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Coronavirus live news: cases in France hit one-day high as WHO warns of 'alarming' transmission across Europe Coronavirus live news: cases in France hit one-day high as WHO warns of 'alarming' transmission across Europe
(32 minutes later)
Cases in France hit 10,593 in 24 hours; WHO warns against shortening quarantine in EuropeCases in France hit 10,593 in 24 hours; WHO warns against shortening quarantine in Europe
Reuters reports that Jordan has announced jail sentences of up to a year for anyone organising weddings, parties, funerals or social gatherings where more than 20 people attend, in the latest measures aimed at heading off a resurgence in coronavirus cases.
Government spokesman Amjad Adailah said the latest orders, which stem from an emergency law enacted by the monarch last April that gives the government sweeping powers to curb civic rights, would be strictly enforced.
“This order is to prevent the violations that have led to the spread of the virus and increase in infections,” Adailah said, adding hefty fines would be imposed on attendees.
The health minister Saad Jaber blamed the surge in cases in the past few weeks on “irresponsible” behaviour at weddings and social gatherings where many mingle without masks and social distancing.
The kingdom reported 279 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, its highest daily toll since the start of the pandemic in March, bringing the country’s total to 4,131 with 26 deaths.
The authorities also suspended schools for two weeks as of Thursday for over 2 million pupils after dozens of cases were discovered among teachers and students since schools reopened at the start of the month after a five-month absence.
The cabinet last Monday also closed restaurants and places of worship from mosques to churches for a similar two-week period as of Thursday. The government also will operate with fewer civil servants.
The government has refrained, however, from a nationwide lockdown that was enforced during the spring for fear of its consequences on an already battered economy.
The transport minister Khaled Seif said on Thursday the authorities waived a two-week quarantine for travellers coming to Jordan as of next Wednesday and replaced it a week-long home quarantine.
The government hopes the latest measures will start to bring back a trickle of visitors to its private medical industry from war-torn spots in the region and help the recovery of its collapsed tourism sector, a main source of foreign currency.
Canada’s most populous province has announced new restrictions and steep fines amid a surge of Covid-19 infections that has prompted concerns the country is losing control of the virus.
Ontario premier Doug Ford on Thursday announced plans to limit the size of gatherings, reversing course on previous steps to reopen the province’s economy. The new rules reduce the size of indoor gatherings to 10, down from 50, and outdoor gatherings to 25, down from 100.
Of the coronavirus flare ups in the cities of Ottawa, Peel and Toronto, Ford said:
The province is implementing a C$10,000 fine for organisers of “illegal” gatherings. The move suggests a second wave of the virus is looming, after the province effectively slowed growth over the summer.
My colleague Leyland Cecco reports:
Gambia’s economic growth rate may fall to 2% in 2020 versus a forecast 6% due to the coronavirus pandemic, the president Adama Barrow said on Thursday, as he relaxed a nighttime curfew but kept other lockdown restrictions in place.Gambia’s economic growth rate may fall to 2% in 2020 versus a forecast 6% due to the coronavirus pandemic, the president Adama Barrow said on Thursday, as he relaxed a nighttime curfew but kept other lockdown restrictions in place.
The gross domestic product of mainland Africa’s smallest country grew 6% in 2019 despite a sharp drop in agricultural output and the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook, the travel operator that brought around 40% of annual visitors.The gross domestic product of mainland Africa’s smallest country grew 6% in 2019 despite a sharp drop in agricultural output and the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook, the travel operator that brought around 40% of annual visitors.
Its economy, however, has not been able to weather the fallout from the global pandemic, which led authorities to ban public gatherings among a string of lockdown measures imposed after they declared a state of emergency in March.Its economy, however, has not been able to weather the fallout from the global pandemic, which led authorities to ban public gatherings among a string of lockdown measures imposed after they declared a state of emergency in March.
“Based on the current situation, an estimated 20% of expected revenue will be lost,” Barrow said in a speech to the nation.“Based on the current situation, an estimated 20% of expected revenue will be lost,” Barrow said in a speech to the nation.
Gambia’s forecast drop in growth is in line with other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, whose combined gross domestic product was seen shrinking by 1.6% this year - its worst performance on record, according to an April forecast from the International Monetary Fund.Gambia’s forecast drop in growth is in line with other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, whose combined gross domestic product was seen shrinking by 1.6% this year - its worst performance on record, according to an April forecast from the International Monetary Fund.
With the state of emergency expiring at midnight on Thursday, Barrow said the dawn-to-dusk curfew would be relaxed and shops, supermarkets and non-essential vendors would be allowed to resume normal business hours. But non-essential public places must remain closed and public gatherings are still banned.With the state of emergency expiring at midnight on Thursday, Barrow said the dawn-to-dusk curfew would be relaxed and shops, supermarkets and non-essential vendors would be allowed to resume normal business hours. But non-essential public places must remain closed and public gatherings are still banned.
Over 52,000 people, or 2.6%, of Gambia’s 2 million population, have lost their jobs as a result of the lockdown, Barrow said.Over 52,000 people, or 2.6%, of Gambia’s 2 million population, have lost their jobs as a result of the lockdown, Barrow said.
Gambia has reported 3,473 cases since the outbreak in March, and 107 deaths. The daily reported cases were relatively low until mid-July.Gambia has reported 3,473 cases since the outbreak in March, and 107 deaths. The daily reported cases were relatively low until mid-July.
A Republican senator, Ron Johnson, who was due to join the US president Donald Trump in Wisconsin on Thursday, has instead entered quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, his office said in a statement.A Republican senator, Ron Johnson, who was due to join the US president Donald Trump in Wisconsin on Thursday, has instead entered quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, his office said in a statement.
Reuters reports that Johnson, 65, who chairs the Senate homeland security committee, has tested negative for Covid-19 and is experiencing no symptoms but will remain in quarantine until 29 September, the statement said. He was due to travel with Trump and join the president at a campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin.Reuters reports that Johnson, 65, who chairs the Senate homeland security committee, has tested negative for Covid-19 and is experiencing no symptoms but will remain in quarantine until 29 September, the statement said. He was due to travel with Trump and join the president at a campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin.
Since coming into contact with the coronavirus on Monday, Johnson has chaired a committee meeting and joined other lawmakers for roll-call votes on the floor of the Senate.Since coming into contact with the coronavirus on Monday, Johnson has chaired a committee meeting and joined other lawmakers for roll-call votes on the floor of the Senate.
Several Latin American countries have informed the World Health Organization (WHO) they intend to request more time to sign up for its global Covid-19 vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX, an official at the WHO’s regional branch said on Thursday.Several Latin American countries have informed the World Health Organization (WHO) they intend to request more time to sign up for its global Covid-19 vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX, an official at the WHO’s regional branch said on Thursday.
Countries have until midnight on Friday to formalise legally binding commitments to COVAX, a mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual vaccines.Countries have until midnight on Friday to formalise legally binding commitments to COVAX, a mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual vaccines.
A representative for the GAVI Alliance, the COVAX secretariat, said by email that details of which nations have joined COVAX will only be made public after the deadline.A representative for the GAVI Alliance, the COVAX secretariat, said by email that details of which nations have joined COVAX will only be made public after the deadline.
Health officials in Mexico, which has the worst outbreak in Latin America after Brazil, said their country would sign the commitment on time. Brazil, which has the world’s most severe outbreak outside the United States and India, was still studying what to do, a ministry spokesperson said.Health officials in Mexico, which has the worst outbreak in Latin America after Brazil, said their country would sign the commitment on time. Brazil, which has the world’s most severe outbreak outside the United States and India, was still studying what to do, a ministry spokesperson said.
