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Coronavirus live news: 14 refugees test positive after Lesbos fire; Silvio Berlusconi leaves hospital Coronavirus live news: 14 refugees test positive after Lesbos fire; Silvio Berlusconi leaves hospital
(32 minutes later)
Over 12,500 former occupants forced to sleep out in open since Moria camp destroyed; Italy’s former PM leaves hospital after treatmentOver 12,500 former occupants forced to sleep out in open since Moria camp destroyed; Italy’s former PM leaves hospital after treatment
Officials in southern Germany are considering imposing hefty fines against a 26-year-old American woman linked to a cluster of coronavirus cases in the Alpine resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, including at a hotel that caters to U.S. military personnel.
German media report that the woman, who lives locally and wasn’t named, had visited several bars in the town last week despite having symptoms and being told to quarantine while waiting for her COVID-19 test result.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a model case of stupidity and an example for how quickly one can become infected,” said Bavaria’s governor, Markus Soeder.
Such recklessness must have consequences, he added. That’s why it’s reasonable for the health authorities to consider, after carefully examining the case, whether to impose appropriately high fines, AP reports.
The woman, who wasn’t named for privacy reasons, has been blamed for a spike in cases that pushed Garmisch-Partenkirchen above the threshold of 50 new cases per 100,000 in a week at which authorities are required to impose further infection control measures.
In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, these include a 10 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants and a rule that no more than five people can gather in public.
The incident also affected the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, which shut down completely for two weeks Monday after confirming that several staff members had tested positive for COVID-19.
The resort, which is reserved for members of the American military, their families and veterans, said it is working with U.S. Army medical professionals and local medical officials to assess the situation and conduct contact tracing.
Anyone who has visited the resort since Sept. 3 should monitor for any symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop, it added.
Germany’s disease control centre on Monday reported 927 new cases across the country in the past day.
Authorities in the Indonesian capital Jakarta re-imposed a partial lockdown on Monday and vowed to strictly isolate anyone testing positive for Covid-19 as infections soared in the metropolis.
Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan said the city would resume large-scale social restrictions for two weeks starting today, calling it a necessary measure to prevent the health system from collapsing.
Non-essential businesses are only allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity, restaurants can only serve take-aways, and school, parks and tourist spots have been ordered to shut.
Anyone testing positive for Covid-19 - including asymptomatic patients - will have to undergo mandatory quarantine in government facilities, he said.
“If a person who was tested positive refused to be isolated in the designated facility, health workers and law enforcers will pick them up,” Baswedan told a news conference.
Jakarta first introduced restrictions in early April, but began relaxing them in June. Weeks later, however, the capital has seen a sharp increase in new Covid-19 cases.
Indonesia is the country hardest-hit in Southeast Asia with 221,523 infections and 8,841 deaths, AFP reports.
As of Monday, Jakarta has reported more than 55,000 cases with nearly 1,500 deaths.
Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo has announced that 15 hotels will be used to quarantine Covid-19 patients with mild or no symptoms.
The French government will commit an additional 20 million euros ($23.8 million) to subsidies for bike repairs or tune-ups, extending a popular programme aimed at easing public transport crowds during the coronavirus outbreak.
The 50-euro subsidy will now be available until the end of the year, environment minister Barbara Pompili and transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari announced on Monday while visiting a Paris bike shop.
Officials in the capital and other French cities have turned hundreds of traffic lanes into protected “coronapiste” bike paths, encouraging the cycling boom seen since lockdown was lifted in May.
The national government will also increase rebates offered to low-income households for buying electric bikes by up to 200 euros, Pompili said.
Overall, some 80 million euros will be spent on the subsidies as officials try to reduce dependence on public transport in a bid to cut Covid contagions.
“We’re living a bike moment,” Pompili said, adding that the government’s primary role was to ensure that all cyclists, from longtime commuters to novices, “can ride in complete security”.
Some 200 million euros will also be spent as part of France’s 100 billion euro economic recovery plan to build secure parking spots at train stations and finance around 600 new bike paths over the next two years.
