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Coronavirus live news: senior PLO figure hospitalised; Swiss prepare for more restrictions Coronavirus live news: senior PLO figure hospitalised; Swiss prepare for more restrictions
(32 minutes later)
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in hospital; Switzerland to introduce more measures on Monday; nine French cities face month of restrictions – follow liveChief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in hospital; Switzerland to introduce more measures on Monday; nine French cities face month of restrictions – follow live
Healthcare workers and high-risk populations will be prioritised for vaccination against the coronavirus in New York when a candidate is approved, governor Andrew Cuomo said on Sunday.
He announced details of a preliminary five-stage vaccine rollout plan – here’s a summary:
Phase 1: healthcare workers in patient-care settings, long-term care facility workers and some long-term care residents
Phase 2: first responders, school staff, other public-facing frontline workers and people whose health conditions put them at extreme risk
Phase 3: people over 65
Phase 4: all other essential workers
Phase 5: healthy adults and children
Prioritisation would also vary by geographic location based on the prevalence of the virus, the governor said.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday reported 53,157 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 8,081,489. The number of deaths has risen by 593 to 218,511, the health protection agency said.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.
And here’s a video from Prague’s anti-lockdown protest.And here’s a video from Prague’s anti-lockdown protest.
The Czech Republic has the highest infection rate in Europe. The deputy PM announced earlier that the government will wait at least two weeks before deciding whether to order a full lockdown.The Czech Republic has the highest infection rate in Europe. The deputy PM announced earlier that the government will wait at least two weeks before deciding whether to order a full lockdown.
Here’s a dispatch from Robert Tait in Prague:Czech police have fired tear gas and water cannon in the heart of Prague’s historic tourist district after demonstrations against stringent anti-Covid restrictions turned violent.Here’s a dispatch from Robert Tait in Prague:Czech police have fired tear gas and water cannon in the heart of Prague’s historic tourist district after demonstrations against stringent anti-Covid restrictions turned violent.
Riot officers flooded into the Czech capital’s landmark Old Town Square with horses and armoured vehicles after protestors among an estimated crowd of 2,000 hurled missiles, including beer bottles, cans and bicycles, and set off fire-crackers at the end of an hour-long rally.Riot officers flooded into the Czech capital’s landmark Old Town Square with horses and armoured vehicles after protestors among an estimated crowd of 2,000 hurled missiles, including beer bottles, cans and bicycles, and set off fire-crackers at the end of an hour-long rally.
Local ambulance services reported around 20 injuries on each side.Local ambulance services reported around 20 injuries on each side.
Police carried out several arrests, including 16 before the rally, when they said weapons including a firearm were confiscated.Police carried out several arrests, including 16 before the rally, when they said weapons including a firearm were confiscated.
Sunday’s rally was organised by so-called ultra football and ice-hockey fans angry at the increasingly strict limitations introduced in response to the soaring number of Covid-19 cases in the Czech Republic, currently the worst-hit in Europe by the global pandemic by head of population.Sunday’s rally was organised by so-called ultra football and ice-hockey fans angry at the increasingly strict limitations introduced in response to the soaring number of Covid-19 cases in the Czech Republic, currently the worst-hit in Europe by the global pandemic by head of population.
It took place after the country of 10.7 million documented a record 11,105 cases on Friday and another 8,713 on Saturday - an all-time high for a weekend, when fewer tests are conducted.It took place after the country of 10.7 million documented a record 11,105 cases on Friday and another 8,713 on Saturday - an all-time high for a weekend, when fewer tests are conducted.
The protest coincided with the start of work by Czech soldiers on an emergency field hospital on the outskirts of Prague, which officials say is needed because the soaring case load has stretched the health service to its capacity.The protest coincided with the start of work by Czech soldiers on an emergency field hospital on the outskirts of Prague, which officials say is needed because the soaring case load has stretched the health service to its capacity.
