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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
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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
Boston is delaying plans to reopen schools after the city’s positivity rate climbed higher than 4%, its mayor Marty Walsh has announced. Remote learning began on 21 September and families were allowed to opt in for hybrid learning scheduled to start this month.
More than 1,000 workers have now tested positive at a Sri Lanka factory that, until August, was producing surgical masks for the US, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency reports.More than 1,000 workers have now tested positive at a Sri Lanka factory that, until August, was producing surgical masks for the US, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency reports.
Officials confirmed the figure as they scrambled to find the source of the country’s biggest outbreak. The flurry of cases since the first positive test at the garment factory was reported three days ago pushed the island nation’s infections total near 4,500.Officials confirmed the figure as they scrambled to find the source of the country’s biggest outbreak. The flurry of cases since the first positive test at the garment factory was reported three days ago pushed the island nation’s infections total near 4,500.
The factory’s owner Brandix – hailed internationally for its sustainable practices – said efforts to contain the explosion of infections at the site were hampered by a high number of asymptomatic carriers.The factory’s owner Brandix – hailed internationally for its sustainable practices – said efforts to contain the explosion of infections at the site were hampered by a high number of asymptomatic carriers.
Sri Lanka’s chief epidemiologist, Sudath Samaraweera, called on local communities to cooperate with authorities amid fears the outbreak could spread further.Sri Lanka’s chief epidemiologist, Sudath Samaraweera, called on local communities to cooperate with authorities amid fears the outbreak could spread further.
Ireland has not ruled out a “circuit-breaking” lockdown as the country gets to grips with fresh restrictions introduced at midnight.Ireland has not ruled out a “circuit-breaking” lockdown as the country gets to grips with fresh restrictions introduced at midnight.
More than 130 checkpoints were mounted on motorways and arterial roads across the country as gardai resumed Operation Fanacht (Operation Stay) to discourage people from making all but essential journeys.More than 130 checkpoints were mounted on motorways and arterial roads across the country as gardai resumed Operation Fanacht (Operation Stay) to discourage people from making all but essential journeys.
The country moved to the third of five levels of restrictions, which includes advice not to travel outside your country except for work, educational or other essential reasons.The country moved to the third of five levels of restrictions, which includes advice not to travel outside your country except for work, educational or other essential reasons.
Police do not have powers to stop people but the checkpoints were deterring people, with queues of about five miles were being reported on motorways out of Dublin any many turning back.Police do not have powers to stop people but the checkpoints were deterring people, with queues of about five miles were being reported on motorways out of Dublin any many turning back.
The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, confirmed it was examining the possibility of fines for those who breached country boundaries with particular concern for Northern Ireland, where the number of cases has surged.The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, confirmed it was examining the possibility of fines for those who breached country boundaries with particular concern for Northern Ireland, where the number of cases has surged.
The Northern Ireland executive is also looking at a circuit breaker, the deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill has said.The Northern Ireland executive is also looking at a circuit breaker, the deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill has said.
Hello, I’m taking over for a little bit while Jessica Murray goes for a break. If you’d like to draw my attention to anything, your best bet is Twitter, where I’m KevinJRawlinson.Hello, I’m taking over for a little bit while Jessica Murray goes for a break. If you’d like to draw my attention to anything, your best bet is Twitter, where I’m KevinJRawlinson.
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.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.”“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.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.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.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.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.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.”“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.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.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.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.”“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.