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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
Relatives of care home residents in England are to be designated as key workers so they can be tested regularly for Covid-19 and continue to visit loved ones.
The plans, initially a pilot project, with no details about how they would be rolled out, were announced to MPs on Tuesday by the care minister, Helen Whately. They are a win for families and charities that have been calling for months for relatives to be given the same key worker status as staff.
Along with testing, the single designated relative would be trained in the use of PPE, she said, although she was unable to give a date for when the pilot would begin.
Organisations including Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society have been calling for such a move, arguing in a letter to the government in July that the care given by family members was essential to dementia patients’ wellbeing. Social distancing restrictions had contributed to a “hidden catastrophe” in care homes, which had been closed to non-essential visitors since March, they said.
Ireland’s government offered more support on Tuesday to those hit hardest by some of Europe’s toughest Covid-19 restrictions in a budget stimulus package that it said was “unprecedented in the history of the state”.Ireland’s government offered more support on Tuesday to those hit hardest by some of Europe’s toughest Covid-19 restrictions in a budget stimulus package that it said was “unprecedented in the history of the state”.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
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.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.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.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.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. Sweden registered 2,203 new coronavirus cases in the last four days, health agency statistics showed on Tuesday, taking the country’s total to 100,654 since the start of the pandemic.
Reuters reports: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.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).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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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%.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.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%.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.