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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
Walt Disney Co will lose its option to buy a plot of land next to its Hong Kong theme park that was to allow for future expansion after the city’s government said on Wednesday it would not extend the option due to current economic conditions.
The announcement comes as the Chinese-ruled hub tries to bolster its flagging economy and badly hit tourism sector, which was impacted heavily by anti-government protests last year and more recently, the coronavirus pandemic.
Hong Kong’s Disneyland resort is owned by a joint-venture, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP), of which the local government owns 53% and Walt Disney Co holds the rest.
The government said it was prudent to focus on the development and expansion of the existing resort in the coming few years rather than a geographic expansion, according to a statement on its website.
The option to buy the land, which is nearby the city’s international airport, was agreed 20 years ago and expires on Thursday.
A Walt Disney Company representative said the company would continue investing but was “extremely disappointed with the Hong Kong government’s decision not to extend the phase 2 land expansion option.”
The land earmarked for Disney has been unused for years and activists had advocated that public housing be built on it. As the city experienced a renewed rise in coronavirus infections, authorities set up a temporary quarantine centre.
Disney said on Tuesday it would reopen its Hong Kong park on 25 September to a reduced number of visitors and limited days, with enhanced health measures. It had closed again in mid-July for a second time.
The Asian financial hub has relaxed its coronavirus restrictions, including reopening theme parks, after the testing of nearly two million people in a programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases.
Gatherings remain capped at four people and all guests inside the park must wear face masks.
Israel’s cabinet is meeting to discuss tightening lockdown restrictions, with reports the government might shutter synagogues and ban crowds from gathering for demonstrations.Israel’s cabinet is meeting to discuss tightening lockdown restrictions, with reports the government might shutter synagogues and ban crowds from gathering for demonstrations.
Having imposed a three-week lockdown on Friday, Israel has seen infection rates surge. On Wednesday morning, the health ministry reported close to 7,000 new virus cases, more than double the number of daily cases compared to the beginning of the month. Having imposed a three-week lockdown on Friday, Israel has reported a surge in the number of infections. On Wednesday morning, the health ministry reported close to 7,000 new virus cases, more than double the number of daily cases compared with the beginning of the month.
The defense minister Benny Gantz said he supported an increase in restrictions. The defence minister, Benny Gantz, said he supported an increase in restrictions.
Israel has recorded a relatively low death toll for its infection rate, at around 1,300, but officials warn that number could jump.Israel has recorded a relatively low death toll for its infection rate, at around 1,300, but officials warn that number could jump.
Singapore will pilot a new travel pass for senior executives in the city-state who need to travel regularly for business, authorities said Wednesday, as they further eased some coronavirus-related restrictions.Singapore will pilot a new travel pass for senior executives in the city-state who need to travel regularly for business, authorities said Wednesday, as they further eased some coronavirus-related restrictions.
The number of passes will be limited initially, and travellers must stick to their declared itinerary, the government said. Upon return, pass holders must self-isolate while awaiting results of a swab test, instead of undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home or at a hotel.The number of passes will be limited initially, and travellers must stick to their declared itinerary, the government said. Upon return, pass holders must self-isolate while awaiting results of a swab test, instead of undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home or at a hotel.
The country has recorded over 57,000 coronavirus cases overall, mostly among workers living in dormitories. The vast majority of those infected have since recovered.The country has recorded over 57,000 coronavirus cases overall, mostly among workers living in dormitories. The vast majority of those infected have since recovered.
The regional travel hub is home to the Asian headquarters of many global companies whose executives have long relied on the city-state’s connectivity. It has reciprocal business travel arrangements with a handful of countries, including China, Japan and neighbouring Malaysia.The regional travel hub is home to the Asian headquarters of many global companies whose executives have long relied on the city-state’s connectivity. It has reciprocal business travel arrangements with a handful of countries, including China, Japan and neighbouring Malaysia.
Lawrence Wong, the co-head of Singapore’s virus taskforce, told a media briefing.Lawrence Wong, the co-head of Singapore’s virus taskforce, told a media briefing.
Authorities also said that while working from home remained the default for Singapore, more employees will be allowed to return to workplaces with some precautions.Authorities also said that while working from home remained the default for Singapore, more employees will be allowed to return to workplaces with some precautions.
Among other easing measures, Singapore will from next month increase the limits on attendance numbers at weddings and in cinemas.Among other easing measures, Singapore will from next month increase the limits on attendance numbers at weddings and in cinemas.
Over the next few weeks, the government will look at how to further ease restrictions, including permitting travel with countries it deems safe and allowing more people to meet socially, Wong said.Over the next few weeks, the government will look at how to further ease restrictions, including permitting travel with countries it deems safe and allowing more people to meet socially, Wong said.
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, Reuters reports.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, Reuters reports.
The number of nights booked 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. The number of nights booked 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.
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 to 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 to 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.
The Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz has announced the cancellation of this year’s Vienna Opera Ball, a glamorous society event that usually marks the peak of the Austrian ball season. The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, has announced the cancellation of this year’s Vienna Opera Ball, a glamorous society event that usually marks the peak of the Austrian ball season.
The government cited rising Covid-19 infection rates in the Alpine country as the reason for calling off the event, which was planned for 11 February 2021. While the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of participants could not have been guaranteed, the government said.The government cited rising Covid-19 infection rates in the Alpine country as the reason for calling off the event, which was planned for 11 February 2021. While the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of participants could not have been guaranteed, the government said.
It is only the second cancellation of the annual ballroom event since the end of the Second World War. In 1991, the Vienna Opera Ball was cancelled because of the Gulf War. It is only the second cancellation of the annual event since the end of the second world war. In 1991, the Vienna Opera Ball was cancelled due to the Gulf war.
Malaysia recorded 147 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the total to 10,505 infections. The health ministry also reported three new deaths, raising that tally to 133.Malaysia recorded 147 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the total to 10,505 infections. The health ministry also reported three new deaths, raising that tally to 133.
Good morning from London! I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share.Good morning from London! I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
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.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.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.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 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.