This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/oct/07/coronavirus-live-news-six-us-states-see-record-hospital-patients-facebook-deletes-trump-post

The article has changed 42 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 31 Version 32
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
Germany’s states have agreed that residents of domestic coronavirus risk areas should not be allowed to stay in hotels in other parts of the country to curb surging numbers of new infections, a government document showed.
The news, which means residents of Berlin will only be able to take domestic holidays if they have a new negative coronavirus test, comes just days before about half of Germany’s federal states start two weeks of school holidays.
Coronavirus infections have climbed steadily in Germany over the last two months. The capital Berlin announced a late-night curfew on restaurants and bars on Tuesday.
“The Federal and State governments call on all citizens to avoid all non-essential travel into or out of regions where there have been 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the past seven days,” ministers said in a joint statement.
Four out of 12 Berlin districts have already reached or exceeded that level, meaning they are classified as risk areas. Berlin added in a protocol that the measures would apply to the entire city.
Schleswig-Holstein and Rhineland-Palatinate had already designated such districts risk areas, and insist people returning from them quarantine for 14 days or show a negative coronavirus test.
According to the document, tourists from risk areas will only be allowed to stay the night if they can show a negative coronavirus test less than 48 hours old.
Several states said they reserved the right to impose still stricter versions of the new regulation, while Lower Saxony said it was not yet sure if it would be able to implement it given the short notice given.
At least 27 people across Donald Trump’s White House, election campaign and military leaders have now tested positive for coronavirus.
On Tuesday, Stephen Miller, the controversial policy adviser to the US president, became the latest to confirm that he has Covid-19 and will enter quarantine. Miller has become the latest in a lengthy list of people connected to the White House to contract the virus in recent days.
This group is headed by Trump himself, who left the Walter Reed hospital on Monday after receiving state-of-the-art medical treatment for the virus.
Trump, who has routinely downplayed the virus and disparaged the wearing of masks, posed for cameras without a mask after returning to the White House and tweeted: “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.”
Public health experts have criticised Trump’s comments, noting that people with the virus can still spread it to others for around 10 days after becoming infected.
Economists warned the US economy was facing a “watershed moment” as Donald Trump vacillated on agreeing to a new round of stimulus cash for people and businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump pulled the plug on the fractious and lengthy discussions over more aid on Tuesday. “I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill,” Trump wrote on Twitter.
Stock markets fell, and on Tuesday evening Trump’s position appeared to soften and the president tweeted he was prepared to sign off on more aid for the US’s troubled airline industries and “a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY. I am ready to sign right now.”
That money would represent a fraction of the $2.2trn support which the Democrats are pushing for. And on Wednesday, senior Trump officials added to the confusion as they appeared to pour cold water on the idea of a major new stimulus deal being agreed ahead of the election.
Mark Meadows, Trump’s chief of staff, told reporters: “The stimulus negotiations are off.”
US and UK markets rose after Trump’s apparent volte-face, but the situation remains volatile.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a nationwide ban on drinking indoors in licensed premises in Scotland for more than two weeks, with a full shutdown of all premises across the central belt where infection rates are accelerating most rapidly.
Announcing the targeted measures to the Scottish parliament as she confirmed a further 1,054 people had tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, Sturgeon said they were intended to be a “short, sharp action to arrest a worrying increase in infection” and which she hoped would help to keep schools and businesses open over the winter.
For 16 days, from Friday at 6pm, all pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes must operate on a daytime-only basis, from 6am to 6pm, and for the service of food and non-alcoholic drinks only. They can continue to serve alcohol outdoors up to the current curfew of 10pm.
In five health board areas which are causing greatest concern: Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, the Lothians, Ayrshire and Arran, and Forth Valley, all licensed premises, with the exception of hotels for residents, must close both indoors and outdoors, although takeaways will be permitted.
Cafes which do not have an alcohol licence will be able to stay open until 6pm.
Berlin’s nightlife is facing a closing time for the first time in 70 years as the party-loving German capital seeks to contain spiralling coronavirus infection rates.Berlin’s nightlife is facing a closing time for the first time in 70 years as the party-loving German capital seeks to contain spiralling coronavirus infection rates.
From Saturday, bars, restaurants and off-licences will have to close their doors between 11pm and 6am as a large second wave of Covid-19 cases in the city threatens to taint Germany’s image as a pandemic role model.From Saturday, bars, restaurants and off-licences will have to close their doors between 11pm and 6am as a large second wave of Covid-19 cases in the city threatens to taint Germany’s image as a pandemic role model.
With health authorities mainly blaming private parties and family meet-ups for the latest outbreaks, public gatherings of more than five people from more than two households, and private gatherings of more than 10 people, will also be banned under new rules announced on Wednesday.With health authorities mainly blaming private parties and family meet-ups for the latest outbreaks, public gatherings of more than five people from more than two households, and private gatherings of more than 10 people, will also be banned under new rules announced on Wednesday.
Berlin has since the start of October been recording more daily new confirmed infections than it did at the peak of the first wave in late March, when testing capacity was more limited.Berlin has since the start of October been recording more daily new confirmed infections than it did at the peak of the first wave in late March, when testing capacity was more limited.
On Tuesday, two of the three “traffic lights” that make up the city’s coronavirus warning system switched to red after authorities recorded 44.2 new cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days.On Tuesday, two of the three “traffic lights” that make up the city’s coronavirus warning system switched to red after authorities recorded 44.2 new cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days.
Singapore plans to offer a one-off payment to encourage couples to have a baby during the coronavirus pandemic, fearing that the economic impact of the outbreak is worsening the city state’s already low birth rate.Singapore plans to offer a one-off payment to encourage couples to have a baby during the coronavirus pandemic, fearing that the economic impact of the outbreak is worsening the city state’s already low birth rate.
Singapore has struggled for decades to encourage more people to have children, offering cash grants, preschool subsidies, and even matchmaking tea dances as incentives.Singapore has struggled for decades to encourage more people to have children, offering cash grants, preschool subsidies, and even matchmaking tea dances as incentives.
The deputy prime minister, Heng Swee Keat, said officials had heard that some aspiring parents were putting plans on hold due to Covid-19.The deputy prime minister, Heng Swee Keat, said officials had heard that some aspiring parents were putting plans on hold due to Covid-19.
“This is fully understandable, especially when they face uncertainty with their income. Hence, to help with expenses during this period, we will introduce a one-off additional support for newborns,” he said.“This is fully understandable, especially when they face uncertainty with their income. Hence, to help with expenses during this period, we will introduce a one-off additional support for newborns,” he said.
The value of the payment has not been announced, but it will be provided on top of current benefits that are worth up to $10,000 Singapore dollars (£5,707).The value of the payment has not been announced, but it will be provided on top of current benefits that are worth up to $10,000 Singapore dollars (£5,707).
The ousted director of the office involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine has quit his post at the National Institutes of Health, charging that the Trump administration “ignores scientific expertise, overrules public health guidance and disrespects career scientists”.The ousted director of the office involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine has quit his post at the National Institutes of Health, charging that the Trump administration “ignores scientific expertise, overrules public health guidance and disrespects career scientists”.
Dr Rick Bright, a whistleblower who crossed swords with the Trump administration over claims his warnings over both coronavirus and the utility of hydroxychloroquine were ignored, left his role complaining that his plan to develop a national testing infrastructure had also been sidelined.Dr Rick Bright, a whistleblower who crossed swords with the Trump administration over claims his warnings over both coronavirus and the utility of hydroxychloroquine were ignored, left his role complaining that his plan to develop a national testing infrastructure had also been sidelined.
Bright is an immunologist who formerly headed the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a department of health and human services (HHS) agency that works to prepare the nation for such threats as a pandemic or a bioterrorism attack. That agency is now playing a central role in the campaign to deliver a coronavirus vaccine.Bright is an immunologist who formerly headed the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, a department of health and human services (HHS) agency that works to prepare the nation for such threats as a pandemic or a bioterrorism attack. That agency is now playing a central role in the campaign to deliver a coronavirus vaccine.
Lawyers for Bright say he was sidelined at the National Institutes of Health, where he had been transferred this spring after being ousted as head of a biodefense agency, adding that the NIH had ignored a national coronavirus testing strategy that Bright developed because he had become politically toxic within the Trump administration.Lawyers for Bright say he was sidelined at the National Institutes of Health, where he had been transferred this spring after being ousted as head of a biodefense agency, adding that the NIH had ignored a national coronavirus testing strategy that Bright developed because he had become politically toxic within the Trump administration.
The World Health Organization is concerned about rising Covid-19 cases in countries that had managed outbreaks effectively, such as Cuba and Jamaica, and 11 Caribbean states that have moved from moderate to intense transmission, its regional director Carissa Etienne said.The World Health Organization is concerned about rising Covid-19 cases in countries that had managed outbreaks effectively, such as Cuba and Jamaica, and 11 Caribbean states that have moved from moderate to intense transmission, its regional director Carissa Etienne said.
“The good news is that rates of severe Covid-19 cases have fallen across the Americas and fewer people are being hospitalised needing intensive care,” she said in a virtual briefing with other Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) directors.“The good news is that rates of severe Covid-19 cases have fallen across the Americas and fewer people are being hospitalised needing intensive care,” she said in a virtual briefing with other Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) directors.
Brazil and the US continue to be the most deadly outbreaks in the world, but transmission remains very active in the region as a whole.Brazil and the US continue to be the most deadly outbreaks in the world, but transmission remains very active in the region as a whole.
“More than half a million children and adolescents in our region have been infected and these numbers continue to rise,” she said. “Many of them are unaware they’re infected because they have mild or no symptoms.”“More than half a million children and adolescents in our region have been infected and these numbers continue to rise,” she said. “Many of them are unaware they’re infected because they have mild or no symptoms.”
The lower demand for intensive care bed in hospitals is due in part to growing knowledge of the virus and how to manage critically ill patients, Etienne said.The lower demand for intensive care bed in hospitals is due in part to growing knowledge of the virus and how to manage critically ill patients, Etienne said.
The pandemic has exacerbate inequalities across gender, income levels and race, she said.The pandemic has exacerbate inequalities across gender, income levels and race, she said.
In the US, Black, Hispanic and Native American populations are three times as likely to contract Covid-19 as their white counterparts, and five times as likely to be hospitalised and twice more likely to die from the virus.In the US, Black, Hispanic and Native American populations are three times as likely to contract Covid-19 as their white counterparts, and five times as likely to be hospitalised and twice more likely to die from the virus.
In the Amazon areas of Colombia and Brazil, indigenous people are ten times more likely to contract Covid-19 than other groups, according to the WHO.In the Amazon areas of Colombia and Brazil, indigenous people are ten times more likely to contract Covid-19 than other groups, according to the WHO.
Migrants are also more exposed to the virus, and PAHO is helping governments in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil and Mexico design ways to ensure migrants have access to the food, health care and mental health support, the regional WHO office said.Migrants are also more exposed to the virus, and PAHO is helping governments in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil and Mexico design ways to ensure migrants have access to the food, health care and mental health support, the regional WHO office said.
Sufferers of “Long Covid” symptoms in England will receive specialist care, the National Health Service said, with clinics set up to treat symptoms from breathlessness to brain fog.Sufferers of “Long Covid” symptoms in England will receive specialist care, the National Health Service said, with clinics set up to treat symptoms from breathlessness to brain fog.
Evidence is mounting that thousands of people may suffer weeks or months of long-term side effects, even if they did not have a severe case of Covid-19 initially.Evidence is mounting that thousands of people may suffer weeks or months of long-term side effects, even if they did not have a severe case of Covid-19 initially.
NHS England said that some estimates indicated 10% of Covid patients may still be experiencing symptoms more than three weeks after infection, with around 60,000 suffering from Long Covid symptoms after more than three months.NHS England said that some estimates indicated 10% of Covid patients may still be experiencing symptoms more than three weeks after infection, with around 60,000 suffering from Long Covid symptoms after more than three months.
“It is now clear that Long Covid can have a major impact on the lives of a significant minority of patients weeks or months after they have contracted the virus,” said NHS chief executive Simon Stevens. “We must respond sensitively and effectively to these new patient needs.”“It is now clear that Long Covid can have a major impact on the lives of a significant minority of patients weeks or months after they have contracted the virus,” said NHS chief executive Simon Stevens. “We must respond sensitively and effectively to these new patient needs.”
The NHS said £10m ($13m) would be invested in local funding to start up Long Covid clinics across England, with respiratory consultants, physios and general practitioners among those who will diagnose and treat the symptoms, which include chronic fatigue, anxiety and stress.The NHS said £10m ($13m) would be invested in local funding to start up Long Covid clinics across England, with respiratory consultants, physios and general practitioners among those who will diagnose and treat the symptoms, which include chronic fatigue, anxiety and stress.
Prime minister Boris Johnson, who had severe Covid-19 in April, has said long Covid exists and that work is being done to understand it, though he says he is not suffering from it himself.Prime minister Boris Johnson, who had severe Covid-19 in April, has said long Covid exists and that work is being done to understand it, though he says he is not suffering from it himself.
In July, Britain put £8.4m into a study to better understand the long-term health impact on some patients beyond the immediate respiratory issues.In July, Britain put £8.4m into a study to better understand the long-term health impact on some patients beyond the immediate respiratory issues.
Swiss drugs and diagnostics firm Roche said it is aiming solve problems at a new warehouse which have delayed the dispatch of Covud-19 testing products by the end of next week.Swiss drugs and diagnostics firm Roche said it is aiming solve problems at a new warehouse which have delayed the dispatch of Covud-19 testing products by the end of next week.
“We are confident that the plans we have put in place will deliver significant improvements by the weekend to the supply of the tests affected by these logistical issues. We will be well on the way to resolution by the end of next week,” Geoff Twist, general manager of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, said in a statement to Reuters.“We are confident that the plans we have put in place will deliver significant improvements by the weekend to the supply of the tests affected by these logistical issues. We will be well on the way to resolution by the end of next week,” Geoff Twist, general manager of Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, said in a statement to Reuters.
Britain’s Covid-19 testing system faced more disruption on Wednesday after Roche said problems at a new warehouse had caused a significant drop in processing capacity.Britain’s Covid-19 testing system faced more disruption on Wednesday after Roche said problems at a new warehouse had caused a significant drop in processing capacity.
Italy’s coronavirus infections jumped by 1,000 to 3,678 on Wednesday – the highest daily tally since the middle of April. There were 31 new fatalities, bringing the total to 36,061.Italy’s coronavirus infections jumped by 1,000 to 3,678 on Wednesday – the highest daily tally since the middle of April. There were 31 new fatalities, bringing the total to 36,061.
The rise in infections came as the government made it mandatory for face masks to be worn outside nationwide and extended the Covid-19 state of emergency until the end of January.The rise in infections came as the government made it mandatory for face masks to be worn outside nationwide and extended the Covid-19 state of emergency until the end of January.
The southern Campania region registered the highest daily rate of new infections – 544 – followed by Lombardy, Veneto and Lazio.The southern Campania region registered the highest daily rate of new infections – 544 – followed by Lombardy, Veneto and Lazio.
Wearing face masks outside had already recently been made law in several regions, including Campania and Lazio, the region surrounding Rome.Wearing face masks outside had already recently been made law in several regions, including Campania and Lazio, the region surrounding Rome.
Italy is also considering making it obligatory for people arriving in the country from Britain, the Netherlands and Belgium to undergo swab tests, although it is unclear whether the measure will be included in the new decree.Italy is also considering making it obligatory for people arriving in the country from Britain, the Netherlands and Belgium to undergo swab tests, although it is unclear whether the measure will be included in the new decree.
The measure is already in place for people arriving from Spain, Croatia, Greece, Malta and some parts of France.The measure is already in place for people arriving from Spain, Croatia, Greece, Malta and some parts of France.
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.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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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 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.
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 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.
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.