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Coronavirus live news: Trump aide Stephen Miller tests positive as White House outbreak spreads Coronavirus live news: Trump aide Stephen Miller tests positive as White House outbreak spreads
(30 minutes later)
Brazil sees highest cases in almost a month; Facebook and Twitter take action against Trump for suggesting that Covid-19 was just like the flu; Italy to require masks indoors. Follow the latest updatesBrazil sees highest cases in almost a month; Facebook and Twitter take action against Trump for suggesting that Covid-19 was just like the flu; Italy to require masks indoors. Follow the latest updates
Sri Lanka has widened a curfew and warned of legal action against those evading treatment for COVID-19 after reporting an escalating cluster centered around a garment factory in the capital’s suburbs.The number of confirmed cases has risen to 830 while more than 1,500 people have been asked to quarantine at their homes, health authorities said.
The Indian Ocean island nation had just reported its first community infection in two months on Sunday. The majority of the infected people are co-workers of the first patient, who was diagnosed at a hospital at the weekend and is from the densely populated Western province that includes the capital, Colombo.
Hi. Caroline Davies here. I am taking over the blog now for the next few hours. You can get in touch on caroline.davies@theguardian.com
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’m going to go and unfurl myself from this position:
My colleague Caroline Davies will be picking up the blog in London shortly.
In the meantime, here is a summary of developments in the White House coronavirus outbreak:
And in other non-Trump news, I interviewed Nomcebo Zikode, who sings on Jerusalema, the South African song that recently became the most shazamed song in history. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa recently challenged people to dance along to the track to celebrate the country’s progress against coronavirus.
Nomcebo, the voice behind Jerusalema, South Africa’s global hit
It started in December in South Africa, with a few lines of gospel sung in the deep, raspy voice of Nomcebo Zikode and a music video made by fans in Angola – dancers eating their lunch as they moved to South African DJ Master KG’s disco-house beat.
Jerusalema, produced late one night at Master KG’s studio near Johannesburg, has since become the world’s most Shazammed song and a bonafide viral hit – beloved by Christiano Ronaldo, Janet Jackson and a lot of nuns.
Zikode spoke to the Guardian a month after the release of her solo album, Xola Moya Wam, on which the title track has gone platinum in South Africa. She says that last year, when Master KG called late one evening to ask her to come to his studio in Midrand immediately to listen to beats he had just written, she was close to giving up on her dreams of becoming a solo artist.
“I was like, ‘now?’” she says. But he was insistent. After listening to the beats she asked if she could take them home to work on lyrics. When Master KG refused, she chased him out of the studio so she could think alone.
Suga’s administrative reform minister, Taro Kono, had already launched a personal crusade against hanko and fax machines, whose widespread use surprises those who were under the mistaken impression that Japan was a leading force in the digital revolution.Kono said the use of hanko, which are used to sign contracts, enrol in the national pension scheme and myriad other procedures, was burying national and local government bureaucrats in mountains of paper.“To be honest, I don’t think there are many administrative procedures that actually need printing out paper and faxing,” the Japan Times quoted Kono as saying last month.“Why do we need to print out paper? In many cases, that’s simply because the hanko stamp is required. So if we can put a stop to that culture, it will naturally obviate the need for printouts and faxing.”Government ministries are reportedly considering ending hanko requirements for 785 types of procedure, or 96% of the total, with year-end tax adjustments and tax returns rumoured to be the first to go digital during the coming fiscal year.But the private sector is skeptical about Japan’s belated embrace of paperless bureaucracy. While almost 75% of executives at small and medium-sized businesses told a survey in May they were in favour of abolishing hanko stamps, just over half conceded it would be difficult to end the practice.And this week, local politicians in Yamanashi, a prefecture known for its hand-carved hanko industry, demanded that the seals continue to be used in official documents, describing them as a “symbol of Japan”.
Months after the coronavirus pandemic exposed the drawbacks of Japanese bureaucracy’s reliance on hankoseals, the country’s new prime minister, Yoshihide Sugita, today told officials to plan for a future without them.Suga, who has promised to improve efficiency by embracing digitalisation, has made little secret of his disdain for hanko, intricately carved personal seals that have long been used to sign off on official documents.
