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Coronavirus live news: 'the second wave is here,' says French PM; Italy plans new social curbs Coronavirus live news: 'the second wave is here,' says French PM; Italy plans new social curbs
(32 minutes later)
Jean Castex says he hopes to avoid another national lockdown; Italy moves as daily infections reach highest levels since MarchJean Castex says he hopes to avoid another national lockdown; Italy moves as daily infections reach highest levels since March
AP reports that Jordan’s King Abdullah II has sworn in a new prime minister and Cabinet, tasking the new government to manage the country through an economic and health crisis as it faces a growing wave of coronavirus infections.
The king appointed Bisher al-Khasawneh as the new prime minister after his predecessor, Omar Razzaz, resigned last week.
After a strict lockdown appeared to bring the coronavirus crisis under control, the rate of infections has skyrocketed since the economy was reopened.
The previous government was criticized for its handling of the pandemic. There was widespread public anger over a lack of freedom and right of expression after authorities imposed a state of emergency and lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic.
In his letter designating Khaswneh as prime minister, Abdullah said the formation of this government comes at an “exceptional time” and called on the new government to improve the healthcare system as it grapples with the coronavirus crisis.
On US Politics Live, Joan E Greve is covering the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Amy Coney Barrett, where Barrett is wearing a mask…
…but Republican Senator Mike Lee, who tested positive for coronavirus 10 days ago and has not confirmed whether he has since had a negative test, is not.
Follow proceedings here:
Here’s Kim Willsher’s piece on French prime minister Jean Castex urging people to limit gatherings in their homes and warning that he expects the battle against coronavirus to go on for months:Here’s Kim Willsher’s piece on French prime minister Jean Castex urging people to limit gatherings in their homes and warning that he expects the battle against coronavirus to go on for months:
Four Swiss Guards have tested positive for coronavirus and were showing symptoms, the Vatican said on Monday, as the surge in infections in Italy penetrates the Vatican walls.Four Swiss Guards have tested positive for coronavirus and were showing symptoms, the Vatican said on Monday, as the surge in infections in Italy penetrates the Vatican walls.
The Swiss Guards, the world’s oldest standing army, provide ceremonial guard duty during papal masses, man the Vatican gates and help protect the 83-year-old Pope Francis.The Swiss Guards, the world’s oldest standing army, provide ceremonial guard duty during papal masses, man the Vatican gates and help protect the 83-year-old Pope Francis.
The four are in isolation while their contacts are being traced, the Associated Press reported. They join three other Vatican residents who tested positive in recent weeks plus the dozen or so Holy See officials who tested positive during the first wave of the outbreak.The four are in isolation while their contacts are being traced, the Associated Press reported. They join three other Vatican residents who tested positive in recent weeks plus the dozen or so Holy See officials who tested positive during the first wave of the outbreak.
Despite the positive cases among his own guards, Francis on Monday was seen once again without a mask. He warmly greeted Cardinal George Pell in his private studio, and neither man wore a mask. Also unmasked were Pell’s secretary and the Vatican photographer.Despite the positive cases among his own guards, Francis on Monday was seen once again without a mask. He warmly greeted Cardinal George Pell in his private studio, and neither man wore a mask. Also unmasked were Pell’s secretary and the Vatican photographer.
Francis, who lost part of one lung to illness when he was a young man, has drawn sharp criticism in social media for not wearing a mask during his Wednesday general audience, held last week indoors. He was seen shaking hands with clerics and otherwise mingling with the masked crowd. His bodyguards were similarly maskless.Francis, who lost part of one lung to illness when he was a young man, has drawn sharp criticism in social media for not wearing a mask during his Wednesday general audience, held last week indoors. He was seen shaking hands with clerics and otherwise mingling with the masked crowd. His bodyguards were similarly maskless.
The Vatican last week amended its mask mandates to conform to that of Italy, requiring them indoors and out. The Vatican didn’t immediately respond when asked why Francis wasn’t wearing one to receive Pell.The Vatican last week amended its mask mandates to conform to that of Italy, requiring them indoors and out. The Vatican didn’t immediately respond when asked why Francis wasn’t wearing one to receive Pell.
