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Coronavirus live news: Italy brings in new restrictions amid record cases Slovenia to declare a state of epidemic – as it happened
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Mayors will be able to impose 9pm curfews; Senior PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat in hospital; Switzerland to introduce more measures on Monday – follow live This blog is now closed. We’ve launched a new blog at the link below:
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Brazil reported 10,982 new cases of Covid-19 and 230 deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Sunday.
The South American country has now registered 5,235,344 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 153,905, according to ministry data.
After the US, Brazil has suffered the world’s most fatal outbreak.
Here’s a snapshot of the countries with the highest coronavirus cumulative cases on the African continent, via the WHO African Region dashboard.Here’s a snapshot of the countries with the highest coronavirus cumulative cases on the African continent, via the WHO African Region dashboard.
South Africa has reported the most cases, with 702,131 registered and a death toll of 18,408. The country accounts for 56.15 % of cases in the region.South Africa has reported the most cases, with 702,131 registered and a death toll of 18,408. The country accounts for 56.15 % of cases in the region.
Ethiopia has reported 88,434 cases and 1,346 deaths.Ethiopia has reported 88,434 cases and 1,346 deaths.
Nigeria has reported 61,307 cases and 1,123 deaths.Nigeria has reported 61,307 cases and 1,123 deaths.
Algeria has reported 54,203 cases and 1,846 deaths.Algeria has reported 54,203 cases and 1,846 deaths.
Ghana has reported 47,173 cases and 310 deaths.Ghana has reported 47,173 cases and 310 deaths.
The Australian state of Victoria has reported four new coronavirus cases and one further death, taking the state’s toll 817 and the national figure to 905.The Australian state of Victoria has reported four new coronavirus cases and one further death, taking the state’s toll 817 and the national figure to 905.
It comes as the state eases its Covid restrictions, including expanding Melbourne’s 5km travel radius to 25km.It comes as the state eases its Covid restrictions, including expanding Melbourne’s 5km travel radius to 25km.
Lagging behind in national polls with just over two weeks to go until the election, Donald Trump has embarked on a tour of battleground states as his handling of the coronavirus pandemic looks like it may sink his bid for a second term.Lagging behind in national polls with just over two weeks to go until the election, Donald Trump has embarked on a tour of battleground states as his handling of the coronavirus pandemic looks like it may sink his bid for a second term.
US infections are rising by average of more than 55,000 daily, government figures show, and increasing in more than 40 states.US infections are rising by average of more than 55,000 daily, government figures show, and increasing in more than 40 states.
The president is hosting more events in swing states this week with Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina all in the agenda, despite the risk of spreading the virus at large rallies where few supporters wear masks and there is little social distancing.The president is hosting more events in swing states this week with Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina all in the agenda, despite the risk of spreading the virus at large rallies where few supporters wear masks and there is little social distancing.
The Scottish government has blamed a delay in publishing Sunday’s coronavirus figures on a “testing capacity issue” at a Glasgow testing centre – an allegation the UK government has called “categorically untrue”.The Scottish government has blamed a delay in publishing Sunday’s coronavirus figures on a “testing capacity issue” at a Glasgow testing centre – an allegation the UK government has called “categorically untrue”.
The Scottish government said the issue with the UK government Lighthouse lab in Glasgow caused 64,000 tests to be re-routed to other sites across the UK.The Scottish government said the issue with the UK government Lighthouse lab in Glasgow caused 64,000 tests to be re-routed to other sites across the UK.
A spokeswoman for the UK government denied there were any capacity issues, saying: “This claim is categorically untrue.A spokeswoman for the UK government denied there were any capacity issues, saying: “This claim is categorically untrue.
“There is no capacity issue at the UK Government’s Glasgow Lighthouse Lab. The Glasgow Lighthouse Lab is highly efficient, with the capacity to analyse tens of thousands of samples a day.“There is no capacity issue at the UK Government’s Glasgow Lighthouse Lab. The Glasgow Lighthouse Lab is highly efficient, with the capacity to analyse tens of thousands of samples a day.
She added that rerouting tests to other laboratories was a “routine practice to ensure timely processing”.She added that rerouting tests to other laboratories was a “routine practice to ensure timely processing”.
