemic reached the country in late February.Romania has been reporting just over 1,000 new cases per day since late July, bringing confirmed cases to 81,646 since the pandemic reached the country in late February.
Some 3,421 people have died, and Romania has extended a state of alert until the middle of September. Indoor restaurants, cinemas and theatres have been closed since March.Some 3,421 people have died, and Romania has extended a state of alert until the middle of September. Indoor restaurants, cinemas and theatres have been closed since March.
“There are two sectors where I feel it is important that activity resumes, as much as possible under safe conditions,” the president Klaus Iohannis told reporters.“There are two sectors where I feel it is important that activity resumes, as much as possible under safe conditions,” the president Klaus Iohannis told reporters.
Iohannis added the government would decide the conditions on Thursday.Iohannis added the government would decide the conditions on Thursday.
Romanian schools will reopen on 14 September on a case-by-case basis, with towns affected by the pandemic likely to hold classes online.Romanian schools will reopen on 14 September on a case-by-case basis, with towns affected by the pandemic likely to hold classes online.
The European Union state will hold a local election on 27 September, with a parliamentary election likely in December.The European Union state will hold a local election on 27 September, with a parliamentary election likely in December.
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.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 fewer than 100 cases daily for several months and then almost no new infections by mid-May.The nation of 4.2 million braved the first few months of the pandemic without strict lockdown measures, recording fewer 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.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 such as the UK 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.In recent days, countries such as the UK 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 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.“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.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.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 Plenković said last week.“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 Plenković 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 July, tourist arrivals were slightly under half of last year’s figure, a rate officials hailed as “excellent” under the circumstances.
In total, the authorities have reported 8,800 infections and 174 deaths from the respiratory disease since February.In total, the authorities have reported 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.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.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.“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.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.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.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.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