Reuters reports that in the Czech Republic, businesses, arts establishments and sports facilities have called for state support after new coronavirus restrictions were expected to cause further financial pain.Reuters reports that in the Czech Republic, businesses, arts establishments and sports facilities have called for state support after new coronavirus restrictions were expected to cause further financial pain.
The government has ordered theatres, cinemas and sport and fitness centres to close. Restaurants and pubs, an important part of life in the world’s most beer-thirsty nation, must shut by 8pm.The government has ordered theatres, cinemas and sport and fitness centres to close. Restaurants and pubs, an important part of life in the world’s most beer-thirsty nation, must shut by 8pm.
The new measures came as a surprise to some, as the government had pledged not to bring back blanket restrictions.The new measures came as a surprise to some, as the government had pledged not to bring back blanket restrictions.
Among businesses affected was Prague Zoo, which had already lost 45m crowns ($1.95m) in lost ticket sales during a lockdown in the spring. “Closing means just that visitors are not inside. Zookeepers are still caring for the animals, everything runs as normal,” said spokeswoman Lucie Dosedelova.Among businesses affected was Prague Zoo, which had already lost 45m crowns ($1.95m) in lost ticket sales during a lockdown in the spring. “Closing means just that visitors are not inside. Zookeepers are still caring for the animals, everything runs as normal,” said spokeswoman Lucie Dosedelova.
The health ministry reported 59,920 active Covid-19 cases as of Monday morning. A daily record of 8,615 new cases was reported on Friday.The health ministry reported 59,920 active Covid-19 cases as of Monday morning. A daily record of 8,615 new cases was reported on Friday.
A near-doubling in hospitalisations over the past week to 2,106 has already forced some hospitals to reduce non-urgent care and re-purpose beds for Covid-19 patients in preparation for a further rise.A near-doubling in hospitalisations over the past week to 2,106 has already forced some hospitals to reduce non-urgent care and re-purpose beds for Covid-19 patients in preparation for a further rise.
The Spanish government has agreed protocols to establish travel corridors between European states and the Canary and Balearic Islands, both of which rely heavily on tourism and have been hit hard by the Covid crisis.The Spanish government has agreed protocols to establish travel corridors between European states and the Canary and Balearic Islands, both of which rely heavily on tourism and have been hit hard by the Covid crisis.
The protocol states that a traveller arriving in the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands from a destination with an Accumulated Incidence (AI) of 50 or less per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous 14 days would not have to undergo any test on arrival.The protocol states that a traveller arriving in the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands from a destination with an Accumulated Incidence (AI) of 50 or less per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous 14 days would not have to undergo any test on arrival.
Those coming from destinations with an AI greater than 50 will have to present a negative diagnostic test for active infection carried out a maximum of 48 hours before the flight.Those coming from destinations with an AI greater than 50 will have to present a negative diagnostic test for active infection carried out a maximum of 48 hours before the flight.
Before leaving the islands, visitors must undergo a diagnostic test 48 hours before their flight’s scheduled departure. The tests will be carried out at designated health centres and the cost will be borne by the regional governments.Before leaving the islands, visitors must undergo a diagnostic test 48 hours before their flight’s scheduled departure. The tests will be carried out at designated health centres and the cost will be borne by the regional governments.
If visitors prove positive and are obliged to quarantine or are hospitalised, the local government will cover the costs.If visitors prove positive and are obliged to quarantine or are hospitalised, the local government will cover the costs.
“The protocols are a useful measure to reach agreements with our European partners to allow us to recover mobility and reactivate the flow of tourists under safe conditions,” Reyes Maroto, the tourism minister said, adding that she hoped the measures could be extended to other tourism destination on the Spanish mainland.“The protocols are a useful measure to reach agreements with our European partners to allow us to recover mobility and reactivate the flow of tourists under safe conditions,” Reyes Maroto, the tourism minister said, adding that she hoped the measures could be extended to other tourism destination on the Spanish mainland.
In a written statement, the government said the protocols are complementary to EU guidelines on travel restrictions that are expected to be approved next week.In a written statement, the government said the protocols are complementary to EU guidelines on travel restrictions that are expected to be approved next week.
Unemployment in the Balearics has risen by 90% compared with last year as a result of the Covid emergency. The Canary Island government says GDP has fallen by 32.6% while unemployment is running at 40%.Unemployment in the Balearics has risen by 90% compared with last year as a result of the Covid emergency. The Canary Island government says GDP has fallen by 32.6% while unemployment is running at 40%.