Pope Francis is being “constantly monitored” for signs of the coronavirus, a top Vatican official said on Monday, after the 83-year old pontiff met with a cardinal who later tested positive.Pope Francis is being “constantly monitored” for signs of the coronavirus, a top Vatican official said on Monday, after the 83-year old pontiff met with a cardinal who later tested positive.
Philippine cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 63, had a private audience with Francis on August 29. He went on to test positive for Covid-19 on his return to Manila on September 10.Philippine cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 63, had a private audience with Francis on August 29. He went on to test positive for Covid-19 on his return to Manila on September 10.
“We are being prudent,” Secretary of State Pietro Parolin told ANSA news agency.“We are being prudent,” Secretary of State Pietro Parolin told ANSA news agency.
“There is no particular alarm (in the Vatican)“, but the health of the head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics was being “constantly monitored,” he added.“There is no particular alarm (in the Vatican)“, but the health of the head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics was being “constantly monitored,” he added.
The pope talks to those who visit him at the Apostolic Palace without wearing a face mask. Last week he was spotted wearing one for the first time since the start of the pandemic, but he took it off to chat to the faithful.The pope talks to those who visit him at the Apostolic Palace without wearing a face mask. Last week he was spotted wearing one for the first time since the start of the pandemic, but he took it off to chat to the faithful.
Francis shunned however his usual practice of shaking hands and kissing babies, and used hand sanitiser which was handed to him by a personal assistant, AFP reports.Francis shunned however his usual practice of shaking hands and kissing babies, and used hand sanitiser which was handed to him by a personal assistant, AFP reports.
The pope was tested for Covid in March when a prelate living in the same residence as him was found to be positive.The pope was tested for Covid in March when a prelate living in the same residence as him was found to be positive.
Health authorities in Catalonia have reported four cases of coronavirus reinfection, including a doctor who is currently being treated in an intensive care unit, but who is expected to recover.The other three cases are said to be mild.Health authorities in Catalonia have reported four cases of coronavirus reinfection, including a doctor who is currently being treated in an intensive care unit, but who is expected to recover.The other three cases are said to be mild.
Last week, Spain became the first western European country to log more than 500,000 Covid cases. By last Friday, the total number of cases stood at 566,236 - 112,364 of them diagnosed over the previous two weeks.Last week, Spain became the first western European country to log more than 500,000 Covid cases. By last Friday, the total number of cases stood at 566,236 - 112,364 of them diagnosed over the previous two weeks.
Spain has so far recorded 29,747 coronavirus deaths.The proportion of hospital beds occupied by Covid patients stands at 7.5% nationally, although the figure in Madrid is almost three times that, at 18%.Spain has so far recorded 29,747 coronavirus deaths.The proportion of hospital beds occupied by Covid patients stands at 7.5% nationally, although the figure in Madrid is almost three times that, at 18%.
Both the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, and Fernando Simón, Spain’s health emergencies chief, have expressed concerns over the situation in Madrid, which accounts for around a third of all cases and deaths. On Monday, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the regional president of Madrid, announced an €80m plan to improve primary healthcare and hire more staff.Both the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, and Fernando Simón, Spain’s health emergencies chief, have expressed concerns over the situation in Madrid, which accounts for around a third of all cases and deaths. On Monday, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the regional president of Madrid, announced an €80m plan to improve primary healthcare and hire more staff.
At least 14 refugees have tested positive for Covid-19, according to officials on Lesbos where efforts are underway to move thousands of people left homeless by devastating fires, in what had once been Europe’s biggest migrant camp in Moria, into a new facility.At least 14 refugees have tested positive for Covid-19, according to officials on Lesbos where efforts are underway to move thousands of people left homeless by devastating fires, in what had once been Europe’s biggest migrant camp in Moria, into a new facility.
Health authorities are conducting rapid Covid-19 tests on men, women and children prior to them entering the new facility. Those diagnosed with the virus are being taken to a separate area to quarantine.Health authorities are conducting rapid Covid-19 tests on men, women and children prior to them entering the new facility. Those diagnosed with the virus are being taken to a separate area to quarantine.
