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Coronavirus live news: Spain imposes state of emergency in Madrid; doctor clears Trump to return to public events Coronavirus live news: Spain imposes state of emergency in Madrid; doctor clears Trump to return to public events
(32 minutes later)
Court had struck down lockdown measures in Spanish capital; DC health department asks White House staff to take testsCourt had struck down lockdown measures in Spanish capital; DC health department asks White House staff to take tests
Italy has recorded 5,372 new Covid-19 cases, the first time more than 5,000 infections have been recorded in a single day by the country since 29 March.
Europe surpassed 100,000 daily reported Covid-19 cases for the first time on Thursday.
Cases throughout the continent have been steadily rising over the past week even as new infections in worst-affected countries such as India and Brazil have shown signs of slowing down.
The epicentre of the outbreak in the European region has moved to the United Kingdom, Russia, Spain and France which have reported at least over 10,000 cases each in the last three days.
Russia reported its highest daily coronavirus cases ever since the last record in May on Friday, prompting Moscow authorities to mull closing bars and nightclubs.
The United Kingdom recorded more than 17,000 cases on Thursday with the country’s Health Minister Matt Hancock warning that the United Kingdom was at a “perilous moment”.
Many parts of northern England, Wales and Scotland have introduced tougher restrictions on social interaction to try to curb the growing spread of the disease.
Here’s some more detail on the Spanish government’s declaration of a state of emergency to keep Madrid in partial lockdown.Here’s some more detail on the Spanish government’s declaration of a state of emergency to keep Madrid in partial lockdown.
Salvador Illa, the national health minister, said the measures would remain in place for a fortnight, and also pointed out that other European cities had taken similar, or more drastic, action, despite having far low infection rates.Salvador Illa, the national health minister, said the measures would remain in place for a fortnight, and also pointed out that other European cities had taken similar, or more drastic, action, despite having far low infection rates.
“The president of Madrid has decided to do nothing,” said Illa. “Over the past week, 63 people have died from Covid-19 in the Madrid region. Right now, there are 3,361 people in hospital in the Madrid region. There are 498 people fighting for their lives in the region’s intensive care units. We can sit on our hands or we can stop down the virus. Politics is about serving people and stopping the virus.”“The president of Madrid has decided to do nothing,” said Illa. “Over the past week, 63 people have died from Covid-19 in the Madrid region. Right now, there are 3,361 people in hospital in the Madrid region. There are 498 people fighting for their lives in the region’s intensive care units. We can sit on our hands or we can stop down the virus. Politics is about serving people and stopping the virus.”
The limited lockdown ordered by the government a week ago bans all non-essential movement in and out of the confined areas, but allows people to travel to work or to seek medical treatment.The limited lockdown ordered by the government a week ago bans all non-essential movement in and out of the confined areas, but allows people to travel to work or to seek medical treatment.
Bars and restaurants – whose capacity has been limited to 50% – must close by 11pm. Over the past two weeks, Madrid has registered 563.8 new cases per 100,000 people, compared with a national average of 256.8.Bars and restaurants – whose capacity has been limited to 50% – must close by 11pm. Over the past two weeks, Madrid has registered 563.8 new cases per 100,000 people, compared with a national average of 256.8.
Ayuso’s government had reluctantly obeyed the order, but launched a successful legal challenge, arguing that its own actions were bringing the situation under control and that the central government had no right to step in.Ayuso’s government had reluctantly obeyed the order, but launched a successful legal challenge, arguing that its own actions were bringing the situation under control and that the central government had no right to step in.
Ayuso is urging people in Madrid to stay in the city over the bank holiday weekend, but her administration has refused to heed the government’s calls for tougher action, instead proposing a last-minute plan to confine 51 areas where there have been more than 750 new cases per 100,000 people.Ayuso is urging people in Madrid to stay in the city over the bank holiday weekend, but her administration has refused to heed the government’s calls for tougher action, instead proposing a last-minute plan to confine 51 areas where there have been more than 750 new cases per 100,000 people.
The regional health minister of Madrid, Enrique Ruiz Escudero, described the state of emergency as “an unjustified attack on the people of Madrid”.The regional health minister of Madrid, Enrique Ruiz Escudero, described the state of emergency as “an unjustified attack on the people of Madrid”.
By Thursday, Spain had logged a total 848,324 Covid cases – a rise of 12,243 on the previous day. The Madrid region accounts for a third of all Spain’s cases and a similar proportion of the country’s 32,688 deaths.By Thursday, Spain had logged a total 848,324 Covid cases – a rise of 12,243 on the previous day. The Madrid region accounts for a third of all Spain’s cases and a similar proportion of the country’s 32,688 deaths.
