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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
France is to implement extra measures to curb the Covid-19 epidemic in the cities of Lyon and Nice, the country’s health minister said, adding to the three other regions deemed as virus “red zones” where additional measures are already in place.
The minister, Olivier Veran, did not say what those measures would be, Reuters reported. But he said local officials in Lyon and Nice would have until the weekend to submit their plans for extra measures to the government in Paris.
France has this month seen a resurgence in the number of virus cases, surpassing the daily record reached earlier this year. Numbers in hospital and intensive care with Covid-19 are climbing too, though they are still a long way short of the peak reached in the spring.
Addressing French citizens, Veran said: “We are in a situation, especially in the regions that I have mentioned, where I can only ask you to redouble your efforts, particularly in reducing the number of people you see each day.”
Gatherings of family are a major source of Covid-19 infections, he said.
“If everyone reduced [their] number of social contacts, this would help reduce the spread of the virus”, he said.
The regions with extra anti-Covid measures already in place are Marseille, Bordeaux and Guadeloupe, a French territory in the Caribbean.
Measures that came into force on Monday in Marseille and Bordeaux included stricter rules for beach gatherings, visiting the elderly in care homes and attending outdoor public events.
The coronavirus is evolving slowly, researchers have confirmed, in a report that is a glimmer of good news for vaccine researchers.The coronavirus is evolving slowly, researchers have confirmed, in a report that is a glimmer of good news for vaccine researchers.
The report, released by the Royal Society’s Science in Emergencies Tasking: COVID-19 group, reveals that while the genome of the virus has shown some mutations, these do not appear to be making the virus more likely to cause disease. The report, released by the Royal Society’s Science in Emergencies Tasking: Covid-19 group, reveals that while the genome of the virus has shown some mutations, these do not appear to be making the virus more likely to cause disease.
Indeed such changes could actually be useful, with the team noting they can be harnessed to probe the spread of Covid-19 in hospitals, schools and other settings.Indeed such changes could actually be useful, with the team noting they can be harnessed to probe the spread of Covid-19 in hospitals, schools and other settings.
While the report notes the evolving genome of the virus should be considered when it comes to testing to make sure cases are not missed, it says the changes seen so far mean the virus is unlikely to outflank vaccines currently under development.While the report notes the evolving genome of the virus should be considered when it comes to testing to make sure cases are not missed, it says the changes seen so far mean the virus is unlikely to outflank vaccines currently under development.
“The genome variation seen hitherto is unlikely to enable virus escape from immune responses induced by vaccination or prior infection,” the team write.“The genome variation seen hitherto is unlikely to enable virus escape from immune responses induced by vaccination or prior infection,” the team write.
Facebook has said it will no longer show health groups in its recommendations to ensure that its users get health information from authoritative sources.Facebook has said it will no longer show health groups in its recommendations to ensure that its users get health information from authoritative sources.
The company took down more than 1m groups that violated Facebook’s policies on harmful content and misinformation over the last year. It said in a blog post:The company took down more than 1m groups that violated Facebook’s policies on harmful content and misinformation over the last year. It said in a blog post:
Hundreds of workers at Covid-19 laboratories in France went on strike on Thursday, a trade union said, angry over poor working conditions as the coronavirus testing system buckles under huge demand.Hundreds of workers at Covid-19 laboratories in France went on strike on Thursday, a trade union said, angry over poor working conditions as the coronavirus testing system buckles under huge demand.
Reuters reported that the CGT union said the strike was disrupting testing in some towns and could drag on if laboratory owners failed to deal with staff shortages and increase pay.Reuters reported that the CGT union said the strike was disrupting testing in some towns and could drag on if laboratory owners failed to deal with staff shortages and increase pay.
The walkout comes as the government demands more and faster testing to fight a surge in coronavirus cases.The walkout comes as the government demands more and faster testing to fight a surge in coronavirus cases.
“We’re overwhelmed,” the laboratory nurse Aminata Diene, one of about 50 lab workers protesting outside a diagnostics centre on the edge of Paris, said.“We’re overwhelmed,” the laboratory nurse Aminata Diene, one of about 50 lab workers protesting outside a diagnostics centre on the edge of Paris, said.
The 31-year-old said her Bioclinic laboratory in Bezons, which is staffed by four nurses and would normally handle 40 Covid-19 tests a day, was closed as a result of the strike.The 31-year-old said her Bioclinic laboratory in Bezons, which is staffed by four nurses and would normally handle 40 Covid-19 tests a day, was closed as a result of the strike.
“We can’t be on the phone, physically greeting patients and carrying out tests all at once. We’re exhausted, physically and mentally.”“We can’t be on the phone, physically greeting patients and carrying out tests all at once. We’re exhausted, physically and mentally.”
France has ramped up testing five-fold since the peak of the first wave and now carries out more than 1m tests a week. But at some testing centres, people queue around the block and results can take days because of the bottleneck in laboratories.France has ramped up testing five-fold since the peak of the first wave and now carries out more than 1m tests a week. But at some testing centres, people queue around the block and results can take days because of the bottleneck in laboratories.
Le Figaro reported that in a meeting with senior ministers last week, President Emmanuel Macron said: “One million tests is all well and good, but it’s pointless if the results arrive too late.”Le Figaro reported that in a meeting with senior ministers last week, President Emmanuel Macron said: “One million tests is all well and good, but it’s pointless if the results arrive too late.”
In the United States, AP reports that New York City has again delayed the planned start of in-person learning for most of the million-plus students in its public school system.In the United States, AP reports that New York City has again delayed the planned start of in-person learning for most of the million-plus students in its public school system.
The city’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, announced on Thursday that most elementary school students would do remote-only learning until 29 September. Middle and high schools would stay remote through to 1 October.The city’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, announced on Thursday that most elementary school students would do remote-only learning until 29 September. Middle and high schools would stay remote through to 1 October.
Pre-kindergarten students and some other special education students will be the only ones who resume in-person instruction on Monday, as originally planned.Pre-kindergarten students and some other special education students will be the only ones who resume in-person instruction on Monday, as originally planned.
De Blasio and union leaders said the city needed more time to prepare for students to return to school buildings.De Blasio and union leaders said the city needed more time to prepare for students to return to school buildings.
Dido Harding, the interim chair of the UK National Institute for Health Protection, is facing tough questions in front of parliament’s science committee. She has just said aabout four times as many people in the country may want coronavirus tests than can currently get them. You can follow that hearing in detail with Andrew Sparrow on the UK live blog.Dido Harding, the interim chair of the UK National Institute for Health Protection, is facing tough questions in front of parliament’s science committee. She has just said aabout four times as many people in the country may want coronavirus tests than can currently get them. You can follow that hearing in detail with Andrew Sparrow on the UK live blog.
Bahrain’s crown prince has become one of the first global royals to join a vaccine trial for Covid-19. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received a jab on Thursday as part of a clinical trial being run in conjunction with Abu Dhabi-based G42 Healthcare.Bahrain’s crown prince has become one of the first global royals to join a vaccine trial for Covid-19. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received a jab on Thursday as part of a clinical trial being run in conjunction with Abu Dhabi-based G42 Healthcare.
The vaccine is being produced by the Chinese company Sinopharm, which has started a third phase trials. The trial involves injecting up to 6,000 volunteers to study the effectiveness of antibody production and whether any clinical protection against Covid 19 is produced.The vaccine is being produced by the Chinese company Sinopharm, which has started a third phase trials. The trial involves injecting up to 6,000 volunteers to study the effectiveness of antibody production and whether any clinical protection against Covid 19 is produced.
“In Bahrain we are proud to say we have stepped forward and shouldered responsibility, first in sharing in treatment and testing best practice, and now in support of safe vaccine testing and development,” he said.“In Bahrain we are proud to say we have stepped forward and shouldered responsibility, first in sharing in treatment and testing best practice, and now in support of safe vaccine testing and development,” he said.
Bahrain has had 62,500 cases of the virus and 216 deaths. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, has had nearly 83,000 cases and 402 deaths.Bahrain has had 62,500 cases of the virus and 216 deaths. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, has had nearly 83,000 cases and 402 deaths.