Nevertheless, protestors denounced the recent restrictions that have included controls on organised sport - with fixtures played behind closed doors and teams forbidden to train en masse - and the closure of pubs and restaurants.Nevertheless, protestors denounced the recent restrictions that have included controls on organised sport - with fixtures played behind closed doors and teams forbidden to train en masse - and the closure of pubs and restaurants.
Several carried placards denouncing “fascism” and leading Czech politicians, including prime minister, Andrej Babis and Roman Prymula, the new health minister - and a qualified epidemiologist - who has spearheaded the latest measures to counteract the virus.Several carried placards denouncing “fascism” and leading Czech politicians, including prime minister, Andrej Babis and Roman Prymula, the new health minister - and a qualified epidemiologist - who has spearheaded the latest measures to counteract the virus.
Few among the crowd - which police said exceeded the maximum of 500 allowed for such events during the current state of emergency launched this month - worse masks and there was little evidence of social distancing. Many drank alcohol.Few among the crowd - which police said exceeded the maximum of 500 allowed for such events during the current state of emergency launched this month - worse masks and there was little evidence of social distancing. Many drank alcohol.
As demonstrators refused to disperse, police sealed off exit routes from the square and sent in an armoured vehicle that fired high-powered water jets at groups of protesters congregating next to the 600-year-old astronomical clock - a site more accustomed to gatherings of gawking crowds of international tourists before the current pandemic decimated the local tourism industry.As demonstrators refused to disperse, police sealed off exit routes from the square and sent in an armoured vehicle that fired high-powered water jets at groups of protesters congregating next to the 600-year-old astronomical clock - a site more accustomed to gatherings of gawking crowds of international tourists before the current pandemic decimated the local tourism industry.
Sunday’s clashes followed similar scenes on Saturday in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where protesters tried to storm the government quarters.Sunday’s clashes followed similar scenes on Saturday in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where protesters tried to storm the government quarters.
The head of Mexico’s navy has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the highest ranking member of the country’s government to do so.The head of Mexico’s navy has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the highest ranking member of the country’s government to do so.
Jose Rafael Ojeda said on Sunday that he is asymptomatic and working from home.Jose Rafael Ojeda said on Sunday that he is asymptomatic and working from home.
Finance minister Arturo Herrera, energy minister Rocio Nahle as well as Irma Erendira Sandoval, head of the public administration ministry, and Raquel Buenrostro, head of the tax administration service, all said they had been infected.Finance minister Arturo Herrera, energy minister Rocio Nahle as well as Irma Erendira Sandoval, head of the public administration ministry, and Raquel Buenrostro, head of the tax administration service, all said they had been infected.
Mexico’s health ministry on Saturday reported 5,447 more cases of the virus and 355 more deaths, bringing the official number of cases to 847,108 and the death toll to 86,059.Mexico’s health ministry on Saturday reported 5,447 more cases of the virus and 355 more deaths, bringing the official number of cases to 847,108 and the death toll to 86,059.
Europe has passed the grim milestone of 250,000 coronavirus deaths, according to an AFP tally based on official sources.Europe has passed the grim milestone of 250,000 coronavirus deaths, according to an AFP tally based on official sources.
A total of 250,030 deaths have now been recorded out of 7,366,028 registered cases in Europe. The five worst-hit countries make up more than two-thirds of the deaths.A total of 250,030 deaths have now been recorded out of 7,366,028 registered cases in Europe. The five worst-hit countries make up more than two-thirds of the deaths.
UK: 43,646 deathsUK: 43,646 deaths
Italy: 36,543 deathsItaly: 36,543 deaths
Spain: 33,775 deathsSpain: 33,775 deaths
France: 33,392 deathsFrance: 33,392 deaths
Russia: 24,187 deathsRussia: 24,187 deaths
It comes as Europe experiences a surge in cases, with a third of all new infections worldwide currently being detected in western European countries. Europe is recording more new cases than India, Brazil and the US combined.It comes as Europe experiences a surge in cases, with a third of all new infections worldwide currently being detected in western European countries. Europe is recording more new cases than India, Brazil and the US combined.
To get to speed with the latest on the global race for a coronavirus vaccine, check out the Guardian’s tracker. There are more than 170 candidates being tracked by the WHO, who have said mass vaccinations are unlikely before mid-2021.To get to speed with the latest on the global race for a coronavirus vaccine, check out the Guardian’s tracker. There are more than 170 candidates being tracked by the WHO, who have said mass vaccinations are unlikely before mid-2021.
Intranasal Covid-19 vaccine candidates by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are expected to enter late stage clinical trials in the next few months once they are granted regulatory approval, India’s health minister has said.Intranasal Covid-19 vaccine candidates by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are expected to enter late stage clinical trials in the next few months once they are granted regulatory approval, India’s health minister has said.
So far, all the vaccines in Phase 3 trials are administered by injection, according to the World Health Organization.So far, all the vaccines in Phase 3 trials are administered by injection, according to the World Health Organization.
Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the late stage trial generally involves thousands of participants, sometimes 30,000 to 40,000.Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the late stage trial generally involves thousands of participants, sometimes 30,000 to 40,000.
On Saturday, India’s Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd and the Russian Direct Investment Fund said they have received renewed approval to conduct late-stage clinical trials in India of the Russian Covid-19 vaccine.On Saturday, India’s Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd and the Russian Direct Investment Fund said they have received renewed approval to conduct late-stage clinical trials in India of the Russian Covid-19 vaccine.
India’s coronavirus infections rose by another 61,871 over the past 24 hours, data released on Sunday showed, although the health ministry said it is seeing a trend of steadily declining active cases.India’s coronavirus infections rose by another 61,871 over the past 24 hours, data released on Sunday showed, although the health ministry said it is seeing a trend of steadily declining active cases.
Italy reported 11,705 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, the health ministry has said, up from the previous record of 10,925 posted on Saturday.The ministry said there were also 69 Covid-related deaths, up from 47 the day before – far fewer than at the height of the pandemic in Italy in March and April, when daily fatalities peaked at more than 900.Italy reported 11,705 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, the health ministry has said, up from the previous record of 10,925 posted on Saturday.The ministry said there were also 69 Covid-related deaths, up from 47 the day before – far fewer than at the height of the pandemic in Italy in March and April, when daily fatalities peaked at more than 900.
Hello, Clea Skopeliti taking over the blog now – you can DM me on Twitter @cleaskopeliti with any updates from your part of the world, or drop me an email instead. Thanks in advance.Hello, Clea Skopeliti taking over the blog now – you can DM me on Twitter @cleaskopeliti with any updates from your part of the world, or drop me an email instead. Thanks in advance.
There have been a further 16,982 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, according to government data. This compares to 16,171 new cases registered on Saturday.There have been a further 16,982 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, according to government data. This compares to 16,171 new cases registered on Saturday.
A total of 722,409 people have tested positive.A total of 722,409 people have tested positive.
A further 67 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported on Sunday, bringing the total to 43,646. There were 150 on Saturday.A further 67 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported on Sunday, bringing the total to 43,646. There were 150 on Saturday.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 58,500 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 58,500 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
It is important to note that Sunday figures are often lower due to delays in reporting over the weekend.It is important to note that Sunday figures are often lower due to delays in reporting over the weekend.
The Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has admitted he made a “wrong assessment” by failing to stop the king going on holiday to Greece during a partial lockdown.The Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has admitted he made a “wrong assessment” by failing to stop the king going on holiday to Greece during a partial lockdown.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima cut short their holiday on Saturday – one day after they flew to Greece – saying they had taken on board the “intense” public reaction. in a letter to parliament on Sunday that followed criticism of his role, Rutte said:King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima cut short their holiday on Saturday – one day after they flew to Greece – saying they had taken on board the “intense” public reaction. in a letter to parliament on Sunday that followed criticism of his role, Rutte said:
Rutte said the king’s private journeys were covered by privacy rules so long as the public interest is taken into account, but admitted it was his responsibility to raise the matter with the monarch.Rutte said the king’s private journeys were covered by privacy rules so long as the public interest is taken into account, but admitted it was his responsibility to raise the matter with the monarch.
The Dutch government ordered the closure of all bars, restaurants and cannabis coffee shops for around four weeks under what Rutte called a “partial lockdown”.The Dutch government ordered the closure of all bars, restaurants and cannabis coffee shops for around four weeks under what Rutte called a “partial lockdown”.
Mezmin Malida’s neighbours have been wondering what she’s up to for a while now. Seven days a week, several times a day, they see her load up every crevice of a BMW with mysterious bin liners and boxes until the pile looks like it might topple into the driver’s seat, and then head off into Leicester and return a few hours later having got rid of the lot. Also, they ask themselves, why do the police keep coming round?Mezmin Malida’s neighbours have been wondering what she’s up to for a while now. Seven days a week, several times a day, they see her load up every crevice of a BMW with mysterious bin liners and boxes until the pile looks like it might topple into the driver’s seat, and then head off into Leicester and return a few hours later having got rid of the lot. Also, they ask themselves, why do the police keep coming round?
There’s nothing for them to worry about. Malida, 39, is a trustee of Rosemina’s Outreach Project, and a one-woman Deliveroo for Leicester’s most vulnerable people as they wait out a crisis that feels like it will never end. (She also does community support work with the police, which explains the visits.)There’s nothing for them to worry about. Malida, 39, is a trustee of Rosemina’s Outreach Project, and a one-woman Deliveroo for Leicester’s most vulnerable people as they wait out a crisis that feels like it will never end. (She also does community support work with the police, which explains the visits.)
When the city became the first in the country to be forced into a second lockdown, she coordinated a network of volunteers ferrying supplies to the shielding and the homeless, often topping up donations by adding £20 or £30 in biscuits or nappies or shower gel to her family shop. Months later, most of her team have gone back to their jobs but Malida is still going, supporting about 120 people a week.When the city became the first in the country to be forced into a second lockdown, she coordinated a network of volunteers ferrying supplies to the shielding and the homeless, often topping up donations by adding £20 or £30 in biscuits or nappies or shower gel to her family shop. Months later, most of her team have gone back to their jobs but Malida is still going, supporting about 120 people a week.
The Czech Republic, which has the highest infection rate in Europe, will wait at least two weeks before deciding whether to order a full lockdown to stem its epidemic, its deputy prime minister Karel Havlíček has said.The Czech Republic, which has the highest infection rate in Europe, will wait at least two weeks before deciding whether to order a full lockdown to stem its epidemic, its deputy prime minister Karel Havlíček has said.
In the past week, bars and restaurants have been ordered to close except for takeaway orders, and schools have been shifted to distance learning. Sport and fitness clubs, theatres and cinemas had already been shut, but shops have remained open.In the past week, bars and restaurants have been ordered to close except for takeaway orders, and schools have been shifted to distance learning. Sport and fitness clubs, theatres and cinemas had already been shut, but shops have remained open.
On Saturday, the Czech Republic reported 8,713 new cases; its largest daily total at a weekend. And the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said it had registered 828 cases per 100,000 population in the last two weeks; more than 10 times the rate in neighbouring Germany. Havlíček said:On Saturday, the Czech Republic reported 8,713 new cases; its largest daily total at a weekend. And the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said it had registered 828 cases per 100,000 population in the last two weeks; more than 10 times the rate in neighbouring Germany. Havlíček said:
Bulgaria will not need to impose a full lockdown to contain the second wave if it follows protective measures, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director Kristalina Georgieva has said.Bulgaria will not need to impose a full lockdown to contain the second wave if it follows protective measures, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director Kristalina Georgieva has said.