Momentum to do away with hanko has increased during the coronavirus outbreak, with reports of employees who were supposed to be working from home in an attempt to contain the virus having to travel to work simply to apply their seal to a document.In addition, health experts said the analogue nature of applying hanko to documents that go through multiple pairs of hands was hampering efforts to maintain social distancing at the workplace.“I want all ministries to compile a comprehensive review of their administrative procedures in the near future,” Suga told an advisory panel of private sector representatives and academics on Wednesday, the Kyodo news agency said.
Vice President Mike Pence and his Democratic challenger, California Sen. Kamala Harris, are poised to meet for a debate that will offer starkly different visions for a country confronting escalating crises.Vice President Mike Pence and his Democratic challenger, California Sen. Kamala Harris, are poised to meet for a debate that will offer starkly different visions for a country confronting escalating crises.
From AP: Pence and Harris will appear on stage exactly 12.25 feet (3.7 meters) apart separated by plexiglass barriers. Anyone in the small audience who refuses to wear a mask will be asked to leave.Pence, who was with Trump and others last week who have since tested positive, has faced questions about whether he should be at the debate at all. The vice president has repeatedly tested negative for the virus, and his staff and doctors insist he does not need to quarantine under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.The CDC defines risky close contact as being within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before the onset of symptoms or a positive test.Pence’s team objected to Harris request for plexiglass barriers, arguing it was medically unnecessary. But the Commission on Presidential Debates had already agreed to the barriers, and Pences aides said their presence wouldn’t dissuade him from attending the event.Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, said there is zero risk of the vice president pulling out of the debate over the plexiglass spat. He said Pence will be there because its too important for the American people.“The hesitancy seems to be on other side,” he added.Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for Harris, said the senator “will be at the debate, respecting the protections that the Cleveland Clinic has put in place to promote safety for all concerned. The Cleveland Clinic serves as a health adviser to the Commission on Presidential Debates.From AP: Pence and Harris will appear on stage exactly 12.25 feet (3.7 meters) apart separated by plexiglass barriers. Anyone in the small audience who refuses to wear a mask will be asked to leave.Pence, who was with Trump and others last week who have since tested positive, has faced questions about whether he should be at the debate at all. The vice president has repeatedly tested negative for the virus, and his staff and doctors insist he does not need to quarantine under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.The CDC defines risky close contact as being within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before the onset of symptoms or a positive test.Pence’s team objected to Harris request for plexiglass barriers, arguing it was medically unnecessary. But the Commission on Presidential Debates had already agreed to the barriers, and Pences aides said their presence wouldn’t dissuade him from attending the event.Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, said there is zero risk of the vice president pulling out of the debate over the plexiglass spat. He said Pence will be there because its too important for the American people.“The hesitancy seems to be on other side,” he added.Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for Harris, said the senator “will be at the debate, respecting the protections that the Cleveland Clinic has put in place to promote safety for all concerned. The Cleveland Clinic serves as a health adviser to the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Here are the key recent developments in the White House outbreak:Here are the key recent developments in the White House outbreak:
Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to Donald Trump, is the latest person in the president’s orbit to test positive for Covid-19. The immigration hardliner who has espoused white nationalist views said he will quarantine following his diagnosis. His wife, Katie Miller, who is the press secretary to Mike Pence, contracted the coronavirus earlier this year.Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to Donald Trump, is the latest person in the president’s orbit to test positive for Covid-19. The immigration hardliner who has espoused white nationalist views said he will quarantine following his diagnosis. His wife, Katie Miller, who is the press secretary to Mike Pence, contracted the coronavirus earlier this year.
The White House shared rules for staff interacting with the infected president. In an email seen by the New York Times, White House staff were told to go to the second floor, where Trump is being treated, only if required. If there, those who had to go within six feet of the president were to wear gowns, surgical masks, eyewear and gloves. Others on the floor would need to wear only surgical masks and use hand sanitiser, the guidance said.The White House shared rules for staff interacting with the infected president. In an email seen by the New York Times, White House staff were told to go to the second floor, where Trump is being treated, only if required. If there, those who had to go within six feet of the president were to wear gowns, surgical masks, eyewear and gloves. Others on the floor would need to wear only surgical masks and use hand sanitiser, the guidance said.
Top US military chiefs are quarantining after a senior coast guard official tested positive. The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, and the vice-chairman, General John Hyten, were among those affected, US officials said. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement that none had exhibited symptoms or tested positive.Top US military chiefs are quarantining after a senior coast guard official tested positive. The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley, and the vice-chairman, General John Hyten, were among those affected, US officials said. Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement that none had exhibited symptoms or tested positive.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the White House is “in complete disarray” after Trump abruptly crushed talks between Democrats and Republicans on a fresh coronavirus economic relief bill. News that negotiations failed triggered an immediate stock market selloff though some markets later recovered. Pelosi accused Trump of “putting himself first at the expense of the country”.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the White House is “in complete disarray” after Trump abruptly crushed talks between Democrats and Republicans on a fresh coronavirus economic relief bill. News that negotiations failed triggered an immediate stock market selloff though some markets later recovered. Pelosi accused Trump of “putting himself first at the expense of the country”.
Mike Pence is expected to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, as planned. Despite Pence being in contact with Donald Trump and others who have tested positive for Covid-19, the White House physician has given him the go-ahead to resume normal activity, contradicting CDC guidelines to quarantine for two weeks after exposure to the virus.Mike Pence is expected to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, as planned. Despite Pence being in contact with Donald Trump and others who have tested positive for Covid-19, the White House physician has given him the go-ahead to resume normal activity, contradicting CDC guidelines to quarantine for two weeks after exposure to the virus.
Joe Biden placed the next presidential debate in doubt. Biden told reporters: “I think if [Trump] still has Covid, we shouldn’t have a debate.” He will be “guided by the guidelines of the Cleveland Clinic and what the docs say is the right thing to do”, he said.Joe Biden placed the next presidential debate in doubt. Biden told reporters: “I think if [Trump] still has Covid, we shouldn’t have a debate.” He will be “guided by the guidelines of the Cleveland Clinic and what the docs say is the right thing to do”, he said.
Californian Democratic representative Salud Carbajal has tested positive for coronavirus, joining the three GOP senators who have tested positive since Trump’s infection was confirmed. Carbajal said he initially tested negative after exposure to someone with the virus – reported to be Senator Mike Lee – but subsequently tested positive.Californian Democratic representative Salud Carbajal has tested positive for coronavirus, joining the three GOP senators who have tested positive since Trump’s infection was confirmed. Carbajal said he initially tested negative after exposure to someone with the virus – reported to be Senator Mike Lee – but subsequently tested positive.
Doubts have been cast on White House contact-tracing efforts. CNN reported that staff working at the White House complex were told in an email that all contact tracing for positive cases at the White House has been completed. However, New York Times correspondent Michael D Shear, who tested positive for coronavirus, told CNN there had been “no outreach by the White House to do contact tracing or to follow up on his condition.” CNN added that, “At least one other White House official told CNN that they’ve also alerted officials that they have had direct contact with positive White House personnel, and received no guidance on how to proceed.”Doubts have been cast on White House contact-tracing efforts. CNN reported that staff working at the White House complex were told in an email that all contact tracing for positive cases at the White House has been completed. However, New York Times correspondent Michael D Shear, who tested positive for coronavirus, told CNN there had been “no outreach by the White House to do contact tracing or to follow up on his condition.” CNN added that, “At least one other White House official told CNN that they’ve also alerted officials that they have had direct contact with positive White House personnel, and received no guidance on how to proceed.”
Trump has no events scheduled for Wednesday. For the fifth day in a row, Trump’s official schedule lists no public events. The schedule for Friday last week was the last to list any public events, and it was just one: “a phone call on Covid-19 support to vulnerable seniors”.Trump has no events scheduled for Wednesday. For the fifth day in a row, Trump’s official schedule lists no public events. The schedule for Friday last week was the last to list any public events, and it was just one: “a phone call on Covid-19 support to vulnerable seniors”.
Biden gave a speech on the historic fields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Biden expressed concern that America is so divided it’s in a “dangerous place” but not irretrievable. He also called on Americans to follow the “scientific recommendations” for how to protect themselves against coronavirus, including wearing a mask and social distancing, in his campaign speech this afternoon.Biden gave a speech on the historic fields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Biden expressed concern that America is so divided it’s in a “dangerous place” but not irretrievable. He also called on Americans to follow the “scientific recommendations” for how to protect themselves against coronavirus, including wearing a mask and social distancing, in his campaign speech this afternoon.
Here is a statement taken for granted: Donald Trump will have the best care available for his diagnosis of Covid-19. In a literal sense that is true – he will have an attentive, round-the-clock medical team. This is essential for any ill president.Here is a statement taken for granted: Donald Trump will have the best care available for his diagnosis of Covid-19. In a literal sense that is true – he will have an attentive, round-the-clock medical team. This is essential for any ill president.
But in medicine there are many cautionary tales of “VIP syndrome” – the special treatment given by doctors to the wealthy, famous, powerful or politically connected and how that does not always lead to the best medical outcomes.But in medicine there are many cautionary tales of “VIP syndrome” – the special treatment given by doctors to the wealthy, famous, powerful or politically connected and how that does not always lead to the best medical outcomes.
“In the case of President Trump … you can see the countertransference,” said Dr Andrés Martin, a professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine’s child study center, referring to the feelings a doctor might have toward a patient. “If I screw up, or if I piss him off, is he going to treat me like Biden?”“In the case of President Trump … you can see the countertransference,” said Dr Andrés Martin, a professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine’s child study center, referring to the feelings a doctor might have toward a patient. “If I screw up, or if I piss him off, is he going to treat me like Biden?”
Trump’s medical team will face a veritable minefield as they attempt to form an alliance with the commander-in-chief, a notoriously demanding, publicity-conscious patient who views disease as personal weakness, and diet and exercise with suspicion:Trump’s medical team will face a veritable minefield as they attempt to form an alliance with the commander-in-chief, a notoriously demanding, publicity-conscious patient who views disease as personal weakness, and diet and exercise with suspicion:
American physician Dr William Foege, a leading epidemiologist who played a central role in eradicating smallpox, sent a letter to CDC director Robert Redfield on 23 September, following reports that the White House had directly interfered with the coronavirus guidelines on the CDC website, calling on Redfield to expose the White HOuse’s mishandling of the pandemic,American physician Dr William Foege, a leading epidemiologist who played a central role in eradicating smallpox, sent a letter to CDC director Robert Redfield on 23 September, following reports that the White House had directly interfered with the coronavirus guidelines on the CDC website, calling on Redfield to expose the White HOuse’s mishandling of the pandemic,
In the letter to Redfield, published by USA today, Foege writes, “You and I both know that Despite the White House spin attempts, this will go down as a colossal failure of the public health system of this country”. He says that the Trump administration’s handing of the pandemic will be taught in textbooks as “a lesson on how not to handle an infectious diseases pandemic.”In the letter to Redfield, published by USA today, Foege writes, “You and I both know that Despite the White House spin attempts, this will go down as a colossal failure of the public health system of this country”. He says that the Trump administration’s handing of the pandemic will be taught in textbooks as “a lesson on how not to handle an infectious diseases pandemic.”
Foege urges Redfield not to “shy away from the fact this has been an unacceptable toll on our country. It is a slaughter and not just a political dispute.”Foege urges Redfield not to “shy away from the fact this has been an unacceptable toll on our country. It is a slaughter and not just a political dispute.”
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 2,828 to 306,086, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday.The reported death toll rose by 16 to 9,562, the tally showed.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 2,828 to 306,086, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday.The reported death toll rose by 16 to 9,562, the tally showed.
Yesterday saw Germany’s highest toll since 17 April, with more than 3,100 new cases confirmed, according to Johns Hopkins University. Today’s toll is the third-highest since then.Yesterday saw Germany’s highest toll since 17 April, with more than 3,100 new cases confirmed, according to Johns Hopkins University. Today’s toll is the third-highest since then.
A Chinese experimental coronavirus vaccine being developed by the Institute of Medical Biology under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was shown to be safe in an early stage clinical trial, researchers said.Reuters reports that a Phase 1 trial of 191 healthy participants aged between 18 and 59, vaccination with the group’s experimental shot showed no severe adverse reactions, its researchers said on Tuesday in a paper posted on medRxiv preprint server ahead of peer review.The most common adverse reactions reported by the trial participants were mild pain, slight fatigue and redness, itching and swelling at the injection site.The candidate also induced immune response.“All the data obtained in this trial support the safety and immunogenicity of this inactivated vaccine and are encouraging with regard to further studies of its efficacy in the future,” the paper said.China has inoculated hundreds of thousands of essential workers and other groups considered at high risk with other vaccines, even as clinical trials had not been fully completed, raising safety concerns among experts.China has at least four experimental vaccines in the final stage of clinical trials.A Chinese experimental coronavirus vaccine being developed by the Institute of Medical Biology under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was shown to be safe in an early stage clinical trial, researchers said.Reuters reports that a Phase 1 trial of 191 healthy participants aged between 18 and 59, vaccination with the group’s experimental shot showed no severe adverse reactions, its researchers said on Tuesday in a paper posted on medRxiv preprint server ahead of peer review.The most common adverse reactions reported by the trial participants were mild pain, slight fatigue and redness, itching and swelling at the injection site.The candidate also induced immune response.“All the data obtained in this trial support the safety and immunogenicity of this inactivated vaccine and are encouraging with regard to further studies of its efficacy in the future,” the paper said.China has inoculated hundreds of thousands of essential workers and other groups considered at high risk with other vaccines, even as clinical trials had not been fully completed, raising safety concerns among experts.China has at least four experimental vaccines in the final stage of clinical trials.
