This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/aug/26/coronavirus-live-news-who-signals-slowing-of-infections-but-india-cases-still-soaring

The article has changed 46 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 42 Version 43
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
Gaza will remain in lockdown at least until Sunday, health officials said after reporting two deaths and 26 Covid-19 cases in the first public outbreak of the coronavirus in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.
As of two days ago, when the first four cases were discovered in a refugee camp in the 360 square-kilometre territory, and a 48-hour lockdown was imposed, there had been no infections outside border quarantine facilities for new arrivals.
But by late on Wednesday, health officials said 26 people in several locations had tested positive for Covid-19 and two patients had died - a sign the world pandemic had penetrated Gaza’s forced isolation.
The 40-kilometre-long territory run by Hamas Islamists is sealed off from the outside world by Israeli walls, watchtowers and gunboats along 90% of its border and coastline, and by Egypt along a narrow strip to the south.
Both countries impose tight restrictions on movement in and out of Gaza, citing security concerns over Hamas, which is regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States.
The new infections added to concerns among local and international health organisations about Gaza’s potentially disastrous combination of poverty, densely populated refugee camps and limited hospital capacity.
The UK and US governments are in talks to introduce an “air bridge” between London and New York to enable travellers to sidestep quarantine, The Telegraph has reported.The UK and US governments are in talks to introduce an “air bridge” between London and New York to enable travellers to sidestep quarantine, The Telegraph has reported.
Ministers are studying plans for regional air bridges that would enable business and other travellers to come to Britain from “low-risk” areas such as New York City within countries that are “red listed” because of their continued overall high coronavirus rates, the report said.Ministers are studying plans for regional air bridges that would enable business and other travellers to come to Britain from “low-risk” areas such as New York City within countries that are “red listed” because of their continued overall high coronavirus rates, the report said.
Brazil reported 47,161 new cases of Covid-19 and 1,086 deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.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 StatesBrazil 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.
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.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.
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 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.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 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.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.