Some 200,000 test kits were flown into the Aegean island last week. Prior to the fires coronavirus had been detected in at least 35 camp residents who, with the exception of two picked up on Sunday, have subsequently gone missing.Some 200,000 test kits were flown into the Aegean island last week. Prior to the fires coronavirus had been detected in at least 35 camp residents who, with the exception of two picked up on Sunday, have subsequently gone missing.
Speaking to Thema 104,6 radio this morning, Alternate Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos confirmed that tents able to accommodate 5,000 had been erected in the new site. Since fires destroyed Moria six days ago over 12,500 former occupants have been forced to sleep out in the open.Speaking to Thema 104,6 radio this morning, Alternate Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos confirmed that tents able to accommodate 5,000 had been erected in the new site. Since fires destroyed Moria six days ago over 12,500 former occupants have been forced to sleep out in the open.
Koumoutsakos said:Koumoutsakos said:
Authorities overseeing relief efforts say young Afghans have launched a campaign to stop families from entering the facility described as temporary by Greek officials until a new camp is built, with the help of the EU, on Lesbos.Authorities overseeing relief efforts say young Afghans have launched a campaign to stop families from entering the facility described as temporary by Greek officials until a new camp is built, with the help of the EU, on Lesbos.
“Resettlement in the new structure is not optional, it’s compulsory,” the country’s migration minister Notis Mitarachi also said today confirming that the asylum service was back up and running. “It is examining applications so as to send the message to the few causing problems that they have to go through the foreseen asylum process, and only if a decision is positive will they be able to leave,”he told local radio.“Resettlement in the new structure is not optional, it’s compulsory,” the country’s migration minister Notis Mitarachi also said today confirming that the asylum service was back up and running. “It is examining applications so as to send the message to the few causing problems that they have to go through the foreseen asylum process, and only if a decision is positive will they be able to leave,”he told local radio.
More than a million pupils returned to schools across Portugal on Monday.More than a million pupils returned to schools across Portugal on Monday.
Portugal ordered schools, kindergartens and universities to close in mid-March when a lockdown was imposed to fight the spread of the virus. Classes were replaced with online lessons and daily TV broadcasts of various subjects.Portugal ordered schools, kindergartens and universities to close in mid-March when a lockdown was imposed to fight the spread of the virus. Classes were replaced with online lessons and daily TV broadcasts of various subjects.
The number of daily infections has increased in Portugal since the end of the lockdown and is now around the levels last seen in April.The number of daily infections has increased in Portugal since the end of the lockdown and is now around the levels last seen in April.
Several European countries have started testing a technology platform that will allow national coronavirus tracing apps to “talk” to one another to better tackle the pandemic, the European commission said on Monday.Several European countries have started testing a technology platform that will allow national coronavirus tracing apps to “talk” to one another to better tackle the pandemic, the European commission said on Monday.
The commission has kicked off test runs between the servers that support the apps created by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Latvia – whose apps share a similar design – and a new gateway to exchange data between them, Reuters reports.The commission has kicked off test runs between the servers that support the apps created by the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Latvia – whose apps share a similar design – and a new gateway to exchange data between them, Reuters reports.
“Many member states have implemented national contact tracing and warning applications. It is now time to make them interact with each other,” commissioner Thierry Breton said in a statement.“Many member states have implemented national contact tracing and warning applications. It is now time to make them interact with each other,” commissioner Thierry Breton said in a statement.
“Travel and personal exchange are the core of the European project and the single market. The gateway will facilitate this in these times of pandemic and will save lives.*“Travel and personal exchange are the core of the European project and the single market. The gateway will facilitate this in these times of pandemic and will save lives.*
The gateway, built by a partnership between Germany’s SAP and Deutsche Telekom, would make it possible to log encounters between people while they are travelling abroad and issue push warnings should one of them be infected.The gateway, built by a partnership between Germany’s SAP and Deutsche Telekom, would make it possible to log encounters between people while they are travelling abroad and issue push warnings should one of them be infected.
Such a “roaming” function would be an add-on to the Bluetooth-based smartphone tracker apps, which now only work within national borders, with the goal of making it safer to revive travel and tourism.Such a “roaming” function would be an add-on to the Bluetooth-based smartphone tracker apps, which now only work within national borders, with the goal of making it safer to revive travel and tourism.
Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi left hospital on Monday 11 days after being admitted with coronavirus, describing it as “perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life”.Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi left hospital on Monday 11 days after being admitted with coronavirus, describing it as “perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life”.
The 83-year-old media tycoon, who tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa in Sardinia, was admitted to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan on 3 September with a lung infection.The 83-year-old media tycoon, who tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa in Sardinia, was admitted to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan on 3 September with a lung infection.
“The first three days were extremely difficult,” he told journalists as he left the hospital.“The first three days were extremely difficult,” he told journalists as he left the hospital.
Two of his children – daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 – also contracted the virus, as did his companion Marta Fascina, AFP reports.Two of his children – daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 – also contracted the virus, as did his companion Marta Fascina, AFP reports.
“It was tough. Thank heavens, thanks to the doctors, I got over what was perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life. Once again, I seem to have got away with it!” he said, after walking slowly but without assistance to address the cameras.“It was tough. Thank heavens, thanks to the doctors, I got over what was perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life. Once again, I seem to have got away with it!” he said, after walking slowly but without assistance to address the cameras.
Dozens of Mauritian cruise ship workers who were stranded off the coast of Brazil throughout the pandemic have finally started their journey home after desperate appeals to return.Dozens of Mauritian cruise ship workers who were stranded off the coast of Brazil throughout the pandemic have finally started their journey home after desperate appeals to return.
A crew member representing the 101 workers, who have been at anchor on three ships off Santos in southern Brazil, said they had not been paid for over six months by the cruise line MSC, one of the companies leading the industry’s return to operations.A crew member representing the 101 workers, who have been at anchor on three ships off Santos in southern Brazil, said they had not been paid for over six months by the cruise line MSC, one of the companies leading the industry’s return to operations.
But over the weekend, crew workers on one of the liners posted photos on social media of their preparations to disembark and being their journey home. Workers had told the Guardian their physical and mental health were deteriorating.But over the weekend, crew workers on one of the liners posted photos on social media of their preparations to disembark and being their journey home. Workers had told the Guardian their physical and mental health were deteriorating.
You can read the full report by clicking the link below.You can read the full report by clicking the link below.
An Australian health official revealed on Monday that she has been under police guard because of death threats and growing public anger over pandemic border restrictions, the Associated Press reports.An Australian health official revealed on Monday that she has been under police guard because of death threats and growing public anger over pandemic border restrictions, the Associated Press reports.
Queensland state chief health officer Jeannette Young said she now travels with a police escort because of the threats.Queensland state chief health officer Jeannette Young said she now travels with a police escort because of the threats.
“It has taken an enormous toll on me, but then this has taken an enormous toll on nearly every single person in our community,” Young told reporters.“It has taken an enormous toll on me, but then this has taken an enormous toll on nearly every single person in our community,” Young told reporters.
“Every single person in our community in Queensland has had to give up an awful lot and we cant see a clear end to this so we’re going to all have to work this through together,” she added.“Every single person in our community in Queensland has had to give up an awful lot and we cant see a clear end to this so we’re going to all have to work this through together,” she added.
The Queensland state government has been under mounting criticism for making travellers spend two weeks in hotel quarantine when they cross the state border from other parts of Australia. The restrictions have led to a number of high-profile incidents, including one last week in which a woman was not allowed out of quarantine to attend her father’s funeral.The Queensland state government has been under mounting criticism for making travellers spend two weeks in hotel quarantine when they cross the state border from other parts of Australia. The restrictions have led to a number of high-profile incidents, including one last week in which a woman was not allowed out of quarantine to attend her father’s funeral.
Manila cemeteries are to close for the “Day of the Dead” for the first time as the virus rages.Manila cemeteries are to close for the “Day of the Dead” for the first time as the virus rages.
Cemeteries in the Philippine capital will be closed on All Saints’ Day, officials said on Monday, preventing millions in the Catholic-majority country from visiting their dead loved ones.Cemeteries in the Philippine capital will be closed on All Saints’ Day, officials said on Monday, preventing millions in the Catholic-majority country from visiting their dead loved ones.
Filipinos usually pour into graveyards on 1 November, blending expressions of faith and grief with a party-like atmosphere and impromptu family reunions.Filipinos usually pour into graveyards on 1 November, blending expressions of faith and grief with a party-like atmosphere and impromptu family reunions.
But as the number of virus infections continues to rise, mayors across Metro Manila have agreed to shutter the cemeteries for the annual rite to prevent further spread of the contagion.But as the number of virus infections continues to rise, mayors across Metro Manila have agreed to shutter the cemeteries for the annual rite to prevent further spread of the contagion.
The authority’s spokeswoman Celine Pialago told AFP it would be the first time cemeteries had been closed on All Saints’ Day.The authority’s spokeswoman Celine Pialago told AFP it would be the first time cemeteries had been closed on All Saints’ Day.
People in the sprawling capital of 12 million are being encouraged to pay their respects to dead loved ones in the weeks before and after 1 November to avoid crowding.People in the sprawling capital of 12 million are being encouraged to pay their respects to dead loved ones in the weeks before and after 1 November to avoid crowding.
Health under-secretary Rosario Vergeire said the department was considering recommending the closure of cemeteries across the country.Health under-secretary Rosario Vergeire said the department was considering recommending the closure of cemeteries across the country.
Despite six months of tough measures, including travel restrictions and mandatory face masks, the Philippines is struggling to contain the coronavirus outbreak.Despite six months of tough measures, including travel restrictions and mandatory face masks, the Philippines is struggling to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
As of Monday it had more than 265,000 confirmed cases, including more than 4,600 deaths.As of Monday it had more than 265,000 confirmed cases, including more than 4,600 deaths.
Marrakesh in Morocco is facing an unprecedented crisis as the tourism industry is hit hard due to the pandemic.Marrakesh in Morocco is facing an unprecedented crisis as the tourism industry is hit hard due to the pandemic.
The city’s famous Jamaa El Fna square, usually home to snake charmers, storytellers and crowds of tourists, is almost empty due to tough government restrictions, AFP reports.The city’s famous Jamaa El Fna square, usually home to snake charmers, storytellers and crowds of tourists, is almost empty due to tough government restrictions, AFP reports.
“Before, you had to wait your turn to get a table,” said Bachir, a waiter, waving at the empty cafe terrace.“Before, you had to wait your turn to get a table,” said Bachir, a waiter, waving at the empty cafe terrace.
His neighbour Mohamed Bassir worries for the future.His neighbour Mohamed Bassir worries for the future.
“This is the first time I’ve seen the Jamaa El Fna so empty,” the orange juice seller said.“This is the first time I’ve seen the Jamaa El Fna so empty,” the orange juice seller said.
Morocco declared a state of health emergency in mid-March and shut its borders to stop coronavirus from spreading.Morocco declared a state of health emergency in mid-March and shut its borders to stop coronavirus from spreading.
The North African nation of 35 million inhabitants has recorded over 1,500 Covid deaths and more than 86,600 confirmed cases.The North African nation of 35 million inhabitants has recorded over 1,500 Covid deaths and more than 86,600 confirmed cases.
In the labyrinth of alleys leading from the Jamaa El Fna, the narrow streets once packed with stalls selling everything from slippers to spices are largely shuttered.In the labyrinth of alleys leading from the Jamaa El Fna, the narrow streets once packed with stalls selling everything from slippers to spices are largely shuttered.
“Most of the traders have closed their shops,” said Mohamed Challah, who sells flowing kaftan robes.“Most of the traders have closed their shops,” said Mohamed Challah, who sells flowing kaftan robes.
“The others are opening to kill time because there is nothing to do at home,” he said, adding that his store “no longer sells anything”.“The others are opening to kill time because there is nothing to do at home,” he said, adding that his store “no longer sells anything”.
After the initial pandemic restrictions were eased, traders and tourist operators hoped domestic tourism might mitigate their losses.After the initial pandemic restrictions were eased, traders and tourist operators hoped domestic tourism might mitigate their losses.
But then the surprise announcement of new restrictions, including the closure of Marrakesh and seven other cities, shattered hopes of a revival.But then the surprise announcement of new restrictions, including the closure of Marrakesh and seven other cities, shattered hopes of a revival.
Last year, the city attracted three of the 13 million tourists who came to the country.Last year, the city attracted three of the 13 million tourists who came to the country.
On social media, there are calls to “save” the city, with many using the hashtag “Marrakesh suffocates”.On social media, there are calls to “save” the city, with many using the hashtag “Marrakesh suffocates”.
Official figures predict the pandemic could push the country into its worst recession since 1996, with a contraction of more than five percent of its GDP.Official figures predict the pandemic could push the country into its worst recession since 1996, with a contraction of more than five percent of its GDP.
The imposition of a second lockdown in Israel has left the country staggering, with fears that three weeks of shuttered businesses and restricting people to their homes could devastate livelihoods.The imposition of a second lockdown in Israel has left the country staggering, with fears that three weeks of shuttered businesses and restricting people to their homes could devastate livelihoods.
Anger is growing that the country’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, had reopened the country too soon and too fast after a previous spring lockdown. Now, the country is in a deep recession and faces restrictions that the finance ministry estimates will cost 6.5 billion shekels (£1.46 billion).Anger is growing that the country’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, had reopened the country too soon and too fast after a previous spring lockdown. Now, the country is in a deep recession and faces restrictions that the finance ministry estimates will cost 6.5 billion shekels (£1.46 billion).
“It was Netanyahu who sent the young people to hang out and drink after the ‘success’ of the previous lockdown,” wrote Yehuda Sharoni in the Maariv newspaper on Monday. “But if we set aside the issue of placing blame, the vexing question is whether the business sector, which barely survived the first lockdown, will be able to recover this time from the decision on lockdown and to stand back on its feet—or whether this is a death blow.”“It was Netanyahu who sent the young people to hang out and drink after the ‘success’ of the previous lockdown,” wrote Yehuda Sharoni in the Maariv newspaper on Monday. “But if we set aside the issue of placing blame, the vexing question is whether the business sector, which barely survived the first lockdown, will be able to recover this time from the decision on lockdown and to stand back on its feet—or whether this is a death blow.”
Writing in the same paper, Ben Caspit described the lockdown as a sledgehammer. “Its effect fades a short time afterwards and the situation reverts to its former state.”Writing in the same paper, Ben Caspit described the lockdown as a sledgehammer. “Its effect fades a short time afterwards and the situation reverts to its former state.”
With infections rising up to 4,000 per day, Netanyahu said on Sunday night that hospitals were “raising the red flag” and that a lockdown was essential. However, a key concern on Monday morning in Israel was whether that timeframe was open-ended.With infections rising up to 4,000 per day, Netanyahu said on Sunday night that hospitals were “raising the red flag” and that a lockdown was essential. However, a key concern on Monday morning in Israel was whether that timeframe was open-ended.
Health Ministry Director-General Chezy Levy speculated that the easing of the nationwide lockdown would happen when the daily coronavirus infections drop to 1,000 a day but acknowledged that final criteria have yet to be set.Health Ministry Director-General Chezy Levy speculated that the easing of the nationwide lockdown would happen when the daily coronavirus infections drop to 1,000 a day but acknowledged that final criteria have yet to be set.
“We would like to get to 500 cases a day, but it is clear that at this time that won’t happen,” Levy told the Kan public broadcaster.“We would like to get to 500 cases a day, but it is clear that at this time that won’t happen,” Levy told the Kan public broadcaster.
More than 3,100 people were diagnosed with the virus on Sunday.More than 3,100 people were diagnosed with the virus on Sunday.
Queues formed outside schools across Italy on Monday as 5.6 million pupils returned to classrooms for the first time in over six months.Queues formed outside schools across Italy on Monday as 5.6 million pupils returned to classrooms for the first time in over six months.
Schools in 12 Italian regions reopened in what prime minister Giuseppe Conte said was a “big test for the state”.Schools in 12 Italian regions reopened in what prime minister Giuseppe Conte said was a “big test for the state”.
“There will be difficulties and hardship, especially at the beginning,” Conte said on Sunday. “I thank the teachers and school principals, and the families who have made many sacrifices.”“There will be difficulties and hardship, especially at the beginning,” Conte said on Sunday. “I thank the teachers and school principals, and the families who have made many sacrifices.”
Schools were closed on 6 March, a week before Italy went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.Schools were closed on 6 March, a week before Italy went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chaos marked the lead-up to the reopening, with many schools forced to postpone the start of the academic year because single-person desks had not arrived in time. Some schools will also open with reduced hours due to a shortage of staff. About 13,000 teaching and non-teaching staff will not yet return after testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies as part of a blanket screening carried out last week.Chaos marked the lead-up to the reopening, with many schools forced to postpone the start of the academic year because single-person desks had not arrived in time. Some schools will also open with reduced hours due to a shortage of staff. About 13,000 teaching and non-teaching staff will not yet return after testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies as part of a blanket screening carried out last week.
Children went back to school in the northern Alto Adige region in early September while schools in the remaining seven regions are expected to reopen on 24 September.Children went back to school in the northern Alto Adige region in early September while schools in the remaining seven regions are expected to reopen on 24 September.
Teachers have to wear face masks at all times, as do pupils over the age of six. Desks have to be 1 metre apart. Staff and children have their temperature taken on arrival, while hand-gel dispensers will be placed around school buildings. Those who have been in close contact with a student or teacher who tests positive for Covid-19 will be immediately quarantined.Teachers have to wear face masks at all times, as do pupils over the age of six. Desks have to be 1 metre apart. Staff and children have their temperature taken on arrival, while hand-gel dispensers will be placed around school buildings. Those who have been in close contact with a student or teacher who tests positive for Covid-19 will be immediately quarantined.
Lucia Azzolina, the education minister, said on Monday that 94m face masks have been sent to schools.Lucia Azzolina, the education minister, said on Monday that 94m face masks have been sent to schools.
“This year will be complex and we know that,” she said on Rai television. “But we have worked hard and constructed a prevention strategy that will function if everyone does their bit with responsibility.”“This year will be complex and we know that,” she said on Rai television. “But we have worked hard and constructed a prevention strategy that will function if everyone does their bit with responsibility.”
The Busan International Film Festival, Asia’s biggest gathering of its kind, will be reduced to a fraction of its usual scale with several sections moved online because of the pandemic, organisers said on Monday.The Busan International Film Festival, Asia’s biggest gathering of its kind, will be reduced to a fraction of its usual scale with several sections moved online because of the pandemic, organisers said on Monday.
The event normally sees a host of stars and industry figures from across Asia and further afield, including some from Hollywood, descend on the South Korean port city for 10 days of critical consideration and financial deal-making.The event normally sees a host of stars and industry figures from across Asia and further afield, including some from Hollywood, descend on the South Korean port city for 10 days of critical consideration and financial deal-making.
“We agonised over whether we should go ahead with hosting the event,” festival chairman Lee Yong-kwan told reporters.“We agonised over whether we should go ahead with hosting the event,” festival chairman Lee Yong-kwan told reporters.
He hinted that it could still be cancelled altogether if Korea’s traditional Chuseok harvest festival triggers a new surge in infections.He hinted that it could still be cancelled altogether if Korea’s traditional Chuseok harvest festival triggers a new surge in infections.
Originally set for early October, organisers said it will be pushed back to 21-30 October and gave details of the cutbacks in a statement.Originally set for early October, organisers said it will be pushed back to 21-30 October and gave details of the cutbacks in a statement.
The opening and closing ceremonies have been cancelled. as have receptions and parties, AFP reports.The opening and closing ceremonies have been cancelled. as have receptions and parties, AFP reports.
A total of 192 films from 68 countries will still be shown, but each movie will only be screened once, compared with two or three times last year. All judging for the festival’s awards will take place online, as will its film and project markets, and discussion forum.A total of 192 films from 68 countries will still be shown, but each movie will only be screened once, compared with two or three times last year. All judging for the festival’s awards will take place online, as will its film and project markets, and discussion forum.
Hi. Caroline Davies here taking over the blog for the next few hours. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.comHi. Caroline Davies here taking over the blog for the next few hours. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.com
Experts have described as dangerous and premature the Philippines’ decision to cut the social distancing minimum to 30cm (12in) on public transport next month, as the country recorded another daily record in newly confirmed Covid-19 deaths.Experts have described as dangerous and premature the Philippines’ decision to cut the social distancing minimum to 30cm (12in) on public transport next month, as the country recorded another daily record in newly confirmed Covid-19 deaths.
Karen Lema reports for Reuters that experts and medical professionals have warned that reducing the gaps between passengers incrementally to a third of the 1-metre minimum could backfire and prolong a first wave of infections that the Philippines has been battling since March.Karen Lema reports for Reuters that experts and medical professionals have warned that reducing the gaps between passengers incrementally to a third of the 1-metre minimum could backfire and prolong a first wave of infections that the Philippines has been battling since March.
The new rules took effect today, when the country reported 259 new confirmed deaths, a record for the second time in three days. Total fatalities increased to 4,630, while infections have doubled in the past 35 days to 265,888, south-east Asia’s highest.The new rules took effect today, when the country reported 259 new confirmed deaths, a record for the second time in three days. Total fatalities increased to 4,630, while infections have doubled in the past 35 days to 265,888, south-east Asia’s highest.
“This will be risky, reckless and counter-intuitive and will delay the flattening of the curve,” Anthony Leachon, ex-president of the Philippine College of Physicians, told news channel ANC.“This will be risky, reckless and counter-intuitive and will delay the flattening of the curve,” Anthony Leachon, ex-president of the Philippine College of Physicians, told news channel ANC.
“Even if you wear a face shield and mask, reducing the distance between, it will be dangerous,” he said, adding that 1 or 2 metres was the minimum international standard.“Even if you wear a face shield and mask, reducing the distance between, it will be dangerous,” he said, adding that 1 or 2 metres was the minimum international standard.
The transport ministry’s new rules will cut the distance forst to 75cm, then 50cm on 28 September and finally 30cm on 12 October. To reduce transmission risk conversation and phone calls are prohibited.The transport ministry’s new rules will cut the distance forst to 75cm, then 50cm on 28 September and finally 30cm on 12 October. To reduce transmission risk conversation and phone calls are prohibited.
The health ministry urged the public to be “extra vigilant” in tight travel conditions and to choose other transport modes if possible.The health ministry urged the public to be “extra vigilant” in tight travel conditions and to choose other transport modes if possible.
Manila’s transport systems are notoriously crowded, with commutes typically involving long queues and several changes.Manila’s transport systems are notoriously crowded, with commutes typically involving long queues and several changes.
“It is likely that we will see an increase in cases and our recovery will slow if we do this now,” said epidemiologist Antonio Dans.“It is likely that we will see an increase in cases and our recovery will slow if we do this now,” said epidemiologist Antonio Dans.
Dans is a member of a health professionals alliance that last month pleaded for a tightening of Manila’s lockdown - a “timeout” to stop hospitals being overrun. It urged a rethink of the 30cm rule.Dans is a member of a health professionals alliance that last month pleaded for a tightening of Manila’s lockdown - a “timeout” to stop hospitals being overrun. It urged a rethink of the 30cm rule.
The plan aims to help an economy that the government sees contracting 5.5% this year, the worst shrinkage in 35 years.The plan aims to help an economy that the government sees contracting 5.5% this year, the worst shrinkage in 35 years.
“Reopening the economy will never happen unless the viral transmission is controlled,” added Leachon, a former advisor to the government’s Covid-19 task force.“Reopening the economy will never happen unless the viral transmission is controlled,” added Leachon, a former advisor to the government’s Covid-19 task force.
And that’s it from me, Martin Belam, this morning. I’m handing over now to my colleague Caroline Davies.And that’s it from me, Martin Belam, this morning. I’m handing over now to my colleague Caroline Davies.