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Coronavirus live news: Paris due to unveil tighter restrictions; record weekly rise in global cases Coronavirus live news: Paris due to unveil tighter restrictions; record weekly rise in global cases
(32 minutes later)
Paris move would follow curbs in other French cities; world reports just under two million Covid-19 cases in one weekParis move would follow curbs in other French cities; world reports just under two million Covid-19 cases in one week
China’s foreign ministry has announced that foreigners with valid residence permits can enter the country without needing to re-apply for visas from 28 September.
Foreigners whose residence permits expired after March 28 can apply for visas at Chinese embassies and consulates for entry, the ministry said in a statement on its website.
China in March temporarily suspended the entry of foreigners with valid Chinese visas and residence permits as an interim measure in response to the coronavirus epidemic.
Travel restrictions around Europe aimed at curbing coronavirus contagion ravaged Spain’s tourism industry during the crucial month of August, depriving it of millions of tourists.Travel restrictions around Europe aimed at curbing coronavirus contagion ravaged Spain’s tourism industry during the crucial month of August, depriving it of millions of tourists.
The occupancy rate in Spanish hotels fell 64% last month from a year ago, data from the National Statistics Institute showed on Wednesday.The occupancy rate in Spanish hotels fell 64% last month from a year ago, data from the National Statistics Institute showed on Wednesday.
In the first eight months of the year, hotel bookings slumped 70% from the same period in 2019.In the first eight months of the year, hotel bookings slumped 70% from the same period in 2019.
Travel restrictions imposed by European countries during the summer, amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Spain, have hit Spanish hotels hard after they emerged from a strict lockdown that had kept them shut between mid-March and late June.Travel restrictions imposed by European countries during the summer, amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Spain, have hit Spanish hotels hard after they emerged from a strict lockdown that had kept them shut between mid-March and late June.
Hotel bookings by British tourists plummeted over 91% in August, meaning the country lost about 1.1 million British visitors alone, while bookings from Germany were down 80%, the data showed. The Balearic islands lost 86% of their foreign tourists compared with a year earlier.Hotel bookings by British tourists plummeted over 91% in August, meaning the country lost about 1.1 million British visitors alone, while bookings from Germany were down 80%, the data showed. The Balearic islands lost 86% of their foreign tourists compared with a year earlier.
The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of the Spanish economy, providing more than one job in eight. Spain, one of the world’s most visited countries, received more than 80 million foreign visitors each year, mainly from European countries.The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of the Spanish economy, providing more than one job in eight. Spain, one of the world’s most visited countries, received more than 80 million foreign visitors each year, mainly from European countries.
Getting a front-row seat to Milan’s fashion week is harder than ever this year, with uninvited influencers and buyers nursing bruised egos as the shows start on Wednesday under coronavirus restrictions.Getting a front-row seat to Milan’s fashion week is harder than ever this year, with uninvited influencers and buyers nursing bruised egos as the shows start on Wednesday under coronavirus restrictions.
The virus, which is resurgent in Europe, forced many luxury houses to put off confirming their presence until the last minute – and in the end only a third have committed to appearing.The virus, which is resurgent in Europe, forced many luxury houses to put off confirming their presence until the last minute – and in the end only a third have committed to appearing.
Nevertheless, the Italian fashion chamber’s head, Carlo Capasa, said: “In this year marked by the Covid-19 epidemic, fashion has demonstrated, despite the difficulties that lie ahead, a great strength and sense of unity.”Nevertheless, the Italian fashion chamber’s head, Carlo Capasa, said: “In this year marked by the Covid-19 epidemic, fashion has demonstrated, despite the difficulties that lie ahead, a great strength and sense of unity.”
Missoni, the Italian label known for its explosions of colour, will start, presenting its new collection virtually, just like 41 other labels among the 64 spring/summer 2021 catwalks on the calendar.Missoni, the Italian label known for its explosions of colour, will start, presenting its new collection virtually, just like 41 other labels among the 64 spring/summer 2021 catwalks on the calendar.
In these social-distancing times, brands from Moschino to Versace and Prada have opted to simply stream their shows on social media.In these social-distancing times, brands from Moschino to Versace and Prada have opted to simply stream their shows on social media.
Not so for Giorgio Armani, who will be showing his collection on Italian prime time television on Saturday.Not so for Giorgio Armani, who will be showing his collection on Italian prime time television on Saturday.