Infections have been particularly high among the large overseas worker populations in both countries, as is the case in other Gulf states including Saudi Arabia. Infections across much of the Middle East continue to increase, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, where state capacity to manage a rapid recent rise in cases is limited.Infections have been particularly high among the large overseas worker populations in both countries, as is the case in other Gulf states including Saudi Arabia. Infections across much of the Middle East continue to increase, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, where state capacity to manage a rapid recent rise in cases is limited.
The United Nations’ secretary-general, António Guterres, has warned that coronavirus stimulus money must be used to forge a new path towards a low-carbon economy around the world.The United Nations’ secretary-general, António Guterres, has warned that coronavirus stimulus money must be used to forge a new path towards a low-carbon economy around the world.
Speaking at a virtual conference on climate change, AP reported that Guterres said countries had a choice of two paths as they mobilised trillions of dollars of taxpayers’ money for an economic recovery.Speaking at a virtual conference on climate change, AP reported that Guterres said countries had a choice of two paths as they mobilised trillions of dollars of taxpayers’ money for an economic recovery.
He said:He said:
The UN chief noted that large investors were already pulling their money out of heavily polluting industries, especially coal.The UN chief noted that large investors were already pulling their money out of heavily polluting industries, especially coal.
Without taxpayer subsidies they are bankrupt enterprises, he said, claiming that building renewable energy plants was already cheaper than continuing to operate almost two-fifths of the world’s existing coal-fired ones.Without taxpayer subsidies they are bankrupt enterprises, he said, claiming that building renewable energy plants was already cheaper than continuing to operate almost two-fifths of the world’s existing coal-fired ones.
The World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said there are now more than 170 countries participating in its plan to distribute vaccines fairly around the world.The World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said there are now more than 170 countries participating in its plan to distribute vaccines fairly around the world.
Ahead of a Friday deadline for entry to its Covax vaccine facility, the WHO director-general said in remarks reported by Reuters that more than 170 countries had joined, “gaining guaranteed access to the world’s largest portfolio of vaccine candidates”.Ahead of a Friday deadline for entry to its Covax vaccine facility, the WHO director-general said in remarks reported by Reuters that more than 170 countries had joined, “gaining guaranteed access to the world’s largest portfolio of vaccine candidates”.
But Tedros also noted that a perception of a race for a vaccine could lead to safety fears.But Tedros also noted that a perception of a race for a vaccine could lead to safety fears.
“We already face challenges with vaccine acceptance for many proven vaccines,” he said. “We cannot risk having an effective vaccine for Covid-19 that people refuse because of the perception that it is unsafe.”“We already face challenges with vaccine acceptance for many proven vaccines,” he said. “We cannot risk having an effective vaccine for Covid-19 that people refuse because of the perception that it is unsafe.”
And he noted: “The first vaccine to be approved may not be the best. The more shots on goal we have, the higher the chances of having a very safe, very efficacious vaccine.”And he noted: “The first vaccine to be approved may not be the best. The more shots on goal we have, the higher the chances of having a very safe, very efficacious vaccine.”
In China, Wuhan, ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak, has reopened for international flights, ending an eight-month moratorium since the deadly disease first emerged.In China, Wuhan, ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak, has reopened 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.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 the South Korean carrier T’way landed at Wuhan’s Tianhe International airport on Wednesday morning with 60 passengers, the state broadcaster CCTV reported.A flight operated by the South Korean carrier T’way landed at Wuhan’s Tianhe International airport on Wednesday morning with 60 passengers, the state broadcaster CCTV reported.
AFP reports that officials in white hazmat suits, masks and visors were seen checking the passports of arriving passengers.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, the director of Wuhan’s Civil Aviation Office, told CCTV.All international passengers arriving in Wuhan have to pass a test within 72 hours of departure, Li Yizhuo, the 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.China still bans most foreigners from entering and those allowed have to undergo two weeks of quarantine.
T’way will operate one weekly round-trip flight between Wuhan and Incheon International airport, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).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.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.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.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.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.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.“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.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 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”.• 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. 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.• 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 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.• 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. The move is part of a wider easing of measures that have been 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 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.• 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 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 has warned 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 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 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 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,” said Catherine Smallwood, a WHO Europe senior emergency officer.“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 5m cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation’s 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 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.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 11 September, with about 54,000 cases recorded in 24 hours.A new record was set on 11 September, with about 54,000 cases recorded in 24 hours.