The Scottish Government warned that the delay had led to an under-reporting of positive Covid-19 case. Only 316 infections were reported on Sunday – a drop of 851 new cases from the day before.The Scottish Government warned that the delay had led to an under-reporting of positive Covid-19 case. Only 316 infections were reported on Sunday – a drop of 851 new cases from the day before.
The supply of food to care homes, schools, hospitals and prisons is at risk unless the government steps in to support struggling wholesalers, the UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has been warned.The supply of food to care homes, schools, hospitals and prisons is at risk unless the government steps in to support struggling wholesalers, the UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has been warned.
Trade bodies representing major food companies said the loss of business from the hospitality sector, which has been rocked by the 10pm curfew and limits on household mixing, meant that firms which also serve the public sector could fail.Trade bodies representing major food companies said the loss of business from the hospitality sector, which has been rocked by the 10pm curfew and limits on household mixing, meant that firms which also serve the public sector could fail.
South Africa’s health minister and his wife have tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced on Sunday.South Africa’s health minister and his wife have tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced on Sunday.
“I am now in quarantine at home and both my wife and I remain optimistic that we will fully recover from this virus,” Zweli Mkhize said in a statement.“I am now in quarantine at home and both my wife and I remain optimistic that we will fully recover from this virus,” Zweli Mkhize said in a statement.
South Africa reported 1,928 new cases on Saturday, pushing the total to just over 700,000 and 18,408 deaths.South Africa reported 1,928 new cases on Saturday, pushing the total to just over 700,000 and 18,408 deaths.
Italy’s mayors will have the power to impose 9pm curfews in their towns and cities if necessary as the country tries to contain a coronavirus resurgence.Italy’s mayors will have the power to impose 9pm curfews in their towns and cities if necessary as the country tries to contain a coronavirus resurgence.
Restaurants must close at midnight and serve no more than six people people per table and a 6pm closure for bars that don’t serve food are also among the new restrictions announced by the Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, on Sunday night.Restaurants must close at midnight and serve no more than six people people per table and a 6pm closure for bars that don’t serve food are also among the new restrictions announced by the Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, on Sunday night.
Schools will remain open while gyms and swimming pools have a week to tighten safety measures. Some regions, including Campania, closed schools until the end of October.Schools will remain open while gyms and swimming pools have a week to tighten safety measures. Some regions, including Campania, closed schools until the end of October.
“We cannot waste time, we must implement measures to avert a generalised lockdown, which could severely compromise the economy,” Conte said.“We cannot waste time, we must implement measures to avert a generalised lockdown, which could severely compromise the economy,” Conte said.
Italy recorded 11,705 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, up from the previous record of 10,925 registered on Saturday, and 69 deaths.Italy recorded 11,705 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, up from the previous record of 10,925 registered on Saturday, and 69 deaths.
Here’s a quick round-up of what you might have missed:Here’s a quick round-up of what you might have missed:
Slovenia’s prime minister has said on Twitter that a 30-day epidemic would be declared on Monday, with stricter measures to be imposed nationally.Slovenia’s prime minister has said on Twitter that a 30-day epidemic would be declared on Monday, with stricter measures to be imposed nationally.
Twitter has removed a “misleading” tweet by a top US coronavirus adviser for violating its Covid-19 information policy.Twitter has removed a “misleading” tweet by a top US coronavirus adviser for violating its Covid-19 information policy.
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.
Italy reported a record figure of 11,705 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, the health ministry has said, up from the previous peak of 10,925 posted on Saturday.Italy reported a record figure of 11,705 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, the health ministry has said, up from the previous peak of 10,925 posted on Saturday.
There have been a further 16,982 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, according to government data, and 67 more deaths.There have been a further 16,982 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, according to government data, and 67 more deaths.
The mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has written to political leaders in Westminster urging them to help secure a “fair financial framework” for local lockdowns.The mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has written to political leaders in Westminster urging them to help secure a “fair financial framework” for local lockdowns.
Switzerland is stepping up its measures to tackle Covid-19, with new restrictions coming into force tomorrow, including mandatory mask-wearing indoors and a 15-person limit to public gatherings.Switzerland is stepping up its measures to tackle Covid-19, with new restrictions coming into force tomorrow, including mandatory mask-wearing indoors and a 15-person limit to public gatherings.
Saeb Erekat, a senior figure in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), has been taken to hospital with coronavirus.Saeb Erekat, a senior figure in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), has been taken to hospital with coronavirus.
The number of deaths in Iran from Covid-19 now exceeds 30,000, with the country’s health ministry saying the total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic was now 30,123.The number of deaths in Iran from Covid-19 now exceeds 30,000, with the country’s health ministry saying the total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic was now 30,123.
Slovenia’s prime minister has said on Twitter that a 30-day epidemic would be declared on Monday, with stricter measures to be imposed nationally.Slovenia’s prime minister has said on Twitter that a 30-day epidemic would be declared on Monday, with stricter measures to be imposed nationally.
The government had said it would announce an epidemic if the country passed three indicators: a 14-day average of 140 cases per 100,000 residents, 250 hospitalisations and 50 in intensive care.The government had said it would announce an epidemic if the country passed three indicators: a 14-day average of 140 cases per 100,000 residents, 250 hospitalisations and 50 in intensive care.
It comes after secondary schools moved to remote teaching only, while the government asked doctors to cut back non-emergency medical procedures, and split the country into ‘orange’ and ‘red’ regions, depending on infection numbers.It comes after secondary schools moved to remote teaching only, while the government asked doctors to cut back non-emergency medical procedures, and split the country into ‘orange’ and ‘red’ regions, depending on infection numbers.
Red regions face stricter coronavirus measures, including restaurants only open for takeaways and mandatory mask-wearing in public.Red regions face stricter coronavirus measures, including restaurants only open for takeaways and mandatory mask-wearing in public.
The country’s first epidemic was announced in early March, and remained in force until May.The country’s first epidemic was announced in early March, and remained in force until May.
Greater Manchester is set to run out of beds to treat people left seriously ill by Covid-19, and some of the region’s 12 hospitals are already full, a leaked NHS document has revealed.
It showed that by last Friday the resurgence of the disease had left hospitals in Salford, Stockport and Bolton at maximum capacity, with no spare beds to help with the growing influx. The picture it paints of the intense pressure hospitals are facing ratchets up the pressure on ministers to reach a deal with local leaders over the region’s planned move to the top level of coronavirus restrictions.Denis Campbell and Peter Walker with the story here:
The coronavirus remains active on human skin for nine hours, a Japanese study has found – five times longer than the pathogen that causes the flu.Researchers said the study, published this month in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, underlined the need for frequent hand washing.
The coronavirus, like the flu virus, is inactivated within 15 seconds after applying ethanol.
Twitter has removed a “misleading” tweet by a top US coronavirus adviser for violating its Covid-19 information policy.
Dr Scott Atlas has downplayed the importance of masks in stopping the spread of infection – despite the health experts widely endorsing the containment measure. On Sunday, he tweeted: “Masks work? NO.”
Twitter Inc removed the tweet on Sunday, saying it violated its misleading information policy on COVID-19, which targets statements that have been confirmed to be false or misleading by subject-matter experts.
Donald Trump’s advisor – whose views align with the president’s own on mask-wearing, if not with the medical establishment – has been criticised by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for spreading misinformation.
“Everything he says is false,” Robert Redfield said about Atlas, NBC reported. Redfield later confirmed he had been talking about Atlas.
The French health ministry reported 29,837 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 on Sunday after reporting a record high of 32,427 on Saturday and 85 new deaths after 90 the previous day.
The total number of infections now stands at 897,034, while the death toll is at 33,477, Reuters reports.
A gym in Poland has undergone a creative rebrand to dodge coronavirus restrictions, announcing that it is now... a church.
“Because fitness classes aren’t allowed, starting today we’re offering religious gatherings for members of the Church of the Healthy Body,” the Atlantic Sports club said on Facebook.
“Hard to believe? In this world everything is possible,” the gym in the southern city of Krakow added Saturday.
In another tongue-in-cheek jab at the country’s coronavirus rules, the gym also said it will be opening a store with exercise machines, and invited people to come test them out for a fee.
The satirical rebrand follows the government ordering pools and gyms to shut as the country experienced a surge in cases. Restaurants will also be made to shut early, while weddings have been banned and secondary schools switch to online learning in high-risk areas.Churches in the Catholic country, however, have dodged the measures, allowing services to go on as long as attendees wear masks and follow the attendance limit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.