Twenty-two houses are braving a live audience, from Fendi and Dolce&Gabbana to Etro, Ferragamo and Max Mara.Twenty-two houses are braving a live audience, from Fendi and Dolce&Gabbana to Etro, Ferragamo and Max Mara.
“Organising a fashion show with public present is a real headache at the moment,” confesses an organiser at a major fashion house, who preferred to remain anonymous.“Organising a fashion show with public present is a real headache at the moment,” confesses an organiser at a major fashion house, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“The number of seats has been drastically reduced and the seating plan, a diplomatic and political Tetris at the best of times, is driving us wild. We don’t want to offend anyone, but we don’t have enough room for everyone,” he said.“The number of seats has been drastically reduced and the seating plan, a diplomatic and political Tetris at the best of times, is driving us wild. We don’t want to offend anyone, but we don’t have enough room for everyone,” he said.
Indonesia reports biggest daily rise in coronavirus casesIndonesia reports biggest daily rise in coronavirus cases
Indonesia reported 4,465 new coronavirus cases today, the country’s biggest daily rise, taking the total number of infections to 257,388, data from the country’s health ministry showed.Indonesia reported 4,465 new coronavirus cases today, the country’s biggest daily rise, taking the total number of infections to 257,388, data from the country’s health ministry showed.
The data added 140 new deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 9,977, the biggest death toll in south-east Asia.The data added 140 new deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 9,977, the biggest death toll in south-east Asia.
A company in Japan has launched an ultraviolet lamp that can kill the coronavirus without damaging people’s eyes or skin, and is expected to be used to disinfect busy spaces such as train carriages, lifts and waiting rooms.A company in Japan has launched an ultraviolet lamp that can kill the coronavirus without damaging people’s eyes or skin, and is expected to be used to disinfect busy spaces such as train carriages, lifts and waiting rooms.
The Care 222 is the first of its kind, according to Ushio, a lighting electronics manufacturer based in Tokyo.The Care 222 is the first of its kind, according to Ushio, a lighting electronics manufacturer based in Tokyo.
Health experts, including the World Health Organisation, have warned people not to use conventional UV lamps to disinfect their hands or other parts of their body as they can cause skin cancer and eye damage.Ushio’s gadget, however, emits UV rays with a wavelength of 222 nanometres, as opposed to the conventional 254 nanometres, enabling them to kill the virus without harming people, the firm said on its website.Health experts, including the World Health Organisation, have warned people not to use conventional UV lamps to disinfect their hands or other parts of their body as they can cause skin cancer and eye damage.Ushio’s gadget, however, emits UV rays with a wavelength of 222 nanometres, as opposed to the conventional 254 nanometres, enabling them to kill the virus without harming people, the firm said on its website.
“One of Care 222’s greatest features is that it can be used all the time,” it said. “Unlike conventional ultraviolet light sources, [it] can be used even when people are present, allowing continuous disinfection of the air and environmental surfaces.”“One of Care 222’s greatest features is that it can be used all the time,” it said. “Unlike conventional ultraviolet light sources, [it] can be used even when people are present, allowing continuous disinfection of the air and environmental surfaces.”
The different wavelength, combined with a special filter, means the rays are unable to infiltrate the surface of the skin or the eyes, the company added.The firm, which developed the machine with Columbia University, found that it took between six and seven minutes to kill 99% of viruses and bacteria in the air, and on surfaces measuring up to 3 square metres located 2.5 metres away, Kyodo news agency reported.The different wavelength, combined with a special filter, means the rays are unable to infiltrate the surface of the skin or the eyes, the company added.The firm, which developed the machine with Columbia University, found that it took between six and seven minutes to kill 99% of viruses and bacteria in the air, and on surfaces measuring up to 3 square metres located 2.5 metres away, Kyodo news agency reported.
The company’s claims have been confirmed in a third-party study by Hiroshima University, it added.The company’s claims have been confirmed in a third-party study by Hiroshima University, it added.
The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has made it into Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2020.The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has made it into Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2020.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian biologist and public health researcher, has been at the head of the organisation since 2017. He is the first non-physician and first African in the role; he was endorsed by the African UnionTedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian biologist and public health researcher, has been at the head of the organisation since 2017. He is the first non-physician and first African in the role; he was endorsed by the African Union
In Israel, the government last week imposed a nationwide lockdown that closed schools, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. The coronavirus cabinet was meeting later Wednesday to discuss further tightening the restrictions.In Israel, the government last week imposed a nationwide lockdown that closed schools, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. The coronavirus cabinet was meeting later Wednesday to discuss further tightening the restrictions.
