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Coronavirus live news: full lockdown recommended for Madrid; Iceland cluster traced to French tourists Coronavirus live news: full lockdown recommended for Madrid; new record cases in Netherlands
(32 minutes later)
Spanish government calls for Madrid to be locked down again; cases in Reykjavík linked to two French visitors Spanish government calls for Madrid lockdown; Netherlands records worst day for new cases; cases in Reykjavík linked to two French visitors
Here are the key developments from the last few hours:
Lockdown conditions were recommended for the whole of Madrid. The Spanish government said the whole of the capital should be covered by restrictions. But the regional government refused, saying only selected districts should be locked down.
South Korea said it would impose tighter restrictions during the Chuseok autumn holiday weeks. People traditionally reunite with families during the period, flagging the risks of new clusters of infections.
The UK borrowed £35.9bn in August in an effort to tackle the economic fallout, official figures showed. It means the national debt hit a record £2.024tn at the end of that month – £249.5bn more than the same time last year – according to the Office for National Statistics.
A cluster of about 100 cases in Iceland were traced back to two French tourists who refused to isolate. The country’s chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason said the pair arrived in mid-August and were instructed to remain in isolation after testing positive.
The global death toll passed 980,000 on Friday, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. With the number of deaths confirmed daily averaging more than 5,000, it looks likely the toll will pass 1 million within days. There are 32m cases worldwide.
The virus is continuing to mutate throughout the course of the pandemic, according to new research, with experts believing it is probably becoming more contagious. The study did not find that mutations of the virus had made it more lethal or changed its effects.
India’s coronavirus case tally surged to 5.82 million after it recorded 86,052 new infections in the last 24 hours, data from the health ministry showed on Friday.India has regularly been confirming daily case numbers above 80,000 since late August, according to Johns Hopkins University. A total of 1,141 people died of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, taking mortalities to 92,290, which is a relatively low 1.6% of all cases.
Brazil cancelled its carnival parade, which usually takes place in February, for the first time in 100 years. Rio’s League of Samba Schools, LIESA, announced that the spread of the coronavirus had made it impossible to safely hold the traditional event.Rio’s authorities are yet to announce a decision about the carnival street parties that also take place across the city. But its tourism promotion agency said in a statement to the Associated Press on 17 September that without a coronavirus vaccine, it was uncertain when large public events could resume.
In Europe, the pandemic is worse now than at the March peak in several member countries, the European Union warned, as governments reimpose drastic measures. New infections are soaring once again, prompting the bloc’s disease control agency to flag seven countries of “high concern”. The EU’s health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said in “some member states, the situation is now even worse than during the peak in March”.
The Netherlands has recorded its worst day for new cases, confirming 2,777 new ones in the past 24 hours, according to health authority data. That made Friday the second consecutive day to rank as the nation’s worst after 2,544 cases were recorded on Thursday.
The rise is part of a broader second wave that began in late August. The prime minister Mark Rutte has said the public should regain a sense of urgency about following social distancing rules to slow the virus’s spread, and the government will order regional measures as needed. Schools and bars remain open, with masks required only on public transportation.
Hundreds of people have protested against tough new measures in the French city of Marseille.
Reuters reports that crowds gathered outside the city’s commercial tribunal to denounce an order from Paris that restaurants and bars close for two weeks from Saturday, arguing the move was disproportionate to the risk and would devastate the local economy.
Some proprietors said they would defy the order, amid signs of mounting public frustration across France at the reimposition of restrictions on public life after a resurgence of the country’s epidemic. Jean-Pierre Cotens, owner of the 13 Coins bar, said:
Restaurateur Bernard Marty said:
The labour minister Elisabeth Borne has said the government would cover the fixed costs of bars and restaurants during the shutdown. Partial unemployment schemes would guarantee employees receive their full salary, she added.
Poland can expect further increases in coronavirus infections until mid-October, its president Andrzej Duda has said during a visit to the Vatican.Poland can expect further increases in coronavirus infections until mid-October, its president Andrzej Duda has said during a visit to the Vatican.
Poland reported 1,587 new infections on Friday; the worst nominal daily increase since the start of the pandemic in March. In total, the nation of 38 million people has registered 84,396 infections, including 2,392 deaths. Duda told reporters:Poland reported 1,587 new infections on Friday; the worst nominal daily increase since the start of the pandemic in March. In total, the nation of 38 million people has registered 84,396 infections, including 2,392 deaths. Duda told reporters:
Some 51 out of 186 crew members of a European Union naval vessel have tested positive, the EU’s Irini military mission has said, adding that the infections were discovered following routine testing.Some 51 out of 186 crew members of a European Union naval vessel have tested positive, the EU’s Irini military mission has said, adding that the infections were discovered following routine testing.
The mission operates in the Mediterranean to stop arms from reach warring factions in Libya, enforcing an embargo imposed by the UN Security Council to stop military clashes and facilitate the peace process in the North African country.The mission operates in the Mediterranean to stop arms from reach warring factions in Libya, enforcing an embargo imposed by the UN Security Council to stop military clashes and facilitate the peace process in the North African country.
The Margottini frigate is docked in the southern Italian port of Augusta for logistic reasons after 15 days of activity at sea, the mission said. The majority of those who tested positive were Italian. Irini said it would now repeat the test for all the personnel on board to check whether there were even more infections.The Margottini frigate is docked in the southern Italian port of Augusta for logistic reasons after 15 days of activity at sea, the mission said. The majority of those who tested positive were Italian. Irini said it would now repeat the test for all the personnel on board to check whether there were even more infections.
For the past decade, Yusuf Iswahyu has ferried Indonesian children in his yellow bus to and from their schools. But, with many shut now, the 29-year-old has now signed up alongside other drivers to take patients infected with the virus to an emergency hospital in Jakarta.For the past decade, Yusuf Iswahyu has ferried Indonesian children in his yellow bus to and from their schools. But, with many shut now, the 29-year-old has now signed up alongside other drivers to take patients infected with the virus to an emergency hospital in Jakarta.
His bus has a screen to shield him and he wears protective equipment, but that does not stop him feeling apprehensive – especially after contracting the disease during an earlier stint transporting healthcare workers. Yusuf, who has stayed away from his hometown of Cirebon on Java island since the pandemic began to cut the risk of infecting his family, told Reuters:His bus has a screen to shield him and he wears protective equipment, but that does not stop him feeling apprehensive – especially after contracting the disease during an earlier stint transporting healthcare workers. Yusuf, who has stayed away from his hometown of Cirebon on Java island since the pandemic began to cut the risk of infecting his family, told Reuters:
Indonesia reported its biggest daily rise of cases on Friday – the third consecutive such daily total – and the capital is the epicentre of the new outbreak.Indonesia reported its biggest daily rise of cases on Friday – the third consecutive such daily total – and the capital is the epicentre of the new outbreak.
The hospital where Yusuf ferries his charges was converted from the athletes’ village built for the 2018 Asian Games and it is where he himself became a patient in May.The hospital where Yusuf ferries his charges was converted from the athletes’ village built for the 2018 Asian Games and it is where he himself became a patient in May.
It is one of several state-appointed facilities where Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan has ordered those infected to be isolated, even if they do not have acute symptoms.It is one of several state-appointed facilities where Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan has ordered those infected to be isolated, even if they do not have acute symptoms.
The world’s fourth most populous country has struggled to stem a rise in transmission for months, with 266,845 confirmed cases and a death toll of 10,218; one of the worst in Asia.The world’s fourth most populous country has struggled to stem a rise in transmission for months, with 266,845 confirmed cases and a death toll of 10,218; one of the worst in Asia.
Iran’s death toll rose by 207 to 25,222 on Friday, with the total number of identified cases spiking to 439,882, a health ministry spokeswoman has said.Iran’s death toll rose by 207 to 25,222 on Friday, with the total number of identified cases spiking to 439,882, a health ministry spokeswoman has said.
It was the highest single-day death toll since the ministry registered 216 deaths on 1 August. Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 3,563 new cases were identified in the last 24 hours in Iran, the country hardest-hit by the pandemic in the Middle East.It was the highest single-day death toll since the ministry registered 216 deaths on 1 August. Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 3,563 new cases were identified in the last 24 hours in Iran, the country hardest-hit by the pandemic in the Middle East.
Iran’s health officials have voiced alarm over a surge in infections, urging the nation to respect health protocols to control the spread of the disease.Iran’s health officials have voiced alarm over a surge in infections, urging the nation to respect health protocols to control the spread of the disease.
On Thursday, Illa warned that “difficult weeks” lay ahead for Madrid and that a concerted effort was needed to stop the spread of the virus in Spain’s hardest-hit region. But he also said that it was up to the regional government to accept or reject the central government’s recommendations.On Thursday, Illa warned that “difficult weeks” lay ahead for Madrid and that a concerted effort was needed to stop the spread of the virus in Spain’s hardest-hit region. But he also said that it was up to the regional government to accept or reject the central government’s recommendations.
To date, Spain has logged 704,209 Covid cases – 133,206 of them diagnosed over the past two weeks – and 31,118 deaths.To date, Spain has logged 704,209 Covid cases – 133,206 of them diagnosed over the past two weeks – and 31,118 deaths.
In an article published in the Lancet this week, a team of experts compared the lockdown exit strategies of nine different countries and found that Spain, like the UK, had struggled to implement an effective “find, test, trace, isolate and support system” before lockdown restrictions were eased over the summer.In an article published in the Lancet this week, a team of experts compared the lockdown exit strategies of nine different countries and found that Spain, like the UK, had struggled to implement an effective “find, test, trace, isolate and support system” before lockdown restrictions were eased over the summer.
In Spain – far and away the worst affected western European country, with a total of more than 700,000 cases – there has been more disunity and contradictory messaging from the central government and the regional government of Madrid.In Spain – far and away the worst affected western European country, with a total of more than 700,000 cases – there has been more disunity and contradictory messaging from the central government and the regional government of Madrid.
Despite pledging to work together to improve the dire situation in and around the capital, the national and regional governments are favouring different strategies for tackling the surge in Madrid.Despite pledging to work together to improve the dire situation in and around the capital, the national and regional governments are favouring different strategies for tackling the surge in Madrid.
On Friday, the regional government rejected the central government’s calls for a city-wide return to lockdown, instead announcing that another eight areas in the region would be put into the partial lockdown already in force across 37 zones. When the order comes into effect next week, more than a million people in the region will only be allowed to enter and exit their home zones on work, educational, legal or medical grounds.On Friday, the regional government rejected the central government’s calls for a city-wide return to lockdown, instead announcing that another eight areas in the region would be put into the partial lockdown already in force across 37 zones. When the order comes into effect next week, more than a million people in the region will only be allowed to enter and exit their home zones on work, educational, legal or medical grounds.
Public and private gatherings have been limited to six people and parks closed. The restrictions are being applied, among other considerations, to areas where there are more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 people.Public and private gatherings have been limited to six people and parks closed. The restrictions are being applied, among other considerations, to areas where there are more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 people.
But, in a parallel press conference, Spain’s health minister urged more drastic action, saying that cities with more than 500 cases per 100,000 people should go into lockdown. As of Thursday evening, the Madrid region had recorded 746.15 cases per 100,000 people over the preceding fortnight.But, in a parallel press conference, Spain’s health minister urged more drastic action, saying that cities with more than 500 cases per 100,000 people should go into lockdown. As of Thursday evening, the Madrid region had recorded 746.15 cases per 100,000 people over the preceding fortnight.
Illa also recommended an end to all unnecessary movement across the city, a ban on people eating and drinking at counters in bars and restaurants, and that the capacity at outside terraces be reduced to 50%.Illa also recommended an end to all unnecessary movement across the city, a ban on people eating and drinking at counters in bars and restaurants, and that the capacity at outside terraces be reduced to 50%.
The Spanish government has recommended locking down all of the city of Madrid again after local authorities imposed restrictions on some areas of the region, the country’s health minister Salvador Illa has said.The Spanish government has recommended locking down all of the city of Madrid again after local authorities imposed restrictions on some areas of the region, the country’s health minister Salvador Illa has said.
New restrictions were expected after Spain’s tally of confirmed infections passed 700,000 and it emerged that the capital accounts for more than a third of the country’s hospital admissions.New restrictions were expected after Spain’s tally of confirmed infections passed 700,000 and it emerged that the capital accounts for more than a third of the country’s hospital admissions.
The number of new Covid-19 cases in France has jumped to a record high as the government faces an ongoing backlash against strict measures to halt the spread of the virus.The number of new Covid-19 cases in France has jumped to a record high as the government faces an ongoing backlash against strict measures to halt the spread of the virus.
Santé Publique France, the French public health authority, recorded 16,096 new infections in the previous 24 hours on Thursday evening.Santé Publique France, the French public health authority, recorded 16,096 new infections in the previous 24 hours on Thursday evening.
The surge is not entirely due to increased testing; while the authorities claim to be carrying out 1m Covid tests a week, the number of positive results has risen to 6.5%. On 14 August it was 2.4%.The surge is not entirely due to increased testing; while the authorities claim to be carrying out 1m Covid tests a week, the number of positive results has risen to 6.5%. On 14 August it was 2.4%.
Another indicator is the increase in hospital and intensive care admissions: the French health authority reported an “exponential” rise in the number of new patients requiring emergency treatment.Another indicator is the increase in hospital and intensive care admissions: the French health authority reported an “exponential” rise in the number of new patients requiring emergency treatment.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
A cluster of around 100 Covid-19 cases in Iceland have been traced back to two French tourists who refused to isolate, a local newspaper reports.A cluster of around 100 Covid-19 cases in Iceland have been traced back to two French tourists who refused to isolate, a local newspaper reports.
The French pair arrived in Iceland in mid August and were instructed to remain in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, the country’s chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason said.The French pair arrived in Iceland in mid August and were instructed to remain in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus, the country’s chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason said.
“I have information that it was difficult to get them to follow instructions,” he stated. “I really cannot say more.”“I have information that it was difficult to get them to follow instructions,” he stated. “I really cannot say more.”
The epidemiologist said the pair brought with them a “French strain” of Covid-19 that has been picked up in around 100 new infections traced back to two establishments: the Irishman pub and the Brewdog restaurant, both in Reykjavík.The epidemiologist said the pair brought with them a “French strain” of Covid-19 that has been picked up in around 100 new infections traced back to two establishments: the Irishman pub and the Brewdog restaurant, both in Reykjavík.
The World Health Organisation’s chief for influenza preparedness and response has said some northern hemisphere countries are struggling to source flu vaccines amid increased demand.The World Health Organisation’s chief for influenza preparedness and response has said some northern hemisphere countries are struggling to source flu vaccines amid increased demand.
“Some countries are having trouble sourcing additional vaccine,” Dr Ann Moen told a United Nations briefing in Geneva, adding that health workers and the elderly should be prioritised in the event of shortages.“Some countries are having trouble sourcing additional vaccine,” Dr Ann Moen told a United Nations briefing in Geneva, adding that health workers and the elderly should be prioritised in the event of shortages.
Less flu virus in circulating in the southern hemisphere’s current flu season, including in Australia and South Africa, partly due to social distancing and travel restrictions in place against Covid-19, she said.Less flu virus in circulating in the southern hemisphere’s current flu season, including in Australia and South Africa, partly due to social distancing and travel restrictions in place against Covid-19, she said.
“If this follows suit and influenza also is low circulation in the northern hemisphere, we may see less infections. And we also hope to see less infections due to the very high uptake of influenza vaccine,” she added.“If this follows suit and influenza also is low circulation in the northern hemisphere, we may see less infections. And we also hope to see less infections due to the very high uptake of influenza vaccine,” she added.
The UK’s biggest supermarket, Tesco, is introducing limits to prevent customers stockpiling products such as flour, pasta, toilet roll and anti-bacterial wipes after new restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 were introduced.The UK’s biggest supermarket, Tesco, is introducing limits to prevent customers stockpiling products such as flour, pasta, toilet roll and anti-bacterial wipes after new restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 were introduced.
Back in March, at the start of the national lockdown, supermarket shelves were left bare after customers stockpiled essential goods.Back in March, at the start of the national lockdown, supermarket shelves were left bare after customers stockpiled essential goods.
“We have good availability, with plenty of stock to go round, and we would encourage our customers to shop as normal,” a spokeswoman said.“We have good availability, with plenty of stock to go round, and we would encourage our customers to shop as normal,” a spokeswoman said.
“To ensure that everyone can keep buying what they need, we have introduced bulk-buy limits on a small number of products.”“To ensure that everyone can keep buying what they need, we have introduced bulk-buy limits on a small number of products.”
You can read more on the situation in the UK, where daily infections rose to the highest level since the start of the pandemic yesterday, over on our dedicated blog:You can read more on the situation in the UK, where daily infections rose to the highest level since the start of the pandemic yesterday, over on our dedicated blog:
Moscow’s mayor has urged more people to work form home after Russia’s daily coronavirus caseload hit the highest level since the end of June.Moscow’s mayor has urged more people to work form home after Russia’s daily coronavirus caseload hit the highest level since the end of June.
On Friday, officials reported 7,212 new infections, bringing the total tally of infections to 1,136,048.On Friday, officials reported 7,212 new infections, bringing the total tally of infections to 1,136,048.
In the capital, new cases rose by almost 50% overnight to 1,560 from 1,050 on Thursday.In the capital, new cases rose by almost 50% overnight to 1,560 from 1,050 on Thursday.
Russia lifted most of its lockdown restrictions in June, and shops, businesses and public transport in Moscow are largely operating as normal.Russia lifted most of its lockdown restrictions in June, and shops, businesses and public transport in Moscow are largely operating as normal.
But mayor Sergei Sobyanin recommended that the heads of all companies in the capital switch as many staff as possible to working from home from Monday.But mayor Sergei Sobyanin recommended that the heads of all companies in the capital switch as many staff as possible to working from home from Monday.
Sobyanin also advised anyone with chronic health problems or those over 65 to stay at home except in urgent circumstances.Sobyanin also advised anyone with chronic health problems or those over 65 to stay at home except in urgent circumstances.
Poland and Slovakia have both reported record daily coronavirus caseloads.Poland and Slovakia have both reported record daily coronavirus caseloads.
Slovakian prime minister Igor Matovic said on Friday that 419 new infections had been recorded in the country in the past 24 hours.Slovakian prime minister Igor Matovic said on Friday that 419 new infections had been recorded in the country in the past 24 hours.
It is the third record daily tally in a row for the country which has one of Europe’s lowest Covid-19 death tolls.It is the third record daily tally in a row for the country which has one of Europe’s lowest Covid-19 death tolls.
Meanwhile, Poland’s health ministry reported 1,578 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest daily count since the beginning of the pandemic.Meanwhile, Poland’s health ministry reported 1,578 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest daily count since the beginning of the pandemic.
The country of 38 million has reported a total of 84,396 Covid-19 infections and 2,392 deaths.The country of 38 million has reported a total of 84,396 Covid-19 infections and 2,392 deaths.
Russia’s daily coronavirus caseload has hit its highest level since 23 June, as officials reported 7,212 infections on Friday.Russia’s daily coronavirus caseload has hit its highest level since 23 June, as officials reported 7,212 infections on Friday.
The national tally now stands at 1,136,048.The national tally now stands at 1,136,048.
In Moscow, new cases rose by almost 50% overnight to 1,560 from 1,050 the previous day.In Moscow, new cases rose by almost 50% overnight to 1,560 from 1,050 the previous day.
Authorities also said a further 108 people had died after contracting the virus, pushing the country’s official Covid-19 death toll to 20,056.Authorities also said a further 108 people had died after contracting the virus, pushing the country’s official Covid-19 death toll to 20,056.
More from the UK, where the Covid-19 situation is rapidly deteriorating. Britons have been urged to take heed of the “stark warning” of cases rising to their highest level yet as the chancellor set out a multibillion-pound support package in a bid to save jobs.More from the UK, where the Covid-19 situation is rapidly deteriorating. Britons have been urged to take heed of the “stark warning” of cases rising to their highest level yet as the chancellor set out a multibillion-pound support package in a bid to save jobs.
A total of 6,634 new cases were recorded on Thursday – the largest daily count since the beginning of the pandemic.A total of 6,634 new cases were recorded on Thursday – the largest daily count since the beginning of the pandemic.
It came as chancellor Rishi Sunak said the virus’s resurgence poses a threat to the UK’s “fragile” economic recovery.It came as chancellor Rishi Sunak said the virus’s resurgence poses a threat to the UK’s “fragile” economic recovery.
The rise in cases is a “clear” signal, Public Health England’s Professor Yvonne Doyle said, as she insisted people must follow the stricter measures announced this week in order to help control the virus.The rise in cases is a “clear” signal, Public Health England’s Professor Yvonne Doyle said, as she insisted people must follow the stricter measures announced this week in order to help control the virus.
Testing capacity has expanded significantly since the outbreak began meaning more cases will be detected, but Prof Doyle said the latest figure was “a stark warning for us all”.Testing capacity has expanded significantly since the outbreak began meaning more cases will be detected, but Prof Doyle said the latest figure was “a stark warning for us all”.
She added:She added:
The app, which launched in England and Wales on Thursday, had been downloaded more than one million times by Android users by that evening according to the Google Play Store - a figure likely to be higher when iPhone downloads are included.The app, which launched in England and Wales on Thursday, had been downloaded more than one million times by Android users by that evening according to the Google Play Store - a figure likely to be higher when iPhone downloads are included.
North Korea has said it is “sorry” for shooting dead a missing South Korean to prevent the spread of coronavirus, amid growing backlash.North Korea has said it is “sorry” for shooting dead a missing South Korean to prevent the spread of coronavirus, amid growing backlash.
North Korea’s United Front Department, in charge of cross-border ties, sent a letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s office a day after Seoul officials said North Korean soldiers killed a South Korean before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire.North Korea’s United Front Department, in charge of cross-border ties, sent a letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s office a day after Seoul officials said North Korean soldiers killed a South Korean before dousing his body in oil and setting it on fire.
The rare message came as Moon faced intense political fallout over the incident, which coincided with a renewed push for policy to engage Pyongyang.The rare message came as Moon faced intense political fallout over the incident, which coincided with a renewed push for policy to engage Pyongyang.
The letter cited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as saying he was “sorry” that the incident disappointed the South Korean public and should not have happened, Moon’s security adviser Suh Hoon said.The letter cited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as saying he was “sorry” that the incident disappointed the South Korean public and should not have happened, Moon’s security adviser Suh Hoon said.
The soldiers fired more than 10 shots at the man, a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, after he did not reveal his identity and tried to flee, Suh said, citing the letter.The soldiers fired more than 10 shots at the man, a South Korean fisheries official who went missing this week, after he did not reveal his identity and tried to flee, Suh said, citing the letter.
But the letter said they burned a floatation device he was using, according to their anti-virus manuals, and not his body.But the letter said they burned a floatation device he was using, according to their anti-virus manuals, and not his body.
“The troops could not locate the unidentified trespasser during a search after firing the shots, and burned the device under national emergency disease prevention measures,” Suh told a briefing, referring to the letter.“The troops could not locate the unidentified trespasser during a search after firing the shots, and burned the device under national emergency disease prevention measures,” Suh told a briefing, referring to the letter.
The shooting shocked many South Koreans and triggered a fierce backlash from opposition lawmakers, prompting Moon to issue an unusually stringent response calling it “unpardonable.”The shooting shocked many South Koreans and triggered a fierce backlash from opposition lawmakers, prompting Moon to issue an unusually stringent response calling it “unpardonable.”