More than 170 countries have joined the global vaccine plan to help buy and distribute immunisation shots for Covid-19 fairly around the world, WHO’s director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday.More than 170 countries have joined the global vaccine plan to help buy and distribute immunisation shots for Covid-19 fairly around the world, WHO’s director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday.
Jarbas Barbosa, assistant director of the Pan-American Health Organization, said in a briefing on Wednesday that Latin American countries were having trouble meeting the deadline and some wanted to push back the date.Jarbas Barbosa, assistant director of the Pan-American Health Organization, said in a briefing on Wednesday that Latin American countries were having trouble meeting the deadline and some wanted to push back the date.
Barbosa said all countries in the Americas except the United States had expressed interest in the vaccine facility, even those that have separate agreements with vaccine makers, because it gives them an added guarantee of access to doses.Barbosa said all countries in the Americas except the United States had expressed interest in the vaccine facility, even those that have separate agreements with vaccine makers, because it gives them an added guarantee of access to doses.
Ten Latin American countries are among 90 poor nations in the world that will not have to pay for the vaccine, while the others in the region will pay an “accessible” price through COVAX, Barbosa said.Ten Latin American countries are among 90 poor nations in the world that will not have to pay for the vaccine, while the others in the region will pay an “accessible” price through COVAX, Barbosa said.
The Colombian president Ivan Duque confirmed on Wednesday that his government was joining COVAX and Paraguay’s health ministry said it has already signed, even as it plans to buy the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca PLC and Oxford University.The Colombian president Ivan Duque confirmed on Wednesday that his government was joining COVAX and Paraguay’s health ministry said it has already signed, even as it plans to buy the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca PLC and Oxford University.
France registered 10,593 new confirmed coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, setting a new daily record and pushing the cumulative number to 415,481, the health ministry reported on Thursday.France registered 10,593 new confirmed coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, setting a new daily record and pushing the cumulative number to 415,481, the health ministry reported on Thursday.
The previous high was 10,561 new cases in a day, recorded on 12 September. The sharp increase is a result of a higher infection rate but also of a massive increase in testing, Reuters reports.The previous high was 10,561 new cases in a day, recorded on 12 September. The sharp increase is a result of a higher infection rate but also of a massive increase in testing, Reuters reports.
The government has made Covid-19 testing free, resulting in long queues at testing centres in cities across France.The government has made Covid-19 testing free, resulting in long queues at testing centres in cities across France.
The number of people who have died from the virus in France increased by 50 to 31,095, the second-highest tally in two months following the 80 deaths reported on 11 September.The number of people who have died from the virus in France increased by 50 to 31,095, the second-highest tally in two months following the 80 deaths reported on 11 September.
Here is some more detail on the earlier announcement that private indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people in Austria from Monday as the country tries to contain a rising rate of infection.Here is some more detail on the earlier announcement that private indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people in Austria from Monday as the country tries to contain a rising rate of infection.
AFP reports that the chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, told a press conference the country was going through a second wave of the pandemic:AFP reports that the chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, told a press conference the country was going through a second wave of the pandemic:
Funerals will be exempt from the new rules and the limit for outdoors will remain at 100, Kurz said, with further exemptions for some cultural events.Funerals will be exempt from the new rules and the limit for outdoors will remain at 100, Kurz said, with further exemptions for some cultural events.
He said it would not be legally possible to enforce the new limit in people’s homes but added that he hoped Austrians would follow the rule.He said it would not be legally possible to enforce the new limit in people’s homes but added that he hoped Austrians would follow the rule.
Also from Monday, cafe and restaurant customers will have to wear a mask whenever they’re not at their tables. Previously only waiters and other staff were required to wear a face covering.Also from Monday, cafe and restaurant customers will have to wear a mask whenever they’re not at their tables. Previously only waiters and other staff were required to wear a face covering.
Austria is recording several hundred new daily infections, with the one-day total reaching 882 on 11 September, the second-highest of the whole crisis.Austria is recording several hundred new daily infections, with the one-day total reaching 882 on 11 September, the second-highest of the whole crisis.
