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UK records 4,422 new daily cases; Poland reports record rise - as it happened | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Doctors in England urge tighter restrictions; number of cases worldwide passes 30 million; scaled-down Oktoberfest in Munich begins. Follow all the developments | Doctors in England urge tighter restrictions; number of cases worldwide passes 30 million; scaled-down Oktoberfest in Munich begins. Follow all the developments |
This blog is closing now but you can catch the new one here: | |
Here the latest key developments at a glance: | |
France reported 13,498 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, setting another record in daily additional infections since the disease started to spread in the country. | |
The UK reported 4,422 new daily cases of coronavirus on Saturday, 100 more new cases than on Friday and the highest daily total since 8 May. | |
The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has warned that the English capital needs fresh Covid restrictions by Monday if it is to avoid a big spike in infections, as doctors are urging the government to introduce stronger coronavirus measures in England to drive down case numbers and avoid another national lockdown. | |
Brazil recorded 33,057 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 739 deaths from the disease. | |
The World Health Organization has endorsed a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for coronavirus and other epidemics. | |
The Philippines reported 3,962 new coronavirus infections and 100 additional deaths, with both numbers the highest in five days. | |
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is cracking down on private social gatherings as coronavirus cases surge. | |
After Poland reported record daily new coronavirus cases on Saturday, neighbouring Lithuania and Slovakia also logged their largest daily tallies since the pandemic began. | |
A partial lockdown is set to begin in some of Madrid’s poorer districts next week, but residents of one of the worst-hit neighbourhood’s said today they doubted the new measures would work. | |
That’s everything from me, I’m now handing over to my colleagues in Australia. | |
Brazil and Argentina, who are seeking more time to commit to the global Covid-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX, said they intend to so as soon as possible after missing Friday’s deadline. | Brazil and Argentina, who are seeking more time to commit to the global Covid-19 vaccine facility known as COVAX, said they intend to so as soon as possible after missing Friday’s deadline. |
Peru’s foreign ministry said on Saturday it managed to sign the binding agreement on Friday and will get access to 12 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines through COVAX, a scheme for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual vaccines. | Peru’s foreign ministry said on Saturday it managed to sign the binding agreement on Friday and will get access to 12 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines through COVAX, a scheme for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual vaccines. |
Argentina asked for more time to prepare the required paperwork but expects to sign on Wednesday its commitment to the vaccine mechanism led by the World Health Organization, a health ministry official told Reuters. | Argentina asked for more time to prepare the required paperwork but expects to sign on Wednesday its commitment to the vaccine mechanism led by the World Health Organization, a health ministry official told Reuters. |
“The purchase of a safe and effective vaccine is a priority for the federal government,” a Brazilian statement said. | “The purchase of a safe and effective vaccine is a priority for the federal government,” a Brazilian statement said. |
A dozen Central and Latin American countries had informed the WHO they would request more time to sign up after the midnight on Friday deadline to formalize legally-binding documents. | A dozen Central and Latin American countries had informed the WHO they would request more time to sign up after the midnight on Friday deadline to formalize legally-binding documents. |
A diplomat in Geneva said the request had been submitted in the form of a letter on Friday and sought a one-month extension. The diplomat did not give details of the reason for the delay. | A diplomat in Geneva said the request had been submitted in the form of a letter on Friday and sought a one-month extension. The diplomat did not give details of the reason for the delay. |
He said that the countries that made the request were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay and Dominican Republic. | He said that the countries that made the request were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay and Dominican Republic. |
People in England who refuse to self-isolate when required to do so will face fines of up to £10,000 under an emergency “carrot and stick” plan to control the second wave of Covid-19 sweeping the country. | People in England who refuse to self-isolate when required to do so will face fines of up to £10,000 under an emergency “carrot and stick” plan to control the second wave of Covid-19 sweeping the country. |
From 28 September, under the emergency package announced by the prime minister last night, people will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by the test and trace system as having been in contact with an infected person. | From 28 September, under the emergency package announced by the prime minister last night, people will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by the test and trace system as having been in contact with an infected person. |
Fines will start at £1,000, rising to £10,000 for “egregious” offences and serial offenders. | Fines will start at £1,000, rising to £10,000 for “egregious” offences and serial offenders. |
My colleagues Toby Helm, Michael Savage and Robin McKie report. | My colleagues Toby Helm, Michael Savage and Robin McKie report. |
Brazil recorded 33,057 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 739 deaths from the disease, the health ministry said on Saturday. | Brazil recorded 33,057 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and 739 deaths from the disease, the health ministry said on Saturday. |
South America’s largest country has registered more than 4.5 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, according to ministry data, ranking it as the third worst outbreak in the world after the United States and India. | South America’s largest country has registered more than 4.5 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, according to ministry data, ranking it as the third worst outbreak in the world after the United States and India. |
More than 136,000 people have died of the disease in Brazil, which ranks second after the US in coronavirus deaths. | More than 136,000 people have died of the disease in Brazil, which ranks second after the US in coronavirus deaths. |
People in England who test positive for Covid-19 will have a “legal obligation” to self-isolate from 28 September, the government announced on Saturday. | People in England who test positive for Covid-19 will have a “legal obligation” to self-isolate from 28 September, the government announced on Saturday. |
The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has warned Boris Johnson that the English capital needs fresh Covid restrictions by Monday if it is to avoid a big spike in the spread of the virus, the Huffington Post reports. | The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has warned Boris Johnson that the English capital needs fresh Covid restrictions by Monday if it is to avoid a big spike in the spread of the virus, the Huffington Post reports. |
Khan is also preparing to urge the public to work from home if they can do so, in a switch back to the message used by the government at the height of the lockdown. | Khan is also preparing to urge the public to work from home if they can do so, in a switch back to the message used by the government at the height of the lockdown. |
The World Health Organization has endorsed a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics. | The World Health Organization has endorsed a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics. |
Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas. | Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas. |
It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn, AFP reports. | It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn, AFP reports. |
On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations “endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials”, a statement said. | On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations “endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials”, a statement said. |
“Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product,” it noted. | “Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product,” it noted. |
“If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend [it] for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing,” Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying. | “If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend [it] for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing,” Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying. |
“The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in west Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines,” Tumusiime said. | “The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in west Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines,” Tumusiime said. |
He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that president, Andry Rajoelina, has pitched as a cure for the virus, however. | He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that president, Andry Rajoelina, has pitched as a cure for the virus, however. |
It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa. | It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa. |
In May, WHO Africa director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking “traditional therapies” through the same clinical trials as other medication. | In May, WHO Africa director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking “traditional therapies” through the same clinical trials as other medication. |
“I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help,” Moeti said. “But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment.” | “I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help,” Moeti said. “But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment.” |
Police in London made 32 arrests at an anti-lockdown demonstration in the centre of the city on Saturday. According to a statement from the Metropolitan police, people were arrested for offences including violent disorder, public order and assault on an emergency worker, as well under Covid Regulations.Two police officers suffered minor injuries, police said. The Guardian witnessed police launched a surprise attack on the protest just after 4pm. Without warning police officers charged into Trafalgar Square, where the protest was taking place, in an apparent attempt to seize control of the stage. Protesters used metal fencing to block the path of charging police and there were fistfights between protesters and officers. | Police in London made 32 arrests at an anti-lockdown demonstration in the centre of the city on Saturday. According to a statement from the Metropolitan police, people were arrested for offences including violent disorder, public order and assault on an emergency worker, as well under Covid Regulations.Two police officers suffered minor injuries, police said. The Guardian witnessed police launched a surprise attack on the protest just after 4pm. Without warning police officers charged into Trafalgar Square, where the protest was taking place, in an apparent attempt to seize control of the stage. Protesters used metal fencing to block the path of charging police and there were fistfights between protesters and officers. |