Israel won international praise for its handling of the outbreak last spring, moving quickly to seal its borders and impose a lockdown that appeared to contain the virus.Israel won international praise for its handling of the outbreak last spring, moving quickly to seal its borders and impose a lockdown that appeared to contain the virus.
But the government reopened the economy too quickly, and a new outbreak has quickly spread throughout the summer. The economy, meanwhile, has not recovered from a serious downturn caused by the first lockdown.But the government reopened the economy too quickly, and a new outbreak has quickly spread throughout the summer. The economy, meanwhile, has not recovered from a serious downturn caused by the first lockdown.
The French government is expected to unveil tighter coronavirus restrictions for Paris today following a cabinet meeting, BFM TV and Le Parisien newspaper said.The French government is expected to unveil tighter coronavirus restrictions for Paris today following a cabinet meeting, BFM TV and Le Parisien newspaper said.
Among the measures planned are a ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people while attendance at major events could be limited to 1,000 people from the 5,000 allowed now, the reports said. The sale of alcohol outdoors will be prohibited after 8 pm they added, citing several sources.Among the measures planned are a ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people while attendance at major events could be limited to 1,000 people from the 5,000 allowed now, the reports said. The sale of alcohol outdoors will be prohibited after 8 pm they added, citing several sources.
The new rules for Paris, if confirmed, would follow similar measures in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nice as the coronavirus resurges across the country.The new rules for Paris, if confirmed, would follow similar measures in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nice as the coronavirus resurges across the country.
Australia’s coronavirus hot spot of Victoria is considering easing curbs sooner than previously flagged, the state’s premier said on Wednesday, as the two-week average of new infections in the city of Melbourne dropped below 30.Australia’s coronavirus hot spot of Victoria is considering easing curbs sooner than previously flagged, the state’s premier said on Wednesday, as the two-week average of new infections in the city of Melbourne dropped below 30.
Melbourne, Australia’s second most populous city, has been the epicentre of the country’s second wave of Covid-19. The city has been under a hard lockdown, including a nightly curfew, since 2 August.Melbourne, Australia’s second most populous city, has been the epicentre of the country’s second wave of Covid-19. The city has been under a hard lockdown, including a nightly curfew, since 2 August.
The state reported 15 new cases and five deaths on Wednesday.The state reported 15 new cases and five deaths on Wednesday.
The 14-day average in Melbourne dropped below the 30-50 band, which the state set as a precondition for allowing around 100,000 people to return to work in construction, manufacturing, warehouses and child care from 28 September.The 14-day average in Melbourne dropped below the 30-50 band, which the state set as a precondition for allowing around 100,000 people to return to work in construction, manufacturing, warehouses and child care from 28 September.
“We are winning this battle and we will prevail. It’s just a matter of us staying the course - not letting our frustration get the better of us,” state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters.“We are winning this battle and we will prevail. It’s just a matter of us staying the course - not letting our frustration get the better of us,” state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters.
Andrews said if the average holds below 30 ahead of this Sunday’s review of restrictions, it was possible further curbs could be eased, but he declined to say what those might be.Andrews said if the average holds below 30 ahead of this Sunday’s review of restrictions, it was possible further curbs could be eased, but he declined to say what those might be.
Couple of interesting developments in the world of ballet.Couple of interesting developments in the world of ballet.
The realities of the pandemic have intervened in Bolshoi’s return after performers test positive for Covid-19.The realities of the pandemic have intervened in Bolshoi’s return after performers test positive for Covid-19.
Shaun Walker, the Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, reports about the plans announced over the summer for something approaching a full season of opera and ballet across its three stages.Shaun Walker, the Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, reports about the plans announced over the summer for something approaching a full season of opera and ballet across its three stages.
On 6 September, the theatre started the season with an all-star cast performing Verdi’s Don Carlo, even as Moscow continued to record hundreds of new Covid cases every day. But the third and final performance had to be cancelled at the last minute after singer Ildar Abdrazakov tested positive for Covid. Later, the soprano Anna Netrebko posted on Instagram that she had also tested positive.On 6 September, the theatre started the season with an all-star cast performing Verdi’s Don Carlo, even as Moscow continued to record hundreds of new Covid cases every day. But the third and final performance had to be cancelled at the last minute after singer Ildar Abdrazakov tested positive for Covid. Later, the soprano Anna Netrebko posted on Instagram that she had also tested positive.
Meanwhile, Mark Brown, our arts correspondent, writes about plans for the Royal Ballet announcing its October comeback with 100 dancers.Meanwhile, Mark Brown, our arts correspondent, writes about plans for the Royal Ballet announcing its October comeback with 100 dancers.
The company has revealed ambitious details of its “comeback” after a seven-month break from full performances on the Covent Garden stage. The plan is for a celebration performance with 100 dancers and a full orchestra on 9 October, livestreamed around the world.The company has revealed ambitious details of its “comeback” after a seven-month break from full performances on the Covent Garden stage. The plan is for a celebration performance with 100 dancers and a full orchestra on 9 October, livestreamed around the world.
The UK foreign minister, Dominic Raab, says the country cannot rule out a full second national lockdown.The UK foreign minister, Dominic Raab, says the country cannot rule out a full second national lockdown.
In a radio interview, the minister said there was no “silver bullet” to beat the pandemic urging those workers who could do so to work from home.In a radio interview, the minister said there was no “silver bullet” to beat the pandemic urging those workers who could do so to work from home.
This could be a game-changer – European airlines are pinning hopes on pre-flight Covid-19 tests that deliver results as fast as pregnancy tests to help restore passengers’ confidence in taking to the skies in confined spaces with shared air.This could be a game-changer – European airlines are pinning hopes on pre-flight Covid-19 tests that deliver results as fast as pregnancy tests to help restore passengers’ confidence in taking to the skies in confined spaces with shared air.
Germany’s Lufthansa, at the mercy of government bailouts for survival, is in talks with the Swiss drugmaker Roche over deploying so-called antigen tests, according to two people familiar with the discussions, as the airline aims to make them available next month.Germany’s Lufthansa, at the mercy of government bailouts for survival, is in talks with the Swiss drugmaker Roche over deploying so-called antigen tests, according to two people familiar with the discussions, as the airline aims to make them available next month.
The Italian operator Alitalia, meanwhile, told Reuters that from Wednesday it would add two flights from Milan to Rome, to the two it is already offering from Rome to Milan, exclusively for passengers with negative tests.The Italian operator Alitalia, meanwhile, told Reuters that from Wednesday it would add two flights from Milan to Rome, to the two it is already offering from Rome to Milan, exclusively for passengers with negative tests.
The tests are administered by health authorities at the airports and included in ticket prices. If they prove popular and safe, these antigen-tested flights will be expanded to more domestic, and later international, routes, the airline said.The tests are administered by health authorities at the airports and included in ticket prices. If they prove popular and safe, these antigen-tested flights will be expanded to more domestic, and later international, routes, the airline said.
Unlike laboratory-based molecular tests that have been the staple of health authorities in the pandemic, antigen tests do not require machines to process. Much like pregnancy tests, they can produce results in about 15 minutes.Unlike laboratory-based molecular tests that have been the staple of health authorities in the pandemic, antigen tests do not require machines to process. Much like pregnancy tests, they can produce results in about 15 minutes.
However the tests require an uncomfortable nasal swab and are not as accurate as the molecular, or PCR, tests. They generally produce more “false negatives”, which could mean sick people could slip through the cracks and on to planes.However the tests require an uncomfortable nasal swab and are not as accurate as the molecular, or PCR, tests. They generally produce more “false negatives”, which could mean sick people could slip through the cracks and on to planes.
An increasing number are hitting the market, from companies such as Abbott Laboratories, Becton Dickinson & Co and Quidel Corp and Roche, which is rebranding antigen tests from South Korea’s privately held SD Biosensor.An increasing number are hitting the market, from companies such as Abbott Laboratories, Becton Dickinson & Co and Quidel Corp and Roche, which is rebranding antigen tests from South Korea’s privately held SD Biosensor.
Airlines are pressing governments to embrace alternatives to blanket travel restrictions amid a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Europe.Airlines are pressing governments to embrace alternatives to blanket travel restrictions amid a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Europe.
Morning and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. As ever, please do send any tips, stories and things you feel we should be covering to nazia.parveen@theguardian.com or follow me to send me a DM on Twitter @NParveenGMorning and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. As ever, please do send any tips, stories and things you feel we should be covering to nazia.parveen@theguardian.com or follow me to send me a DM on Twitter @NParveenG
Well, my time is up for today. Thanks for following along – and I look forward to bringing you more blog tomorrow. In the meantime:Well, my time is up for today. Thanks for following along – and I look forward to bringing you more blog tomorrow. In the meantime: