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Coronavirus live news: Brussels closes cafes and bars for a month; Italy imposes mandatory masks outdoors Coronavirus live news: Brussels closes cafes and bars for a month; Italy imposes mandatory masks outdoors
(32 minutes later)
One in seven people tested in Belgian capital is positive; Facebook and Twitter act against Trump for suggesting Covid just like fluOne in seven people tested in Belgian capital is positive; Facebook and Twitter act against Trump for suggesting Covid just like flu
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Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche is working urgently to resolve supply problems but the issue has had little or no impact on Britain’s Covid-19 testing, a spokesman for prime minister Boris Johnson said.
“They are working to resolve this urgently,” the spokesman said. “It is expected to have little to no impact on Covid testing and Roche are already prioritising the dispatch of tests to ensure uninterrupted supplies.”
The number of new coronavirus infections in Romania rose by a record 2,958 in the past 24 hours, as new restrictions were introduced in the capital Bucharest and other cities.
Romania has been reporting more than 2,000 new cases daily almost every day for the past week, bringing the total confirmed cases to 142,570.
While 111,564 people have recovered, 5,203 people have died, the highest fatality rate in the eastern part of the EU.
The government will close theatres, cinemas, indoor restaurants, bars and gaming halls in Bucharest from Wednesday, with similar measures in other cities. Travellers from 49 high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10-14 days upon arrival.
Police will intensify controls to ensure people are wearing masks, which are mandatory on public transport, in indoor public areas and outdoor markets and other crowded areas.
“Most citizens are following these restrictions, which are not convenient for anyone,” Bucharest prefect Gheorghe Cojanu told reporters. “But we have noticed a lot of indifference from some citizens.”
Romania’s hospitality industry will protest the shutdowns outside government headquarters later on Wednesday.
Calin Ile of the Romanian hotel federation said a survey showed that without government compensation, the hospitality industry could lose 40% of jobs and €3bn ($3.5bn) in revenue.
Health minister Nelu Tătaru said that while restaurants were not a source of outbreaks, they could help spread infections, although there was no public data about community spreading.
“We have events that are not entirely supervised and where certain rules are not respected, and we have public transport where rules are not respected; these are the infectious areas,” Tataru said. “These restrictions which were reintroduced will produce effects in 10-14 days.”
The number of people claiming temporary Irish jobless benefits is set to rise to around 250,000 from just over 200,000 as a result of a tightening of Covid-19 restrictions, prime minister Micheal Martin said.The number of people claiming temporary Irish jobless benefits is set to rise to around 250,000 from just over 200,000 as a result of a tightening of Covid-19 restrictions, prime minister Micheal Martin said.
While the government rejected a call by health chiefs to enter a second national lockdown on Monday, it moved all counties up to Level 3 of the five-step confinement plan, shutting indoor restaurant and pub service for three weeks.While the government rejected a call by health chiefs to enter a second national lockdown on Monday, it moved all counties up to Level 3 of the five-step confinement plan, shutting indoor restaurant and pub service for three weeks.
Ireland introduced the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) in March for those temporarily laid off and claimants rose for the first time since May two weeks ago when Dublin and Donegal moved to Level 3, before falling back this week.Ireland introduced the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) in March for those temporarily laid off and claimants rose for the first time since May two weeks ago when Dublin and Donegal moved to Level 3, before falling back this week.
Claims stood at 205,000 when the nationwide tightening of restrictions began, having hit a lockdown peak of 600,000 in early May. Ireland’s unemployment rate, including those temporarily and permanently out of work, is stuck just below 15%.Claims stood at 205,000 when the nationwide tightening of restrictions began, having hit a lockdown peak of 600,000 in early May. Ireland’s unemployment rate, including those temporarily and permanently out of work, is stuck just below 15%.
“As of close of business last night we had received 17,000 new claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment,” Martin told parliament.“As of close of business last night we had received 17,000 new claims for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment,” Martin told parliament.
“Given the move to Level 3, additional claims can be expected and a rough estimate based on prior experience in Dublin and Donegal is that about 40,000 to 50,000 claims could emerge this week.”“Given the move to Level 3, additional claims can be expected and a rough estimate based on prior experience in Dublin and Donegal is that about 40,000 to 50,000 claims could emerge this week.”
Martin added that the government would “clearly” need to keep supports in place beyond the current April expiry of the PUP scheme. The government is also subsidising the wages of another 360,000 employees on a separate scheme.Martin added that the government would “clearly” need to keep supports in place beyond the current April expiry of the PUP scheme. The government is also subsidising the wages of another 360,000 employees on a separate scheme.
Donald Trump on Tuesday called off negotiations with Democratic lawmakers on coronavirus relief legislation until after the election, even as cases of the virus are on the rise across much of the country before flu season.Donald Trump on Tuesday called off negotiations with Democratic lawmakers on coronavirus relief legislation until after the election, even as cases of the virus are on the rise across much of the country before flu season.
“I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business,” Trump wrote on Twitter a day after emerging from a hospital stay for Covid-19 treatment.“I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business,” Trump wrote on Twitter a day after emerging from a hospital stay for Covid-19 treatment.
The news triggered a brief stock market selloff. Following Trump’s announcement breaking off negotiations, US stocks were down more than 2% in late afternoon trading.The news triggered a brief stock market selloff. Following Trump’s announcement breaking off negotiations, US stocks were down more than 2% in late afternoon trading.
However, the president later appeared to backtrack slightly and said he was “ready to sign right now” a bill that would approve a fresh round of $1,200 stimulus checks to be sent out immediately.However, the president later appeared to backtrack slightly and said he was “ready to sign right now” a bill that would approve a fresh round of $1,200 stimulus checks to be sent out immediately.
Trump’s decision to halt talks came after House speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said during an interview with NBC’s Face the Nation that progress was being made in her negotiations with the Trump administration on a bill to build on the more than $3tn in coronavirus aid enacted into law earlier this year.Trump’s decision to halt talks came after House speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday said during an interview with NBC’s Face the Nation that progress was being made in her negotiations with the Trump administration on a bill to build on the more than $3tn in coronavirus aid enacted into law earlier this year.
Pelosi issued a thundering statement in the wake of the announcement, accusing Trump of “putting himself first at the expense of the country” by halting negotiations over a new coronavirus aid package from Congress.Pelosi issued a thundering statement in the wake of the announcement, accusing Trump of “putting himself first at the expense of the country” by halting negotiations over a new coronavirus aid package from Congress.
Italy has made it mandatory to wear face masks outdoors nationwide in an effort to reduce rising Covid-19 infections.Italy has made it mandatory to wear face masks outdoors nationwide in an effort to reduce rising Covid-19 infections.
Italy has seen a steady increase in new cases in the last two months, although its numbers are still much lower than those recorded in other major European countries such as France, Spain and Britain.Italy has seen a steady increase in new cases in the last two months, although its numbers are still much lower than those recorded in other major European countries such as France, Spain and Britain.
The cabinet also approved a decree to extend the Covid-19 state of emergency to 31 January, a cabinet source said.The cabinet also approved a decree to extend the Covid-19 state of emergency to 31 January, a cabinet source said.
Savvas Kourepinis is the volunteer captain of the Astral, a humanitarian boat patrolling the Mediterranean Sea to rescue people attempting to cross the main maritime route from north Africa to Europe.Savvas Kourepinis is the volunteer captain of the Astral, a humanitarian boat patrolling the Mediterranean Sea to rescue people attempting to cross the main maritime route from north Africa to Europe.
For most of this year, the Covid-19 pandemic forced these vital search-and-rescue missions to cease in what is often referred to as the deadliest migration route in the world.For most of this year, the Covid-19 pandemic forced these vital search-and-rescue missions to cease in what is often referred to as the deadliest migration route in the world.
As Kourepinis and his crew set out on one of their first patrols since lockdown restrictions eased, they face stringent coronavirus regulations and the reluctance of nearby countries to take in the people the Astral has rescued.As Kourepinis and his crew set out on one of their first patrols since lockdown restrictions eased, they face stringent coronavirus regulations and the reluctance of nearby countries to take in the people the Astral has rescued.
Spain’s prime minister has unveiled a major plan to boost his country out of recession by spending €140bn ($162bn) of EU aid to reshape the economy, with the aim of creating 800,000 jobs over the next three years.Spain’s prime minister has unveiled a major plan to boost his country out of recession by spending €140bn ($162bn) of EU aid to reshape the economy, with the aim of creating 800,000 jobs over the next three years.
The programme is a response to the sharp downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic and focuses primarily on getting Spain to transition to green energy and a digital economy, which will take up about 70% of the financing.The programme is a response to the sharp downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic and focuses primarily on getting Spain to transition to green energy and a digital economy, which will take up about 70% of the financing.
“We have to turn this heavy blow into an opportunity,” prime minister Pedro Sánchez said. “This is the challenge of our generation.”“We have to turn this heavy blow into an opportunity,” prime minister Pedro Sánchez said. “This is the challenge of our generation.”
Spain this week became the first EU country to surpass 825,000 coronavirus infections. More than 32,480 people in Spain are confirmed to have died from Covid-19 and its capital, Madrid, is experiencing Europe’s worst second wave of infections.Spain this week became the first EU country to surpass 825,000 coronavirus infections. More than 32,480 people in Spain are confirmed to have died from Covid-19 and its capital, Madrid, is experiencing Europe’s worst second wave of infections.
Spain is the latest EU country to say how it intends to use the bloc’s coronavirus recovery fund, approved last July and designed to help the bloc’s 27 nations gain traction in their efforts to break out of recession.Spain is the latest EU country to say how it intends to use the bloc’s coronavirus recovery fund, approved last July and designed to help the bloc’s 27 nations gain traction in their efforts to break out of recession.
France last month unveiled a €100bn ($116bn) plan to yank the country out of its worst economic slump since the second world war. Called “France Reboot”, the plan includes €40bn ($46bn) from the EU recovery plan.France last month unveiled a €100bn ($116bn) plan to yank the country out of its worst economic slump since the second world war. Called “France Reboot”, the plan includes €40bn ($46bn) from the EU recovery plan.
The Spanish government expects the national economy to contract 11.2% this year. In some sectors, such as tourism, the drop could be as much as 25%. Officials expect an unemployment rate of around 17% this year and next.The Spanish government expects the national economy to contract 11.2% this year. In some sectors, such as tourism, the drop could be as much as 25%. Officials expect an unemployment rate of around 17% this year and next.
The Socialist-led government’s strategy aims to reverse the economic decline and achieve growth of 7.2% next year.The Socialist-led government’s strategy aims to reverse the economic decline and achieve growth of 7.2% next year.
The spending programme includes strengthening the public health service, improving public infrastructure, transitioning to green energy and enhancing energy efficiency, developing professional training schemes and accelerating the digital modernisation of Spanish industry.The spending programme includes strengthening the public health service, improving public infrastructure, transitioning to green energy and enhancing energy efficiency, developing professional training schemes and accelerating the digital modernisation of Spanish industry.
“The world has changed and we need to change, too, to safeguard our future,” Sánchez said.“The world has changed and we need to change, too, to safeguard our future,” Sánchez said.
New coronavirus infections in the Netherlands reached a record high of nearly 5,000 in 24 hours, data released by health authorities on has shown.New coronavirus infections in the Netherlands reached a record high of nearly 5,000 in 24 hours, data released by health authorities on has shown.
Officials have warned that tougher restrictions will be needed if infection and hospital admission rates continue to rise at such a rapid pace.Officials have warned that tougher restrictions will be needed if infection and hospital admission rates continue to rise at such a rapid pace.
The European commission has agreed with US company Gilead to buy additional doses of its Covid-19 drug remdesivir to treat about 3,400 patients, amid shortages of the medication in Europe.The European commission has agreed with US company Gilead to buy additional doses of its Covid-19 drug remdesivir to treat about 3,400 patients, amid shortages of the medication in Europe.
A spokesman for the EU executive said Brussels agreed with Gilead last Friday to supply nearly 20,300 additional doses “which help almost 3,400 patients” at a cost of €7m ($8.24m). That is in addition to 30,000 courses of treatment it bought at the end of July.A spokesman for the EU executive said Brussels agreed with Gilead last Friday to supply nearly 20,300 additional doses “which help almost 3,400 patients” at a cost of €7m ($8.24m). That is in addition to 30,000 courses of treatment it bought at the end of July.
“These additional doses are being currently delivered,” the spokesman told a news conference, adding the EU was giving priority to countries which needed it the most.“These additional doses are being currently delivered,” the spokesman told a news conference, adding the EU was giving priority to countries which needed it the most.
Remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone are to date the only authorised drugs to treat Covid-19 in Europe.Remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone are to date the only authorised drugs to treat Covid-19 in Europe.
The EU and Britain, with a combined population of 500 million, are negotiating a contract with Gilead for the supply of new doses of the antiviral medicine, the EU spokesman said.The EU and Britain, with a combined population of 500 million, are negotiating a contract with Gilead for the supply of new doses of the antiviral medicine, the EU spokesman said.
The first batches of the additional supply were being sent to the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Greece, Austria, Denmark and Slovenia, he added.The first batches of the additional supply were being sent to the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Greece, Austria, Denmark and Slovenia, he added.
Several European countries have said they were experiencing shortages of the drug, whose global stock has been secured almost entirely by the US.Several European countries have said they were experiencing shortages of the drug, whose global stock has been secured almost entirely by the US.
For White House staff and senior visiting officials and journalists, the coronavirus outbreak in Donald Trump’s inner circle has become like a whodunnit amid a shortage of information and mounting anxiety.For White House staff and senior visiting officials and journalists, the coronavirus outbreak in Donald Trump’s inner circle has become like a whodunnit amid a shortage of information and mounting anxiety.
As cleaners in hazmat suits have been pictured disinfecting areas – including briefing rooms and the White House press and communications “shop” where three staff have been infected – the questions now being asked are: who caught Covid from whom and when and where? And who might be next?As cleaners in hazmat suits have been pictured disinfecting areas – including briefing rooms and the White House press and communications “shop” where three staff have been infected – the questions now being asked are: who caught Covid from whom and when and where? And who might be next?
British prime minister Boris Johnson has said Covid-19 infections are rising in London and elsewhere, but his government’s approach to controlling the spread of the virus is still the right one.British prime minister Boris Johnson has said Covid-19 infections are rising in London and elsewhere, but his government’s approach to controlling the spread of the virus is still the right one.
“The local and regional approach combined with the national measures remains correct,” Johnson told parliament, when asked why infections continued to rise in areas where local lockdown measures have been put in place.“The local and regional approach combined with the national measures remains correct,” Johnson told parliament, when asked why infections continued to rise in areas where local lockdown measures have been put in place.
Analysis presented in parliament by the opposition Labour party showed that infection rates had risen in 19 out of 20 areas in England that are subject to additional lockdown measures.Analysis presented in parliament by the opposition Labour party showed that infection rates had risen in 19 out of 20 areas in England that are subject to additional lockdown measures.
Johnson’s strategy over the summer, when new nationwide infections were in the low hundreds per day, was to try to shut down localised outbreaks while reopening the wider economy. On Tuesday, Britain reported more than 15,000 new infections.Johnson’s strategy over the summer, when new nationwide infections were in the low hundreds per day, was to try to shut down localised outbreaks while reopening the wider economy. On Tuesday, Britain reported more than 15,000 new infections.
The analysis showed that in Wigan, north-west England, the infection rate, measured as the number of confirmed cases per 100,000 population, had risen by 3,653% since a local lockdown was first imposed on 30 July, increasing to 225 from six.The analysis showed that in Wigan, north-west England, the infection rate, measured as the number of confirmed cases per 100,000 population, had risen by 3,653% since a local lockdown was first imposed on 30 July, increasing to 225 from six.
Increases in the other areas were between 13% and 2,241%, Labour’s data showed.Increases in the other areas were between 13% and 2,241%, Labour’s data showed.
Iran has registered a record high 239 new coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 27,658.Iran has registered a record high 239 new coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 27,658.
Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that there were 4,019 new cases, with the total of identified cases in the worst-hit country in the Middle East rising to 483,844.Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that there were 4,019 new cases, with the total of identified cases in the worst-hit country in the Middle East rising to 483,844.
Japan will scale back a requirement of two weeks’ quarantine for some business travellers as it moves to revitalise an economy hit hard by travel curbs over the coronavirus pandemic, financial newspaper the Nikkei reports.Japan will scale back a requirement of two weeks’ quarantine for some business travellers as it moves to revitalise an economy hit hard by travel curbs over the coronavirus pandemic, financial newspaper the Nikkei reports.
The new rules apply to returning Japanese citizens and holders of long-term visas, some of whom will be exempted from quarantine requirements, depending on airport testing capacity, it added.The new rules apply to returning Japanese citizens and holders of long-term visas, some of whom will be exempted from quarantine requirements, depending on airport testing capacity, it added.
There will be a cap on the number of such exemptions, but no figure has been specified.There will be a cap on the number of such exemptions, but no figure has been specified.
Such arrivals must submit an itinerary and a negative PCR test result on arrival, and will not be allowed to use public transport upon their return, it said.Such arrivals must submit an itinerary and a negative PCR test result on arrival, and will not be allowed to use public transport upon their return, it said.
Japan has already eased two-way travel curbs with nations such as South Korea and Vietnam, while allowing entry from October for long-term residents from any country.Japan has already eased two-way travel curbs with nations such as South Korea and Vietnam, while allowing entry from October for long-term residents from any country.
All bars, cafes and event halls in Brussels have been told they must shut down for at least a month as of 7am (CET) on Thursday as the Belgian capital went beyond recently tightened national restrictions in Belgium.All bars, cafes and event halls in Brussels have been told they must shut down for at least a month as of 7am (CET) on Thursday as the Belgian capital went beyond recently tightened national restrictions in Belgium.
The minister-president of the Brussels-Capital region, Rudi Vervoort, said drinking alcohol in a public place would also be banned, sports clubs would have to close their canteens and food consumption in markets was prohibited amid a spiralling infection rate.The minister-president of the Brussels-Capital region, Rudi Vervoort, said drinking alcohol in a public place would also be banned, sports clubs would have to close their canteens and food consumption in markets was prohibited amid a spiralling infection rate.
Restaurants will remain open for now in an attempt to keep the hospitality industry alive.Restaurants will remain open for now in an attempt to keep the hospitality industry alive.
Vervoort said: “One in seven people tested in Brussels returns a positive result, the virus is everywhere in the region. There is not a single municipality in Brussels which is below the national average.”Vervoort said: “One in seven people tested in Brussels returns a positive result, the virus is everywhere in the region. There is not a single municipality in Brussels which is below the national average.”
Dr Yves Van Laethem, a spokesman for the Covid-19 crisis centre, said at a press conference where the new measures were announced that Brussels was second only to Paris in terms of the rate of infection.Dr Yves Van Laethem, a spokesman for the Covid-19 crisis centre, said at a press conference where the new measures were announced that Brussels was second only to Paris in terms of the rate of infection.
The average number of new coronavirus infections was 2,466 per day between 27 September and 3 October, an increase of 57% from the previous seven-day period. He said:The average number of new coronavirus infections was 2,466 per day between 27 September and 3 October, an increase of 57% from the previous seven-day period. He said:
On Wednesday, Belgium’s new prime minister, Alexander De Croo, announced that Belgians would be limited to having three close contacts outside their own household.On Wednesday, Belgium’s new prime minister, Alexander De Croo, announced that Belgians would be limited to having three close contacts outside their own household.
The number of new coronavirus infections in Switzerland rose by 1,077 in a day, data from the public health agency showed, the first daily increase of more than 1,000 since early April.The number of new coronavirus infections in Switzerland rose by 1,077 in a day, data from the public health agency showed, the first daily increase of more than 1,000 since early April.
The agency reported a total of 57,709 confirmed cases, while the death toll rose by two to 1,789.The agency reported a total of 57,709 confirmed cases, while the death toll rose by two to 1,789.
New daily cases peaked at 1,456 on 23 March and had dwindled to as few as three on 1 June.New daily cases peaked at 1,456 on 23 March and had dwindled to as few as three on 1 June.
Malaysia has reported 489 new coronavirus cases, a slight dip in new daily cases as the south-east Asian country grapples with a fresh surge in infections.Malaysia has reported 489 new coronavirus cases, a slight dip in new daily cases as the south-east Asian country grapples with a fresh surge in infections.
The new cases raises the cumulative tally to 13,993, according to Malaysia’s health ministry. No new deaths were reported, keeping the toll at 141.The new cases raises the cumulative tally to 13,993, according to Malaysia’s health ministry. No new deaths were reported, keeping the toll at 141.
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has recovered from Covid-19, Reuters has reported.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 tested negative for the virus and is waiting for the result of a second swab for final confirmation, a source said.The media tycoon, who spent the first half of September in a Milan hospital before being sent home under quarantine, has 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.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 a family dinner organised for the evening, the source said.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 a 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 had a surge in infections during the summer.Berlusconi is believed to have caught the coronavirus while on holiday on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, which had a surge in infections during the summer.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over the blog for the next few hours.Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray taking over the blog for the next few hours.
As always, feel free to get in touch with any story ideas or personal experiences you would like to share.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_Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_