Coronavirus border closures and restrictions have stranded nearly 3 million migrants around the world who want to return home but cannot, the UN migration agency has said, adding some had been “warehoused” in unhygienic settings.Coronavirus border closures and restrictions have stranded nearly 3 million migrants around the world who want to return home but cannot, the UN migration agency has said, adding some had been “warehoused” in unhygienic settings.
The International Organisation for Migration report includes only migrants who want to return but are unable to do so because of Covid-19 restrictions – such as seafarers stuck on decommissioned ships, miners or construction workers.The International Organisation for Migration report includes only migrants who want to return but are unable to do so because of Covid-19 restrictions – such as seafarers stuck on decommissioned ships, miners or construction workers.
“It should be clear that migrants can be returned home in a safe and dignified manner despite the constraints imposed by Covid-19,” said Director General, António Vitorino in a statement, urging dialogue between countries.“It should be clear that migrants can be returned home in a safe and dignified manner despite the constraints imposed by Covid-19,” said Director General, António Vitorino in a statement, urging dialogue between countries.
Some stranded migrants have been confined in unclean quarters and where social distancing was impossible, placing them at risk of disease. Others face abuse, exploitation and neglect, the report said.Some stranded migrants have been confined in unclean quarters and where social distancing was impossible, placing them at risk of disease. Others face abuse, exploitation and neglect, the report said.
The worst region by far is the Middle East and North Africa, which accounts for 1.275 million of the total of 2.75 million in the IOM tally. Second was Asia with nearly a million.The worst region by far is the Middle East and North Africa, which accounts for 1.275 million of the total of 2.75 million in the IOM tally. Second was Asia with nearly a million.
IOM spokesman Paul Dillon said 648,000 stranded migrants were in the United Arab Emirates and were often construction labourers from East Africa and Asia, while 280,000 were stuck in Saudi Arabia.IOM spokesman Paul Dillon said 648,000 stranded migrants were in the United Arab Emirates and were often construction labourers from East Africa and Asia, while 280,000 were stuck in Saudi Arabia.
Others are stuck onboard idle cruise ships, often not even granted the opportunity to go above deck.Others are stuck onboard idle cruise ships, often not even granted the opportunity to go above deck.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and mayors from Germany’s 11 largest cities have agreed to adopt stricter anti-coronavirus measures if infections exceed a threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 a week.Chancellor Angela Merkel and mayors from Germany’s 11 largest cities have agreed to adopt stricter anti-coronavirus measures if infections exceed a threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 a week.
Measures could include tighter rules on mask-wearing, as well as restrictions on private gatherings and buying alcohol, Merkel said on Friday, adding that her top priority was to avoid shutting down society and the economy as in the spring lockdown.Measures could include tighter rules on mask-wearing, as well as restrictions on private gatherings and buying alcohol, Merkel said on Friday, adding that her top priority was to avoid shutting down society and the economy as in the spring lockdown.
Merkel said she would meet with mayors again in two weeks to review whether the measures had been effective, adding: “We have proven that we can stand together against the virus and we should do that again.”Merkel said she would meet with mayors again in two weeks to review whether the measures had been effective, adding: “We have proven that we can stand together against the virus and we should do that again.”
Non-emergency patients will not be admitted to hospitals in Iran due to large numbers of coronavirus patients.Non-emergency patients will not be admitted to hospitals in Iran due to large numbers of coronavirus patients.
It is unclear if the directive, announced by deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi on Friday, applies to the whole country or just the capital, Tehran.It is unclear if the directive, announced by deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi on Friday, applies to the whole country or just the capital, Tehran.
The daily Covid-19 death toll reached a record of 239 this week in what the ministry says is a third wave of infections.The daily Covid-19 death toll reached a record of 239 this week in what the ministry says is a third wave of infections.
“Due to the large number of coronavirus outpatients and patients, hospitalization of non-emergency patients is not allowed until further notice,” Harirchi was quoted as saying by Iranian media.“Due to the large number of coronavirus outpatients and patients, hospitalization of non-emergency patients is not allowed until further notice,” Harirchi was quoted as saying by Iranian media.
Schools, mosques, shops, restaurants and other public institutions in Tehran closed for a week on 3 October and the governor extended the closure on Friday for another week. Masks, which had been compulsory in shops, must be worn anywhere in public from Saturday.Schools, mosques, shops, restaurants and other public institutions in Tehran closed for a week on 3 October and the governor extended the closure on Friday for another week. Masks, which had been compulsory in shops, must be worn anywhere in public from Saturday.