Protesters on the scene were not warned ahead of the attack. About an hour beforehand police had released a statement online saying they were “encouraging” people to leave the protest and that those who remained could be arrested. | Protesters on the scene were not warned ahead of the attack. About an hour beforehand police had released a statement online saying they were “encouraging” people to leave the protest and that those who remained could be arrested. |
Police said the protest was cleared shortly after 6pm.Superintendent Emma Richards, who was the Met’s “gold commander” for the protest, claimed it was protesters who had shown hostility towards police. She said: “We remain in the middle of a public health crisis, and by gathering in large numbers – such as today’s protest – puts others at risk. We advised those in attendance to leave but many refused to do so.“The amount of hostility shown towards officers, who were simply there to keep people safe, is unacceptable. More than 30 people were arrested and they remain in custody.“The area around Trafalgar Square has now been cleared allowing Londoners to continue with their Saturday evening, whilst adhering to government advice.” | Police said the protest was cleared shortly after 6pm.Superintendent Emma Richards, who was the Met’s “gold commander” for the protest, claimed it was protesters who had shown hostility towards police. She said: “We remain in the middle of a public health crisis, and by gathering in large numbers – such as today’s protest – puts others at risk. We advised those in attendance to leave but many refused to do so.“The amount of hostility shown towards officers, who were simply there to keep people safe, is unacceptable. More than 30 people were arrested and they remain in custody.“The area around Trafalgar Square has now been cleared allowing Londoners to continue with their Saturday evening, whilst adhering to government advice.” |
The Philippines’ health ministry on Saturday reported 3,962 new coronavirus infections and 100 additional deaths, with both numbers the highest in five days. | The Philippines’ health ministry on Saturday reported 3,962 new coronavirus infections and 100 additional deaths, with both numbers the highest in five days. |
In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases have risen to 283,460, while deaths have reached 4,930, making it the worst-hit country in south-east Asia. | In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases have risen to 283,460, while deaths have reached 4,930, making it the worst-hit country in south-east Asia. |
Of the new cases, 3,286 or 83% were detected in the last 14 days, the DOH said in its case bulletin. | Of the new cases, 3,286 or 83% were detected in the last 14 days, the DOH said in its case bulletin. |
There are also 68,645 patients who are active cases or are currently sick, of which 87.4% have mild symptoms, 9% have no symptoms, 2.5% are in critical condition and 1.1% are severe cases. | There are also 68,645 patients who are active cases or are currently sick, of which 87.4% have mild symptoms, 9% have no symptoms, 2.5% are in critical condition and 1.1% are severe cases. |
Metro Manila had the highest number of new cases among the provinces with 1,440 new infections, followed by Bulacan with 354, Cavite with 287, Laguna with 222 and Batangas with 213 more infected residents, according to CNN Philippines. | Metro Manila had the highest number of new cases among the provinces with 1,440 new infections, followed by Bulacan with 354, Cavite with 287, Laguna with 222 and Batangas with 213 more infected residents, according to CNN Philippines. |
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, president Rodrigo Duterte has extended a national state of emergency until September 2021 which empowers the national and local governments to use relief funds and control the prices of basic goods. | Due to the coronavirus pandemic, president Rodrigo Duterte has extended a national state of emergency until September 2021 which empowers the national and local governments to use relief funds and control the prices of basic goods. |
The Philippines remains on a partial lockdown that began in March to curb the spread of the virus but which has left millions of Filipinos jobless and hungry. | The Philippines remains on a partial lockdown that began in March to curb the spread of the virus but which has left millions of Filipinos jobless and hungry. |
The US Congress remains at a standstill over passing another coronavirus rescue package, while tens of millions of people still can’t afford enough food six months after the pandemic began upending Americans’ lives, CNN reports: | The US Congress remains at a standstill over passing another coronavirus rescue package, while tens of millions of people still can’t afford enough food six months after the pandemic began upending Americans’ lives, CNN reports: |
Hunger has soared during the outbreak, and advocates are calling on lawmakers to extend two key child nutrition relief measures in their spending bill before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. | Hunger has soared during the outbreak, and advocates are calling on lawmakers to extend two key child nutrition relief measures in their spending bill before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. |
They are also pushing Congress to boost food stamp benefits, which will also help stimulate the economy. | They are also pushing Congress to boost food stamp benefits, which will also help stimulate the economy. |