Both the Balearics and the Canaries are heavily dependent on British and German tourism.Both the Balearics and the Canaries are heavily dependent on British and German tourism.
Here are the key events from the last few hours:Here are the key events from the last few hours:
For the second day in a row, Iran has announced the highest single-day death toll from the coronavirus, with 272 new victims, as well as its single-day highest count of new cases, with 4,206.For the second day in a row, Iran has announced the highest single-day death toll from the coronavirus, with 272 new victims, as well as its single-day highest count of new cases, with 4,206.
Moscow began enforcing measures to keep a third of office workers at home, as Russia reported more than 13,000 new cases on Monday.Moscow began enforcing measures to keep a third of office workers at home, as Russia reported more than 13,000 new cases on Monday.
In the UK, three Nightingale hospitals in the north of England have been told to prepare to take patients as Covid cases rise. Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, England’s deputy medical director, said a corresponding rise in deaths was inevitable.In the UK, three Nightingale hospitals in the north of England have been told to prepare to take patients as Covid cases rise. Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, England’s deputy medical director, said a corresponding rise in deaths was inevitable.
Malaysia announced it will impose some restrictions on movement in its capital city and in the neighbouring state of Selangor from Wednesday, as the country grapples with a fresh surge of coronavirus cases.Malaysia announced it will impose some restrictions on movement in its capital city and in the neighbouring state of Selangor from Wednesday, as the country grapples with a fresh surge of coronavirus cases.
French authorities could be forced to impose new lockdowns in a bid to contain another surge in coronavirus cases that is putting a strain on hospitals, prime minister Jean Castex warned.French authorities could be forced to impose new lockdowns in a bid to contain another surge in coronavirus cases that is putting a strain on hospitals, prime minister Jean Castex warned.
Supporters of Spain’s far-right Vox party have been protesting against a partial lockdown imposed on Madrid.Supporters of Spain’s far-right Vox party have been protesting against a partial lockdown imposed on Madrid.
Reuters reported that the protests escalated a standoff between Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez and the conservative-led Madrid regional government, on which Vox holds 12 of 132 seats, and which argues that the government’s curbs are illegal and excessive and will spell disaster for the local economy.Reuters reported that the protests escalated a standoff between Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez and the conservative-led Madrid regional government, on which Vox holds 12 of 132 seats, and which argues that the government’s curbs are illegal and excessive and will spell disaster for the local economy.
Italy has stepped up measures to stem mafia infiltration into companies struggling financially because of the coronavirus crisis, reports said on Monday.Italy has stepped up measures to stem mafia infiltration into companies struggling financially because of the coronavirus crisis, reports said on Monday.
Officials have issued an average of 150 “anti-mafia bans” each month so far this year, measures that prevent companies from entering into contracts with the public administration, AFP quoted the La Repubblica newspaper as saying.Officials have issued an average of 150 “anti-mafia bans” each month so far this year, measures that prevent companies from entering into contracts with the public administration, AFP quoted the La Repubblica newspaper as saying.
The figure was a 25% rise on last year, according to the paper.The figure was a 25% rise on last year, according to the paper.
The efforts are part of a broader attempt to keep European Union recovery funds out of the hands of criminal groups, a risk Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese warned of earlier this year as the pandemic began to bite.The efforts are part of a broader attempt to keep European Union recovery funds out of the hands of criminal groups, a risk Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese warned of earlier this year as the pandemic began to bite.
Police are investigating about 3,000 cases of alleged fraud involving virus funds, the Sole 24 Ore said.Police are investigating about 3,000 cases of alleged fraud involving virus funds, the Sole 24 Ore said.
The groups have been offering loans or buying out companies that hit dire financial difficulties after Italy imposed a more than two-month lockdown in March.The groups have been offering loans or buying out companies that hit dire financial difficulties after Italy imposed a more than two-month lockdown in March.
“The mafia’s movements, in this period, focus more than ever on financing, acquisitions and infiltration into companies,” national anti-mafia prosecutor Cafiero De Raho told Il Sole 24 Ore.“The mafia’s movements, in this period, focus more than ever on financing, acquisitions and infiltration into companies,” national anti-mafia prosecutor Cafiero De Raho told Il Sole 24 Ore.
In Malawi, Reuters’ Charles Pensulo has written about a widely held misconception that there is a link between HIV and coronavirus. He writes:In Malawi, Reuters’ Charles Pensulo has written about a widely held misconception that there is a link between HIV and coronavirus. He writes:
Human trials of Russia’s Covid-19 vaccine have begun in the United Arab Emirates, the Kremlin said on Monday in a statement detailing a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.Human trials of Russia’s Covid-19 vaccine have begun in the United Arab Emirates, the Kremlin said on Monday in a statement detailing a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
The trials in the UAE are the second trials of the Sputnik V vaccine abroad, following the launch of trials in Belarus. Trials are also expected to begin in Venezuela in the near future, Reuters reported.The trials in the UAE are the second trials of the Sputnik V vaccine abroad, following the launch of trials in Belarus. Trials are also expected to begin in Venezuela in the near future, Reuters reported.
For the second day in a row, Iran has announced the highest single-day death toll from the coronavirus, with 272 new victims, AP reports.
In an announcement on Monday by the health ministry spokeswoman, Sima Sadat Lari, Iran reported its single-day highest count of new cases, with 4,206 new patients.
On Saturday, a partial lockdown in Tehran was extended for an additional week and the government set new penalties for breaking the rules. It also made mask-wearing mandatory outdoors.
Moscow on Monday began enforcing measures to keep a third of office workers at home, as Russia continues to report record numbers of new Coronavirus cases.
Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of the Russian capital, said that this week would be “decisive” in Moscow’s fight against the virus.
“There are more and more people in hospitals, and the number of people in a very serious condition is increasing,” Sobyanin said at the weekend, but insisted that a Russia-produced vaccine would be ready for “mass roll-out” in the coming months.
Moscow imposed a strict lockdown in the spring, but relaxed measures in June ahead of a nationwide vote on constitutional changes that will allow President Vladimir Putin to rule until 2036.
On Monday, Russia reported more than 13,000 new cases, bringing its total number of Covid infections to around 1.3 million. Some 22,000 deaths have been registered, a lower proportion than other badly hit countries. This has led to suggestions that Russia is underreporting fatalities, a charge officials deny.
Moscow is the worst-hit area and infections in the capital have increased by 40 percent over the last week, to 4,395.
The mayor’s office has demanded that businesses provide data on their employees to prove that at least 30 percent of them are working from home. Businesses that fail to comply risk fines or temporary closure.
Sobyanin has previously instructed over 65s and people with underlying conditions to self-isolate.
Restrictions in Moscow remain relatively relaxed compared to most other European cities. Bars, clubs and theatres are open, while mask-wearing on public transport is patchy.
Russian media have reported that restaurants and clubs may close again if case numbers continue to grow, and state television has shown commuters being fined for not wearing masks.
Meanwhile more than 10,000 people have taken part in tests for Russia’s controversial “Sputnik V” vaccine, the news agency Interfax reported on Monday. Putin announced in August that the vaccine had been approved and was safe for use, before it had passed the final stage of trials.
In the United Kingdom, government scientists are giving an update on the latest coronavirus statistics, with deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam describing a “worrying” new rise in cases in the south of England. You can follow that story at our UK blog:
This is Archie Bland picking up the global coronavirus liveblog. You can reach me at archie.bland@theguardian.com or on Twitter.
In the United States, health reporter Jessica Glenza has written about the dilemma in care homes, where advocates for older people and their loved ones say that lockdown is doing huge harm to residents:
Mary Daniels, whose husband Steve lives in a nursing home, went to extreme lengths to spend time with him:
You can read Jessica’s piece here.
Below are updates of what’s happened in recent hours. I am now handing the blog over to my colleague Archie Bland, who will continue bringing you live updates. Thanks for following.
Malaysia on Monday announced that it will impose some restrictions on movement in its capital city and in the neighbouring state of Selangor from Wednesday, as the country grapples with a fresh surge of coronavirus cases.
French authorities could be forced to impose new lockdowns in a bid to contain another surge in coronavirus cases that is putting a strain on hospitals, prime minister Jean Castex warned on Monday.
British prime minister Boris Johnson will on Monday impose a tiered system of further restrictions on parts of England as the Covid-19 outbreak accelerates, though anger is rising at the cost of the stringent curtailment of freedoms.