Iran has recorded the most infections in the Middle East.Iran has recorded the most infections in the Middle East.
More hospitals will be opened in Ukraine to treat coronavirus patients amid a recent spike in new cases, the government said on Friday.More hospitals will be opened in Ukraine to treat coronavirus patients amid a recent spike in new cases, the government said on Friday.
Ukraine registered a record 5,804 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the national security council said on Friday, up from a previous record of 5,397 new cases reported on Thursday.Ukraine registered a record 5,804 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the national security council said on Friday, up from a previous record of 5,397 new cases reported on Thursday.
The government said in a statement that prime minister Denys Smygal had ordered health minister Maksym Stepanov to start preparation for expanding the number of hospitals for coronavirus cases because more than 20,000 out of 31,927 beds had been occupied already in the country.The government said in a statement that prime minister Denys Smygal had ordered health minister Maksym Stepanov to start preparation for expanding the number of hospitals for coronavirus cases because more than 20,000 out of 31,927 beds had been occupied already in the country.
The minister said at least 900 patients with confirmed coronavirus infections were admitted to hospitals daily, and in some regions medical capacity was full completely.The minister said at least 900 patients with confirmed coronavirus infections were admitted to hospitals daily, and in some regions medical capacity was full completely.
The daily tally in Ukraine climbed to a record level for the third day in a row, bringing the total number of cases of coronavirus infection to 250,538 with 4,779 deaths, including 89 in the past 24 hours.The daily tally in Ukraine climbed to a record level for the third day in a row, bringing the total number of cases of coronavirus infection to 250,538 with 4,779 deaths, including 89 in the past 24 hours.
A total number of patients who have recovered since the start of the pandemic stood at 110,650.A total number of patients who have recovered since the start of the pandemic stood at 110,650.
The government is also mulling ways to toughen lockdown measures, which have been gradually eased since June to help the economy that plunged 11.4% in the second quarter.The government is also mulling ways to toughen lockdown measures, which have been gradually eased since June to help the economy that plunged 11.4% in the second quarter.
Bereaved relatives of Italy’s coronavirus victims are preparing to submit a further 150 legal complaints to prosecutors investigating alleged errors by authorities at the beginning of the pandemic.Bereaved relatives of Italy’s coronavirus victims are preparing to submit a further 150 legal complaints to prosecutors investigating alleged errors by authorities at the beginning of the pandemic.
Action by Noi Denunceremo (We Will Report), a relatives’ committee established in April, has been gathering pace in recent months, with a report alleging Italy’s severely outdated pandemic plan may have contributed to thousands of deaths also being submitted to prosecutors in Bergamo.Action by Noi Denunceremo (We Will Report), a relatives’ committee established in April, has been gathering pace in recent months, with a report alleging Italy’s severely outdated pandemic plan may have contributed to thousands of deaths also being submitted to prosecutors in Bergamo.
Italian authorities allegedly failed to update the country’s pandemic plan in 2017, when the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) established new guidelines.Italian authorities allegedly failed to update the country’s pandemic plan in 2017, when the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) established new guidelines.
The group has branded recent praise of Italy’s subsequent handling of the pandemic as “fake news”.The group has branded recent praise of Italy’s subsequent handling of the pandemic as “fake news”.
“After over 36,000 official deaths and thousands more at home or in care homes, who were not tested as the hospitals exploded, not only have we not seen any institutional representative step aside, but both the prime minister and president of the Lombardy region have started regional, national and international media campaigns which would enhance their deeds in recent months,” said the committee’s president, Luca Fusco.“After over 36,000 official deaths and thousands more at home or in care homes, who were not tested as the hospitals exploded, not only have we not seen any institutional representative step aside, but both the prime minister and president of the Lombardy region have started regional, national and international media campaigns which would enhance their deeds in recent months,” said the committee’s president, Luca Fusco.
The new complaints will be filed to prosecutors on Thursday, bringing the total submitted so far to 300.The new complaints will be filed to prosecutors on Thursday, bringing the total submitted so far to 300.
Conte was questioned by prosecutors in June. He said during an interview with the Guardian and five other European newspapers on Tuesday: “We are living in a situation that was unthinkable for all of us. Some accuse me of having done too much, of being a liberticide, while others accuse me of having done too little. I’m aware that before responding to public opinion or a judicial authority, I should respond to my conscience. And I say this humbly: I think I did everything possible to manage a really difficult situation.”Conte was questioned by prosecutors in June. He said during an interview with the Guardian and five other European newspapers on Tuesday: “We are living in a situation that was unthinkable for all of us. Some accuse me of having done too much, of being a liberticide, while others accuse me of having done too little. I’m aware that before responding to public opinion or a judicial authority, I should respond to my conscience. And I say this humbly: I think I did everything possible to manage a really difficult situation.”
Italy is scrambling to contain a new rise in coronavirus infections, with daily cases hitting 4,458 on Thursday – the highest since mid-April.Italy is scrambling to contain a new rise in coronavirus infections, with daily cases hitting 4,458 on Thursday – the highest since mid-April.
Spain’s government invoked a state of emergency on Friday to impose a partial lockdown on Madrid, one of Europe’s worst Covid-19 hotspots, after a court had struck down the measures.Spain’s government invoked a state of emergency on Friday to impose a partial lockdown on Madrid, one of Europe’s worst Covid-19 hotspots, after a court had struck down the measures.
The move escalates a standoff between prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s socialist government and the conservative Madrid regional chief, who believes the curbs are illegal, excessive and disastrous for the local economy.The move escalates a standoff between prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s socialist government and the conservative Madrid regional chief, who believes the curbs are illegal, excessive and disastrous for the local economy.
Following a health ministry order, Madrid authorities last week reluctantly barred all non-essential travel in and out of the city and other nearby towns.Following a health ministry order, Madrid authorities last week reluctantly barred all non-essential travel in and out of the city and other nearby towns.
The region had 723 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the two weeks to 8 October, according to the World Health Organization, making it Europe’s second densest cluster after Andorra.The region had 723 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the two weeks to 8 October, according to the World Health Organization, making it Europe’s second densest cluster after Andorra.
But instead of a blanket restriction, the Madrid region chief Isabel Diaz Ayuso wants tailored restrictions in different neighbourhoods according to local contagion levels.But instead of a blanket restriction, the Madrid region chief Isabel Diaz Ayuso wants tailored restrictions in different neighbourhoods according to local contagion levels.
A Madrid court sided with her on Thursday, effectively suspending the restrictions and prompting the government’s response with an emergency order.A Madrid court sided with her on Thursday, effectively suspending the restrictions and prompting the government’s response with an emergency order.
Oman will reintroduce a night-time ban on movement and enforce the overnight closure of shops and public places between 11 and 24 October, to help contain the spread of coronavirus.Oman will reintroduce a night-time ban on movement and enforce the overnight closure of shops and public places between 11 and 24 October, to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
The restrictions will apply from 8pm to 5am. The Gulf state’s beaches will also be closed until further notice, state media said, reporting a decision from the supreme council in charge of coronavirus policy.The restrictions will apply from 8pm to 5am. The Gulf state’s beaches will also be closed until further notice, state media said, reporting a decision from the supreme council in charge of coronavirus policy.
Daily new case numbers have been rising since the end of August, following a fall since July. Oman has recorded 104,129 cases of Covid-19 infection and 1,009 deaths so far.Daily new case numbers have been rising since the end of August, following a fall since July. Oman has recorded 104,129 cases of Covid-19 infection and 1,009 deaths so far.
Oman, a country of 4.7 million people, lifted a night curfew in mid-August and resumed international flights on 1 October. It had previously also enforced a ban on movement between provinces.Oman, a country of 4.7 million people, lifted a night curfew in mid-August and resumed international flights on 1 October. It had previously also enforced a ban on movement between provinces.
Authorities will also close down some enterprises which had previously re-opened and are not adhering to coronavirus prevention measures, the announcement said.Authorities will also close down some enterprises which had previously re-opened and are not adhering to coronavirus prevention measures, the announcement said.
Poland reported a record daily rise in coronavirus cases for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, with 4,739 reported new infections.Poland reported a record daily rise in coronavirus cases for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, with 4,739 reported new infections.
From Saturday, wearing masks outside will be compulsory across the country, and a tightening of measures in schools is also expected to be announced.From Saturday, wearing masks outside will be compulsory across the country, and a tightening of measures in schools is also expected to be announced.
Switzerland has reported a record daily rise in coronavirus infections of 1,487.
The country’s health agency has reported a total of 60,368 confirmed cases, up from 58,881 on Thursday. The death toll rose by three to 1,794.
Switzerland reported its first confirmed case of Covid-19 in late February. New daily infections previously peaked at 1,456 on 23 March but had dwindled to as few as three on 1 June.
More than 36.5 million people have been reported to have been infected by Covid-19, and 1,060,997 have died, according to an updated Reuters tally.
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.
Germany has recorded more than 4,000 new infections for the second day in a row, with the country’s disease control agency stating on Friday it has been notified of 4,516 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours.
The latest daily coronavirus numbers are the highest recorded in Germany since 16 April, when testing capacity was considerably lower. The infection fatality rate in Germany for now remains relatively low, at 3% compared with 4.7% in June.
Berlin has emerged as one of the hotspots of the pandemic’s second wave, with the capital on Thursday crossing the crucial threshold of more than 50 cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days.
“These developments cause me great concern”, Berlin’s mayor, Michael Müller, said on Thursday evening. Bars, restaurants and off-licences in the capital will from Saturday be forced to close between 11pm and 6am, and rules around public and private gatherings at nighttime will be further tightened.
“We cannot rule out having to agree to take further steps”, Müller said. “We want to do everything to avoid a lockdown like the one we’ve already had.”
Russia is expected to register a second potential Covid-19 vaccine on 15 October, Reuters is reporting.
The vaccine has been developed by the Vector Virology Institute and Biotechnology Center, a former Soviet bioweapons research laboratory.
Russia’s rapid vaccine-development campaign highlights president Vladimir Putin’s goal to establish the country as a primary player in the global race to secure Covid-19 vaccines.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Russia’s Ministry of Health had declined to say what the approval would be for. But, said the paper, the country’s first vaccine, called Sputnik V, received conditional emergency approval in early August, after being tested on only 76 subjects, with the requirement that it would subsequently undergo large-scale trials.
Coronavirus world map: which countries have the most Covid cases and deaths?
Coronavirus map of the UK
Coronavirus map of the US
Coronavirus cases in Australia
Telstra denies Victoria police requested Graham Ashton’s phone records for hotel quarantine inquiry.
Victoria police never formally requested Telstra provide ex-police chief Graham Ashton’s phone records to help the hotel quarantine inquiry uncover who made the decision to use private security guards in the botched program, Guardian Australia can reveal.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Victoria police told Guardian Australia that police “did contact Telstra and request incoming call data for the former chief commissioner’s phone”.
Telstra on Friday, however, disputed the police’s account and denied such requests were made.
“I can confirm that we did not receive any formal requests for information,” a Telstra spokesperson told Guardian Australia.
A Victoria police spokeswoman said police had “cooperated fully and transparently with the inquiry”.
“As it remains underway it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
Authorities in Moscow were considering closing bars and nightclubs to halt a second coronavirus wave as the number of new daily cases surged on Friday to the highest it has been since the pandemic began.
Russia reported 12,126 new infections, Reuters has said, pushing the overall total to 1,272,238. The previous record daily rise was 11,656 cases on May 11, when strict lockdown measures were in force across most of the vast country.
Russian authorities have recommended people stay at home this weekend, but currently have no lockdown in place and the Kremlin has said there are no plans to impose one for now.
The Moscow Mayor’s office was looking into closing bars, nightclubs and karaoke bars, but keeping restaurants in the capital open, the RBC media outlet reported on Friday, citing a a source at the mayor’s office.
“We have to at least somehow reduce the number of people in the city, otherwise we may arrive at the same strict restrictions as we had in the spring,” RBC quoted the source as saying.
Authorities in Moscow, the epicentre of Russia’s coronavirus outbreak in the spring, has also recommended people over the age of 65 isolate and has told businesses that at least a third of their staff must work remotely.
Officials said on Friday that 201 people had died of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, in the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 22,257.
Philippines confirms 2,996 new coronavirus cases, 83 more deaths
The Philippines’ health ministry on Friday reported 2,996 new coronavirus infections and 83 deaths, Reuters is reporting.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases in the Philippines have increased to 334,770, the highest toll in Southeast Asia, and fatalities to 6,152.
How does Trump’s Covid care compare with the average 74-year-old’s?
From getting a helicopter ride to a military hospital with a specialised suite to receiving experimental drugs made available to fewer than 10 people, Donald Trump’s experience with Covid-19 has been very different from that of your average 74-year-old American with a serious illness.
The president ignored these disparities after returning to the hospital on Monday night and in a video from the White House Trump said of Covid-19: “Don’t be afraid of it.”
Here’s a look at how different the experience of catching Covid-19 is for the most powerful 74-year-old in the US compared with most of his fellow citizens.
NSW and Sydney Covid trend map: where coronavirus cases are rising or falling
Guardian Australia analysis and map shows how the pattern of Covid-19 has changed by region and throughout Sydney. Live data updates will track the numbers throughout New South Wales
NSW Covid-19 hotspots list
Full Australian stats interactive; Vic cases trend map
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