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Coronavirus live news: Italy hits record daily cases since May; Croatia reports record daily infections rise Coronavirus live news: Italy hits record daily cases since May; Croatia reports record daily infections rise
(32 minutes later)
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 thoughtItaly 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
Brazil reported 47,161 new cases of Covid-19 and 1,086 deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.
Brazil has registered 3,717,156 cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll from Covid-19 has risen to 117,666, according to ministry data, in the world’s worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States
Brazil has asked Chinese authorities to provide results of laboratory tests that detected traces of Covid-19 on chicken wings exported by the South American country, according to a statement sent to Reuters by Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry.Brazil has asked Chinese authorities to provide results of laboratory tests that detected traces of Covid-19 on chicken wings exported by the South American country, according to a statement sent to Reuters by Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry.
The request was made during a meeting in the city of Shenzhen, in Guangdong province, where Brazilian agriculture attachés met local health and trade officials on Tuesday, the statement said.The request was made during a meeting in the city of Shenzhen, in Guangdong province, where Brazilian agriculture attachés met local health and trade officials on Tuesday, the statement said.
In response, according to the statement, the Chinese participants said the results are being kept by health authorities of Guangdong, who did not participate in the meeting.In response, according to the statement, the Chinese participants said the results are being kept by health authorities of Guangdong, who did not participate in the meeting.
The Brazilians said they would continue to liaise with China’s municipal, provincial and central governments to obtain the lab reports as well as other relevant information pertaining to the case.The Brazilians said they would continue to liaise with China’s municipal, provincial and central governments to obtain the lab reports as well as other relevant information pertaining to the case.
The contamination claim concerns chicken wings produced at a Brazilian poultry plant. Aurora, the company which operates the facility in Southern Brazil, voluntarily suspended poultry exports to China effective 20 August pending more clarifications regarding the alleged contamination.The contamination claim concerns chicken wings produced at a Brazilian poultry plant. Aurora, the company which operates the facility in Southern Brazil, voluntarily suspended poultry exports to China effective 20 August pending more clarifications regarding the alleged contamination.
According to the Brazilian government, Chinese officials at the meeting said three samples had tested positive for Covid-19: one taken from the chicken wings, and two from the packaging of products coming from Aurora’s plant in the town of Xaxim.According to the Brazilian government, Chinese officials at the meeting said three samples had tested positive for Covid-19: one taken from the chicken wings, and two from the packaging of products coming from Aurora’s plant in the town of Xaxim.
“The health authorities in Shenzhen were unable to say whether the findings concerned only the detection of the virus’ genetic material or the active virus, nor were they able to provide further information about the alleged finding,” the statement said.“The health authorities in Shenzhen were unable to say whether the findings concerned only the detection of the virus’ genetic material or the active virus, nor were they able to provide further information about the alleged finding,” the statement said.
The alleged contamination led the Philippines to impose a temporary ban on poultry meat imports from Brazil while Hong Kong halted chicken imports from Aurora’s Xaxim facility.The alleged contamination led the Philippines to impose a temporary ban on poultry meat imports from Brazil while Hong Kong halted chicken imports from Aurora’s Xaxim facility.
The rapid pace of Covid-19 vaccine development and scant information about the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) vaccine review process are leading to concerns, the American Medical Association (AMA) said.The rapid pace of Covid-19 vaccine development and scant information about the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) vaccine review process are leading to concerns, the American Medical Association (AMA) said.
In a letter, the AMA urged the FDA to ensure transparency in the vaccine development process and keep physicians informed of the agency’s plan for review of potential vaccine candidates.In a letter, the AMA urged the FDA to ensure transparency in the vaccine development process and keep physicians informed of the agency’s plan for review of potential vaccine candidates.
Vaccine hesitancy among the public appears to be reaching unprecedented levels due to a number of factors including significant spread of misinformation through channels such as social media, according to the AMA.Vaccine hesitancy among the public appears to be reaching unprecedented levels due to a number of factors including significant spread of misinformation through channels such as social media, according to the AMA.
