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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
New York’s famed Metropolitan Opera has cancelled its entire upcoming season and said it would remain closed until September 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a sign of the continuing struggles for live entertainment.
The 3,800-seat opera house normally stages more than 200 performances each season and welcomes nearly 800,000 visitors.
The organisation said in a statement:
The Met said it had ambitious plans for a new season beginning in September 2021 with the premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut up in my Bones, the first opera by a Black composer to be performed at the Met.
Operators of Broadway theatres, among the biggest tourist attractions in New York, currently aim to reopen in January 2021.
An Israeli hospital has transformed its car park into a ward as doctors confront a surge in coronavirus cases.
Michael Halberthal, general director of the Rambam Health Care Campus, expressed his frustration that his hospital in the northern city of Haifa has been pushed to take such a dramatic step.
“(It’s) extremely unfortunate that we have to get to this position,” he said.
Just days after management approved the decision, the underground car park has become a ward, complete with beds and wheelchairs - parking spaces have been converted into patient bays.
The new ward will be ready to open on Thursday, according to hospital officials, and can accommodate 770 coronavirus patients.
A string of hospitals that have seen their coronavirus wards hit capacity since the government imposed the country’s latest nationwide lockdown on Friday.
Israel has the world’s highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight, and on Wednesday the health ministry announced nearly 7,000 positive cases over 24 hours.
The country has recorded more than 200,000 cases since the pandemic hit, with 1,317 deaths.
Israel’s second wave of cases has hit particularly hard in the country’s north, home to much of the Arab minority that makes up around 20% of the population.
Four more Guatemalan officials have tested positive for Covid-19, after Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei and a culture minister were revealed last week to have contracted the virus.Four more Guatemalan officials have tested positive for Covid-19, after Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei and a culture minister were revealed last week to have contracted the virus.
The 64-year-old president said in a televised message on Wednesday that he had endured a “pretty terrible” night and woke up with body pains.The 64-year-old president said in a televised message on Wednesday that he had endured a “pretty terrible” night and woke up with body pains.
Giammattei added that the general subsecretary of the presidency and the viceminister of international relations had both tested positive.Giammattei added that the general subsecretary of the presidency and the viceminister of international relations had both tested positive.
Authorities told Reuters later that two other government advisors had also tested positive, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in the upper ranks of government to at least six.Authorities told Reuters later that two other government advisors had also tested positive, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in the upper ranks of government to at least six.
Giammattei, the fourth Latin American leader to contract the coronavirus, announced he was infected just as the country was easing draconian travel restrictions imposed months ago to contain infections.Giammattei, the fourth Latin American leader to contract the coronavirus, announced he was infected just as the country was easing draconian travel restrictions imposed months ago to contain infections.
Guatemala in total has registered 87,442 cases and 3,154 deaths.Guatemala in total has registered 87,442 cases and 3,154 deaths.
Britain said it was working with partners on the potential for “human challenge” clinical trials for a Covid-19 vaccine, where volunteers are deliberately infected with the virus to test the effectiveness of vaccine candidates, confirming an FT report.Britain said it was working with partners on the potential for “human challenge” clinical trials for a Covid-19 vaccine, where volunteers are deliberately infected with the virus to test the effectiveness of vaccine candidates, confirming an FT report.
A government spokeswoman said:A government spokeswoman said:
Germany has added the French regions of Centre-Val de Loire, Brittany and Normandy, as well as the metropolitan region centred on the Portuguese capital Lisbon, to the list of destinations to which it warned against travel.Germany has added the French regions of Centre-Val de Loire, Brittany and Normandy, as well as the metropolitan region centred on the Portuguese capital Lisbon, to the list of destinations to which it warned against travel.
It has warned against travel to most of neighbouring Czech Republic following a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country, the Foreign Ministry said.It has warned against travel to most of neighbouring Czech Republic following a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country, the Foreign Ministry said.
“Currently, a warning is in force against non-essential, touristic trips to Czechia with the exceptions of the Ustecky and Moravia-Silesia regions,” the ministry said in a statement.“Currently, a warning is in force against non-essential, touristic trips to Czechia with the exceptions of the Ustecky and Moravia-Silesia regions,” the ministry said in a statement.
Germany warns against travel to regions within the EU where the rate of Covid-19 infections exceeds the level of 50 per 100,000 population in a week.Germany warns against travel to regions within the EU where the rate of Covid-19 infections exceeds the level of 50 per 100,000 population in a week.
Large parts of France, including the capital Paris, are already subject to travel warnings.Large parts of France, including the capital Paris, are already subject to travel warnings.
Bars and restaurants in France’s Mediterranean city of Marseille will have to close as the spread of Covid-19 worsens in the country, the health minister has said. France’s health minister has unveiled a map of coronavirus “danger zones” around the country, with bars and restaurants closed from Saturday in Marseille.
The port city was the only part of mainland France at a state of “maximum alert” requiring the closures, Olivier Véran told reporters. Olivier Véran told a news conference the country would be divided into zones by alert level with Marseille, the second-largest city, and the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe for now the only two areas put on the “maximum” alert level.
Meanwhile eight major cities including Paris are now in a state of “elevated alert”, the second-highest in a new system with a sliding scale of infection control measures. Paris and its suburbs along with Lille, Toulouse and six other cities were declared “reinforced danger zones”, Véran added.
The capital’s bars will have to close earlier, at 10pm, Véran said. “Should the sanitary situation worsen further in those areas, then a state of health emergency would be put in place”, the minister said.
The maximum number of people allowed to attend large events in areas of a heightened alert level will be lowered to 1,000 people from 5,000, he added. Like other European countries where the infection rate has soared in the past month, France has been gradually tightening limits on public and private gatherings locally, hoping it will be enough to contain the disease and avoid a second national lockdown.
The data is “continuing to worsen” but there is “still time to act”, Véran said. After a summer lull, president Emmanuel Macron’s government has been keen to let local authorities adopt measures locally depending on the severity of Covid-19 outbreaks, rather than taking broad measures from the central government in Paris.
In Paris and the other cities now labelled “reinforced danger zones”, attendance at major events will be limited to 1,000 people from the 5,000 allowed now, pre-planned events such as student parties will be banned, and bars and restaurants will have to close at 10pm at the latest.
Two government sources said Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo had strongly resisted restrictions on the opening hours of bars and cafes in the capital, arguing that this would be economically devastating for the sector.
Among other measures, there will be a ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people and, in “maximum” alert level areas like Marseille, bars and restaurants will be closed from Saturday.
Weather disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic have simultaneously hit tens of millions of people worldwide this year, making them more vulnerable to both threats and hampering emergency response, the Red Cross has said.Weather disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic have simultaneously hit tens of millions of people worldwide this year, making them more vulnerable to both threats and hampering emergency response, the Red Cross has said.
In a new analysis, the international humanitarian agency said about 70% of the 132 disasters linked to extreme weather in 2020 had coincided in place and time with the Covid-19 pandemic.In a new analysis, the international humanitarian agency said about 70% of the 132 disasters linked to extreme weather in 2020 had coincided in place and time with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Globally, more than 51 million people - likely an underestimate - had been recorded as directly affected by an overlap of floods, droughts or storms and the pandemic, with nearly 3,500 people killed in the weather events, it said.Globally, more than 51 million people - likely an underestimate - had been recorded as directly affected by an overlap of floods, droughts or storms and the pandemic, with nearly 3,500 people killed in the weather events, it said.
Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said:Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said:
While not all weather disasters have a direct link with global warming, the climate is becoming more volatile and weather more extreme as the planet heats up, he added.While not all weather disasters have a direct link with global warming, the climate is becoming more volatile and weather more extreme as the planet heats up, he added.
The report, produced with the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, said the pandemic was complicating efforts to evacuate people, including a need for more shelters to respect distancing and prevent infection.The report, produced with the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, said the pandemic was complicating efforts to evacuate people, including a need for more shelters to respect distancing and prevent infection.
Disrupted global supply chains have also slowed the flow of relief aid and recovery equipment, the report said, and the pandemic has increased the need for financial humanitarian assistance at a time of deep global downturn.Disrupted global supply chains have also slowed the flow of relief aid and recovery equipment, the report said, and the pandemic has increased the need for financial humanitarian assistance at a time of deep global downturn.
The places where the colliding threats have shown up most clearly are India and Bangladesh, where almost 40 million people were affected by the pandemic and monsoon floods or storms.The places where the colliding threats have shown up most clearly are India and Bangladesh, where almost 40 million people were affected by the pandemic and monsoon floods or storms.
The analysis also looked at the intersection between heatwaves and Covid-19. Nearly 432 million vulnerable people, including the elderly and infants, have struggled with the twin threat this year, including many in Europe and North America, it noted.The analysis also looked at the intersection between heatwaves and Covid-19. Nearly 432 million vulnerable people, including the elderly and infants, have struggled with the twin threat this year, including many in Europe and North America, it noted.
On the West Coast of the United States, meanwhile, more than 2 million people have had to deal with major wildfires and the pandemic together, with smoke potentially hiking the likelihood of lung infections including Covid-19, the report said.On the West Coast of the United States, meanwhile, more than 2 million people have had to deal with major wildfires and the pandemic together, with smoke potentially hiking the likelihood of lung infections including Covid-19, the report said.
Rocca said the Red Cross welcomed a rise in the number of volunteers helping out in their communities, particularly in developed Western countries, as well as a rise in donations for the Covid-19 response.Rocca said the Red Cross welcomed a rise in the number of volunteers helping out in their communities, particularly in developed Western countries, as well as a rise in donations for the Covid-19 response.
But Richard Blewitt, the IFRC’s permanent observer to the United Nations, warned of a “major gap” in funding for other humanitarian crises, such as the current flooding in Sudan.But Richard Blewitt, the IFRC’s permanent observer to the United Nations, warned of a “major gap” in funding for other humanitarian crises, such as the current flooding in Sudan.
Wealthy countries may also not deliver the $100bn they had promised this year to help poorer countries tackle climate change, he added. Rocca said:Wealthy countries may also not deliver the $100bn they had promised this year to help poorer countries tackle climate change, he added. Rocca said:
The governor of Brazil’s São Paulo state, João Doria, said the state is likely to start to immunise its population with China’s Sinovac vaccine for Covid-19 in mid-December, pending regulatory approval.The governor of Brazil’s São Paulo state, João Doria, said the state is likely to start to immunise its population with China’s Sinovac vaccine for Covid-19 in mid-December, pending regulatory approval.
Brazil has the third-highest number of cases of coronavirus in the world, leading vaccine makers to seek out the country to test their candidates.Brazil has the third-highest number of cases of coronavirus in the world, leading vaccine makers to seek out the country to test their candidates.
São Paulo is one of the sites of Phase III clinical trials for the Sinovac vaccine conducted by the state’s Butantan Institute, a leading biomedical research centre.São Paulo is one of the sites of Phase III clinical trials for the Sinovac vaccine conducted by the state’s Butantan Institute, a leading biomedical research centre.
Doria told a news conference 5m doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in São Paulo, the country’s most populous state, in October.Doria told a news conference 5m doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in São Paulo, the country’s most populous state, in October.
The state has a deal with Sinovac for 60m doses to be delivered by the end of February, which Doria said is enough to vaccinate the state’s entire population.The state has a deal with Sinovac for 60m doses to be delivered by the end of February, which Doria said is enough to vaccinate the state’s entire population.
Sinovac’s Latin America head, Xing Han, said the results of the Phase III trials should be out in two months.Sinovac’s Latin America head, Xing Han, said the results of the Phase III trials should be out in two months.
Brazilian state governments have been aggressive in courting vaccine makers, with Bahia and Parana states striking deals to test and buy or produce the Russian Sputnik 5 vaccine.Brazilian state governments have been aggressive in courting vaccine makers, with Bahia and Parana states striking deals to test and buy or produce the Russian Sputnik 5 vaccine.
Pfizer and partner BioNTech received Brazilian regulatory approval last week to expand trials of their vaccine in São Paulo and Bahia states.Pfizer and partner BioNTech received Brazilian regulatory approval last week to expand trials of their vaccine in São Paulo and Bahia states.
The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and University of Oxford has a production and distribution deal with the federal biomedical research institute Fiocruz and it is also being tested in Brazil by the federal university of Sao Paulo.The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and University of Oxford has a production and distribution deal with the federal biomedical research institute Fiocruz and it is also being tested in Brazil by the federal university of Sao Paulo.
French health authorities reported 13,072 new confirmed Covid-19 cases over 24 hours on Wednesday, the daily tally standing above the 13,000 threshold for the third time in six days.French health authorities reported 13,072 new confirmed Covid-19 cases over 24 hours on Wednesday, the daily tally standing above the 13,000 threshold for the third time in six days.
The number of people in France who have died from Covid-19 infections was up by 43, to a total of 31,459, and the cumulative number of cases now stands at 481,141.The number of people in France who have died from Covid-19 infections was up by 43, to a total of 31,459, and the cumulative number of cases now stands at 481,141.
New York City officials are working to address a rise in Covid-19 cases in parts of Brooklyn and Queens that is raising “a lot of concern”.New York City officials are working to address a rise in Covid-19 cases in parts of Brooklyn and Queens that is raising “a lot of concern”.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the new outbreaks, including a large cluster in three Brooklyn neighbourhoods, accounted for about 20% of confirmed positive cases citywide.Mayor Bill de Blasio said the new outbreaks, including a large cluster in three Brooklyn neighbourhoods, accounted for about 20% of confirmed positive cases citywide.
“We’re seeing a serious uptick in multiple neighbourhoods simultaneously and it’s something we have to address with a very aggressive public health effort right away,” de Blasio told reporters, adding that the Sheriff’s Office and the New York police department would help tackle the spread.“We’re seeing a serious uptick in multiple neighbourhoods simultaneously and it’s something we have to address with a very aggressive public health effort right away,” de Blasio told reporters, adding that the Sheriff’s Office and the New York police department would help tackle the spread.
Dr Mitch Katz, the CEO of New York City’s public healthcare system, said the city would distribute masks, gloves and hand sanitiser while officials will ask religious leaders to reinforce key public health messages.Dr Mitch Katz, the CEO of New York City’s public healthcare system, said the city would distribute masks, gloves and hand sanitiser while officials will ask religious leaders to reinforce key public health messages.
Robocalls in English and Yiddish and sound trucks will urge residents to physically distance and wear a face covering, Katz said.Robocalls in English and Yiddish and sound trucks will urge residents to physically distance and wear a face covering, Katz said.
Brooklyn is home to many Orthodox Jews, a community that has been hard-hit by the coronavirus and where compliance with restrictions has been at times problematic.Brooklyn is home to many Orthodox Jews, a community that has been hard-hit by the coronavirus and where compliance with restrictions has been at times problematic.
After becoming the global centre of the pandemic in the spring, the city’s positive test rate has fallen to below 1%.After becoming the global centre of the pandemic in the spring, the city’s positive test rate has fallen to below 1%.
However, in the borough of Queens, positive cases have risen to 2.24% in Kew Gardens and 3.69% in Edgemere-Far Rockaway.However, in the borough of Queens, positive cases have risen to 2.24% in Kew Gardens and 3.69% in Edgemere-Far Rockaway.
In Brooklyn, officials are concerned about Williamsburg, with a 2% positive rate, and a southern part of the borough that includes Midwood, Borough Park and Bensonhurst that officials are calling the Ocean Parkway Cluster, where the positive rate is 4.71%, the health department said.In Brooklyn, officials are concerned about Williamsburg, with a 2% positive rate, and a southern part of the borough that includes Midwood, Borough Park and Bensonhurst that officials are calling the Ocean Parkway Cluster, where the positive rate is 4.71%, the health department said.
Overall, there has been a slight uptick in coronavirus cases in New York City over the last two months. On 14 September, the city reported 380 new cases, the highest since 20 July. However, the average percent of tests coming back positive has remained virtually unchanged since August, according to city data.Overall, there has been a slight uptick in coronavirus cases in New York City over the last two months. On 14 September, the city reported 380 new cases, the highest since 20 July. However, the average percent of tests coming back positive has remained virtually unchanged since August, according to city data.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over the blog for the next few hours.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 sharePlease do send across your story tips and any personal experiences you would like to share
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_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.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 that Swiss authorities believe to be the origin of the outbreak had been held before Vaud - which has recorded more infections than any other Swiss canton - introduced stricter measures on 17 September.The festivities that Swiss authorities believe to be the origin of the 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 figures.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 figures.
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: