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Coronavirus live news: record daily cases in Czech Republic; clashes over restrictions in Israel Coronavirus live news: record daily cases in Czech Republic; clashes over restrictions in Israel
(32 minutes later)
Biden says US presidential debate shouldn’t go ahead if Trump still positive; Facebook and Twitter act against Trump for suggesting Covid just like fluBiden says US presidential debate shouldn’t go ahead if Trump still positive; Facebook and Twitter act against Trump for suggesting Covid just like flu
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has recovered from Covid-19, Reuters has reported.
The media tycoon, who spent the first half of September in a Milan hospital before being sent home under quarantine, has now tested negative for the virus and is waiting for the result of a second swab for final confirmation, a source said.
Berlusconi, 84, developed double pneumonia and was in Milan’s San Raffaele hospital for more than 10 days.
He will not attend to the wedding on Wednesday of his youngest son Luigi, who also had the virus last month, but he is considering taking part in the family dinner organised for the evening, the source said.
Berlusconi is believed to have caught the coronavirus while on holiday on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, which saw a surge in infections during the summer.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over the blog for the next few hours.
As always, feel free to get in touch with any story ideas or personal experiences you would like to share.
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_
Hi, That’s all from me, Caroline Davies. As ever, thank you for your time. Handing over now to my colleague Jessica Murray.
India reported 72,049 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, dropping from the daily highs of last month in a sign infections were peaking for now, officials and experts said, Reuters reports.
India leads the world in the average number of new infections and is expected to overtake the United States over the next several weeks as the country with the world’s largest number of cases.
But since it hit a single-day high of 97,894 new cases on Sept 17, the country has reported a downward trend with 75,909 daily cases on an average, according to a Reuters tally.
“There is a continuous drop in our daily new cases, which is an encouraging sign,” said health secretary Rajesh Bhushan. The overall tally reached 6.76 million infections on Wednesday while the death toll rose by 986 to 104,555.
Faced with a collapsing economy, the federal government has been pushing states to fully reopen after enforcing one of the world’s strictest lockdowns in March.
Experts said the opening up led to a spike in cases in August and September, which now may have started to stabilise in the big cities.
“The virus is slowing down in the big metros because there are a lot of people already infected,” said Bhramar Mukherjee, a professor of biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Michigan.
A serological survey released by the government late last month showed the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies increased to 7.1% between Aug. 17 and Sept. 22 compared to 0.73% in a previous survey between May 11 and June 4.
Mukherjee said the survey suggested that about 130 million out of 1.3 billion population may have been infected by now.
The government has asked authorities to be vigilant during the upcoming festival period including the Hindu festival of Diwali in November.
The UN refugee chief said today that he had tested positive for Covid-19, after leading the first two days of the agency’s main annual meeting in person.The UN refugee chief said today that he had tested positive for Covid-19, after leading the first two days of the agency’s main annual meeting in person.
Filippo Grandi, who kicked off UNHCR’s week-long Executive Committee meeting in Geneva on Monday, told participants via video-link that he would need to continue following the event from home, AFP reports.Filippo Grandi, who kicked off UNHCR’s week-long Executive Committee meeting in Geneva on Monday, told participants via video-link that he would need to continue following the event from home, AFP reports.
“I am engaging with UNHCR’s Executive Committee from home as I have to isolate after testing positive to COVID19,” he said in a tweet.“I am engaging with UNHCR’s Executive Committee from home as I have to isolate after testing positive to COVID19,” he said in a tweet.
“I only have mild symptoms and hope to recover soon,” he added.“I only have mild symptoms and hope to recover soon,” he added.
Grandi had for the past two days addressed delegates from the podium in the UN Assembly Hall in Geneva.Grandi had for the past two days addressed delegates from the podium in the UN Assembly Hall in Geneva.
UNHCR’s executive committee is for the first time being held as a hybrid event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.UNHCR’s executive committee is for the first time being held as a hybrid event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Only limited numbers of delegates are allowed to attend physically, and distancing restrictions and mask requirements are in place.Only limited numbers of delegates are allowed to attend physically, and distancing restrictions and mask requirements are in place.
The focus on Donald Trump as a coronavirus patient may have taken some attention away from the bigger picture in the US. Yesterday there were 43,562 new coronavirus cases, and a further 705 Covid deaths recorded.The focus on Donald Trump as a coronavirus patient may have taken some attention away from the bigger picture in the US. Yesterday there were 43,562 new coronavirus cases, and a further 705 Covid deaths recorded.
ABC News have just published an analysis of Covid trends across all 50 states, and it makes for bleak reading. They found that there were “increases in newly confirmed cases over the past two weeks in 32 states plus in Puerto Rico”.ABC News have just published an analysis of Covid trends across all 50 states, and it makes for bleak reading. They found that there were “increases in newly confirmed cases over the past two weeks in 32 states plus in Puerto Rico”.
The total number of cases recorded in the US, according to the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracking project, has hit 7,501,817.The total number of cases recorded in the US, according to the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracking project, has hit 7,501,817.
You can follow further developments in the US specifically with our US live blog.You can follow further developments in the US specifically with our US live blog.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife may have violated the country’s coronavirus lockdown by inviting a hairdresser into the official residence last week to prepare her for a public service video advocating the wearing of masks, AP reports.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife may have violated the country’s coronavirus lockdown by inviting a hairdresser into the official residence last week to prepare her for a public service video advocating the wearing of masks, AP reports.
The Yediot Ahronot newspaper reported that Sara Netanyahu had a hairdresser visit on the eve of the festive Sukkot holiday. Hair salons and barber shops are closed as part of a nationwide lockdown imposed last month, and people have been ordered to remain within 1,000 metres of home except for essential activities.The Yediot Ahronot newspaper reported that Sara Netanyahu had a hairdresser visit on the eve of the festive Sukkot holiday. Hair salons and barber shops are closed as part of a nationwide lockdown imposed last month, and people have been ordered to remain within 1,000 metres of home except for essential activities.
The newspaper said that while the prime minister is entitled to such services as a public servant, his wife is notThe newspaper said that while the prime minister is entitled to such services as a public servant, his wife is not
An official statement released in response to the news report said Sara was strictly abiding by all the coronavirus regulations, including sheltering at home and enforcing the wearing of masks at the official residence.An official statement released in response to the news report said Sara was strictly abiding by all the coronavirus regulations, including sheltering at home and enforcing the wearing of masks at the official residence.
As a public figure making an informational video, she believed she was entitled to employ the services of the hairstylist, the statement said. It added that they both wore masks and gloves during the appointment and that she asked the stylist to refrain from making conversation.As a public figure making an informational video, she believed she was entitled to employ the services of the hairstylist, the statement said. It added that they both wore masks and gloves during the appointment and that she asked the stylist to refrain from making conversation.
The Philippines’ health ministry on Wednesday recorded 2,825 new coronavirus infections and 60 additional deaths.The Philippines’ health ministry on Wednesday recorded 2,825 new coronavirus infections and 60 additional deaths.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases in the Philippines had risen to 329,637, the highest number in south-east Asia, while deaths had increased to 5,925. In Manila, the city government is providing free swab tests to tricycle and passenger Jeepney drivers in the area in hopes of curbing the spread of the coronavirus.In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases in the Philippines had risen to 329,637, the highest number in south-east Asia, while deaths had increased to 5,925. In Manila, the city government is providing free swab tests to tricycle and passenger Jeepney drivers in the area in hopes of curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
See the latest data on our Covid vaccine tracker here:See the latest data on our Covid vaccine tracker here:
Indonesia reported 4,538 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing its infections total to 315,714, data from the country’s health ministry showed.Indonesia reported 4,538 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing its infections total to 315,714, data from the country’s health ministry showed.
There were also 98 new deaths in Indonesia, taking the total number to 11,472, the highest coronavirus death toll in south-east Asia.There were also 98 new deaths in Indonesia, taking the total number to 11,472, the highest coronavirus death toll in south-east Asia.
Israeli police clashed with hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews overnight as they sought to enforce restrictions on public gatherings during a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the police said on Wednesday.Israeli police clashed with hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews overnight as they sought to enforce restrictions on public gatherings during a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the police said on Wednesday.
AP reports that footage released by police showed huge crowds of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem chanting and hurling stones and metal bars at police officers. The police said 17 people were arrested.AP reports that footage released by police showed huge crowds of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem chanting and hurling stones and metal bars at police officers. The police said 17 people were arrested.
Clashes also erupted in Modiin Ilit, an ultra-Orthodox settlement in the West Bank. Police said they ordered people to leave a synagogue before being attacked with stones and fireworks. Four police officers were wounded and seven people were arrested, police said.Clashes also erupted in Modiin Ilit, an ultra-Orthodox settlement in the West Bank. Police said they ordered people to leave a synagogue before being attacked with stones and fireworks. Four police officers were wounded and seven people were arrested, police said.
Israel went into a second nationwide lockdown last month after developing one of the worst outbreaks in the world on a per capita basis. The country has about 60,000 active cases, including 855 people hospitalised in serious condition.Israel went into a second nationwide lockdown last month after developing one of the worst outbreaks in the world on a per capita basis. The country has about 60,000 active cases, including 855 people hospitalised in serious condition.
The Czech Republic reported a record 4,457 new coronavirus cases in a single day, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, with infections over the past month rising at Europe’s fastest pace.The Czech Republic reported a record 4,457 new coronavirus cases in a single day, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, with infections over the past month rising at Europe’s fastest pace.
The daily rise in new Covid-19 cases, recorded on Tuesday, surpassed a previous record of 3,794 to bring the total number of cases recorded since March to 90,022 – a fourfold increase since 25 August, Reuters reports.The daily rise in new Covid-19 cases, recorded on Tuesday, surpassed a previous record of 3,794 to bring the total number of cases recorded since March to 90,022 – a fourfold increase since 25 August, Reuters reports.
Hospitalisations have soared tenfold in that period to add strain on the healthcare system.Hospitalisations have soared tenfold in that period to add strain on the healthcare system.
Over the past two weeks, the Czech Republic has reported 326.8 cases per 100,000, surpassing for the first time. Spain, which has had 302.4 cases per 100,000, according to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data collected by 6 October.Over the past two weeks, the Czech Republic has reported 326.8 cases per 100,000, surpassing for the first time. Spain, which has had 302.4 cases per 100,000, according to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data collected by 6 October.
The Czech government, like others in Europe, is struggling to contain a rise in infections that is stronger than in March and April.The Czech government, like others in Europe, is struggling to contain a rise in infections that is stronger than in March and April.
But the country is looking to avoid the same strict lockdowns that shut shops, restaurants and schools and prompted many factories to go idle, hammering the economy in the second quarter.But the country is looking to avoid the same strict lockdowns that shut shops, restaurants and schools and prompted many factories to go idle, hammering the economy in the second quarter.
The state has introduced stricter face mask rules and limited bar opening hours and the number of people to a table in restaurants. It has also banned musical performances since Monday for two weeks.The state has introduced stricter face mask rules and limited bar opening hours and the number of people to a table in restaurants. It has also banned musical performances since Monday for two weeks.
The health minister has said tighter curbs would come. The number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 has climbed to 1,387, of which 326 are in intensive care – more than three times the peak seen when the outbreak first hit.The health minister has said tighter curbs would come. The number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 has climbed to 1,387, of which 326 are in intensive care – more than three times the peak seen when the outbreak first hit.
Russia has reported 11,115 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 1,248,619.Russia’s coronavirus crisis centre said 202 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 21,865.
Here is a more detailed look at the Tesco sales surge in the UK.
Coronavirus restrictions in place across England were “right” but the government would keep them under review as case numbers rise, international trade secretary Liz Truss has told BBC Breakfast.
In China surge in demand for flu shots in cities has caused shortages, long lines and triple markups on vaccines by scalpers selling them online.
Residents, afraid of the possibility of catching both the flu and Covid-19 – what some have called a “twindemic”, have rushed to clinics since China began its flu vaccine campaign in September.
Chinese health authorities in September advised residents to get shots for the flu, whose symptoms are similar to early stage Covid-19 and could complicate efforts to contain the virus this winter. Officials have also said that Covid-19 combined with the flu could raise mortality rates.
Read the full report here:
Britain’s biggest retailer, supermarket giant Tesco has announced a 42% jump in net profit in its first half on soaring online demand for food during the coronavirus outbreak.
Profit after tax jumped to £460m ($585m, €497m) in the six months to the end of August, compared with £324m a year earlier, Tesco said in a statement.
In the UK, concerns have been raised over the supply of vital testing materials for a range of conditions, including Covid-19, following a supply chain problem with the pharmaceutical company Roche.
Roche said it had experienced a “very significant drop” in its processing capacity due to a problem with its Sussex distribution centre, the only one in the UK.
It has been reported that the shortage includes vital reagents, screening kits and swabs.
Despite the problem, people who need coronavirus tests should continue to go through the testing process, Liz Truss, the UK’s international trade secretary, told Sky News.
She said:
You can read PA Media’s full report on Roche’s drop in processing capacity here:
The risk of coronavirus spreading on public transport has remained substantially low through the pandemic, according to several international studies.
Safety measures imposed on public transport around the world since Covid-19 hit have made them “the safest places on earth”, Dr Julian Tang, a professor of respiratory sciences at Leicester University, told Sky News.
He said if people took the same precautions in other high-risk areas such as crowded streets and pubs, the number of cases would reduce there.
With working from home seen as a lasting legacy of Covid-19, questions have been raised over who should pay for, among other things, the tea and the toilet paper?
According to the Dutch, the answer is your bosses.
Reuters reports that the daily amount has been calculated at about €2 ($2.40) per working day, on average.
That’s meant to cover not only coffee, tea and toilet paper used in work hours, but also the extra gas, electricity and water, plus the depreciation costs of a desk and a chair – all essentials that you’d never dream of paying for in the office.
“We have literally calculated down to how many teaspoons there are in an average household, so from there it’s not that difficult to establish the costs,” said Gabrielle Bettonville of the Dutch family finances institution NIBUD, which is funded mainly by the government and researched the extra costs of remote working.
Dutch authorities have already started applying NIBUD’s research, citing it to offer bureaucrats working from home a €363 Covid-19 “bonus” this year, starting in March when the country went into lockdown.
Spain has obliged employers to pay for home office maintenance and equipment; Germany is debating a bill enshrining remote workers’ rights; France has passed a law shielding them from after-hours email.
Bulgaria registered a record high 436 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, data from the national information platform on the disease showed on Wednesday.
A total of 22,306 Covid-19 cases have been registered in the Balkan country of 7 million people, including 862 deaths. Eight people have died in the past 24 hours, Reuters reports.
Daily coronavirus infections started to increase in late September.
Bulgarians have to wear protective face masks in closed public spaces and keep social distance and the government has said it does not plan to introduce any new restrictive measures for the time being
The special treatment Donald Trump received to access an experimental Covid-19 drug raises fairness issues that start with the flawed health care system many Americans endure and end with the public’s right to know more about his condition, ethics and medical experts say.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc has revealed how rare it was for anyone to get the drug it gave Trump outside of studies testing its safety and effectiveness, AP reports.
The drug, which supplies antibodies to help the immune system clear the coronavirus, is widely viewed as very promising.
Trump also received the antiviral remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone, and it’s impossible to know whether any of these drugs did him any good.
He deserves special treatment by virtue of his office, said George Annas, who heads Boston University’s centre for law and health ethics. The question is whether it’s good treatment.
These drugs are unproven for mild illness and have not been tested in combination. The steroid seems at odds with medical guidelines based on what doctors have said about the severity of his illness.
The public is getting mixed messages about his condition and thats a problem, Annas said, adding that theres a right to know anything that could affect Trump’s ability to do his job.
Trump’s doctors asked for the Regeneron drug under compassionate use rules, which allow a patient with a life-threatening disease to get an experimental medicine if they can’t enrol in a study testing it and theres no good alternative.
Compassionate use requests are decided on a case-by-case basis, and both the drug company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must agree. An FDA spokeswoman refused comment on the FDAs decision or to say how many others have asked for the drug.
Fewer than 10 of these requests have been granted, said Regeneron spokeswoman Alexandra Bowie.
The drug is in limited supply, the priority is using it for the ongoing studies, and emergency access is granted only in rare and exceptional circumstances, she wrote in an email.
Regeneron also contacted Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign to make them aware of the compassionate use mechanism, should they need to apply if Biden becomes infected, Bowie said.