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Coronavirus live news: 'the second wave is here,' says French PM; Italy plans new social curbs Coronavirus live news: WHO warns new cases at highest level so far; 'second wave is here,' says French PM
(32 minutes later)
Jean Castex says he hopes to avoid another national lockdown; Italy moves as daily infections reach highest levels since March Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns against using herd immunity as strategy; Jean Castex says he hopes to avoid national lockdown in France
Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO, said the rise in hospital admissions in the UK, France, Ireland and other European countries was “worrying”.
He said it was too early to draw any comfort from figures showing fewer deaths compared to new cases, than those seen in the first wave of the pandemic.
The World Bank has stepped up its call for a comprehensive programme of debt relief after revealing the amount owed by the poorest countries was at record levels even before the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.
Statistics released by the Washington-based institution showed the external debt of the 73 countries currently eligible to have this year’s repayments suspended stood at $744bn (£568bn) at the end of 2019 – an increase of 9.5% on 2018.
The new figures from the Bank come amid growing concern of an imminent debt crisis among low-income countries struggling to keep up the payments on money borrowed from a mix of public and private creditors over the past decade.
Both the World Bank and its sister organisation, the International Monetary Fund, have warned that poor countries are being forced to cut back on health and education spending to keep up repayments on debts incurred before their economies were hit by a collapse in demand for their exports and drop in remittances.
Read the full story here:
The WHO has warned that the number of new Covid cases is at its highest level since the start of the pandemic.
Speaking at the regular Monday press conference in Geneva, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organisation’s director general, said: “Each of the last four days has seen the highest number of cases reported so far.”
He added: “Around the world, we’re now seeing an increase in the number of reported cases of Covid-19 especially in Europe and the Americas.”
Tedros also warned against the idea of herd immunity. He said:
In England, Boris Johnson has set out the details of a new, three-tier coronavirus restriction system after days of briefing to the media.In England, Boris Johnson has set out the details of a new, three-tier coronavirus restriction system after days of briefing to the media.
Peter Walker reports:Peter Walker reports:
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
In Italy, police have blocked around 60 websites and a number of social media advertising campaigns that were selling fake products to fight Covid-19.In Italy, police have blocked around 60 websites and a number of social media advertising campaigns that were selling fake products to fight Covid-19.
The Carabinieri health protection command said on Monday that the bogus products included illegal medicines, previously banned due to their side-effects. The websites were based outside Italy, the Italian press agency ANSA has reported.The Carabinieri health protection command said on Monday that the bogus products included illegal medicines, previously banned due to their side-effects. The websites were based outside Italy, the Italian press agency ANSA has reported.
In September, Italian authorities had blocked two websites based in Cameroon that were selling antidepressant drugs disguised as a cure for the coronavirus. The sites were blocked as part of the Tranquil Summer 2020 drive between June and September.In September, Italian authorities had blocked two websites based in Cameroon that were selling antidepressant drugs disguised as a cure for the coronavirus. The sites were blocked as part of the Tranquil Summer 2020 drive between June and September.
In the US, a leader of protests against new coronavirus restrictions in Brooklyn has been arrested on charges of incitement to riot and unlawful imprisonment of a journalist.In the US, a leader of protests against new coronavirus restrictions in Brooklyn has been arrested on charges of incitement to riot and unlawful imprisonment of a journalist.
Heshy Tischler, a city council candidate and activist in the Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Borough Park, was taken into custody on Sunday evening in connection with his actions during a street protest on 7 October.Heshy Tischler, a city council candidate and activist in the Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Borough Park, was taken into custody on Sunday evening in connection with his actions during a street protest on 7 October.
Video shows a crowd of men surrounding, jostling and taunting Jewish Insider reporter Jacob Kornbluh, who has been covering resistance to social distancing in the neighbourhood.Video shows a crowd of men surrounding, jostling and taunting Jewish Insider reporter Jacob Kornbluh, who has been covering resistance to social distancing in the neighbourhood.
Tischler, who was not wearing a mask, can be seen screaming in Kornbluh’s face. Kornbluh, also an Orthodox Jew, said he was struck and kicked during the incident.Tischler, who was not wearing a mask, can be seen screaming in Kornbluh’s face. Kornbluh, also an Orthodox Jew, said he was struck and kicked during the incident.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
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.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.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.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 criticised 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.The previous government was criticised 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.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 …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.… 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: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.