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Coronavirus live news: WHO daily cases set new record at more than 350,000 Coronavirus live news: WHO daily cases set new record at more than 350,000
(32 minutes later)
WHO emergencies chief warns ‘there are no new answers’ as cases surge globallyWHO emergencies chief warns ‘there are no new answers’ as cases surge globally
UK prime minister Boris Johnson will make a statement on Monday setting out new coronavirus outbreak restrictions, the PA news agency understands.
Johnson will use the occasion to outline a new “tiered” approach to how local Covid situations will be treated.
US President Donald Trump is feeling great and eager to get back out on the road once he is cleared by doctors treating him for Covid-19, White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah insisted.
“The president is doing great ... He’s feeling great. He’s eager to get back out on the road safely once he’s been cleared by his doctors,” Farah said of Trump, who tested positive for coronavirus last week.
Cape Verde is set to reopen its borders on Monday, the government said, after the coronavirus pandemic forced the archipelago state to close to visitors for months.Cape Verde is set to reopen its borders on Monday, the government said, after the coronavirus pandemic forced the archipelago state to close to visitors for months.
Visitors to the West African country will have to provide proof of a negative coronavirus result from a high-precision molecular test, known as a PCR test.Visitors to the West African country will have to provide proof of a negative coronavirus result from a high-precision molecular test, known as a PCR test.
“The government has decided that the time has come to restore full air links with the outside world,” Transport Minister Carlos Santos said during a press conference.“The government has decided that the time has come to restore full air links with the outside world,” Transport Minister Carlos Santos said during a press conference.
Cruise ships and commercial vessels will also be able to dock in Cape Verde from Monday, he added.Cruise ships and commercial vessels will also be able to dock in Cape Verde from Monday, he added.
Sunseekers have traditionally flocked to the 10-island archipelago, where tourism represents about a quarter of its GDP.Sunseekers have traditionally flocked to the 10-island archipelago, where tourism represents about a quarter of its GDP.
The former Portuguese colony’s high season falls over the winter months.The former Portuguese colony’s high season falls over the winter months.
The government banned commercial flights after the outbreak of the pandemic, but initial plans to lift the restrictions in July were delayed.The government banned commercial flights after the outbreak of the pandemic, but initial plans to lift the restrictions in July were delayed.
Health officials in Cape Verde have since recorded some 6,700 coronavirus cases to date, including 71 fatalities.Health officials in Cape Verde have since recorded some 6,700 coronavirus cases to date, including 71 fatalities.
Transport Minister Santos said the country had strengthened its testing capabilities ahead of its reopening, including establishing testing centres on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.Transport Minister Santos said the country had strengthened its testing capabilities ahead of its reopening, including establishing testing centres on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.
Mosques reopened in and around the Libyan capital, Tripoli, almost seven months after they were ordered to close as part of strict curbs to rein in the Covid-19 pandemic.Mosques reopened in and around the Libyan capital, Tripoli, almost seven months after they were ordered to close as part of strict curbs to rein in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Libya has seen a surge in contaminations since its first coronavirus case in March.Libya has seen a surge in contaminations since its first coronavirus case in March.
According to the latest official figures, there have been more than 41,000 confirmed cases of the virus and 621 deaths in Libya, a country of less than seven million people.According to the latest official figures, there have been more than 41,000 confirmed cases of the virus and 621 deaths in Libya, a country of less than seven million people.
The UN-recognised Government of National Accord based in Tripoli authorised the reopening of mosques, but with conditions.The UN-recognised Government of National Accord based in Tripoli authorised the reopening of mosques, but with conditions.
Mosques in Tripoli and nearby towns reopened for prayers, with the faithful wearing face masks and observing social distancing. They also brought their own rugs.Mosques in Tripoli and nearby towns reopened for prayers, with the faithful wearing face masks and observing social distancing. They also brought their own rugs.
The imam of Jaafar bin Abi Talib mosque in the western suburb of Janzour told AFP an awareness campaign was launched before the reopening.The imam of Jaafar bin Abi Talib mosque in the western suburb of Janzour told AFP an awareness campaign was launched before the reopening.