George Washington cardiologist and CNN Medical Analyst Dr Jonathan Reiner has given an interview in which he says that he believes the White House is concerned that Trump might be “patient zero” in the outbreak among administration staff and others.George Washington cardiologist and CNN Medical Analyst Dr Jonathan Reiner has given an interview in which he says that he believes the White House is concerned that Trump might be “patient zero” in the outbreak among administration staff and others.
Reiner also says the thinks Trump is “the superspreader”.Reiner also says the thinks Trump is “the superspreader”.
In the interview, Reiner says: “I think the reason the White House will not have the CDC do a formal check and review every single case is that they’re concerned that the patient zero might be the President of the United States.”In the interview, Reiner says: “I think the reason the White House will not have the CDC do a formal check and review every single case is that they’re concerned that the patient zero might be the President of the United States.”
Speaking of exorbitant wealth, authorities have poured cold water on an audacious plan to fence off a chunk of Bondi beach over summer for an exclusive “Euro beach chic” club aimed at surgeons, bankers and models.Speaking of exorbitant wealth, authorities have poured cold water on an audacious plan to fence off a chunk of Bondi beach over summer for an exclusive “Euro beach chic” club aimed at surgeons, bankers and models.
The Amalfi Beach Club is proposing to erect a private area on southern end of the iconic beach, where 100 guests, each paying $80 for two hours of entry, would be served food and drinks.The Amalfi Beach Club is proposing to erect a private area on southern end of the iconic beach, where 100 guests, each paying $80 for two hours of entry, would be served food and drinks.
But Waverley council, in response to media coverage of the plan, has clarified that it received and rejected the Amalfi Beach Club’s first proposal, which was lodged in May.But Waverley council, in response to media coverage of the plan, has clarified that it received and rejected the Amalfi Beach Club’s first proposal, which was lodged in May.
While it is now considering a subsequent proposal, the initial concept was previously deemed “unsuitable” by council officers for a number of reasons, including concerns about mixing drinking with swimming during the peak beach season, as well as the alcohol-free status of the site.While it is now considering a subsequent proposal, the initial concept was previously deemed “unsuitable” by council officers for a number of reasons, including concerns about mixing drinking with swimming during the peak beach season, as well as the alcohol-free status of the site.
According to the proposal, the Amalfi Beach Club would target “high net worth” individuals between 25 and 45, with “high disposable income”.According to the proposal, the Amalfi Beach Club would target “high net worth” individuals between 25 and 45, with “high disposable income”.
Its organisers expect typical male patrons to be “aspirational professionals such as doctors, surgeons, members of the finance industry”, while it expects women who visit the club to “occupy a similar high-end platform in areas of publishing, advertising, fashion, beauty and modelling”.Its organisers expect typical male patrons to be “aspirational professionals such as doctors, surgeons, members of the finance industry”, while it expects women who visit the club to “occupy a similar high-end platform in areas of publishing, advertising, fashion, beauty and modelling”.
Speaking to Guardian Australia, Janek Gazecki, the Bondi-based organiser of Urban Polo events who is behind the proposal, said while it was inspired by Mykonos, Capri and St Tropez, Amalfi Beach Club was mostly an attempt to “boost local morale” and help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19:Speaking to Guardian Australia, Janek Gazecki, the Bondi-based organiser of Urban Polo events who is behind the proposal, said while it was inspired by Mykonos, Capri and St Tropez, Amalfi Beach Club was mostly an attempt to “boost local morale” and help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19:
As Trump is treated to taxpayer-funded healthcare, AP reports that one of Congress’ most obscure functions may have put Trump’s taxes, among the most coveted documents in the world in recent years, into the hands of congressional staff – which may be how they landed up with the Times, who reported that Trump paid only $750 in federal income takes in 2016 and 2017.As Trump is treated to taxpayer-funded healthcare, AP reports that one of Congress’ most obscure functions may have put Trump’s taxes, among the most coveted documents in the world in recent years, into the hands of congressional staff – which may be how they landed up with the Times, who reported that Trump paid only $750 in federal income takes in 2016 and 2017.
The audit of Trumps taxes, the Times reported, has been held up for more than four years by staffers for the Joint Committee on Taxation, which has 30 days to review individual refunds and tax credits over $2 million. When JCT staffers disagree with the IRS on a decision, the review is typically kept open until the matter is resolved.The upshot is that information on Trumps taxes, which Democrats are now suing to see, has almost certainly passed through the JCT’s hands, putting it tantalizingly close to lawmakers.Key members of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee defended the JCT after the Times report and were emphatic that that the panel does not have copies of tax forms pertaining to Trump.The audit of Trumps taxes, the Times reported, has been held up for more than four years by staffers for the Joint Committee on Taxation, which has 30 days to review individual refunds and tax credits over $2 million. When JCT staffers disagree with the IRS on a decision, the review is typically kept open until the matter is resolved.The upshot is that information on Trumps taxes, which Democrats are now suing to see, has almost certainly passed through the JCT’s hands, putting it tantalizingly close to lawmakers.Key members of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee defended the JCT after the Times report and were emphatic that that the panel does not have copies of tax forms pertaining to Trump.
The world’s billionaires “did extremely well” during the coronavirus pandemic, growing their already-huge fortunes to a record high of $10.2tn (£7.8tn).The world’s billionaires “did extremely well” during the coronavirus pandemic, growing their already-huge fortunes to a record high of $10.2tn (£7.8tn).
A report by Swiss bank UBS found that billionaires increased their wealth by more than a quarter (27.5%) at the height of the crisis from April to July, just as millions of people around the world lost their jobs or were struggling to get by on government schemes.A report by Swiss bank UBS found that billionaires increased their wealth by more than a quarter (27.5%) at the height of the crisis from April to July, just as millions of people around the world lost their jobs or were struggling to get by on government schemes.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, UK’s richest person, moves to tax-free MonacoRead moreSir Jim Ratcliffe, UK’s richest person, moves to tax-free MonacoRead more
The report found that billionaires had mostly benefited from betting on the recovery of global stock markets when they were at their nadir during the global lockdowns in March and April. UBS said billionaires’ wealth had hit “a new high, surpassing the previous peak of $8.9tn reached at the end of 2017”. The number of billionaires has also hit a new high of 2,189, up from 2,158 in 2017:The report found that billionaires had mostly benefited from betting on the recovery of global stock markets when they were at their nadir during the global lockdowns in March and April. UBS said billionaires’ wealth had hit “a new high, surpassing the previous peak of $8.9tn reached at the end of 2017”. The number of billionaires has also hit a new high of 2,189, up from 2,158 in 2017:
Here is the full story on Stephen Miller testing positive:Here is the full story on Stephen Miller testing positive:
Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, has tested positive for Covid-19, joining a growing a growing list of figures close to the president who have contracted the virus as the White House scrambles to contain a growing outbreak.Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, has tested positive for Covid-19, joining a growing a growing list of figures close to the president who have contracted the virus as the White House scrambles to contain a growing outbreak.
“Over the last 5 days I have been working remotely and self-isolating, testing negative every day through yesterday. Today, I tested positive for Covid-19 and am in quarantine,” Miller said in a statement.“Over the last 5 days I have been working remotely and self-isolating, testing negative every day through yesterday. Today, I tested positive for Covid-19 and am in quarantine,” Miller said in a statement.
More than a dozen White House officials and others in the president’s orbit have tested positive for the virus. Earlier this year, Miller’s wife, Katie Miller – who is Mike Pence’s press secretary – contracted the virus.More than a dozen White House officials and others in the president’s orbit have tested positive for the virus. Earlier this year, Miller’s wife, Katie Miller – who is Mike Pence’s press secretary – contracted the virus.
Miller, who has served as a policy adviser and speechwriter for Trump, was among the most ardent defenders of the administration’s policy to separate children from parents:Miller, who has served as a policy adviser and speechwriter for Trump, was among the most ardent defenders of the administration’s policy to separate children from parents: