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Coronavirus live news: Russia reports record daily cases and deaths; Netherlands set for new restrictions Coronavirus live news: Russia reports record daily cases and deaths; Netherlands set for new restrictions
(32 minutes later)
Russia sees 13,868 cases and 244 deaths in 24 hours; Netherlands to announce new measures on Tuesday; Johnson & Johnson confirms pause in vaccine trialRussia sees 13,868 cases and 244 deaths in 24 hours; Netherlands to announce new measures on Tuesday; Johnson & Johnson confirms pause in vaccine trial
Politicians in Germany are urging their government to extend this year’s Christmas holidays by several weeks in order to shield people in family bubbles for as long as possible and delay the risk of super-spreader events at schools in the new year.
Christoph Ploß, a delegate for Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from Hamburg, told Bild newspaper that students could be better protected from the virus if the Christmas break were to be delayed “by two to three weeks”. The summer holidays could be shortened in turn, the conservative politician suggested.
Another CDU delegate, Stephan Pilsinger, proposed extending the Christmas break even further, by up to four weeks.
Germany has seen a surge of infection numbers with the onset of the cold season, with the country’s disease control agency recording 4,122 new infections over the last 24 hours.
Sweden registered 2,203 new coronavirus cases in the last four days, Health Agency statistics showed on Tuesday, taking the total to 100,654 since the start of the pandemic.
Reuters reports:
The Netherlands reached a new record in daily coronavirus cases, hitting nearly 7,400 infections in 24 hours, data released on Tuesday showed.
Reuters reports the government is preparing to announce new social restrictions at a press conference with Prime Minister Mark Rutte at 1900 local time (1700GMT).
The International Monetary Fund has scaled back its estimate of the hit to the global economy from Covid-19 this year but warned that the final bill for the pandemic would total $28tn (£21.5tn) in lost output.
In its flagship world economic outlook, the IMF said a stronger than expected performance in the second and third quarters meant it believed global output would fall by 4.4% in 2020 compared with the 5.2% drop forecast during the summer.
But the Washington-based organisation said rising infection rates in some emerging market economies had forced it to pare back its estimate of the rebound in 2021 from 5.4% to 5.2%. The gap between rich and poor countries was growing, it added.
Gita Gopinath, the IMF’s economic counsellor, described Covid-19 as the worst crisis since the Great Depression, and said the pandemic would leave deep and enduring scars caused by job losses, weaker investment and children being deprived of education.
Health editor Sarah Boseley has written an explainer for the brewing controversy around the UK’s government decision not to ignore Sage, a committee of scientific experts, advice to impose a “circuit breaker” lockdown on 21 September.
Lockdowns may aid economic recovery by helping to reduce coronavirus infections, leading to a short and sharp downturn, but they disproportionately harm women and young people, according to the International Monetary Fund.
In its world economic outlook, released on Tuesday evening, the IMF called for policies targeted at women and young people to prevent “widening inequality” as a result of the Covid-19 recession.
The intervention follows widespread criticism of Australian prime minister Scott Morrison government’s budget for leaving women behind, with few gender-specific measures in its package of business tax concessions and hiring credits targeted at workers aged under 35.
The IMF update projected a “less severe though still deep recession” in 2020 due to quicker emergence from lockdowns in May and June, with global growth down 4.4%, and a strong bounce back in 2021, with global growth up by 5.2%.
In Australia, the IMF report provides some support for the budget’s very optimistic assessment that growth will rebound by 4.25% in 2021 after falling 3.7% in 2020.
The IMF projected in 2021 Australia’s economy will grow by 3%, without taking account of the $98bn of new spending and foregone revenue in the budget, and unemployment will reach 7.7%.
More than 2 million people who shielded during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK have been given new advice on what to do depending on the Covid alert level in their area.More than 2 million people who shielded during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK have been given new advice on what to do depending on the Covid alert level in their area.
The government has said:The government has said:
For tier 1 (medium alert level): People should strictly observe social distancing, meet others outside where possible, limit unnecessary journeys on public transport and work from home where possible. People should still go to work and children should still attend school. This is on top of restrictions for everyone to only meet in groups of up to six people.For tier 1 (medium alert level): People should strictly observe social distancing, meet others outside where possible, limit unnecessary journeys on public transport and work from home where possible. People should still go to work and children should still attend school. This is on top of restrictions for everyone to only meet in groups of up to six people.
For tier 2 (high alert level): People should reduce the number of different people they meet outside, avoid travel except for essential journeys, work from home where possible and reduce the number of shopping trips made or go at quieter times of the day. People can still go to work if they cannot work from home and children should still attend school. This is on top of restrictions for everyone to not meet other households indoors, unless part of a support bubble, and to only meet in groups of up to six people outdoors.For tier 2 (high alert level): People should reduce the number of different people they meet outside, avoid travel except for essential journeys, work from home where possible and reduce the number of shopping trips made or go at quieter times of the day. People can still go to work if they cannot work from home and children should still attend school. This is on top of restrictions for everyone to not meet other households indoors, unless part of a support bubble, and to only meet in groups of up to six people outdoors.
For tier 3 (very high alert level): People should work from home, in general stay at home as much as possible, and avoid all but essential travel. People should significantly reduce shopping trips, and if possible use online delivery or ask people in their household, support bubble or volunteers to collect food and medicines. People in these areas are encouraged to still go outside for exercise, and can still go to school and to work if they cannot work from home.For tier 3 (very high alert level): People should work from home, in general stay at home as much as possible, and avoid all but essential travel. People should significantly reduce shopping trips, and if possible use online delivery or ask people in their household, support bubble or volunteers to collect food and medicines. People in these areas are encouraged to still go outside for exercise, and can still go to school and to work if they cannot work from home.
Ministers have said none of the alert levels in place would automatically trigger a warning for those who had shielded before to do so again and stay home at all times.Ministers have said none of the alert levels in place would automatically trigger a warning for those who had shielded before to do so again and stay home at all times.
Read more below.Read more below.
Germany must agree on nationwide rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus and prevent infections from getting out of control, the premier of Bavaria said on Tuesday.Germany must agree on nationwide rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus and prevent infections from getting out of control, the premier of Bavaria said on Tuesday.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Iran’s coronavirus death toll rose by 254 to 29,070, the health ministry said on Tuesday. The number of confirmed cases increased to 508,389 in the hardest-hit Middle Eastern country, Reuters reports.Iran’s coronavirus death toll rose by 254 to 29,070, the health ministry said on Tuesday. The number of confirmed cases increased to 508,389 in the hardest-hit Middle Eastern country, Reuters reports.
Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 4,108 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours.Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 4,108 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours.
Norway will provide a vaccine against Covid-19 free of charge to its citizens as part of the country’s national vaccination programme, the government said on Tuesday.Norway will provide a vaccine against Covid-19 free of charge to its citizens as part of the country’s national vaccination programme, the government said on Tuesday.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Russia on Tuesday reported its highest daily coronavirus fatalities since the start of the pandemic, with 244 deaths in the past 24 hours, but said it had no plans to reintroduce a lockdown.Russia on Tuesday reported its highest daily coronavirus fatalities since the start of the pandemic, with 244 deaths in the past 24 hours, but said it had no plans to reintroduce a lockdown.
The country on Tuesday also reached a record number of new daily infections, at almost 14,000.The country on Tuesday also reached a record number of new daily infections, at almost 14,000.
Russia is the fourth worst-hit country in the world by number of infections - behind the US, India and Brazil - with a total of more than 1.3 million cases.Russia is the fourth worst-hit country in the world by number of infections - behind the US, India and Brazil - with a total of more than 1.3 million cases.
The head of the country’s health watchdog Anna Popova said:The head of the country’s health watchdog Anna Popova said:
Restaurants, theatres and nightclubs in Russia are open, though Moscow has asked businesses to ensure a third of their employees are working from home. Mask-wearing has increased in Moscow in recent weeks, as police impose fines for non-compliance with rules on public transport.Restaurants, theatres and nightclubs in Russia are open, though Moscow has asked businesses to ensure a third of their employees are working from home. Mask-wearing has increased in Moscow in recent weeks, as police impose fines for non-compliance with rules on public transport.
Russia imposed a strict lockdown in the spring but the Kremlin this week said it could be more “flexible” in its response to the virus because of better treatment options and more hospital beds.Russia imposed a strict lockdown in the spring but the Kremlin this week said it could be more “flexible” in its response to the virus because of better treatment options and more hospital beds.
Moscow, the worst-hit area in the country, has built temporary facilities to treat Coronavirus patients.Moscow, the worst-hit area in the country, has built temporary facilities to treat Coronavirus patients.
But local media have reported that hospitals in other regions are already at capacity, and are having to turn away suspected Covid cases and people with other illnesses.But local media have reported that hospitals in other regions are already at capacity, and are having to turn away suspected Covid cases and people with other illnesses.
Russia meanwhile is pushing ahead with the rollout of the controversial “Sputnik V” vaccine, which president Vladimir Putin announced in August was approved for use, before it had passed the final stage of clinical trials.Russia meanwhile is pushing ahead with the rollout of the controversial “Sputnik V” vaccine, which president Vladimir Putin announced in August was approved for use, before it had passed the final stage of clinical trials.
Alexander Ginzburg, the head of the Moscow research institute that developed Sputnik V, said on Tuesday that 70 percent of the Russian population could be vaccinated within the next year.Alexander Ginzburg, the head of the Moscow research institute that developed Sputnik V, said on Tuesday that 70 percent of the Russian population could be vaccinated within the next year.
Brazilian researchers have detected a correlation between support for the country’s science-denying president, Jair Bolsonaro, and higher levels of Covid-19 infection and death.Brazilian researchers have detected a correlation between support for the country’s science-denying president, Jair Bolsonaro, and higher levels of Covid-19 infection and death.
A study produced by academics from Rio’s federal university reportedly found that areas that voted more heavily for Bolsonaro in the 2018 election had been more severely affected by the epidemic.A study produced by academics from Rio’s federal university reportedly found that areas that voted more heavily for Bolsonaro in the 2018 election had been more severely affected by the epidemic.
Proportionally there was an 11% increase in coronavirus cases and a 12% increase in fatalities for every 10% more votes for Bolsonaro, the study found, according to the Folha de São Paulo newspaper.“One conclusion might be that the president’s ambiguous rhetoric leads his supporters to more frequently display risky behaviour – such as showing less respect for confinement instructions and the use of masks – and to suffer the consequences as a result,” it said of what researchers called ‘the Bolsonaro effect’.Proportionally there was an 11% increase in coronavirus cases and a 12% increase in fatalities for every 10% more votes for Bolsonaro, the study found, according to the Folha de São Paulo newspaper.“One conclusion might be that the president’s ambiguous rhetoric leads his supporters to more frequently display risky behaviour – such as showing less respect for confinement instructions and the use of masks – and to suffer the consequences as a result,” it said of what researchers called ‘the Bolsonaro effect’.
One of the authors, João Luiz Maurity Sabóia, told the newspaper the correlation was probably caused by “the stance of the president, who trivialized the use of masks and the disease, calling it a ‘bit of a flu’”.One of the authors, João Luiz Maurity Sabóia, told the newspaper the correlation was probably caused by “the stance of the president, who trivialized the use of masks and the disease, calling it a ‘bit of a flu’”.
Bolsonaro has faced domestic and international condemnation for his handling of the global health emergency, which has killed more than 150,000 Brazilians.Bolsonaro has faced domestic and international condemnation for his handling of the global health emergency, which has killed more than 150,000 Brazilians.
On Monday night, Bolsonaro’s former health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, accused his former boss of taking “a conscious decision” to play down Covid-19 for political gain.On Monday night, Bolsonaro’s former health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, accused his former boss of taking “a conscious decision” to play down Covid-19 for political gain.
Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki has gone into quarantine after he had contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, Reuters reports.Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki has gone into quarantine after he had contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, Reuters reports.
Morawiecki said in a video posted on social media:Morawiecki said in a video posted on social media:
It is unclear if Morawiecki will participate in the European Union summit on Thursday and Friday.It is unclear if Morawiecki will participate in the European Union summit on Thursday and Friday.
Germany’s population has contracted slightly for the first time in nearly a decade because immigration shrank as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, official data showed Tuesday.
AP reports:
Hello, I’m Aamna and I’ll be taking over the blog for the rest of the day. If you want to get in touch, you can email me (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or message me on Twitter (@aamnamohdin)
A new round of social restrictions will be announced by the Dutch government on Tuesday evening, including the possible closure of cafes and restaurants, as the Netherlands battles to control the coronavirus in one of Europe’s major hotspots.
The number of cases in the country of 17 million has surged in recent weeks to a daily record of nearly 7,000 on Monday. It now has one of the highest per capita infection rates worldwide.
Prime minister Mark Rutte’s government has been loth to re-impose tougher restrictions that could hurt a fragile economic recovery, but has come under pressure from health experts to take action to prevent overloading the healthcare system.
Rutte and the health minister Hugo de Jonge, who have both warned restrictions would follow if conditions did not improve, are scheduled to give a televised news conference at 19.00 local time (1700 GMT).
While many of its European neighbours imposed compulsory restrictions, the Dutch have largely stuck to recommended guidelines, including on mask wearing and travel.
Among the most severe measures expected to be announced on Tuesday evening are the closure of cafes and restaurants and an evening ban on alcohol sales, national broadcaster NOS reported, citing government sources.
Team sports for people aged over 18 will be halted, using public transport limited to essential travel only and home gatherings restricted to three people per household, the NOS report said.The measures will be imposed for an initial period of two weeks, the NOS said.
Russia has reported record daily increases in coronavirus cases and deaths.
On Tuesday, the country’s coronavirus crisis centre said 13,868 new cases had been reported in the past 24 hours, pushing the overall number of infections to 1,326,178.
The previous record of 13,634 new cases was registered on Sunday.
Russia also reported a record daily rise of 244 deaths from the virus, bringing the official death toll to 22,966.
China’s 56-day streak without new locally transmitted Covid-19 cases has been broken after officials reported six infections in the eastern coastal province of Shandong on Tuesday. For weeks, China had only seen imported cases of the virus, a cause for celebration as residents returned to work and began travelling again.
All six cases were linked to the Qingdao chest hospital in the coastal city of Qingdao, best known for the beer of the same name.
On Monday, authorities in Qingdao had reported nine new cases also linked to the hospital, prompting a citywide effort to test all 9 million residents by the end of this week. By Monday, more than 200,000 close contacts connected to the hospital had been tested, all with negative results. As of Tuesday, more than 3 million people in the city had been tested.
The new cases come after an estimated 637 million people travelled across the country, visiting families and tourist destinations during the eight-day holiday known as “golden week”. Qingdao, popular for its seafood and beaches, had more than 4.4 million visitors.The National Health Commission has deployed a team to Qingdao while other cities have begun imposing new restrictions on travel to the area. Health officials in Beijing told residents not to travel to Qingdao unless absolutely necessary and ordered those who have been recently to undergo a nucleic acid test. Schools in Beijing are also asking families to report any recent travel to Qingdao.
Ahead of a French cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss further measures to control the coronavirus pandemic, a minister has said the government could not rule out imposing curfews on cities such as Paris.
“Everything is being examined. Nothing can be excluded,” Marlène Schiappa told LCI television, after another minister also hinted the government could take such a move.
Also in the UK, the government has warned it may have to impose even stricter measures if the second wave of coronavirus accelerates in high-risk areas.
On Monday, prime minister Boris Johnson introduced a three-tier system in England, with Liverpool and surrounding Merseyside placed in the highest level – meaning that pubs will be forced to close – to curb a surge in cases.
“The message that we did deliver to those leaders in Merseyside was that we need to take these steps, we probably even need to go further but that we want to design those steps jointly between ourselves and local government,” housing secretary Robert Jenrick said on Tuesday morning.
The unemployment rate in the UK rose to 4.5% between June and August amid the economic fallout from the pandemic, official data shows.
An estimated 1.5 million people were unemployed during the period, 209,000 more than a year earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today.
Here’s brief bit of joy in the form of a story about what Nobel prizes are like in a time of coronavirus:
The coronavirus pandemic is expected to cause a record 7% decline in global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020, but governments are not doing enough to prevent a rapid rebound, according to an influential report.
Carbon dioxide emissions from energy use are expected to fall to 33.4 gigatonnes in 2020, the lowest level since 2011 and the biggest year-on-year fall since 1900 when records began, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its annual world energy outlook: