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Coronavirus live news: Chinese vaccines to be assessed; Japan-South Korea travel plan revealed Coronavirus live news: Chinese vaccines to be assessed; Japan-South Korea travel plan revealed
(32 minutes later)
WHO to look at China’s vaccines; Japan and South Korea to resume business travelWHO to look at China’s vaccines; Japan and South Korea to resume business travel
British prime minister Boris Johnson said he was too fat when he became gravely ill with Covid-19 and that he has since lost 26 pounds (11.79 kg).
In an online speech to his party conference, Johnson said:
Malaysia’s prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said targeted lockdowns will be imposed in areas with high rates of coronavirus infections, as the country grapples with a sharp rise in cases over the past two weeks.
Malaysia’s health ministry reported 691 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths on Tuesday, setting another new daily record in the aftermath of an election in the state of Sabah last month.
“For now we are not thinking of imposing a total lockdown nationwide. If we do that again, it could bring down the country’s economic and social systems,” Muhyiddin said in a national address.
The European health regulator is reviewing a Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech in real time, days after launching a similar assessment process for AstraZeneca’s vaccine.The European health regulator is reviewing a Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech in real time, days after launching a similar assessment process for AstraZeneca’s vaccine.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Tuesday its human medicines committee was evaluating the first batch of data on the vaccine, and would continue to do so until enough data is available for a final decision.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Tuesday its human medicines committee was evaluating the first batch of data on the vaccine, and would continue to do so until enough data is available for a final decision.
The EMA is using “rolling reviews” to speed up evaluations of vaccines during the pandemic by studying data as it is submitted, rather than waiting for all data to be made available along with a formal application.The EMA is using “rolling reviews” to speed up evaluations of vaccines during the pandemic by studying data as it is submitted, rather than waiting for all data to be made available along with a formal application.
Last week, it began reviewing AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s vaccine, increasing chances of the British vaccine becoming the first to be approved in the region for Covid-19.Last week, it began reviewing AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s vaccine, increasing chances of the British vaccine becoming the first to be approved in the region for Covid-19.
Pfizer’s vaccine is currently being evaluated in late-stage studies in the US, Brazil, South Africa and Argentina.Pfizer’s vaccine is currently being evaluated in late-stage studies in the US, Brazil, South Africa and Argentina.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over from Kevin for the next few hours.Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over from Kevin for the next few hours.
As always, please get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share.As always, please get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share.
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_
I’m handing over to my colleague Jessica Murray now. Here’s a summary of some of the key developments in the last few hours:I’m handing over to my colleague Jessica Murray now. Here’s a summary of some of the key developments in the last few hours:
Poland reported its worst daily death toll, as the country’s health ministry said 58 people had died. The official data showed sharp increases in the number of ventilators and hospital beds devoted to Covid-19 patients.Poland reported its worst daily death toll, as the country’s health ministry said 58 people had died. The official data showed sharp increases in the number of ventilators and hospital beds devoted to Covid-19 patients.
China is in talks to have its locally produced vaccines assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO), an official from the body said. It marks a step towards making the vaccines available for international use.China is in talks to have its locally produced vaccines assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO), an official from the body said. It marks a step towards making the vaccines available for international use.
Malaysia has reported 691 new cases; its biggest daily jump since the start of the pandemic. There were also four more deaths confirmed, taking total fatalities to 141, the health ministry said.Malaysia has reported 691 new cases; its biggest daily jump since the start of the pandemic. There were also four more deaths confirmed, taking total fatalities to 141, the health ministry said.
Donald Trump left Walter Reed hospital after three nights and returned to the White House. He wore a mask as he left but removed it to pose for photographs on the balcony of the White House.Donald Trump left Walter Reed hospital after three nights and returned to the White House. He wore a mask as he left but removed it to pose for photographs on the balcony of the White House.
Trump tweeted a video in which he said he felt well and told Americans: “Don’t let it dominate you. Don’t be afraid of it.” Coronavirus has already killed 210,117 Americans – or one in every 1,560 people in the country.Trump tweeted a video in which he said he felt well and told Americans: “Don’t let it dominate you. Don’t be afraid of it.” Coronavirus has already killed 210,117 Americans – or one in every 1,560 people in the country.
Trump’s personal physician said the president was “not entirely be out of the woods yet” although he met the discharge requirements. The president still has the virus and is still contagious. Dr Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious diseases expert, said Trump could have a “reversal” in his condition.Trump’s personal physician said the president was “not entirely be out of the woods yet” although he met the discharge requirements. The president still has the virus and is still contagious. Dr Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious diseases expert, said Trump could have a “reversal” in his condition.
Mexico has record increase in deaths and daily cases on Monday jumping by 2,789 and 28,115 respectively. But the deputy health minister dismissed it as a one-off event caused by a new method of classifying infections.Mexico has record increase in deaths and daily cases on Monday jumping by 2,789 and 28,115 respectively. But the deputy health minister dismissed it as a one-off event caused by a new method of classifying infections.
Japan and South Korea plan to open business travel between the two countries this week. Papua New Guinea is opening its borders to people from four countries including Japan and Singapore.Japan and South Korea plan to open business travel between the two countries this week. Papua New Guinea is opening its borders to people from four countries including Japan and Singapore.
MPs in Britain are expected to rebel this week during votes on controversial pandemic curbs such as the rule limiting gatherings to six people and the 10pm pub curfew. The votes come amid anger at a data blunder that has left officials scrambling to trace 50,000 Covid contacts.MPs in Britain are expected to rebel this week during votes on controversial pandemic curbs such as the rule limiting gatherings to six people and the 10pm pub curfew. The votes come amid anger at a data blunder that has left officials scrambling to trace 50,000 Covid contacts.
Stock markets in Asia have recovered some lost ground after Trump’s positive comments about his health. The FTSE100 in London is expected to open up about 0.2%.Stock markets in Asia have recovered some lost ground after Trump’s positive comments about his health. The FTSE100 in London is expected to open up about 0.2%.
Malaysia has reported 691 new cases; its biggest daily jump since the start of the pandemic. There were four additional deaths confirmed, taking total fatalities to 141, the health ministry said. Total infections in the country stood at 13,504.Malaysia has reported 691 new cases; its biggest daily jump since the start of the pandemic. There were four additional deaths confirmed, taking total fatalities to 141, the health ministry said. Total infections in the country stood at 13,504.
A broad political and social consensus is needed to cope with the economic fallout, the Bank of Spain governor has said, amid a growing political spat over how to tackle the crisis in the nation.A broad political and social consensus is needed to cope with the economic fallout, the Bank of Spain governor has said, amid a growing political spat over how to tackle the crisis in the nation.
Pablo Hernández de Cos told the Spanish parliament:Pablo Hernández de Cos told the Spanish parliament:
Over the past days, the national and regional governments have traded barbs over what to do and who was to blame for an increase in cases in Madrid and its periphery, taking the political polarisation that has characterised much of the response to the pandemic over the past months to new heights.Over the past days, the national and regional governments have traded barbs over what to do and who was to blame for an increase in cases in Madrid and its periphery, taking the political polarisation that has characterised much of the response to the pandemic over the past months to new heights.
Spain, one of the nations worst affected, with more than 32,000 deaths and more than 800,000 cases, is heading for its worst economic performance on record in 2020. A contraction of between 10.5% and 12.6% is expected, according to the Bank of Spain.Spain, one of the nations worst affected, with more than 32,000 deaths and more than 800,000 cases, is heading for its worst economic performance on record in 2020. A contraction of between 10.5% and 12.6% is expected, according to the Bank of Spain.
Since Donald Trump tweeted on Friday that he had tested positive for Covid-19, his physician Dr Sean Conley has given a series of puzzling medical briefings – one of which was contradicted in an off-the-record briefing by a senior White House official – and the president himself has made bullish comments about his health.Since Donald Trump tweeted on Friday that he had tested positive for Covid-19, his physician Dr Sean Conley has given a series of puzzling medical briefings – one of which was contradicted in an off-the-record briefing by a senior White House official – and the president himself has made bullish comments about his health.
There are still a great deal of unanswered questions about Trump’s illness. Here’s a rundown of what we know – and what we don’t:There are still a great deal of unanswered questions about Trump’s illness. Here’s a rundown of what we know – and what we don’t:
The head of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she would leave quarantine on Tuesday after having been in contact with someone positive for Covid-19 a week earlier, despite EU recommendations of 14 days of self-isolation.The head of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she would leave quarantine on Tuesday after having been in contact with someone positive for Covid-19 a week earlier, despite EU recommendations of 14 days of self-isolation.
Von der Leyen is following Belgium’s rules, which have just been softened. But her decision to ignore the stricter advice from the bloc’s public health body could further weaken calls for a EU common approach to battle the epidemic.Von der Leyen is following Belgium’s rules, which have just been softened. But her decision to ignore the stricter advice from the bloc’s public health body could further weaken calls for a EU common approach to battle the epidemic.
Von der Leyen, who is 61 and is a physician by training, said she would remain in precautionary self-isolation until Tuesday evening, after a person she came into contact with on 29 September in a meeting in Portugal tested positive on Sunday.Von der Leyen, who is 61 and is a physician by training, said she would remain in precautionary self-isolation until Tuesday evening, after a person she came into contact with on 29 September in a meeting in Portugal tested positive on Sunday.
She tested negative for the virus on Thursday and Monday.She tested negative for the virus on Thursday and Monday.
A spokesman for the commission declined to comment on the EU recommendation but said the length of her quarantine was in line with Belgian rules.A spokesman for the commission declined to comment on the EU recommendation but said the length of her quarantine was in line with Belgian rules.
Belgium, which is home to the EU headquarters, shortened mandatory quarantine from 14 to seven days on 1 October, despite having one of Europe’s highest infection rates.Belgium, which is home to the EU headquarters, shortened mandatory quarantine from 14 to seven days on 1 October, despite having one of Europe’s highest infection rates.
That was done mostly because people struggled to respect the rule which had a heavy social and economic impact, a spokeswoman for the health ministry said.That was done mostly because people struggled to respect the rule which had a heavy social and economic impact, a spokeswoman for the health ministry said.
However, the country’s decision disregarded the advice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) which has recommended a two-week quarantine for people who have had contact with confirmed cases.However, the country’s decision disregarded the advice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) which has recommended a two-week quarantine for people who have had contact with confirmed cases.
Poland reported its worst daily death toll on Tuesday, as the country’s health ministry said 58 people had died. The official data showed sharp increases in the number of ventilators and hospital beds devoted to Covid-19 patients.Poland reported its worst daily death toll on Tuesday, as the country’s health ministry said 58 people had died. The official data showed sharp increases in the number of ventilators and hospital beds devoted to Covid-19 patients.
The country reported 2,236 new cases on Tuesday, close to Saturday’s 2,367 – the worst daily total yet. With a population of 38 million, Poland has reported 104,316 cases overall and 2,717 deaths.The country reported 2,236 new cases on Tuesday, close to Saturday’s 2,367 – the worst daily total yet. With a population of 38 million, Poland has reported 104,316 cases overall and 2,717 deaths.
The ministry said that, as of Tuesday, there were 263 ventilators and 3,719 hospital beds devoted to Covid-19 patients, compared with 141 and 2,399 respectively a week ago.The ministry said that, as of Tuesday, there were 263 ventilators and 3,719 hospital beds devoted to Covid-19 patients, compared with 141 and 2,399 respectively a week ago.
Italy is considering making the use of masks outdoors mandatory nationwide, its health minister, Roberto Speranza, has said. He told a parliamentary hearing:Italy is considering making the use of masks outdoors mandatory nationwide, its health minister, Roberto Speranza, has said. He told a parliamentary hearing:
After a steady decrease in daily cases during the summer, Italy reported new infections rising in the past weeks although its figures are still lower than those registered in other big European countries.After a steady decrease in daily cases during the summer, Italy reported new infections rising in the past weeks although its figures are still lower than those registered in other big European countries.
Australia will spend A$4bn over the next year to pay businesses that hire those under the age of 35, the country’s treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, has said, as part of an ambitious plan to boost jobs and growth.Australia will spend A$4bn over the next year to pay businesses that hire those under the age of 35, the country’s treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, has said, as part of an ambitious plan to boost jobs and growth.
Australia has been widely lauded for limiting the spread of Covid-19. But strict lockdown measures forced shut entire sectors of the economy, sending unemployment to a 22-year high of 7.5% in July.Australia has been widely lauded for limiting the spread of Covid-19. But strict lockdown measures forced shut entire sectors of the economy, sending unemployment to a 22-year high of 7.5% in July.
The impact on younger Australians is even worse, with recent data showing the unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 was hovering near 20%.The impact on younger Australians is even worse, with recent data showing the unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 was hovering near 20%.
As part of the government’s hiring credit scheme, Canberra will pay businesses A$200 a week for the next a year if they employ a person under 29.As part of the government’s hiring credit scheme, Canberra will pay businesses A$200 a week for the next a year if they employ a person under 29.
Businesses will get A$100 per week if they employ a person aged between 30 and 35. Eligible employees will have to work for at least 20 hours a week.Businesses will get A$100 per week if they employ a person aged between 30 and 35. Eligible employees will have to work for at least 20 hours a week.
China is in talks to have its locally produced vaccines assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a step towards making them available for international use, a WHO official has said.China is in talks to have its locally produced vaccines assessed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a step towards making them available for international use, a WHO official has said.
Reuters reports that hundreds of thousands of essential workers and other groups considered at high risk in China have been given locally developed vaccines even as clinical trials had not been fully completed, raising safety concerns among experts.Reuters reports that hundreds of thousands of essential workers and other groups considered at high risk in China have been given locally developed vaccines even as clinical trials had not been fully completed, raising safety concerns among experts.
Socorro Escalate, the WHO’s coordinator for essential medicines and health technologies in the Western Pacific region, told a news conference conducted online that China had held preliminary discussions with WHO to have its vaccines included in a list for emergency use.Socorro Escalate, the WHO’s coordinator for essential medicines and health technologies in the Western Pacific region, told a news conference conducted online that China had held preliminary discussions with WHO to have its vaccines included in a list for emergency use.
The body’s emergency use listing procedure allows unlicensed vaccines and treatments to be assessed to expedite their availability in public health emergencies. This helps assist the member states and UN procurement agencies to determine the acceptability of the vaccines. Escalante said:The body’s emergency use listing procedure allows unlicensed vaccines and treatments to be assessed to expedite their availability in public health emergencies. This helps assist the member states and UN procurement agencies to determine the acceptability of the vaccines. Escalante said:
Indonesia has reported 4,056 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 311,176, data from the country’s Covid-19 task force show. The number of deaths rose by 121, the highest daily increase since 30 September, to take the tally of fatalities to 11,374.Indonesia has reported 4,056 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 311,176, data from the country’s Covid-19 task force show. The number of deaths rose by 121, the highest daily increase since 30 September, to take the tally of fatalities to 11,374.
The Philippines’ health ministry has confirmed 2,093 new infections and 25 more deaths, the lowest number of fatalities reported in 15 days. The ministry said total confirmed cases in the Philippines have increased to 326,833, the highest in south-east Asia, while the number of deaths have reached 5,865.The Philippines’ health ministry has confirmed 2,093 new infections and 25 more deaths, the lowest number of fatalities reported in 15 days. The ministry said total confirmed cases in the Philippines have increased to 326,833, the highest in south-east Asia, while the number of deaths have reached 5,865.
Workers were clearing undergrowth from wasteland on Tuesday to add 400 graves to the Indian capital’s oldest functioning cemetery beside the ruins of historic city walls, as the coronavirus death toll grows.Workers were clearing undergrowth from wasteland on Tuesday to add 400 graves to the Indian capital’s oldest functioning cemetery beside the ruins of historic city walls, as the coronavirus death toll grows.
Reuters reports that, with more than 100,000 deaths nationwide, India’s tally of infections has passed 6.6m. But there is little sign of any sustained fall in daily numbers.Reuters reports that, with more than 100,000 deaths nationwide, India’s tally of infections has passed 6.6m. But there is little sign of any sustained fall in daily numbers.
Since its first virus burial in April, the Islamic graveyard of Jadid Qabristan has had more than 700 funerals on a patch of adjoining wasteground designated for pandemic victims.Since its first virus burial in April, the Islamic graveyard of Jadid Qabristan has had more than 700 funerals on a patch of adjoining wasteground designated for pandemic victims.
“We weren’t expecting that we will have to clear more land for the graves,” said the head gravedigger Mohammad Shameem, a 38-year-old in a pale green traditional tunic, who is the third generation of his family to work in cemeteries. “But bodies just keep arriving.”“We weren’t expecting that we will have to clear more land for the graves,” said the head gravedigger Mohammad Shameem, a 38-year-old in a pale green traditional tunic, who is the third generation of his family to work in cemeteries. “But bodies just keep arriving.”
A respite in infections has cut virus burials to about four a day, from 10 in the summer, but Shameem said the graveyard, founded in 1924, would soon be at capacity.A respite in infections has cut virus burials to about four a day, from 10 in the summer, but Shameem said the graveyard, founded in 1924, would soon be at capacity.
Hindus, who make up the majority of India’s population of about 1.4 billion, are typically cremated after death. But its estimated 200 million Muslims typically bury their dead.Hindus, who make up the majority of India’s population of about 1.4 billion, are typically cremated after death. But its estimated 200 million Muslims typically bury their dead.
Like the workers at a nearby crematorium for Hindus, Shameem said he often faced difficult conditions.Like the workers at a nearby crematorium for Hindus, Shameem said he often faced difficult conditions.
China and 25 other nations have called for the immediate lifting of sanctions by the US and other western countries to ensure an effective response to the pandemic, the Associated Press (AP) has reported.China and 25 other nations have called for the immediate lifting of sanctions by the US and other western countries to ensure an effective response to the pandemic, the Associated Press (AP) has reported.
Speaking on behalf of the 26 countries at a meeting of the UN general assembly’s human rights committee, China’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun said unilateral coercive measures violate the UN charter, multilateralism, and impede human rights by hindering the well-being of the population in the affected countries and undermining the right to health.Speaking on behalf of the 26 countries at a meeting of the UN general assembly’s human rights committee, China’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun said unilateral coercive measures violate the UN charter, multilateralism, and impede human rights by hindering the well-being of the population in the affected countries and undermining the right to health.
Global solidarity and international cooperation are the most powerful weapons in overcoming the pandemic, the joint statement said.Global solidarity and international cooperation are the most powerful weapons in overcoming the pandemic, the joint statement said.
Among the countries that backed the statement were half a dozen that face sanctions by the US, European Union or other western nations, including Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Syria and Venezuela.Among the countries that backed the statement were half a dozen that face sanctions by the US, European Union or other western nations, including Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Syria and Venezuela.
The statement notes that both the UN secretary general, António Guterres, and the body’s human rights chief Michelle Bachelet have called for the waiving of sanctions that undermine a country’s capacity to respond to the pandemic.The statement notes that both the UN secretary general, António Guterres, and the body’s human rights chief Michelle Bachelet have called for the waiving of sanctions that undermine a country’s capacity to respond to the pandemic.
The AP said there was no immediate response to an email seeking comment from the US mission.The AP said there was no immediate response to an email seeking comment from the US mission.
Germany’s UN ambassador, Christoph Heusgen, addressed the sanctions issue at a security council meeting on Syria in May saying EU sanctions do not affect the delivery of humanitarian aid or medical goods to limit the effects of Covid-19, citing specific EU guidance on ensuring aid gets to the Syrian people.Germany’s UN ambassador, Christoph Heusgen, addressed the sanctions issue at a security council meeting on Syria in May saying EU sanctions do not affect the delivery of humanitarian aid or medical goods to limit the effects of Covid-19, citing specific EU guidance on ensuring aid gets to the Syrian people.
Russia’s daily tally of new cases rose on Monday to its worst since 11 May, as authorities reported 11,615 new infections nationwide; including 4,082 in Moscow.Russia’s daily tally of new cases rose on Monday to its worst since 11 May, as authorities reported 11,615 new infections nationwide; including 4,082 in Moscow.
Authorities said 188 people had died overnight, pushing the official death toll to 21,663. The total number of cases registered since the beginning of the outbreak stands at 1,237,504, they said.Authorities said 188 people had died overnight, pushing the official death toll to 21,663. The total number of cases registered since the beginning of the outbreak stands at 1,237,504, they said.