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Coronavirus live news: WHO warns of 'alarming' Covid transmission across Europe; call for action in Madrid Coronavirus live news: WHO warns of 'alarming' Covid transmission across Europe; call for action in Madrid
(32 minutes later)
WHO warns against shortening quarantine in Europe; Madrid told to ‘do whatever needs to be done’ as virus spreads; India reports world record casesWHO warns against shortening quarantine in Europe; Madrid told to ‘do whatever needs to be done’ as virus spreads; India reports world record cases
In China, Wuhan, ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak sweeping the globe, has re-opened for international flights, ending an eight-month moratorium since the deadly disease first emerged.
China stopped international flights in March as global alarm increased about the spread of Covid-19, but has now largely brought the disease under control at home through travel restrictions, testing and lockdowns.
A flight operated by South Korean carrier T’way landed at Wuhan’s Tianhe International Airport Wednesday morning with 60 passengers, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
AFP reports that officials in white hazmat suits, masks and visors were seen checking the passports of arriving passengers.
All international passengers arriving in Wuhan have to pass a test within 72 hours of departure, Li Yizhuo, director of Wuhan’s Civil Aviation Office, told CCTV.
China still bans most foreigners from entering and those allowed have to undergo two weeks of quarantine.
South Korean budget carrier T’way will operate one weekly round-trip flight between Wuhan and Incheon International Airport, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Other major Chinese cities - including Beijing and Shanghai - already allow direct international flights, but have tightened visa processes and health checks.
The Netherlands has recorded a new daily high for coronavirus cases, the health authorities there said on Thursday. There have been 1,753 new cases in the past 24 hours. That increased the total number of infections to 88,073. Cases in Netherlands have been rising sharply since the beginning of September.
In Austria, the chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, has said that as of Monday private indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people because of rising coronavirus infections, Reuters reports.
Kurz set out other measures, including a plan to limit orders at bars and restaurants to those who are seated, with a 10-person limit for tables.
The chancellor also said face masks would be required at markets, in churches and while moving around restaurants.
“These are restrictions that hurt but they are restrictions that are necessary to hopefully prevent a second lockdown,” Kurz said.
After remaining low since April, coronavirus cases in the country have been rising steadily over the past month.
Here’s a summary of some of the most important stories around the world today:Here’s a summary of some of the most important stories around the world today:
•The World Health Organization warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned countries against shortening quarantine periods. WHO’s regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.” • The World Health Organization has warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned countries against shortening quarantine periods. WHO’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said the number of coronavirus cases in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us”.
•India reported another global record jump in daily coronavirus infections with 97,894 cases in the last 24 hours, data from the health ministry showed on Thursday. Coronavirus infections in India surged past 5 million on Wednesday, piling pressure on hospitals grappling with unreliable supplies of oxygen that they need to treat tens of thousands of critical patients. • India reported another global record jump in daily coronavirus infections with 97,894 cases in the last 24 hours, data from the health ministry showed on Thursday. The number of coronavirus infections in India surged past 5m on Wednesday, piling pressure on hospitals grappling with unreliable supplies of oxygen that they need to treat tens of thousands of critical patients.
•The global economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic may take as much as five years, the World Bank’s chief economist Carmen Reinhart said. Reinhart said that a quick rebound followed by a slower complete recovery was likely, adding that for the first time in twenty years, global poverty rates will rise following the crisis. • The global economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic may take as much as five years, the World Bank’s chief economist has said. Carmen Reinhart said a quick rebound followed by a slower complete recovery was likely, adding that for the first time in 20 years, global poverty rates will rise following the crisis.
•South Africa will reopen its borders to most countries next month, the country’s president said on Wednesday, part of a wider easing of measures announced as figures continue to improve. • South Africa will reopen its borders to most countries next month, the country’s president said on Wednesday. The move is part of a wider easing of measures that have been announced as figures continue to improve.
•Australia recorded its lowest one-day rise in Covid cases in nearly three months, prompting hopes that restrictions in some areas will be eased. • Australia recorded its lowest one-day rise in Covid cases in nearly three months, prompting hopes that restrictions in some areas will be eased.
•The British government played down claims of a possible two-week national lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to rise. 1.5 million people in north-east England will be placed under coronavirus restrictions at midnight on Thursday for the first time since the UK entered full lockdown in March. • The UK government played down claims of a possible two-week national lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to rise. About 1.5 million people in north-east England will be placed under coronavirus restrictions from midnight for the first time since the UK entered full lockdown in March.
•Spain’s health minister has called on the regional government of Madrid “to do whatever needs to be done to control the situation” amid growing fears that the pandemic is once again overwhelming the area in and around the capital. On Wednesday, Spain logged a total of 614,360 Covid cases, up almost 11,200 on the previous day. • Spain’s health minister has called on the regional government of Madrid “to do whatever needs to be done to control the situation” amid growing fears the pandemic is once again overwhelming the area in and around the capital. On Wednesday, Spain logged a total of 614,360 Covid cases, up almost 11,200 on the previous day.
Fears of a new lockdown are growing in Greece’s capital where a surge in cases in the greater Athens region is causing growing alarm. With the total number of fatalities in the country rising to 322 on Thursday, leading epidemiologists warned this morning that new confinement rules would be inevitable if the triple-digit daily increase in infections rates continued.Fears of a new lockdown are growing in Greece’s capital where a surge in cases in the greater Athens region is causing growing alarm. With the total number of fatalities in the country rising to 322 on Thursday, leading epidemiologists warned this morning that new confinement rules would be inevitable if the triple-digit daily increase in infections rates continued.
Speaking on ANT1 TV’s Good Morning Greece show, the infectious disease expert Nikolaos Sypsas dispelled speculation that a second lockdown “would never happen”Speaking on ANT1 TV’s Good Morning Greece show, the infectious disease expert Nikolaos Sypsas dispelled speculation that a second lockdown “would never happen”
“The answer is, if needed, it will happen. If this situation continues, especially in Attica, we will undoubtedly have a lockdown, there is no doubt about it,” he said of Athens and surrounding area.“The answer is, if needed, it will happen. If this situation continues, especially in Attica, we will undoubtedly have a lockdown, there is no doubt about it,” he said of Athens and surrounding area.
A member of the scientific committee advising the government, Sypsas described the next 10 days as decisive. If further measures announced this week to contain the spread of the virus failed to yield results the next step would “be the restriction of citizens’ circulating”.A member of the scientific committee advising the government, Sypsas described the next 10 days as decisive. If further measures announced this week to contain the spread of the virus failed to yield results the next step would “be the restriction of citizens’ circulating”.
If enforced the lockdown would likely be for at least a week, he said.If enforced the lockdown would likely be for at least a week, he said.
More than half of Greece’s 11-million strong population lives in the greater Athens region.More than half of Greece’s 11-million strong population lives in the greater Athens region.
Greek epidemiologists fear the surge in cases has already begun to place pressure on the health system. On Wednesday, the nation’s public health organisation recorded more than 300 infections for the fourth day running.Greek epidemiologists fear the surge in cases has already begun to place pressure on the health system. On Wednesday, the nation’s public health organisation recorded more than 300 infections for the fourth day running.
Addressing reporters Thursday the government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, said two-thirds of intensive care units were now occupied in Attica. “This puts the health system at great risk,” he said. “We have to all act against this common enemy … if not the economic and social cost will be very heavy.”Addressing reporters Thursday the government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, said two-thirds of intensive care units were now occupied in Attica. “This puts the health system at great risk,” he said. “We have to all act against this common enemy … if not the economic and social cost will be very heavy.”
With its fragile economy set to contract by as much as 10%, Greece has previously said it would do its utmost to avoid a second lockdown.With its fragile economy set to contract by as much as 10%, Greece has previously said it would do its utmost to avoid a second lockdown.
The World Health Organization warned Thursday of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned countries against shortening quarantine periods. The World Health Organization has warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned countries against shortening quarantine periods.
AFP reports that the WHO’s regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.” AFP reports that the WHO’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said the number of coronavirus cases in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us”.
“Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region,” he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen. “Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region,” he told an online press conference from Copenhagen.
The health body also said it would not change its guidance calling for a 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to the novel coronavirus. The health body also said it would not change its guidance calling for a 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus.
“Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science,” WHO Europe’s senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said. “Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science,” said Catherine Smallwood, a WHO Europe senior emergency officer.
In France for instance, the recommended length for self-isolation in case of exposure has been reduced to seven days.In France for instance, the recommended length for self-isolation in case of exposure has been reduced to seven days.
It is 10 days in the UK and Ireland, and several more European countries, such as Portugal and Croatia, are currently considering reducing their recommendations.It is 10 days in the UK and Ireland, and several more European countries, such as Portugal and Croatia, are currently considering reducing their recommendations.
“Knowing the immense individual and societal impact even a slight reduction in the length of quarantine can have... I encourage countries of the region to make scientific due process with their experts and explore safe reduction options,” Kluge said, adding that the “concept of quarantine must be protected” and “continuously adapted.” “Knowing the immense individual and societal impact even a slight reduction in the length of quarantine can have … I encourage countries of the region to make scientific due process with their experts and explore safe reduction options,” Kluge said, adding that the “concept of quarantine must be protected” and “continuously adapted”.
The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation’s own figures. The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly 5m cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation’s figures.
The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 - although testing in many countries has increased considerably. The number of daily cases recorded is between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on 1 April – although testing in many countries has increased considerably.
A new record was set on September 11, with some 54,000 cases recorded in 24 hours. A new record was set on 11 September, with about 54,000 cases recorded in 24 hours.
International passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi airport will now have to wear a tracking device while they complete a mandatory 14-day home quarantine due to COVID-19, according to state-owned Etihad Airways. International passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi airport will now have to wear a tracking device while they complete a mandatory 14-day home quarantine owing to Covid-19, according to state-owned Etihad Airways.
Reuters reports that daily infections in the United Arab Emirates rose this month to their highest since the outbreak started, which officials have largely blamed on people not practicing social distancing. Reuters reports that daily infections in the United Arab Emirates rose this month to their highest since the outbreak started. Officials have largely blamed the rise on people not practicing social distancing.
Those arriving at Abu Dhabi airport would be fitted with a medically approved wristband, which is removed after the 14-days of home quarantine, according to Etihad’s latest travel update.Those arriving at Abu Dhabi airport would be fitted with a medically approved wristband, which is removed after the 14-days of home quarantine, according to Etihad’s latest travel update.
Those arriving from countries deemed to be a high risk may have to quarantine in a government facility, it said.Those arriving from countries deemed to be a high risk may have to quarantine in a government facility, it said.
A health ministry official on Sept. 10 said 12% of cases in the previous two weeks were from international arrivals while 88% were linked to people gathering in large groups. The UAE recorded 786 new novel coronavirus cases on Thursday, down from 1,007 on Saturday, it biggest daily total so far. A health ministry official on 10 September said 12% of cases in the previous two weeks were from international arrivals, while 88% were linked to people gathering in large groups. The UAE recorded 786 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, down from 1,007 on Saturday, it biggest daily total so far.
The UAE, which has seen 82,568 infections and 402 deaths from COVID-19 so far, does not disclose where in the country the cases occur. The UAE, which has so far recorded 82,568 infections and 402 deaths from Covid-19, does not disclose where in the country the cases occur.
Only UAE citizens and residents can currently enter the country through Abu Dhabi airport, though foreign visitors can enter through Dubai.Only UAE citizens and residents can currently enter the country through Abu Dhabi airport, though foreign visitors can enter through Dubai.
Spain’s health minister has called on the regional government of Madrid “to do whatever needs to be done to control the situation” amid growing fears that the pandemic is once again overwhelming the area in and around the capital.Spain’s health minister has called on the regional government of Madrid “to do whatever needs to be done to control the situation” amid growing fears that the pandemic is once again overwhelming the area in and around the capital.
On Wednesday, Spain logged a total of 614,360 Covid cases, up almost 11,200 on the previous day. Over the past fortnight, 120,657 new infections have been diagnosed – a third of them in the Madrid region. Three hundred and sixty-six people have died across Spain from Covid in the past seven days, 124 of them in Madrid.On Wednesday, Spain logged a total of 614,360 Covid cases, up almost 11,200 on the previous day. Over the past fortnight, 120,657 new infections have been diagnosed – a third of them in the Madrid region. Three hundred and sixty-six people have died across Spain from Covid in the past seven days, 124 of them in Madrid.
The regional government of the Madrid president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has been criticised for its slow reaction to the second wave of the virus.The regional government of the Madrid president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has been criticised for its slow reaction to the second wave of the virus.
Although it had previously said it was looking at bringing in lockdowns of specific areas and limits on movement this weekend, Ayuso’s administration appeared to perform a u-turn on Thursday morning when the regional justice minister said the word “lockdown” made people nervous.Although it had previously said it was looking at bringing in lockdowns of specific areas and limits on movement this weekend, Ayuso’s administration appeared to perform a u-turn on Thursday morning when the regional justice minister said the word “lockdown” made people nervous.
Enrique López told Onda Cero radio that the plan was to “reduce mobility and contacts” in the most affected areas, but not to lock them down.Enrique López told Onda Cero radio that the plan was to “reduce mobility and contacts” in the most affected areas, but not to lock them down.
“We need to send a message of calm to the population,” he added.“We need to send a message of calm to the population,” he added.
But Spain’s national health minister was far blunter, urging the Madrid authorities to take “effective measures” to arrest the progress of the virus.But Spain’s national health minister was far blunter, urging the Madrid authorities to take “effective measures” to arrest the progress of the virus.
“We need to do whatever needs to be done to control the situation in Madrid,” Salvador Illa told Spanish radio on Thursday. “I want to be very clear about this. The necessary measures need to be taken to bring about a controlled situation – that’s the key point.”“We need to do whatever needs to be done to control the situation in Madrid,” Salvador Illa told Spanish radio on Thursday. “I want to be very clear about this. The necessary measures need to be taken to bring about a controlled situation – that’s the key point.”
There are reports in the Spanish media that the regional government is planning to reopen the enormous field hospital that was set up at the height of the previous peak in Madrid’s main conference centre. It was erected at great speed in the spring in an attempt to relieve pressure on Madrid’s hugely overstretched health system and avoid an all-out collapse.There are reports in the Spanish media that the regional government is planning to reopen the enormous field hospital that was set up at the height of the previous peak in Madrid’s main conference centre. It was erected at great speed in the spring in an attempt to relieve pressure on Madrid’s hugely overstretched health system and avoid an all-out collapse.
At the moment, 22% of the region’s hospital beds are occupied by patients with the virus – up from 18% at the end of last week. Medical associations in the regions say that while they have the equipment they need, there is a serious shortage of healthcare staff.At the moment, 22% of the region’s hospital beds are occupied by patients with the virus – up from 18% at the end of last week. Medical associations in the regions say that while they have the equipment they need, there is a serious shortage of healthcare staff.
Many of the areas likely to be affected by any measures are working-class Madrid districts, where residents rely on public transport to commute to their jobs in the capital.Many of the areas likely to be affected by any measures are working-class Madrid districts, where residents rely on public transport to commute to their jobs in the capital.
Earlier this week Ayuso, a member of the conservative People’s party, was criticised after claiming that the infection rate in the south of the city and the region was due “among other things, to the way of life of immigrants in Madrid and the population density in these districts and municipalities”.Earlier this week Ayuso, a member of the conservative People’s party, was criticised after claiming that the infection rate in the south of the city and the region was due “among other things, to the way of life of immigrants in Madrid and the population density in these districts and municipalities”.
Madrid’s SOS Racism group described Ayuso’s words as “institutional racism”, adding that migrants in the region mainly had precarious jobs, lived in substandard housing and were almost without access to healthcare – “which puts us in a vulnerable situation and leaves us more exposed to the virus”.Madrid’s SOS Racism group described Ayuso’s words as “institutional racism”, adding that migrants in the region mainly had precarious jobs, lived in substandard housing and were almost without access to healthcare – “which puts us in a vulnerable situation and leaves us more exposed to the virus”.
Ayuso has previously accused the central government of “cruelly” singling out the situation in Madrid after both the prime minister and Spain’s health emergencies chief expressed concerns over the spread of the virus there.Ayuso has previously accused the central government of “cruelly” singling out the situation in Madrid after both the prime minister and Spain’s health emergencies chief expressed concerns over the spread of the virus there.
In Lebanon, the country’s largest prison is facing more than 200 virus cases, AFP reports.In Lebanon, the country’s largest prison is facing more than 200 virus cases, AFP reports.
The head of the country’s doctors union, Sharaf Abu Sharaf, told journalists in Beirut: “There are more than 200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Roumieh prison.”The head of the country’s doctors union, Sharaf Abu Sharaf, told journalists in Beirut: “There are more than 200 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Roumieh prison.”
Abu Sharaf did not specify whether the new cases were all inmates or if they also included prison guards.Abu Sharaf did not specify whether the new cases were all inmates or if they also included prison guards.
But he blamed prisoners for the spike in infections, saying they were not abiding by health measures.But he blamed prisoners for the spike in infections, saying they were not abiding by health measures.
He also called on authorities to speed up trials to ease overcrowding, in a country where suspects can languish in jail for months without a hearing.He also called on authorities to speed up trials to ease overcrowding, in a country where suspects can languish in jail for months without a hearing.
Roumieh prison houses more than 4,000 prisoners, around three times its intended capacity, and has long been infamous for its poor conditions.Roumieh prison houses more than 4,000 prisoners, around three times its intended capacity, and has long been infamous for its poor conditions.
A video leaked from the prison and shared widely across social media on Wednesday showed nearly 100 inmates demanding immediate measures to ease overcrowding in light of the virus outbreak.A video leaked from the prison and shared widely across social media on Wednesday showed nearly 100 inmates demanding immediate measures to ease overcrowding in light of the virus outbreak.
A prisoner speaking on the group’s behalf threatened a “river of blood” unless steps are taken.A prisoner speaking on the group’s behalf threatened a “river of blood” unless steps are taken.
Security authorities had first announced 22 coronavirus cases there on Saturday.Security authorities had first announced 22 coronavirus cases there on Saturday.
They include nine guards and 13 detainees who had been transferred to an isolation unit inside the jail.They include nine guards and 13 detainees who had been transferred to an isolation unit inside the jail.
Dozens of families of Roumieh detainees staged a protest in front of a Beirut courthouse Monday, demanding a general amnesty for their relatives over fears the pandemic was spreading in the jail.Dozens of families of Roumieh detainees staged a protest in front of a Beirut courthouse Monday, demanding a general amnesty for their relatives over fears the pandemic was spreading in the jail.
Speaking to AFP on Monday, Beirut Bar Association head Melhem Khalaf called the outbreak there a “humanitarian time bomb.”Speaking to AFP on Monday, Beirut Bar Association head Melhem Khalaf called the outbreak there a “humanitarian time bomb.”
Caretaker health minister Hamad Hassan has said his ministry was working with the ministries of interior and defence to prepare two hospitals in the eastern Bekaa region and one in the capital to treat detainees.Caretaker health minister Hamad Hassan has said his ministry was working with the ministries of interior and defence to prepare two hospitals in the eastern Bekaa region and one in the capital to treat detainees.
Covid-19 infections have surged in Lebanon in recent weeks, especially after a massive explosion at Beirut port on August 4 that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged large parts of the capital.Covid-19 infections have surged in Lebanon in recent weeks, especially after a massive explosion at Beirut port on August 4 that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged large parts of the capital.
Since February, Lebanon has recorded a total of 26,083 Covid-19 cases, including 259 deaths.Since February, Lebanon has recorded a total of 26,083 Covid-19 cases, including 259 deaths.
This is Archie Bland, taking over from Josh Halliday.This is Archie Bland, taking over from Josh Halliday.
In Sudan, Zeinab Mohammed Salih is reporting that staple food prices have gone up about 50% with floods, government wage policies and the threat of coronavirus in the background:In Sudan, Zeinab Mohammed Salih is reporting that staple food prices have gone up about 50% with floods, government wage policies and the threat of coronavirus in the background:
You can read the story here.You can read the story here.
In Spain, there had been plans to introduce targeted lockdowns in parts of the Madrid region, which accounts for about one-third of the country’s current Covid-19 cases.In Spain, there had been plans to introduce targeted lockdowns in parts of the Madrid region, which accounts for about one-third of the country’s current Covid-19 cases.
Under strict measures announced on Wednesday, the region’s deputy health chief Antonio Zapatero said people in areas with high infection rates would be confined to those areas. The announcement caused concern among residents of densely populated, low-income neighbourhoods in the south of Madrid which have a high rate of infections, AFP reports.Under strict measures announced on Wednesday, the region’s deputy health chief Antonio Zapatero said people in areas with high infection rates would be confined to those areas. The announcement caused concern among residents of densely populated, low-income neighbourhoods in the south of Madrid which have a high rate of infections, AFP reports.
However, 24 hours later, there has been a change of plan. The justice minister in the Madrid regional government, Enrique Lopez, said today the word confinement “generates anxiety” and stressed that the government planned only to “reduce mobility and contacts” in areas with a high rate of infections but would not lock them down.However, 24 hours later, there has been a change of plan. The justice minister in the Madrid regional government, Enrique Lopez, said today the word confinement “generates anxiety” and stressed that the government planned only to “reduce mobility and contacts” in areas with a high rate of infections but would not lock them down.
“We need to send a message of calm to the population,” he added during an interview with radio Onda Cero.“We need to send a message of calm to the population,” he added during an interview with radio Onda Cero.
A source at the Madrid health department told AFP that a press conference would likely be held on Friday to outline the new measures, which would take effect on Saturday or Monday, depending on how early they could legally be implemented.A source at the Madrid health department told AFP that a press conference would likely be held on Friday to outline the new measures, which would take effect on Saturday or Monday, depending on how early they could legally be implemented.
Spain has over 600,000 confirmed cases of the virus and 30,000 deaths from the respiratory disease, one of the world’s highest tolls.Spain has over 600,000 confirmed cases of the virus and 30,000 deaths from the respiratory disease, one of the world’s highest tolls.
Belarus is considering conducting a 100-person trial of Russia’s Covid-19 vaccine, its health ministry has said.Belarus is considering conducting a 100-person trial of Russia’s Covid-19 vaccine, its health ministry has said.
Large-scale trials of the ‘Sputnik-V’ vaccine, known as Phase III trials, are ongoing in Russia and involve at least 40,000 people. Initial results are expected in October or November, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has said.Large-scale trials of the ‘Sputnik-V’ vaccine, known as Phase III trials, are ongoing in Russia and involve at least 40,000 people. Initial results are expected in October or November, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has said.
The Belarus trial would be one of several that Russia hopes to carry out abroad. The country’s health ministry said that, while it is still pending regulatory approval, potential participants could apply online at eight specially-selected clinics.The Belarus trial would be one of several that Russia hopes to carry out abroad. The country’s health ministry said that, while it is still pending regulatory approval, potential participants could apply online at eight specially-selected clinics.
There has been scepticism in scientific circles since Russia became the first country in the world to license a coronavirus vaccine last month.There has been scepticism in scientific circles since Russia became the first country in the world to license a coronavirus vaccine last month.
At the time of the announcement the vaccine had not passed the advanced trials normally required to prove it works before being licensed, a major breach of scientific protocol. Russian officials claimed the vaccine would provide lasting immunity to Covid-19 but offered no proof.At the time of the announcement the vaccine had not passed the advanced trials normally required to prove it works before being licensed, a major breach of scientific protocol. Russian officials claimed the vaccine would provide lasting immunity to Covid-19 but offered no proof.
