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Coronavirus live news: Belgium to ease restrictions despite sharp cases rise; Dutch daily infections hit new high Coronavirus live news: Belgium to ease restrictions despite sharp cases rise; Dutch daily infections hit new high
(32 minutes later)
Face masks no longer required outside in Belgium and self-isolation period reduced; Netherlands records 2,357 confirmed new cases; Paris to unveil tighter restrictionsFace masks no longer required outside in Belgium and self-isolation period reduced; Netherlands records 2,357 confirmed new cases; Paris to unveil tighter restrictions
The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square will be virtual this year in a scaled back, socially distant celebration, the organisers of the iconic New York City event said on Wednesday. They said a very limited group of in-person honorees will attend the event. Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over the blog for the next few hours.
Please do send across your story tips and any personal experiences you would like to share
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_
The New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square will be virtual this year in a scaled back, socially distanced celebration, the organisers of the iconic New York City event said on Wednesday. They said a very limited group of in-person honorees would attend the event.
Switzerland has quarantined the entire undergraduate body of one of its premier hospitality management schools just days after their return from summer recess, regional officials said on Wednesday, following a Covid-19 outbreak linked to one or more parties.Switzerland has quarantined the entire undergraduate body of one of its premier hospitality management schools just days after their return from summer recess, regional officials said on Wednesday, following a Covid-19 outbreak linked to one or more parties.
All 2,500 undergraduate students at the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne must remain in their housing, including on-campus accommodation, until 28 September, authorities for the canton of Vaud said in a statement.All 2,500 undergraduate students at the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne must remain in their housing, including on-campus accommodation, until 28 September, authorities for the canton of Vaud said in a statement.
That followed a number of major outbreaks among the student body which had made it impossible to trace which students had came into contact with the virus.That followed a number of major outbreaks among the student body which had made it impossible to trace which students had came into contact with the virus.
The festivities Swiss authorities believe to be the origin of the school’s outbreak had been held before Vaud, which has recorded more infections than any other Swiss canton, introduced stricter measures on 17 September.The festivities Swiss authorities believe to be the origin of the school’s outbreak had been held before Vaud, which has recorded more infections than any other Swiss canton, introduced stricter measures on 17 September.
Those included the closure of night clubs and a ban on private events of more than 100 people, as well as mandatory mask-wearing in public locations indoors.Those included the closure of night clubs and a ban on private events of more than 100 people, as well as mandatory mask-wearing in public locations indoors.
Like many European countries, Switzerland has seen a resurgence of cases since lockdown measures were eased and some international travel resumed over the summer months. Cases since the start of the epidemic recently surpassed 50,000.Like many European countries, Switzerland has seen a resurgence of cases since lockdown measures were eased and some international travel resumed over the summer months. Cases since the start of the epidemic recently surpassed 50,000.
At roughly 33 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last week, it remains less affected than a number of nearby countries currently at or nearer their peak.At roughly 33 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last week, it remains less affected than a number of nearby countries currently at or nearer their peak.
It has taken a regional approach on many precautionary measures, leaving cantonal authorities free to impose them as deemed fit.It has taken a regional approach on many precautionary measures, leaving cantonal authorities free to impose them as deemed fit.
Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne said it was working with regional medical authorities to support the affected students, who thus far had only reported minor symptoms, and would continue teaching remotely throughout the quarantine period. In a statement it said:Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne said it was working with regional medical authorities to support the affected students, who thus far had only reported minor symptoms, and would continue teaching remotely throughout the quarantine period. In a statement it said:
It said disciplinary measures had been taken against the students who had organised the privately held parties.It said disciplinary measures had been taken against the students who had organised the privately held parties.
The UK recorded 6,178 new coronavirus cases, close to the highest daily figure ever recorded (6,201 on 1 May). However, there are more than twice as many tests taking place every day now as there were then. So, even though the case numbers are now similar, that does not mean the spread of the virus is the same because in the spring more positive cases were being missed.The UK recorded 6,178 new coronavirus cases, close to the highest daily figure ever recorded (6,201 on 1 May). However, there are more than twice as many tests taking place every day now as there were then. So, even though the case numbers are now similar, that does not mean the spread of the virus is the same because in the spring more positive cases were being missed.
Belgium is to ease coronavirus restrictions despite a sharp increase in cases. The prime minister Sophie Wilmes said that, from 1 October, people who have had contact with an infected person would only have to quarantine for seven days, and face masks would no longer be mandatory everywhere outside. The country of 11 million people recorded on average 1,374 new cases per day over the past week. In early July, there were about 80 a day.Belgium is to ease coronavirus restrictions despite a sharp increase in cases. The prime minister Sophie Wilmes said that, from 1 October, people who have had contact with an infected person would only have to quarantine for seven days, and face masks would no longer be mandatory everywhere outside. The country of 11 million people recorded on average 1,374 new cases per day over the past week. In early July, there were about 80 a day.
Confirmed daily coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit a record high with 2,357 confirmed over the previous 24 hours, taking the Dutch tally to 100,597 since February.Confirmed daily coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit a record high with 2,357 confirmed over the previous 24 hours, taking the Dutch tally to 100,597 since February.
Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require Covid-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers. Japanese Olympic athletes and other participants living in Japan will be subject to the same measures, according to the draft measures still under discussion.Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require Covid-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers. Japanese Olympic athletes and other participants living in Japan will be subject to the same measures, according to the draft measures still under discussion.
Singapore will pilot a new travel pass for senior executives in the city-state who need to travel regularly for business, authorities said 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.Singapore will pilot a new travel pass for senior executives in the city-state who need to travel regularly for business, authorities said 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 UK has recorded 6,178 new coronavirus cases, according to today’s daily update to the government’s coronavirus dashboard. That is a big increase on yesterday’s figure (4,926) and close to the highest daily figure ever recorded (6,201 on 1 May).The UK has recorded 6,178 new coronavirus cases, according to today’s daily update to the government’s coronavirus dashboard. That is a big increase on yesterday’s figure (4,926) and close to the highest daily figure ever recorded (6,201 on 1 May).
But, as my colleague Andrew Sparrow writes, comparisons with the spring are misleading. There are more than twice as many tests taking place every day now as there were then. So, even though the case numbers are now similar, that does not mean the spread of the virus is the same because in the spring more positive cases were being missed.But, as my colleague Andrew Sparrow writes, comparisons with the spring are misleading. There are more than twice as many tests taking place every day now as there were then. So, even though the case numbers are now similar, that does not mean the spread of the virus is the same because in the spring more positive cases were being missed.
The daily dashboard also shows the UK has recorded another 37 deaths. This is the highest daily recorded total since mid July, and it takes the government’s tally to 41,862. But this figure only covers people who have died within 28 days of testing positive. The total number of people in the UK who have died from confirmed or suspected coronavirus is more than 57,600.The daily dashboard also shows the UK has recorded another 37 deaths. This is the highest daily recorded total since mid July, and it takes the government’s tally to 41,862. But this figure only covers people who have died within 28 days of testing positive. The total number of people in the UK who have died from confirmed or suspected coronavirus is more than 57,600.
Our UK coronavirus and politics live blog is here:Our UK coronavirus and politics live blog is here:
While the countries in the west wait on tenterhooks for a vaccine to combat what is becoming a newly resurgent coronavirus pandemic, Russia is on its way to approving its second.While the countries in the west wait on tenterhooks for a vaccine to combat what is becoming a newly resurgent coronavirus pandemic, Russia is on its way to approving its second.
The Russian news agency TASS reports that the registration procedure of the vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector research centre is planned to be completed by 15 October.The Russian news agency TASS reports that the registration procedure of the vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector research centre is planned to be completed by 15 October.
After the registration of the vaccine, clinical trials will start with the participation of volunteers aged over 60 as well as those with chronic illnesses.After the registration of the vaccine, clinical trials will start with the participation of volunteers aged over 60 as well as those with chronic illnesses.
The UN and the World Health Organization have called on governments to take action against an “infodemic” of misinformation and disinformation about the global coronavirus outbreak.The UN and the World Health Organization have called on governments to take action against an “infodemic” of misinformation and disinformation about the global coronavirus outbreak.
In a joint statement, the agencies said governments should “develop and implement action plans” to manage information about the virus “promoting the timely dissemination of accurate information, based on science and evidence” and “preventing the spread, and combating, mis- and disinformation while respecting freedom of expression”.In a joint statement, the agencies said governments should “develop and implement action plans” to manage information about the virus “promoting the timely dissemination of accurate information, based on science and evidence” and “preventing the spread, and combating, mis- and disinformation while respecting freedom of expression”.
The statement reiterates a resolution passed at the World Health Assembly in May, calling on member states to recognise “that managing the infodemic is a critical part of controlling the Covid-19 pandemic”.The statement reiterates a resolution passed at the World Health Assembly in May, calling on member states to recognise “that managing the infodemic is a critical part of controlling the Covid-19 pandemic”.
Social media companies have already taken steps to limit access to information that runs counter to advice disseminated by the WHO, leading to accusations of censorship from some quarters.Social media companies have already taken steps to limit access to information that runs counter to advice disseminated by the WHO, leading to accusations of censorship from some quarters.
Wednesday’s statement, which was endorsed by International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies and the International Telecommunication Union, added:Wednesday’s statement, which was endorsed by International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies and the International Telecommunication Union, added:
Coronavirus-sniffing dogs are set to be deployed to Finland’s main international airport in a pilot project to find innovative ways to screen arrivals who may spread Covid-19, the Washington Post reports.Coronavirus-sniffing dogs are set to be deployed to Finland’s main international airport in a pilot project to find innovative ways to screen arrivals who may spread Covid-19, the Washington Post reports.
Four dogs are ready to begin work, with a further 12 already trained and six more being coached for the role. Their handlers hope their keen sense of smell could detect coronavirus in just 10 seconds, compared with the lengthy delays associated with lab testing.Four dogs are ready to begin work, with a further 12 already trained and six more being coached for the role. Their handlers hope their keen sense of smell could detect coronavirus in just 10 seconds, compared with the lengthy delays associated with lab testing.
Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Helsinki found signs that the dogs can detect the virus in the sweat of patients. The Helsinki airport scheme will be the first large-scale trial to investigate whether the method can be effective in practice.Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Helsinki found signs that the dogs can detect the virus in the sweat of patients. The Helsinki airport scheme will be the first large-scale trial to investigate whether the method can be effective in practice.
However, the dogs will not be walking up and down queues of passengers at the arrivals gates. Rather, passengers will be asked to give a sample of their sweat from a swab on their neck, then submit it through a hole in the wall. Passengers who take part will also be urged to take a standard PCR test to check the dogs’ accuracy.However, the dogs will not be walking up and down queues of passengers at the arrivals gates. Rather, passengers will be asked to give a sample of their sweat from a swab on their neck, then submit it through a hole in the wall. Passengers who take part will also be urged to take a standard PCR test to check the dogs’ accuracy.
Anna Hielm-Björkman, a researcher at the University of Helsinki, told the Washington Post that if the method is effective, the dogs could be deployed elsewhere, including to care homes and schools.Anna Hielm-Björkman, a researcher at the University of Helsinki, told the Washington Post that if the method is effective, the dogs could be deployed elsewhere, including to care homes and schools.
“You could open up society in another way if you had those dogs,” she said.“You could open up society in another way if you had those dogs,” she said.
Hi, this is Damien Gayle taking over for a little bit while Lucy grabs a bite to eat. You can reach me with any comments, tips or suggestions for coverage at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.Hi, this is Damien Gayle taking over for a little bit while Lucy grabs a bite to eat. You can reach me with any comments, tips or suggestions for coverage at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
Authorities in Spain’s Madrid region have requested urgent help to hire hundreds of foreign doctors and reinforce police, as they mulled widening a partial coronavirus lockdown to more areas as cases rise.Authorities in Spain’s Madrid region have requested urgent help to hire hundreds of foreign doctors and reinforce police, as they mulled widening a partial coronavirus lockdown to more areas as cases rise.
The region is the hardest-hit in Spain by a second wave of the coronavirus and has restricted movement between and within some districts that are home to about 850,000 people.The region is the hardest-hit in Spain by a second wave of the coronavirus and has restricted movement between and within some districts that are home to about 850,000 people.
Ignacio Aguado, the deputy head of the regional government, told reporters the region needed 300 doctors from outside the European Union who had worked in the first wave of the pandemic, but could not hire them immediately due to complex regulations.Ignacio Aguado, the deputy head of the regional government, told reporters the region needed 300 doctors from outside the European Union who had worked in the first wave of the pandemic, but could not hire them immediately due to complex regulations.
He also asked the central government for an additional 222 national police to enforce quarantines and fines in areas under partial lockdown.He also asked the central government for an additional 222 national police to enforce quarantines and fines in areas under partial lockdown.
On Monday, the region asked central government for help from the army to fight the coronavirus surge in and around the Spanish capital, where the partial lockdown of some poorer areas has prompted protests.On Monday, the region asked central government for help from the army to fight the coronavirus surge in and around the Spanish capital, where the partial lockdown of some poorer areas has prompted protests.
Aguado said on Wednesday:Aguado said on Wednesday:
Residents in the mostly lower-income neighbourhoods where infection rates are highest say the measures are inefficient and unfair.Residents in the mostly lower-income neighbourhoods where infection rates are highest say the measures are inefficient and unfair.
Retiree Nieves Marcos from the Usera area, one of those under partial lockdown, told Reuters:Retiree Nieves Marcos from the Usera area, one of those under partial lockdown, told Reuters:
Regional health data showed on Tuesday the number of areas with infection rates exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 people had grown by nearly 50% to 53. Officials said restrictions could be widened after a review this week and have not ruled out tougher measures.Regional health data showed on Tuesday the number of areas with infection rates exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 people had grown by nearly 50% to 53. Officials said restrictions could be widened after a review this week and have not ruled out tougher measures.
Madrid accounts for about a third of coronavirus cases in Spain and has the highest share of hospital capacity occupied by patients with Covid-19.Madrid accounts for about a third of coronavirus cases in Spain and has the highest share of hospital capacity occupied by patients with Covid-19.
Spain’s cumulative number of confirmed coronavirus infections has soared since the end of a nationwide lockdown in late June and stands at 682,267 - the highest in western Europe. More than 30,900 people have died of Covid-19.Spain’s cumulative number of confirmed coronavirus infections has soared since the end of a nationwide lockdown in late June and stands at 682,267 - the highest in western Europe. More than 30,900 people have died of Covid-19.
Uzbeks who walk 10,000 steps a day for a year will be granted free use of state-owned gyms and a 50% discount on services provided by the government, according to a draft document published on Wednesday.Uzbeks who walk 10,000 steps a day for a year will be granted free use of state-owned gyms and a 50% discount on services provided by the government, according to a draft document published on Wednesday.
The draft presidential decree aims to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles and also includes provisions such as holding a car-free day and building street workout facilities across Uzbekistan, which has a population of 34 million people.The draft presidential decree aims to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles and also includes provisions such as holding a car-free day and building street workout facilities across Uzbekistan, which has a population of 34 million people.
The government also hopes the health drive will help protect the population from illnesses like Covid-19, although Uzbekistan has reported fewer cases than many other countries, with 53,000 confirmed infections and 444 deaths. It introduced two lockdowns in order to contain its spread.The government also hopes the health drive will help protect the population from illnesses like Covid-19, although Uzbekistan has reported fewer cases than many other countries, with 53,000 confirmed infections and 444 deaths. It introduced two lockdowns in order to contain its spread.
The decree outlines a programme called “Let’s overcome the pandemic through sports!” and highlights the promotion of sports such as walking, running, cycling, mini football, badminton, volleyball and street ball.The decree outlines a programme called “Let’s overcome the pandemic through sports!” and highlights the promotion of sports such as walking, running, cycling, mini football, badminton, volleyball and street ball.
Belgium is ending a requirement to wear face masks outdoors and reducing the time people have to self-isolate, in a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions announced on Wednesday despite sharply rising numbers of Covid-19 infections.Belgium is ending a requirement to wear face masks outdoors and reducing the time people have to self-isolate, in a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions announced on Wednesday despite sharply rising numbers of Covid-19 infections.
The prime minister Sophie Wilmes told a news conference that, from 1 October, people who have had contact with an infected person would only have to quarantine for seven days.The prime minister Sophie Wilmes told a news conference that, from 1 October, people who have had contact with an infected person would only have to quarantine for seven days.
Masks would no longer be mandatory everywhere outside, as is currently the case in the capital, Brussels, and some other cities, she said. They will still have to worn in shops, cinemas, on public transport and in crowded streets.Masks would no longer be mandatory everywhere outside, as is currently the case in the capital, Brussels, and some other cities, she said. They will still have to worn in shops, cinemas, on public transport and in crowded streets.
Wilmes told reporters in Brussels:Wilmes told reporters in Brussels:
The country of 11 million people recorded on average 1,374 new cases per day over the past week. In early July, there were about 80 a day. That equates to 136 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days.The country of 11 million people recorded on average 1,374 new cases per day over the past week. In early July, there were about 80 a day. That equates to 136 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days.
Wilmes added:Wilmes added:
However, there was no clear tightening of measures, unlike other countries such as the UK, which announced curbs likely to last six months on Tuesday.However, there was no clear tightening of measures, unlike other countries such as the UK, which announced curbs likely to last six months on Tuesday.
Public events can still be attended by 200 people indoors and 400 outside and Belgians will still able to see up to five people without social distancing, although that could be cut to one depending on the health situation.Public events can still be attended by 200 people indoors and 400 outside and Belgians will still able to see up to five people without social distancing, although that could be cut to one depending on the health situation.
Belgium imposed a lockdown on 18 March due to Covid-19, which has claimed 9,955 lives in the country, one of the world’s highest fatality figures per capita.Belgium imposed a lockdown on 18 March due to Covid-19, which has claimed 9,955 lives in the country, one of the world’s highest fatality figures per capita.
The German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, went into quarantine on Wednesday after one of his bodyguards tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him to call off a planned trip to Jordan, according to the ministry and media reports.The German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, went into quarantine on Wednesday after one of his bodyguards tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him to call off a planned trip to Jordan, according to the ministry and media reports.
An initial test of the minister had found he was not infected, the ministry said.An initial test of the minister had found he was not infected, the ministry said.
The announcement, a day after a meeting of European Union leaders was postponed because the European council president, Charles Michel, entered quarantine, highlights the difficulty of maintaining normal diplomatic business as Europe prepares for a second, autumn wave of coronavirus infections.The announcement, a day after a meeting of European Union leaders was postponed because the European council president, Charles Michel, entered quarantine, highlights the difficulty of maintaining normal diplomatic business as Europe prepares for a second, autumn wave of coronavirus infections.
“Foreign minister Maas put himself into quarantine after a member of his personal protection team was infected with Covid-19,” the ministry said.“Foreign minister Maas put himself into quarantine after a member of his personal protection team was infected with Covid-19,” the ministry said.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said Maas had had to cancel a planned visit to Jordan as a result of his quarantine.Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said Maas had had to cancel a planned visit to Jordan as a result of his quarantine.
On Tuesday, Michel postponed to next week a summit of EU leaders after coming into contact with someone who had the virus. The summit had been planned for this Thursday.On Tuesday, Michel postponed to next week a summit of EU leaders after coming into contact with someone who had the virus. The summit had been planned for this Thursday.
Confirmed daily coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit a record high on Wednesday, with 2,357 confirmed over the previous 24 hours, according to data published by health authorities.Confirmed daily coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit a record high on Wednesday, with 2,357 confirmed over the previous 24 hours, according to data published by health authorities.
The country has had 100,597 confirmed cases since it began registering them in late February, according to data made available by the national institute for health (RIVM).The country has had 100,597 confirmed cases since it began registering them in late February, according to data made available by the national institute for health (RIVM).
Cases have risen rapidly since late August amid a broader European second wave, leaving the country short of tests, and prompting the prime minister, Mark Rutte, to urge citizens to recover a sense of “urgency” about social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.Cases have risen rapidly since late August amid a broader European second wave, leaving the country short of tests, and prompting the prime minister, Mark Rutte, to urge citizens to recover a sense of “urgency” about social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require Covid-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers and released on Wednesday.Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require Covid-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers and released on Wednesday.
Reuters reports that Japanese Olympic athletes and other participants living in Japan will be subject to the same measures, according to the draft measures still under discussion. Tokyo 2020 organisers were forced to delay the Games due to the pandemic.Reuters reports that Japanese Olympic athletes and other participants living in Japan will be subject to the same measures, according to the draft measures still under discussion. Tokyo 2020 organisers were forced to delay the Games due to the pandemic.
Germany’s health minister has urged users of a smartphone app to help trace coronavirus infections to upload positive test results into the system, so that others at risk get a timely warning.Germany’s health minister has urged users of a smartphone app to help trace coronavirus infections to upload positive test results into the system, so that others at risk get a timely warning.
The Corona-Warn-App, launched 100 days ago, has been downloaded more than 18m times – more than all other similar apps across Europe combined that use Bluetooth technology to assess an individual’s risk of catching Covid-19.The Corona-Warn-App, launched 100 days ago, has been downloaded more than 18m times – more than all other similar apps across Europe combined that use Bluetooth technology to assess an individual’s risk of catching Covid-19.
Yet only 5,000 app users who have tested positive – or half the total – have actually taken the steps needed to trigger exposure notifications to their contacts, the health minister, Jens Spahn, told a news conference.Yet only 5,000 app users who have tested positive – or half the total – have actually taken the steps needed to trigger exposure notifications to their contacts, the health minister, Jens Spahn, told a news conference.
Most are calling a hotline, while few are directly uploading their results via their phone – reflecting lingering fears that people’s identity will be revealed despite the app’s privacy protections.Most are calling a hotline, while few are directly uploading their results via their phone – reflecting lingering fears that people’s identity will be revealed despite the app’s privacy protections.
Spahn told reporters:Spahn told reporters:
Despite the relatively high public support for the app, designed by Deutsche Telekom and SAP, there is little evidence so far that it has contributed meaningfully to curbing the pandemic.Despite the relatively high public support for the app, designed by Deutsche Telekom and SAP, there is little evidence so far that it has contributed meaningfully to curbing the pandemic.
Still, the government is backing the Corona-Warn-App as a supplement to manual contact-tracing to contain infection numbers that are rising in Germany, albeit more slowly than in other European countries.Still, the government is backing the Corona-Warn-App as a supplement to manual contact-tracing to contain infection numbers that are rising in Germany, albeit more slowly than in other European countries.
Work is continuing to digitally automate the task of uploading of lab test results, with the consent of users. A symptom tracker to help users figure out whether they may have Covid-19 will be added in October, said Juergen Mueller, the chief technology officer at SAP.Work is continuing to digitally automate the task of uploading of lab test results, with the consent of users. A symptom tracker to help users figure out whether they may have Covid-19 will be added in October, said Juergen Mueller, the chief technology officer at SAP.
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.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.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.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 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.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.”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.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.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.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.Gatherings remain capped at four people and all guests inside the park must wear face masks.