“We distributed leaflets explaining the conditions under which prayers can resume in the mosques in line with the government’s guidelines,” Abdel Monem al-Rayani said.“We distributed leaflets explaining the conditions under which prayers can resume in the mosques in line with the government’s guidelines,” Abdel Monem al-Rayani said.
The guidelines restrict numbers in mosques for prayers to half pre-coronavirus levels, he said.The guidelines restrict numbers in mosques for prayers to half pre-coronavirus levels, he said.
Mosques which fail to comply with government restrictions would be shut.Mosques which fail to comply with government restrictions would be shut.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI called for a “general mobilisation” to confront the coronavirus crisis and its dire economic impact on the country in a video message broadcast in parliament.Morocco’s King Mohammed VI called for a “general mobilisation” to confront the coronavirus crisis and its dire economic impact on the country in a video message broadcast in parliament.
“To confront this unprecedented crisis, to stand up to the challenges arising from it, requires a national general mobilisation,” he said.“To confront this unprecedented crisis, to stand up to the challenges arising from it, requires a national general mobilisation,” he said.
The 57-year-old monarch said his traditional speech for the opening of parliament was being made remotely because of the “exceptional circumstances” in the north African country.The 57-year-old monarch said his traditional speech for the opening of parliament was being made remotely because of the “exceptional circumstances” in the north African country.
Morocco on Friday declared a daily record of 3,445 new cases of Covid-19, raising the total number of confirmed contaminations to 146,398, including 2,530 deaths.Morocco on Friday declared a daily record of 3,445 new cases of Covid-19, raising the total number of confirmed contaminations to 146,398, including 2,530 deaths.
At the end of last month, the central bank forecast 6.3% recession in 2020 due to a “slower than anticipated” economic upturn and the closure of Morocco’s borders that has denied the country vital tourism revenues.At the end of last month, the central bank forecast 6.3% recession in 2020 due to a “slower than anticipated” economic upturn and the closure of Morocco’s borders that has denied the country vital tourism revenues.
A medical state of emergency in force in Morocco since mid-March has been extended until November 10.A medical state of emergency in force in Morocco since mid-March has been extended until November 10.
The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, warned the country had reached a “tipping point” as it battles a second wave of the coronavirus.The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, warned the country had reached a “tipping point” as it battles a second wave of the coronavirus.
“I know this is discouraging ... the increase in new cases is putting an enormous pressure on hospitals and health care workers, who are more and more swamped,” Trudeau said Friday, pleading with residents to download the country’s Covid-19 alert app, which notifies users of possible exposures to the virus.“I know this is discouraging ... the increase in new cases is putting an enormous pressure on hospitals and health care workers, who are more and more swamped,” Trudeau said Friday, pleading with residents to download the country’s Covid-19 alert app, which notifies users of possible exposures to the virus.
With the country’s Thanksgiving long weekend approaching, health officials have asked residents to refrain from gathering with friends and family to prevent new transmission.With the country’s Thanksgiving long weekend approaching, health officials have asked residents to refrain from gathering with friends and family to prevent new transmission.
In revised modelling, the federal anticipates cumulative deaths could reach between 9,690 and 9,800 by October 17, with 188,150 to 197,830 infections.In revised modelling, the federal anticipates cumulative deaths could reach between 9,690 and 9,800 by October 17, with 188,150 to 197,830 infections.
Almost 80% of the cases have been recorded in Ontario and Quebec, the two most populous provinces.Almost 80% of the cases have been recorded in Ontario and Quebec, the two most populous provinces.
On Friday, Quebec logged 1,102 new cases. Its two largest cities, Montreal and Quebec City, have been designated “red zones” by health officials and have restrictions on businesses, including bars and restaurants.On Friday, Quebec logged 1,102 new cases. Its two largest cities, Montreal and Quebec City, have been designated “red zones” by health officials and have restrictions on businesses, including bars and restaurants.
Ontario reported 939 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, its highest number ever during the pandemic. The province is expected to shut down indoor dining, gyms and casinos. Schools and preschools will remain open.Ontario reported 939 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, its highest number ever during the pandemic. The province is expected to shut down indoor dining, gyms and casinos. Schools and preschools will remain open.
Earlier in the week, Premier Doug Ford said he wouldn’t close thousands of businesses in the province—many of whom are facing dire financial prospects— because of a few “bad apples”.Earlier in the week, Premier Doug Ford said he wouldn’t close thousands of businesses in the province—many of whom are facing dire financial prospects— because of a few “bad apples”.
The new restrictions will take effect at midnight and apply to Toronto, Ottawa and Peel region, and apply to nearly seven million people.The new restrictions will take effect at midnight and apply to Toronto, Ottawa and Peel region, and apply to nearly seven million people.
Health officials warned on Friday that Ontario’s updated modelling shows that without drastic action the province could experience “worst-case scenarios” similar to northern Italy and New York City, where hospitals were overwhelmed and logged high death tolls.Health officials warned on Friday that Ontario’s updated modelling shows that without drastic action the province could experience “worst-case scenarios” similar to northern Italy and New York City, where hospitals were overwhelmed and logged high death tolls.
The World Health Organization has reported a new daily high in Covid-19 cases.The World Health Organization has reported a new daily high in Covid-19 cases.
The global tally reached more than 350,000 cases on Friday, surpassing a record set earlier this week by nearly 12,000 infections.The global tally reached more than 350,000 cases on Friday, surpassing a record set earlier this week by nearly 12,000 infections.
The WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr Michael Ryan, acknowledged even as Covid-19 continues to surge across the world, “there are no new answers”.The WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr Michael Ryan, acknowledged even as Covid-19 continues to surge across the world, “there are no new answers”.
He said that although the agency wants countries to avoid the punishing lockdowns that have devastated economies, governments must ensure the most vulnerable people are protected and that numerous measures must be taken.He said that although the agency wants countries to avoid the punishing lockdowns that have devastated economies, governments must ensure the most vulnerable people are protected and that numerous measures must be taken.
The number of coronavirus infections in France jumped over 20,000 in one day for the first time since the start of the epidemic, health ministry data showed.The number of coronavirus infections in France jumped over 20,000 in one day for the first time since the start of the epidemic, health ministry data showed.
The ministry reported 20,330 new infections, taking the total to 691,977 since the start of the year. In the past two days the ministry had reported more than 18,000 daily new confirmed Covid-19 cases.The ministry reported 20,330 new infections, taking the total to 691,977 since the start of the year. In the past two days the ministry had reported more than 18,000 daily new confirmed Covid-19 cases.
The number of deaths from the virus increased by 109 to 32,630, the highest in a week but below highs of around 150 seen earlier this month.The number of deaths from the virus increased by 109 to 32,630, the highest in a week but below highs of around 150 seen earlier this month.
However, the death toll figures can be skewed as the ministry often reports several days of senior citizen residence data in one batchHowever, the death toll figures can be skewed as the ministry often reports several days of senior citizen residence data in one batch
Here’s a summary of the key global coronavirus developments over the last few hours:Here’s a summary of the key global coronavirus developments over the last few hours:
Daily infections in Italy have topped 5,000 for the first time since March. On Friday, the country 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.Daily infections in Italy have topped 5,000 for the first time since March. On Friday, the country 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.
Spain has declared a state of emergency to keep Madrid in partial lockdown measures. Health minister Salvador Illa said the restrictions would remain in place in the capital for a fortnight after 63 people died from Covid-19 in the region in the last week.Spain has declared a state of emergency to keep Madrid in partial lockdown measures. Health minister Salvador Illa said the restrictions would remain in place in the capital for a fortnight after 63 people died from Covid-19 in the region in the last week.
Poland has reported a record daily rise in infections for the fourth day in a row. The country recorded 4,739 new cases on Friday, ahead of masks becoming mandatory in all public places from Saturday.Poland has reported a record daily rise in infections for the fourth day in a row. The country recorded 4,739 new cases on Friday, ahead of masks becoming mandatory in all public places from Saturday.
Europe has recorded 100,000 daily coronavirus cases for the first time. Infections in the continent passed 100,000 on Thursday after a steady rise over the past week. The UK, Russia, Spain and France have reported over 10,000 cases each in the last three days.Europe has recorded 100,000 daily coronavirus cases for the first time. Infections in the continent passed 100,000 on Thursday after a steady rise over the past week. The UK, Russia, Spain and France have reported over 10,000 cases each in the last three days.
Poland has reported a record daily rise in coronavirus infections for the fourth consecutive day, with 4,739 new cases, ahead of some restrictions being renewed in the country from Saturday.
Wearing masks outside will be compulsory across Poland, while a tightening of measures in schools is also expected to be announced.
On Thursday, prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki did not rule out introducing a state of emergency if the number of cases continues to grow.
In total, the country of 38 million has reported 116,338 Covid-19 infections and 2,919 deaths.
The World Health Organisation’s top emergencies expert has said authorities should try to avoid “punishing” lockdowns, as many countries see a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections.
Mike Ryan was speaking at a briefing in Geneva on Friday, the day after the WHO reported a record one-day increase in global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 338,779 in 24 hours led by a surge of infections in Europe.
“What we want to try to avoid - and sometimes it’s unavoidable and we accept that - but what we want to try and avoid is these massive lockdowns that are so punishing to communities, to society and to everything else,” he said.
US President Donald Trump has approved a revised Covid-19 relief stimulus, White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow has said.
Stocks immediately rallied on the news, Bloomberg News tweets, while the president himself (or one of his staff) has has also been on Twitter in the last few minutes
Follow our US blog here for more details of those developments and coverage of the reaction to the announcement by House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi of a Commission on Presidential Capacity that would exist to evaluate the health of the president in a time of crisis and assess whether a transition of power to the vice president would be suitable.
Most people in the UK who have Covid-19 or are a contact of somebody who has tested positive fail to fully self-isolate, despite its necessity in preventing a resurgence of the pandemic, according to government advisors.
Newly released papers reveal that behavioural science experts privately warned last month that only 18-25% of people who needed to were self-isolating. Others were still going out to work or to shop, even though they risked infecting others, according to the details of the briefing for ministers by the UK government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) .
In a paper dated 16 September, they called for financial support primarily for low earners, but also in middle-income groups. Food and help with obtaining medical and other supplies would also be essential, they said.
Specific details are expected to be made available next week in relation to the volumes of vaccines available under the WHO-led Covax distribution scheme, today’s WHO briefing has been told.
Italy’s coronavirus infections eclipsed 5,000 on Friday, and there there were 28 new fatalities.
Daily cases have galloped in recent days, jumping by over 900 to 5,372 in the last 24 hours.
Lombardy registered the highest number of infections - 983 - taking over from Campania in the south, where 769 cases were registered in a day.
Concerns are a mounting over the ability of hospitals in the south, which managed to avoid a drastic first phase of the pandemic, to cope.
A doctor’s association warned on Friday that if cases continue to increase at the same pace as in recent days then intensive care units, especially in Campania and Lazio, the region surrounding the Italian capital, would be struggling within the next month-and-a- half unless further containment measures are introduced.
Supplies of vaccines will be limited at first but states that are part of the WHO-led Covax distrubution scheme can distribute vaccines simultaneously to priority populations, including health workers, the director generatl of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He’s hosting a WHO media briefing at the moment, which you can follow live here.
A move by China to join the World Health Organisation’s vaccine distribution scheme is being viewed by many as another exampke of Beijing taking a more assertive leadership role as the US relinquishes its role, according to the South China Morning Post.
It quotes commentators including Mely Caballero-Anthony, head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, who said the decision to take a multilateral path and join the WHO-led Covax scheme to share a vaccine fairly added “more credibility” to China’s promise for the vaccine to be a global public good.
She added:
In the US, the Republican Party’s leader in the senate has said that the White House and Congress were unlikely to reach a deal on a Covid-19 economic stimulus ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.
“We do need another rescue package. But the proximity to the election and the differences of opinion what is needed at this particular juncture are pretty vast,” Mitch McConnell told a news conference in his home state of Kentucky.
The leading Republican in Congress, McConnell said he hoped lawmakers could rise above partisan jockeying to agree on “hopefully one last rescue package,” but added: “I think that’s unlikely in the next three weeks.”
President Donald Trump had showed renewed interest in forging a deal after withdrawing his administration earlier this week from talks with House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the leading Democrat in Congress.
This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog for a while now as Amy Walker takes a break.
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.