Nearly 11% of adults said in July that their households sometimes or often didn’t have enough to eat, up from 3.7% in 2019, according to Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, director of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University. | Nearly 11% of adults said in July that their households sometimes or often didn’t have enough to eat, up from 3.7% in 2019, according to Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, director of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University. |
The share of adults in household with children in this situation was more than 14% in July, also far higher than last year. | The share of adults in household with children in this situation was more than 14% in July, also far higher than last year. |
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 6,706,374 cases of coronavirus in total, an increase of 49,575 cases from its previous count a day earlier, and said the number of deaths had risen by 983 to 198,099. | The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 6,706,374 cases of coronavirus in total, an increase of 49,575 cases from its previous count a day earlier, and said the number of deaths had risen by 983 to 198,099. |
Kenya’s chief public prosecutor, Noordin Haji, has ordered a probe into $71m in “irregular procurement” linked to the coronavirus by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa). | Kenya’s chief public prosecutor, Noordin Haji, has ordered a probe into $71m in “irregular procurement” linked to the coronavirus by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa). |
Hard-pressed Kenyan hospital staff have staged strikes to highlight what they say are scandalous practices by the authority, which purchases medication and equipment for the nation’s public hospitals, AFP reports. | Hard-pressed Kenyan hospital staff have staged strikes to highlight what they say are scandalous practices by the authority, which purchases medication and equipment for the nation’s public hospitals, AFP reports. |
Three weeks ago, the president, Uhuru Kenyatta, asked the national Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate contracts granted to influential figures, including politicians, without respect for rules of public procurement. | Three weeks ago, the president, Uhuru Kenyatta, asked the national Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate contracts granted to influential figures, including politicians, without respect for rules of public procurement. |
Its report was submitted on Friday to the prosecutor, who concluded that “irregular procurement and fraudulent payments” had been made totalling 7.8bn Kenyan shillings (around £56m). | Its report was submitted on Friday to the prosecutor, who concluded that “irregular procurement and fraudulent payments” had been made totalling 7.8bn Kenyan shillings (around £56m). |
Haji then instructed senior prosecutors “to undertake an independent and comprehensive review of the file” within two weeks, he said. | Haji then instructed senior prosecutors “to undertake an independent and comprehensive review of the file” within two weeks, he said. |
The EACC probe has already led to the suspension of Kemsa’s head, Jonah Manjari, and supply director, Charles Juma. | The EACC probe has already led to the suspension of Kemsa’s head, Jonah Manjari, and supply director, Charles Juma. |
Several Kenyan businessmen have already been accused of siphoning off around £310m worth of public funds destined to pay for medical equipment needed in the battle against Covid-19. | Several Kenyan businessmen have already been accused of siphoning off around £310m worth of public funds destined to pay for medical equipment needed in the battle against Covid-19. |
Kemsa’s overall coronavirus budget is not known. | Kemsa’s overall coronavirus budget is not known. |
The virus has infected at least 36,800 people in Kenya, which ranks 137 out of 180 countries on a corruption perception index compiled by the non-governmental organisation Transparency International. | The virus has infected at least 36,800 people in Kenya, which ranks 137 out of 180 countries on a corruption perception index compiled by the non-governmental organisation Transparency International. |
France has joined a string of other countries in reporting yet another record increase in infections today. | France has joined a string of other countries in reporting yet another record increase in infections today. |
French health authorities reported 13,498 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, setting another record in daily additional infections since the disease started to spread in the country. | French health authorities reported 13,498 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, setting another record in daily additional infections since the disease started to spread in the country. |
The number of people in France who have died from Covid-19 was up by 26, at 31,274, and the cumulative number of cases now totals 442,194, as the seven-day moving average of daily new infections rose to more than 9,700, compared with a low of 272 at the end of May, two weeks after the lockdown was lifted. | The number of people in France who have died from Covid-19 was up by 26, at 31,274, and the cumulative number of cases now totals 442,194, as the seven-day moving average of daily new infections rose to more than 9,700, compared with a low of 272 at the end of May, two weeks after the lockdown was lifted. |
A faster circulation of the virus and a six-fold increase in testing since the government made it free are the two main reasons for the scale of the increase, epidemiologists have said, according to Reuters. | A faster circulation of the virus and a six-fold increase in testing since the government made it free are the two main reasons for the scale of the increase, epidemiologists have said, according to Reuters. |
Health authorities reported a sudden jump in the country’s daily death toll from Covid-19 on Friday because of unreported cases in one hospital near Paris. | Health authorities reported a sudden jump in the country’s daily death toll from Covid-19 on Friday because of unreported cases in one hospital near Paris. |
Doctors are urging the government to introduce stronger coronavirus measures in England to drive down case numbers and avoid another national lockdown. | Doctors are urging the government to introduce stronger coronavirus measures in England to drive down case numbers and avoid another national lockdown. |
The British Medical Association (BMA) said that unless people stick rigorously to social distancing and infection control measures, or there is better enforcement, infection rates will soar and the NHS will “once again be crippled” as it tries to cope with the number of patients with Covid-19, the Press Association reports. | The British Medical Association (BMA) said that unless people stick rigorously to social distancing and infection control measures, or there is better enforcement, infection rates will soar and the NHS will “once again be crippled” as it tries to cope with the number of patients with Covid-19, the Press Association reports. |
The warning came after the prime minister, Boris Johnson, admitted on Friday the long-feared second wave of the pandemic has reached the UK. | The warning came after the prime minister, Boris Johnson, admitted on Friday the long-feared second wave of the pandemic has reached the UK. |
While doctors want to avoid another national lockdown, the BMA said recent restrictions have been inadequate and have failed to make any significant impact on the spread of the infection. | While doctors want to avoid another national lockdown, the BMA said recent restrictions have been inadequate and have failed to make any significant impact on the spread of the infection. |
The BMA is calling on the government to reconsider the “rule of six”, which was introduced in England on Monday banning social gatherings of more than six people. | The BMA is calling on the government to reconsider the “rule of six”, which was introduced in England on Monday banning social gatherings of more than six people. |
The BMA wants the number of households people can visit to be reduced, stating that as it currently stands, the rule of six makes it possible for members of six households to meet indoors, potentially many times over the course of one day. | The BMA wants the number of households people can visit to be reduced, stating that as it currently stands, the rule of six makes it possible for members of six households to meet indoors, potentially many times over the course of one day. |
It is also urging the government to reverse its stance on getting workers back to the office by encouraging the public to work from home, in order to reduce contact between people including on public transport. | It is also urging the government to reverse its stance on getting workers back to the office by encouraging the public to work from home, in order to reduce contact between people including on public transport. |
The BMA said unnecessary travel and social gatherings should be discouraged, while it suggested a “take out to help out” approach similar to the chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme in order to reduce the number of people in restaurants. | The BMA said unnecessary travel and social gatherings should be discouraged, while it suggested a “take out to help out” approach similar to the chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme in order to reduce the number of people in restaurants. |
It also called for entrances to indoor public settings to provide inexpensive disposable surgical masks, and for people over 60 and who have underlying conditions to wear medical grade masks. | It also called for entrances to indoor public settings to provide inexpensive disposable surgical masks, and for people over 60 and who have underlying conditions to wear medical grade masks. |
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA, said: “It is vital to reduce avoidable mixing of people at a time when the infection is spreading without the testing capacity to identify those with the infection. | Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA, said: “It is vital to reduce avoidable mixing of people at a time when the infection is spreading without the testing capacity to identify those with the infection. |
“This requires revisiting the rule of six which allows members of six different household to meet indoors compared to a maximum of two previously, and reversing the encouragement to travel and return to work for those able to work remotely.” | “This requires revisiting the rule of six which allows members of six different household to meet indoors compared to a maximum of two previously, and reversing the encouragement to travel and return to work for those able to work remotely.” |
Canada’s most populous province is cracking down on private social gatherings as coronavirus cases surge, Ontario premier Doug Ford said in a surprise news conference called on Saturday. | Canada’s most populous province is cracking down on private social gatherings as coronavirus cases surge, Ontario premier Doug Ford said in a surprise news conference called on Saturday. |
Ontario reported 407 new cases on Saturday compared with about 80 per day two weeks ago. | Ontario reported 407 new cases on Saturday compared with about 80 per day two weeks ago. |
Canada on Friday recorded 1,044 new cases from a day earlier, making it the third time in five days that new daily infections have topped 1,000. | Canada on Friday recorded 1,044 new cases from a day earlier, making it the third time in five days that new daily infections have topped 1,000. |
Ontario is scrambling to tamp down a recent spike in coronavirus cases as children return to school and the province struggles to increase its testing capacity, forcing many in cities to wait in line for hours this week to get swabbed, Reuters reports. | Ontario is scrambling to tamp down a recent spike in coronavirus cases as children return to school and the province struggles to increase its testing capacity, forcing many in cities to wait in line for hours this week to get swabbed, Reuters reports. |
Private parties are a “significant contributor” to the recent rise, provincial health minister Christine Elliott said. | Private parties are a “significant contributor” to the recent rise, provincial health minister Christine Elliott said. |
“Folks, we can’t have these wild parties right now. It’s just way, way too risky,” Ford said in a nationally broadcast news conference. | “Folks, we can’t have these wild parties right now. It’s just way, way too risky,” Ford said in a nationally broadcast news conference. |
“We have to come down hard on the rule breakers.” | “We have to come down hard on the rule breakers.” |
Earlier this week, the nation’s top medical officer warned that authorities could potentially lose the ability to manage the pandemic if action were not taken to slow the spread. | Earlier this week, the nation’s top medical officer warned that authorities could potentially lose the ability to manage the pandemic if action were not taken to slow the spread. |
On Friday, Quebec said police would target more than 1,000 bars and restaurants to enforce rules curbing the spread of the virus as authorities warned of a possible second wave. | On Friday, Quebec said police would target more than 1,000 bars and restaurants to enforce rules curbing the spread of the virus as authorities warned of a possible second wave. |
Similar to an announcement made two days ago and aimed at just three cities, including Toronto and Ottawa, indoor social events can include no more than 10 people, down from a previous limit of 50. | Similar to an announcement made two days ago and aimed at just three cities, including Toronto and Ottawa, indoor social events can include no more than 10 people, down from a previous limit of 50. |
As of Saturday and for the next 28 days, the cap on outdoor gatherings will shrink to 25 from 100. | As of Saturday and for the next 28 days, the cap on outdoor gatherings will shrink to 25 from 100. |
Anyone holding an illegal party can face a fine of C$10,000 ($7,580), and those caught attending one a fine of up to C$750, Ford said. | Anyone holding an illegal party can face a fine of C$10,000 ($7,580), and those caught attending one a fine of up to C$750, Ford said. |
After Poland reported record daily new coronavirus cases on Saturday, neighbouring EU members Lithuania and Slovakia also logged their largest daily tallies since the pandemic began. | After Poland reported record daily new coronavirus cases on Saturday, neighbouring EU members Lithuania and Slovakia also logged their largest daily tallies since the pandemic began. |
The eastern European figures are in line with a surge in cases across Europe since August that has caused many countries to move back towards tougher restrictions. | The eastern European figures are in line with a surge in cases across Europe since August that has caused many countries to move back towards tougher restrictions. |
“The numbers that we’re seeing now are a result of people having returned to normal, everyday life, a return to work,” Polish health ministry spokesman Wojciech Andrusiewicz said. | “The numbers that we’re seeing now are a result of people having returned to normal, everyday life, a return to work,” Polish health ministry spokesman Wojciech Andrusiewicz said. |
“It’s what we’re seeing in the streets every day: more people, more contact,” he told the Polish news agency PAP. | “It’s what we’re seeing in the streets every day: more people, more contact,” he told the Polish news agency PAP. |
The increase brings the total of reported coronavirus cases in the nation of 38 million people to 78,330. | The increase brings the total of reported coronavirus cases in the nation of 38 million people to 78,330. |
The ministry also reported 12 new Covid deaths on Saturday, putting that total at close to 2,300. | The ministry also reported 12 new Covid deaths on Saturday, putting that total at close to 2,300. |
In neighbouring Slovakia, a nation of 5.4 million people, the latest figure of 290 new infections brought its total to more than 6,500 cases. | In neighbouring Slovakia, a nation of 5.4 million people, the latest figure of 290 new infections brought its total to more than 6,500 cases. |
“Now we have a new record. Today, the situation is becoming critical,” Slovak prime minister Igor Matovic wrote on Facebook. | “Now we have a new record. Today, the situation is becoming critical,” Slovak prime minister Igor Matovic wrote on Facebook. |
“However, if we remain responsible, we will live relatively freely despite the pandemic.” | “However, if we remain responsible, we will live relatively freely despite the pandemic.” |
Lithuania, a Baltic state with a population of 2.8 million, reported its highest daily count as well, with 99 new infections putting the country’s total at more than 3,600 cases. | Lithuania, a Baltic state with a population of 2.8 million, reported its highest daily count as well, with 99 new infections putting the country’s total at more than 3,600 cases. |
The Czech Republic for its part reported more than 2,100 new cases, a day after registering a record of 3,130 new infections, AFP reports. | The Czech Republic for its part reported more than 2,100 new cases, a day after registering a record of 3,130 new infections, AFP reports. |