Kurz said he was aware the measures “will once again mean sacrifices” from the population but they were necessary “to hopefully prevent a second lockdown” and the “catastrophic consequences” that would entail.Kurz said he was aware the measures “will once again mean sacrifices” from the population but they were necessary “to hopefully prevent a second lockdown” and the “catastrophic consequences” that would entail.
Asked whether Vienna’s famous winter ball season could go ahead, Kurz said it was too early to say but said “autumn and winter will be very hard”, adding:Asked whether Vienna’s famous winter ball season could go ahead, Kurz said it was too early to say but said “autumn and winter will be very hard”, adding:
Good evening from London! I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global updates on the coronavirus pandemic for the next few hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share. I can’t always reply to everyone but do read them all – your thoughts are always welcome!Good evening from London! I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global updates on the coronavirus pandemic for the next few hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share. I can’t always reply to everyone but do read them all – your thoughts are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
Here’s a summary of recent events:Here’s a summary of recent events:
•France identified Lyon and Nice as virus “red zones”, where additional measures would be needed to control the spread of Covid-19. Later Reuters reported the French government would not be joining WHO’s international vaccine programme, a blow to the UN body’s effort to discourage “vaccine nationalism”.•France identified Lyon and Nice as virus “red zones”, where additional measures would be needed to control the spread of Covid-19. Later Reuters reported the French government would not be joining WHO’s international vaccine programme, a blow to the UN body’s effort to discourage “vaccine nationalism”.
•Canada could lose its ability to manage the coronavirus pandemic owing to a worrying recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the country’s top medical officer has said. The warning from the chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, is the clearest indication yet of how worried authorities in the country are about the potential for the outbreak to spiral out of control.•Canada could lose its ability to manage the coronavirus pandemic owing to a worrying recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the country’s top medical officer has said. The warning from the chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, is the clearest indication yet of how worried authorities in the country are about the potential for the outbreak to spiral out of control.
•Facebook said it would no longer show health groups in its recommendations to ensure users get health information from authoritative sources. It said the move reflected its view that such sources of information were “crucial”.•Facebook said it would no longer show health groups in its recommendations to ensure users get health information from authoritative sources. It said the move reflected its view that such sources of information were “crucial”.
•In the US, New York City once again delayed the return of most of the million-plus students in its public schools. The mayor, Bill de Blasio, said most elementary school students would do remote-only learning until 29 September.•In the US, New York City once again delayed the return of most of the million-plus students in its public schools. The mayor, Bill de Blasio, said most elementary school students would do remote-only learning until 29 September.
•Wuhan, ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak, has reopened for international flights, ending an eight-month moratorium since the 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.•Wuhan, ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak, has reopened for international flights, ending an eight-month moratorium since the 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.
•The World Health Organization warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned countries against shortening quarantine periods. The body said the number of coronavirus cases in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us”.•The World Health Organization warned of “alarming rates of transmission” of Covid-19 across Europe and cautioned countries against shortening quarantine periods. The body said the number of coronavirus cases in September “should serve as a wake-up call for all of us”.
That’s all from me. Lucy Campbell will pick up the baton shortly.That’s all from me. Lucy Campbell will pick up the baton shortly.
France will provide funding for an initiative led by the World Health Organization to buy potential Covid-19 vaccines, but will not source shots through the programme, Reuters has reported.France will provide funding for an initiative led by the World Health Organization to buy potential Covid-19 vaccines, but will not source shots through the programme, Reuters has reported.
The decision, sourced to an official at the French health ministry, is a big blow to the UN agency’s strategy aimed at uniting governments around the world to fight the coronavirus pandemic together.The decision, sourced to an official at the French health ministry, is a big blow to the UN agency’s strategy aimed at uniting governments around the world to fight the coronavirus pandemic together.
Instead of tapping the WHO’s global vaccine project, known as Covax, Paris will secure shots through a joint scheme arranged through the European Union, the official told Reuters.Instead of tapping the WHO’s global vaccine project, known as Covax, Paris will secure shots through a joint scheme arranged through the European Union, the official told Reuters.
More than 170 countries have joined the project, the WHO chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Thursday, a day before a deadline for signing up to the facility.More than 170 countries have joined the project, the WHO chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Thursday, a day before a deadline for signing up to the facility.
The agency has been urging governments to join the plan to ensure immunisations are fairly and efficiently distributed, saying “vaccine nationalism” would undermine efforts to quash the pandemic.The agency has been urging governments to join the plan to ensure immunisations are fairly and efficiently distributed, saying “vaccine nationalism” would undermine efforts to quash the pandemic.
The agency has struggled to persuade countries to participate in full, or to go beyond pledges of funding and warm words about donating surplus vaccines for the scheme, which is co-led by the WHO, the Gavi vaccines alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi).The agency has struggled to persuade countries to participate in full, or to go beyond pledges of funding and warm words about donating surplus vaccines for the scheme, which is co-led by the WHO, the Gavi vaccines alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi).
“France’s position is quite clear: we do not want to buy doses via Covax,” said the French ministry official who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.“France’s position is quite clear: we do not want to buy doses via Covax,” said the French ministry official who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.
“Nevertheless, France fully supports the principle of the facility,” the official said, adding that Paris would pledge cash towards it without saying how much it would provide.“Nevertheless, France fully supports the principle of the facility,” the official said, adding that Paris would pledge cash towards it without saying how much it would provide.
Canada could lose its ability to manage the coronavirus pandemic due to a worrying recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the country’s top medical officer has said.Canada could lose its ability to manage the coronavirus pandemic due to a worrying recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the country’s top medical officer has said.
The warning from the chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, is the clearest indication yet of how worried authorities are about the potential for the outbreak to spiral out of control.The warning from the chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, is the clearest indication yet of how worried authorities are about the potential for the outbreak to spiral out of control.
An average of 779 new cases had been reported daily during the most recent week, more than double the level in July, Tam said. Officials in major provinces blame social gatherings for the surge.An average of 779 new cases had been reported daily during the most recent week, more than double the level in July, Tam said. Officials in major provinces blame social gatherings for the surge.
“The ongoing increase in new cases being reported daily continues to give cause for concern,” Tam said. “With continued circulation of the virus, the situation could change quickly and we could lose the ability to keep Covid-19 cases at manageable levels.”“The ongoing increase in new cases being reported daily continues to give cause for concern,” Tam said. “With continued circulation of the virus, the situation could change quickly and we could lose the ability to keep Covid-19 cases at manageable levels.”
Hours earlier, a source in Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces, said the government was considering strict new limits on social gatherings in three hot spots.Hours earlier, a source in Ontario, the most populous of the 10 provinces, said the government was considering strict new limits on social gatherings in three hot spots.
A draft plan would reduce the size of indoor gatherings to 10 – down from 50 – and outdoor gatherings to 25 from 100, the source said.A draft plan would reduce the size of indoor gatherings to 10 – down from 50 – and outdoor gatherings to 25 from 100, the source said.
The surge in cases, combined with school rules that require tests for most children or parents with mild symptoms, have driven tens of thousands to testing centres, where many have had to wait hours to be seen.The surge in cases, combined with school rules that require tests for most children or parents with mild symptoms, have driven tens of thousands to testing centres, where many have had to wait hours to be seen.
Canada has so far recorded 139,747 cases and 9,193 coronavirus-related deaths.Canada has so far recorded 139,747 cases and 9,193 coronavirus-related deaths.
The Namibian government said on Thursday it will open up the country for international travel from 18 September, as it ends a six-month-long state of emergency with the average number of daily coronavirus cases trending downwards.The Namibian government said on Thursday it will open up the country for international travel from 18 September, as it ends a six-month-long state of emergency with the average number of daily coronavirus cases trending downwards.
Reuters reported that President Hage Geingob said the government had considered the economic implications of continuing the restrictions and the state of preparedness of its hospitals.Reuters reported that President Hage Geingob said the government had considered the economic implications of continuing the restrictions and the state of preparedness of its hospitals.
Namibia’s economy which relies heavily on mining – particularly diamond exports – and wildlife tourism, is expected to contract by a record 7.8% in 2020 after being pounded by the emergency restrictions.Namibia’s economy which relies heavily on mining – particularly diamond exports – and wildlife tourism, is expected to contract by a record 7.8% in 2020 after being pounded by the emergency restrictions.
“Yes, the virus is deadly, however, we are aware that poverty also kills,” Geingob said, adding that the state of emergency, which is due to lapse at midnight on Thursday, would not be extended.“Yes, the virus is deadly, however, we are aware that poverty also kills,” Geingob said, adding that the state of emergency, which is due to lapse at midnight on Thursday, would not be extended.
Travelling in and out of restricted areas – including the capital Windhoek, and the surrounding towns of Okahandja and Rehoboth – will be permitted as a countrywide curfew is lifted, the President said.Travelling in and out of restricted areas – including the capital Windhoek, and the surrounding towns of Okahandja and Rehoboth – will be permitted as a countrywide curfew is lifted, the President said.
Contact sports will be allowed to resume, gambling houses and casinos can reopen and gatherings will be allowed up to either 50% of a venue’s capacity or a maximum of 50 people, according to the country’s attorney general, Festus Mbandeka.Contact sports will be allowed to resume, gambling houses and casinos can reopen and gatherings will be allowed up to either 50% of a venue’s capacity or a maximum of 50 people, according to the country’s attorney general, Festus Mbandeka.
New positive cases have dropped from a peak of 317 at the end of August to a low of 63 cases on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally.New positive cases have dropped from a peak of 317 at the end of August to a low of 63 cases on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally.
Production of The Batman is due to start up again in the UK after a coronavirus hiatus, Warner Bros said on Thursday.Production of The Batman is due to start up again in the UK after a coronavirus hiatus, Warner Bros said on Thursday.
The movie, starring Robert Pattinson, had paused because of quarantine for almost six months. It started up again earlier in September only to be closed down after three days because of a positive Covid-19 test result, reported to be Pattinson’s.The movie, starring Robert Pattinson, had paused because of quarantine for almost six months. It started up again earlier in September only to be closed down after three days because of a positive Covid-19 test result, reported to be Pattinson’s.
The Batman was originally supposed to come out in June 2021 but was pushed back to October 2021 because of the delays.The Batman was originally supposed to come out in June 2021 but was pushed back to October 2021 because of the delays.
South Africa’s central bank on Thursday forecast the economy will shrink by 8.2% in 2020, but some forecasts foresee a double-digit contraction caused by a fallout from coronavirus pandemic.South Africa’s central bank on Thursday forecast the economy will shrink by 8.2% in 2020, but some forecasts foresee a double-digit contraction caused by a fallout from coronavirus pandemic.
AFP reported that the bank revised downwards its outlook as the impact of the lockdown imposed in March becomes clearer.AFP reported that the bank revised downwards its outlook as the impact of the lockdown imposed in March becomes clearer.
“The bank now forecasts a GDP contraction of 8.2% in 2020, compared to the 7.3% contraction forecast in July,” the governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said in a televised address.“The bank now forecasts a GDP contraction of 8.2% in 2020, compared to the 7.3% contraction forecast in July,” the governor, Lesetja Kganyago, said in a televised address.
In a report published on Wednesday, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stated that South Africa’s GDP was likely to shrink by 11.5%.In a report published on Wednesday, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stated that South Africa’s GDP was likely to shrink by 11.5%.
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.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.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.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.”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.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.“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.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.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.