Italy is set to ban private parties and limit the numbers of guests at weddings and funerals among new restrictions aimed at curbing a surge in coronavirus infections, according to a draft decree seen by Reuters.
All 9 million people in a major Chinese port city will be tested for Covid-19 following a tiny outbreak, health officials said on Monday, as surging infection numbers in Europe force another round of containment efforts.
Italy is set to ban private parties and limit the numbers of guests at weddings and funerals among new restrictions aimed at curbing a surge in coronavirus infections, according to a draft decree seen by Reuters.The decree, which could be issued as early as Monday, prohibits people from hosting more than 10 guests in their homes or in any other private premises.It also states that no more than 10 guests will be allowed at weddings, and no more than 15 people can be present at funerals. Italy on Friday topped 5,000 new Covid-19 cases in a single day for the first time since March. Daily infections remained above 5,000 on both Saturday and Sunday.Deaths linked to Covid-19 are far fewer, normally below 30, compared with peaks above 900 a day around the end of March.Under the draft decree, amateur contact sports involving more than six people, such as soccer, are to be suspended and more severe social distancing is to be imposed in some workplaces.
The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia could afford to be more flexible in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic than earlier this year when it imposed a lockdown.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had more room for manoeuvre this time around because of better available treatment methods, more hospital beds, and a tried and tested the system in place to tackle the virus.Russia, which has no lockdown currently, recorded a new record increase in coronavirus cases on Sunday. Earlier on Monday, new cases remained close to that level.
Malaysia on Monday announced that it will impose some restrictions on movement in its capital city and in the neighbouring state of Selangor from Wednesday, as the country grapples with a fresh surge of coronavirus cases.
The government will bring in curbs on activities, ranging from attending schools and places of worship to playing sports, from 14-27 October, defence minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.“However, all economic activities in Selangor, the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will be allowed to operate as usual,” Ismail Sabri said in an address broadcast over Facebook Live.
The minister said the government will also extend limited movement restrictions to the entire state of Sabah, a key palm oil-producing state.
Defying the threat of contracting coronavirus and a citywide lockdown, Myanmar taxi driver Ko Naing, 50, still travels each day to pray outside the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the country*s holiest Buddhist site. “I’m not scared of the virus because I feel protected by my religion and regular praying at the pagoda,” he told Reuters, kneeling at the front gate of the pagoda. The number of Covid-19 infections in Myanmar, which has one of the world’s weakest health systems, has surged from a few hundred in mid-August to more than 27,000 cases and 646 deaths as of Monday. The country of 53 million people has locked down its biggest city, Yangon, and imposed a broad stay-at-home order across the whole city to stop the virus from spreading.
French authorities could be forced to impose new lockdowns in a bid to contain another surge in coronavirus cases that is putting a strain on hospitals, prime minister Jean Castex warned on Monday.
“If over the next two weeks we see the epidemic indicators worsen, if intensive care beds fill up even more than we expect, we will indeed take additional measures,” Castex said in an interview with France Info radio.
Asked about the chances of new stay-at-home orders and business closures specifically, he said “nothing can be ruled out, given what we’re seeing in our hospitals.”
Castex reiterated that “it should be possible” to avoid a nationwide lockdown like the two-month one at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak in the spring.
But he said too many people were failing to appreciate that “the second wave is here”, noting that two more cities, Toulouse and Montpellier, were placed on maximum alert late Sunday because of a surge in new cases – bringing the total to nine.
In particular, he pointed to Paris and its suburbs, where agents carried out some 500 checks over the weekend to ensure bars were closed as ordered and restaurants were ensuring social distancing measures.
“In 95 cases, the agents had to hand out fines,” Castex said.
On Saturday, the national health agency reported a record of nearly 27,000 new daily virus cases on Saturday, and more than 16,000 on Sunday, with the overall death toll now standing at 32,730.
Castex acknowledged that the government’s homegrown StopCovid tracing app had been ineffective, just weeks after he admitted that he himself had not downloaded it.
Only 2.6m downloads have been carried out since June, far below the versions in Britain and Germany, which have 16m and 18m downloads respectively.
But the government is working on a new version to be released on 22 October, “and this one I will download”, Castex said.