In April, the US government initiated Operation Warp Speed and has so far invested billions to secure doses of potential vaccines from across the world.In April, the US government initiated Operation Warp Speed and has so far invested billions to secure doses of potential vaccines from across the world.
Warp Speed aims to expedite development of a vaccine and therapies to treat Covid-19, and the emphasis on speed has provoked public anxiety about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines.Warp Speed aims to expedite development of a vaccine and therapies to treat Covid-19, and the emphasis on speed has provoked public anxiety about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines.
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. However, experts have warned against its use until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been taken.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. However, experts have warned against its use until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been taken.
In August, top US infectious disease official Anthony Fauci said the FDA was not cutting corners on safety in its review of vaccine candidates for Covid-19.In August, top US infectious disease official Anthony Fauci said the FDA was not cutting corners on safety in its review of vaccine candidates for Covid-19.
The traditional end-of-summer commuter crush appears unlikely to materialise in the UK next week as companies and staff shun the office and embrace remote working, prompting a warning from the country’s leading business body about the future of firms that rely on passing trade.The traditional end-of-summer commuter crush appears unlikely to materialise in the UK next week as companies and staff shun the office and embrace remote working, prompting a warning from the country’s leading business body about the future of firms that rely on passing trade.
Hundreds of thousands of mostly white-collar workers are expected to continue working from home, in some cases permanently, despite the reopening of schools in England over the next fortnight.Hundreds of thousands of mostly white-collar workers are expected to continue working from home, in some cases permanently, despite the reopening of schools in England over the next fortnight.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents 190,000 firms, has called on businesses and the government to strike a balance to ensure outlets in sparsely populated city centres do not face oblivion.The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents 190,000 firms, has called on businesses and the government to strike a balance to ensure outlets in sparsely populated city centres do not face oblivion.
The CBI’s deputy director general, Josh Hardie, said:The CBI’s deputy director general, Josh Hardie, said:
As many as 30 teenagers in the UK who took a holiday to the Greek island of Zante may have contracted coronavirus, health officials have said.As many as 30 teenagers in the UK who took a holiday to the Greek island of Zante may have contracted coronavirus, health officials have said.
At least 11 of a group of 18- and 19-year-olds in Plymouth have tested positive for Covid-19 and some had been for a night out in the Devon city since their return from their holiday.At least 11 of a group of 18- and 19-year-olds in Plymouth have tested positive for Covid-19 and some had been for a night out in the Devon city since their return from their holiday.
The council’s public health director, Ruth Harrell, said her team was working alongside the national systems to contact and trace the young people thought to have been affected.The council’s public health director, Ruth Harrell, said her team was working alongside the national systems to contact and trace the young people thought to have been affected.
“We know that some of these young people had no symptoms, and so carried on as normal, including a night out in Plymouth’s bars and restaurants, until they became aware of the risk,” she said. “That means more people could be infected.“We know that some of these young people had no symptoms, and so carried on as normal, including a night out in Plymouth’s bars and restaurants, until they became aware of the risk,” she said. “That means more people could be infected.
Ireland’s Phil Hogan has resigned as European Union trade commissioner because of the controversy over alleged breaches of Covid-19 rules during a recent trip to his home country. Phil Hogan has quit as the EU’s trade commissioner after days of pressure over allegations he breached Covid-19 guidelines during a trip to his native Ireland, saying it had become clear the controversy was a distraction from his work.
“It was becoming increasingly clear that the controversy concerning my recent visit to Ireland was becoming a distraction from my work as an EU Commissioner and would undermine my work in the key months ahead,” Hogan said in a statement. The forced exit of a heavyweight from the bloc’s executive will be a credibility blow for the team led by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for less than a year.
The Commission will play a key role in pushing across the line a €750bn recovery fund for EU economies hammered by the coronavirus crisis, and Hogan himself had been making headway in fraught trade talks with the United States.
Hogan said in a statement:
Hogan attended a golf dinner last week that outraged the Irish public and led to the resignation of an Irish minister and the disciplining of several lawmakers. He had insisted on Tuesday that he adhered to all rules during the trip.
Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) has ended its partnership for a coronavirus vaccine with CanSino Biologics, saying the Chinese company lacks the authority to ship the vaccine at this time.Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) has ended its partnership for a coronavirus vaccine with CanSino Biologics, saying the Chinese company lacks the authority to ship the vaccine at this time.
CanSino in May had agreed to bring its vaccine candidate to Canada for testing through a partnership with the (NRC).CanSino in May had agreed to bring its vaccine candidate to Canada for testing through a partnership with the (NRC).
Because of the delay, NRC “has since moved on to focus our team and facilities on other partners,” the organisation said in a statement to Reuters.Because of the delay, NRC “has since moved on to focus our team and facilities on other partners,” the organisation said in a statement to Reuters.
“The process is not clear to the NRC, but CanSino does not have the authority to ship the vaccine at this time,” said NRC in its statement.“The process is not clear to the NRC, but CanSino does not have the authority to ship the vaccine at this time,” said NRC in its statement.
Earlier, CanSino cited bureaucratic indecision as the reason behind the failure for its vaccine partnership in Canada, the Globe and Mail reported, quoting the company’s chief executive officer.Earlier, CanSino cited bureaucratic indecision as the reason behind the failure for its vaccine partnership in Canada, the Globe and Mail reported, quoting the company’s chief executive officer.
Decisions in China on whether to send the vaccine to Canada were “caught in the bureaucracy”, and some divisions of the Chinese government were not clear if the vaccine should “go to global trials or how to handle it”, chairman and CEO of CanSino Biologics, Dr Xuefeng Yu, told the Globe and Mail in an interview.Decisions in China on whether to send the vaccine to Canada were “caught in the bureaucracy”, and some divisions of the Chinese government were not clear if the vaccine should “go to global trials or how to handle it”, chairman and CEO of CanSino Biologics, Dr Xuefeng Yu, told the Globe and Mail in an interview.
NRC said its agreement with CanSino had been reviewed by the company’s Chinese government collaborators.NRC said its agreement with CanSino had been reviewed by the company’s Chinese government collaborators.
After the agreement was signed, the Chinese government changed the process required to ship vaccines to other countries.After the agreement was signed, the Chinese government changed the process required to ship vaccines to other countries.
CanSino’s vaccine candidate is one of the few being tested in a late-stage study, as companies race to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19.CanSino’s vaccine candidate is one of the few being tested in a late-stage study, as companies race to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19.
It is based on a modified version of a common cold virus called adenovirus type 5 that was first developed by a Canadian researcher, Frank Graham.It is based on a modified version of a common cold virus called adenovirus type 5 that was first developed by a Canadian researcher, Frank Graham.
CanSino’s Yu is a former Sanofi Canada executive. The company had previously worked with NRC on an Ebola vaccine based on the same technology, and with other Canadian researchers on an experimental tuberculosis vaccine.CanSino’s Yu is a former Sanofi Canada executive. The company had previously worked with NRC on an Ebola vaccine based on the same technology, and with other Canadian researchers on an experimental tuberculosis vaccine.
Quebec-based Medicago is the only Canadian company with an experimental vaccine in human trials, with several other projects in earlier stages of development. The federal government recently announced deals to buy vaccine doses from Moderna and Pfizer.Quebec-based Medicago is the only Canadian company with an experimental vaccine in human trials, with several other projects in earlier stages of development. The federal government recently announced deals to buy vaccine doses from Moderna and Pfizer.
A hurried evacuation of a half million Texas and Louisiana residents ahead of Hurricane Laura has clogged highways, while Covid-19 precautions slowed public transportation for evacuees who needed it and complicated temporary housing arrangements.A hurried evacuation of a half million Texas and Louisiana residents ahead of Hurricane Laura has clogged highways, while Covid-19 precautions slowed public transportation for evacuees who needed it and complicated temporary housing arrangements.
The storm strengthened and is forecast to bring 145 mile (233km) per hour winds to the Texas/Louisiana border near midnight on Wednesday.The storm strengthened and is forecast to bring 145 mile (233km) per hour winds to the Texas/Louisiana border near midnight on Wednesday.
Warnings for an “unsurvivable storm surge” and “catastrophic damage” led officials in each state to call for residents to flee inland.Warnings for an “unsurvivable storm surge” and “catastrophic damage” led officials in each state to call for residents to flee inland.
Local officials advised residents with personal vehicles to take them. For those boarding buses out of the area temperature checks were required. Evacuees were being assigned to far-flung hotels to avoid large groups at shelters.Local officials advised residents with personal vehicles to take them. For those boarding buses out of the area temperature checks were required. Evacuees were being assigned to far-flung hotels to avoid large groups at shelters.
In Galveston County, Texas, which ordered a mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas on Tuesday, buses brought residents inland, but capped the number on each at 15 to 20 people because of the pandemic, said county official Zach Davidson.In Galveston County, Texas, which ordered a mandatory evacuation of low-lying areas on Tuesday, buses brought residents inland, but capped the number on each at 15 to 20 people because of the pandemic, said county official Zach Davidson.
Officials also arranged for ambulances for those diagnosed with Covid-19.Officials also arranged for ambulances for those diagnosed with Covid-19.
“We have stressed to people, when you’re building your hurricane kit, put in a mask, hand sanitiser, gloves,” he said.“We have stressed to people, when you’re building your hurricane kit, put in a mask, hand sanitiser, gloves,” he said.
Texas state officials were directing those fleeing the storm to hotels in Dallas and elsewhere after an Austin intake centre was overwhelmed with requests for housing overnight.Texas state officials were directing those fleeing the storm to hotels in Dallas and elsewhere after an Austin intake centre was overwhelmed with requests for housing overnight.
Evacuee Veronica Carresco was carting a full complement of antiseptics on the way to Midland, Texas. “We’re just being cautious. Masks, Lysol, hand sanitiser - we’re doing all of it,” she said.Evacuee Veronica Carresco was carting a full complement of antiseptics on the way to Midland, Texas. “We’re just being cautious. Masks, Lysol, hand sanitiser - we’re doing all of it,” she said.
Large-scale evacuations could increase Covid-19 cases in evacuees’ origin and destination counties, according to a study by Columbia University and the Union of Concerned Scientists.Large-scale evacuations could increase Covid-19 cases in evacuees’ origin and destination counties, according to a study by Columbia University and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
It advised evacuees to be assigned to areas with low virus activity and encouraged them to follow social distancing guidelines and to wear masks and protective gear.It advised evacuees to be assigned to areas with low virus activity and encouraged them to follow social distancing guidelines and to wear masks and protective gear.
Texas and Louisiana were both hot spots for the pandemic earlier this year, but new case trends have since declined.Texas and Louisiana were both hot spots for the pandemic earlier this year, but new case trends have since declined.
Peru has begun registering volunteers for clinical trials of a Chinese vaccine against the coronavirus.Peru has begun registering volunteers for clinical trials of a Chinese vaccine against the coronavirus.
Six thousand volunteers, who must be aged between 18 and 75 and not have contracted the virus, will be recruited by Cayetano Heredia and San Marcos universities via a dedicated website.Six thousand volunteers, who must be aged between 18 and 75 and not have contracted the virus, will be recruited by Cayetano Heredia and San Marcos universities via a dedicated website.
“The universities will select 3,000 volunteers each,” San Marcos rector Orestes Cachay told reporters.“The universities will select 3,000 volunteers each,” San Marcos rector Orestes Cachay told reporters.
The vaccine, being developed by Chinese company Sinopharm, will be administered by injection.The vaccine, being developed by Chinese company Sinopharm, will be administered by injection.
According to Peruvian researchers in charge of the clinical trials, two strains of the virus - the Wuhan strain and Beijing strain - and a placebo will be randomly given to volunteers.According to Peruvian researchers in charge of the clinical trials, two strains of the virus - the Wuhan strain and Beijing strain - and a placebo will be randomly given to volunteers.
“A technical team from China will arrive in the coming days, totalling 38 people, to implement the operational part of the project,” Cachay told TV channel N.“A technical team from China will arrive in the coming days, totalling 38 people, to implement the operational part of the project,” Cachay told TV channel N.
The trial is expected to last until DecemberThe trial is expected to last until December
President Martin Vizcarra announced last week the country would participate in clinical trials of vaccines being developed in China, Britain, the United States and Germany.President Martin Vizcarra announced last week the country would participate in clinical trials of vaccines being developed in China, Britain, the United States and Germany.
Peru, with a population of 33 million, has the third-highest number of deaths from the pandemic in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico. Per capita, it has the region’s highest death rate, with 843.5 deaths per million inhabitants.Peru, with a population of 33 million, has the third-highest number of deaths from the pandemic in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico. Per capita, it has the region’s highest death rate, with 843.5 deaths per million inhabitants.
More than 28,000 people have died of Covid-19 in the country, which has registered more than 600,000 infections so far.More than 28,000 people have died of Covid-19 in the country, which has registered more than 600,000 infections so far.
Moderna said its experimental Covid-19 vaccine induced immune responses in older adults similar to those in younger participants, offering hope it will be effective in people considered to be at high risk for severe complications from the virus.Moderna said its experimental Covid-19 vaccine induced immune responses in older adults similar to those in younger participants, offering hope it will be effective in people considered to be at high risk for severe complications from the virus.
The company is one of the leading contenders in the race to develop a vaccine against the virus that has killed more than 820,000 people worldwide.The company is one of the leading contenders in the race to develop a vaccine against the virus that has killed more than 820,000 people worldwide.
Its candidate, mRNA-1273, is already in late-stage human trials testing its ability to safely prevent infection.Its candidate, mRNA-1273, is already in late-stage human trials testing its ability to safely prevent infection.
Moderna said the immune responses in those aged between ages 56 and 70, above age 70 and those 18 to 55-years-old were similar.Moderna said the immune responses in those aged between ages 56 and 70, above age 70 and those 18 to 55-years-old were similar.
Health officials have been concerned about whether vaccine candidates would work in older people, whose immune systems typically do not respond as strongly to vaccines.Health officials have been concerned about whether vaccine candidates would work in older people, whose immune systems typically do not respond as strongly to vaccines.
The company has so far enrolled over 13,000 participants in its late-stage study. About 18% of the total participants are Black, Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, groups that have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and are often under represented in clinical trials.The company has so far enrolled over 13,000 participants in its late-stage study. About 18% of the total participants are Black, Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, groups that have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and are often under represented in clinical trials.
Dr Jacqueline Miller, Moderna’s head of infectious disease development, said the company plans to post weekly updates on enrolment of Black and Latino trial subjects on its website.Dr Jacqueline Miller, Moderna’s head of infectious disease development, said the company plans to post weekly updates on enrolment of Black and Latino trial subjects on its website.
Pfizer told Reuters last week that 19% of the 11,000 subjects already enrolled in its vaccine trial are Black or Latino.Pfizer told Reuters last week that 19% of the 11,000 subjects already enrolled in its vaccine trial are Black or Latino.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention narrowed its guidance for who should get tested for Covid-19 this week, saying those who were exposed but are not symptomatic may not need to be tested.
That is a reversal from its previous recommendation, which said testing is recommended for all close contact of people diagnosed with Covid-19.
US government health officials said the guidelines should not be interpreted as “inhibiting public health.”
They said the new guidelines were a collaboration between the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the two other agencies.
The Trump administration has been criticised for its handling of testing for Covid-19, with many states falling short of the volume of tests needed to contain the virus.
It has also been criticised for wielding too heavy a hand with the CDC on previous guidelines such as for schools reopening.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said the move looked political. “This is not science. It’s politics,” he tweeted.
The French health ministry has registered 5,429 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours, a new post-lockdown high and a level of new infections not seen since the height of the epidemic in early April.
The daily figure has topped 4,000 several times in recent days, ahead of the 1 September return to school for millions of pupils.
The French public must act in “a spirit of responsibility” to limit the surge in new cases, prime minister Jean Castex said on France Inter radio Wednesday morning.
“The state has its share of responsiblity... but everyone has to feel like it’s their job to fight the pandemic,” Castex added
The total number of people infected with the virus in France now stands at 253,587.
On Monday, German health authorities labelled the Île-de-France region including capital Paris and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region around Mediterranean port city Marseille “risk zones” for the virus.
Anyone travelling to Germany from the two regions must submit to a Covid-19 test and quarantine themselves while awaiting the result.
The health ministry said figures for the cumulative death toll and for Covid-19 hospitalisations for Wednesday were not available yet due to a technical glitch.
On Tuesday, the ministry reported the cumulative number of deaths had risen by 16 to 30,544 and it said 4,600 people were in hospital with Covid-19, including 410 in intensive care.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray, I’ll be running the coronavirus live blog for the next few hours.
Please do get in touch if you have any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share.
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_
Qatar has decided to reopen all mosques across the country for daily and Friday prayers from 1 September a statement by the supreme committee for crisis management announced on Wednesday.
The statement said this would be part of the fourth and final phase of a plan that started on 15 June, aimed at gradually lifting coronavirus restrictions.
Italy recorded its highest daily tally in coronavirus infections since May when the country was still in lockdown. A further 1,367 cases brought the total to 262,540. Despite the surge in infections, the government insists there are no plans for a new lockdown.
Croatia reported its highest number of daily cases amid the summer tourism season. New cases have risen since Croatia opened its borders to tourists for the summer, hitting more than 200 daily in late August and a record 358 on Wednesday. The government said it still hopes to tackle the crisis without curfews if people would “obey the rules and act responsibly”.
Russia is preparing to approve a second vaccine against Covid-19. Early-stage clinical trials on the vaccine, developed by the Vector virology institute in Siberia, would be completed by the end of September. 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.
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 patients with Covid-19. The change in strategy is partly down to Germany’s labs reaching the limits of their capacities.
The World Economic Forum has postponed its upcoming annual meeting in Davos until summer next year. Organisers said experts advised it would not be safe for the forum to go ahead as planned in January amid the pandemic.
Belgium 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 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, bringing the tally to 9,878.
The French prime minister said life must return to some kind of normality whilst avoiding another nationwide lockdown. Jean Castex 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”. He added face masks would remain central to the government’s strategy after a surge in the rate of coronavirus infections in recent weeks.
Kenya extended a nationwide curfew for 30 days as coronavirus cases rose in areas outside the capital. The president 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.
Ukraine has imposed a temporary ban on most foreigners from entering the country until 28 September. Lockdown measures have also been extended until the end of October to contain a recent surge in coronavirus cases.
Lebanon could ‘lose control’ of its coronavirus outbreak, the caretaker prime minister warned. Hassan Diab said that if cases continued to rise greatly, as they have in the wake of the Beirut explosion, “we will lose control of this epidemic”.
Myanmar ordered all schools to close after reporting a record daily rise in new coronavirus infections. The authorities are trying to tackle a resurgence of the virus - with 70 new cases recorded on Wednesday - following weeks without confirmed domestic transmission.
Iran’s death toll exceeded 21,000 as cases continue to rise. Another 119 infections took the tally to 21,020, prompting the government to urge people to “avoid unnecessary trips”.
A 61-year-old man died in Gaza after contracting the virus, as Palestinian authorities clamped down on an outbreak in the enclave. It was the first death among the general population since an infected woman died at a quarantine centre in March.
That’s it from me, Lucy Campbell, ‘til tomorrow. Thank you so much, as ever, to everybody who got in touch throughout the day and sent through tips - your contributions are greatly appreciated!
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.
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.
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.
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.