The World Health Organisation’s top emergency expert has stressed the importance of countries having “consistent messaging” when asked about contradictory remarks made by Donald Trump and US health officials.The World Health Organisation’s top emergency expert has stressed the importance of countries having “consistent messaging” when asked about contradictory remarks made by Donald Trump and US health officials.
Trump took exception on Wednesday to comments from the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Robert Redfield, who said a vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be broadly rolled out in mid-2021 and that masks might be even more effective.Trump took exception on Wednesday to comments from the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Robert Redfield, who said a vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be broadly rolled out in mid-2021 and that masks might be even more effective.
Mike Ryan, of the World Health Organisation, said:Mike Ryan, of the World Health Organisation, said:
The global economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic may take as much as five years, the World Bank’s chief economist Carmen Reinhart has said.The global economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic may take as much as five years, the World Bank’s chief economist Carmen Reinhart has said.
“There will probably be a quick rebound as all the restriction measures linked to lockdowns are lifted, but a full recovery will take as much as five years,” Reinhart said in a speech during a conference held in Madrid.“There will probably be a quick rebound as all the restriction measures linked to lockdowns are lifted, but a full recovery will take as much as five years,” Reinhart said in a speech during a conference held in Madrid.
Reuters reports that Reinhart said the recession would last longer in some countries than in others and would exacerbate inequalities as the poorest will be harder hit by the crisis in rich countries and the poorest countries will be harder hit than richer countries.Reuters reports that Reinhart said the recession would last longer in some countries than in others and would exacerbate inequalities as the poorest will be harder hit by the crisis in rich countries and the poorest countries will be harder hit than richer countries.
For the first time in twenty years, global poverty rates will rise following the crisis, she added.For the first time in twenty years, global poverty rates will rise following the crisis, she added.
The Czech Republic has reported more than 2,000 new Covid cases in a single day for the first time as it battles a surge in infections that is among the fastest in Europe.The Czech Republic has reported more than 2,000 new Covid cases in a single day for the first time as it battles a surge in infections that is among the fastest in Europe.
The health ministry recorded 2,139 cases of the new coronavirus on Wednesday, up from a previous record of 1,675 reported the previous day, Reuters reports.The health ministry recorded 2,139 cases of the new coronavirus on Wednesday, up from a previous record of 1,675 reported the previous day, Reuters reports.
The country of 10.7m has seen a spike in cases this month that has easily surpassed peaks seen during the first wave of the outbreak in March.The country of 10.7m has seen a spike in cases this month that has easily surpassed peaks seen during the first wave of the outbreak in March.
Due to the rise, the government has tightened mask wearing rules and restricted bars’ opening hours. On Wednesday, the health ministry said it would ban stand-up indoor events from Friday evening, also affecting bars and restaurants where customers cannot exceed seating capacity.Due to the rise, the government has tightened mask wearing rules and restricted bars’ opening hours. On Wednesday, the health ministry said it would ban stand-up indoor events from Friday evening, also affecting bars and restaurants where customers cannot exceed seating capacity.
The Solomon Islands is one of the few Covid-free countries in the world. But perhaps not for much longer.The Solomon Islands is one of the few Covid-free countries in the world. But perhaps not for much longer.
Its prime minister Manasseh Sogavare has said it will repatriate more than 400 students – including 12 who have tested positive for coronavirus – who have been stranded in the Philippines since the island nation closed its borders in March.Its prime minister Manasseh Sogavare has said it will repatriate more than 400 students – including 12 who have tested positive for coronavirus – who have been stranded in the Philippines since the island nation closed its borders in March.
Their return has become a headache for officials in one of the few Covid-zero countries in the world, AFP news agency reports, while the Philippines has recorded more than 260,000 cases.Their return has become a headache for officials in one of the few Covid-zero countries in the world, AFP news agency reports, while the Philippines has recorded more than 260,000 cases.
“We look forward to seeing our students home soon, and be assured, the Solomon Islands is still Covid-19 free,” Sogavare said in a televised national address.“We look forward to seeing our students home soon, and be assured, the Solomon Islands is still Covid-19 free,” Sogavare said in a televised national address.