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Coronavirus live news: expert warns NHS will struggle to cope; Bulgaria shuts nightclubs as cases surge Coronavirus live news: expert warns NHS will struggle to cope; Bulgaria shuts nightclubs as cases surge
(32 minutes later)
Tory MP Ben Bradley agrees with tweet saying free school meals money goes to ‘crack den and brothel’; EU fights second waveTory MP Ben Bradley agrees with tweet saying free school meals money goes to ‘crack den and brothel’; EU fights second wave
Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
More than 1.1 million dead
The virus has claimed at least 1,145,847 lives worldwide since it first emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP tally based on official sources. At least 42,262,299 cases have been registered across the globe. The United States is the worst-affected country with 223,998 deaths, followed by Brazil with 156,471, India with 117,956, Mexico with 88,312 and Britain with 44,571.
WHO warning
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns that “too many countries are seeing an exponential increase in Covid-19 cases and that is now leading to hospitals and intensive care units running close to or above capacity - and we’re still only in October.”
The message is echoed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), whose director Andrea Ammon warns of a “highly concerning epidemiological situation”.
Germany deaths top 10,000
A total of 10,003 virus deaths in Germany have been recorded by federal government agency the Robert Koch Institute, while 14,714 new cases have been diagnosed in the last 24 hours – a daily record.
Lothar Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institute disease control authority, says the country is facing a “very serious” situation. Chancellor Angela Merkel tells citizens in a weekly video podcast that “the order of the day is to reduce contacts, to meet as few people as possible”.
New daily record cases in US
Johns Hopkins University reports 79,963 new US cases in 24 hours, a record, although the number of daily deaths has remained broadly stable since the beginning of autumn at between 700 and 800.
Poland president tests positive
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has tested positive, an aide says, adding another name to the list of leaders to have been diagnosed with the virus.
Aside from the diagnosis, the 48-year-old Duda is believed to be in good general health and an aide writes on Twitter that he is “fine”.
Naples clashes
Hundreds of protesters in Naples throw projectiles at police and send rubbish bins on fire late Friday during a demonstration against restrictions in the southern Italian city.
A mostly young crowd marched through the streets of the regional capital and chanted as the curfew in the Campania region started at 11:00 pm, with some lighting smoke bombs.
Grants for UK arts institutions
The British government announces a £75 million (82 million euros, $98 million) rescue package to save 35 cultural institutions hit by the pandemic, including London’s landmark Globe Theatre and The Old Vic theatre.
New coronavirus restrictions are to take effect in Madrid on Saturday as the Spanish government weighs declaring a national state of emergency to allow curfews to be imposed.
Days after the country registered more than a million cases of Covid-19, the regions - which are responsible for managing public healthcare - have put pressure on the government to give them legal right to impose tighter restrictions.
In practice, that would involve the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez declaring a national state of emergency that would enable the regions to impose curfews, a measure increasingly applied across Europe.
Nine of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions have formally requested such a move, and a decision is expected to be at an extraordinary meeting of ministers on Sunday.
The government can impose an emergency for up to a fortnight, but it would need parliamentary approval to extend it.
Spain used the powers in spring to enforce one of the world’s tightest lockdowns, and a similar measure has been in force in Madrid for the past fortnight, although only to impose movement restrictions on the capital and various nearby towns.
That measure ends at 4:47 pm (1447 GMT) on Saturday, when new restrictions drawn up by the regional authorities will come into force.
Hello everyone. I am running the Guardian’s global live feed, updating you on all the latest coronavirus news from around the world. Please do feel free to contact me while I work today, providing any news tips or comments. ThanksHello everyone. I am running the Guardian’s global live feed, updating you on all the latest coronavirus news from around the world. Please do feel free to contact me while I work today, providing any news tips or comments. Thanks
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The novel coronavirus has killed at least 1,145,847 people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP. The Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus has killed at least 1,145,847 people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP.
At least 42,262,290 cases of coronavirus have been registered, of which at least 28,754,900 are now considered recovered. At least 42,262,290 cases have been registered, of which at least 28,754,900 are now considered recovered.
The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections. Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases. The tallies, using data collected from national authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections. Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.
On Friday, 6,366 new deaths and 482,954 new cases were recorded worldwide. On Friday, 482,954 new cases and 6,366 new deaths and were recorded worldwide.
Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has announced he has been hospitalised after testing positive for coronavirus and suffering a fever. Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu has been admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus and suffering a fever.
“Yesterday evening around 9 p.m. I got a fever and with a temperature of 38 degrees. I came and spent the night in hospital,” he said in a video apparently filmed in a hospital room. “Yesterday evening around 9pm I got a fever and with a temperature of 38 degrees. I came and spent the night in hospital,” he said in a video.
“Now I am actually well. My fever is not bad. The process is continuing. There is nothing that can be viewed as negative in a medical sense.”“Now I am actually well. My fever is not bad. The process is continuing. There is nothing that can be viewed as negative in a medical sense.”
Istanbul’s American Hospital said in a statement that Imamoglu, an opponent of president Tayyip Erdogan, was admitted at 10pm (1900 GMT) after displaying symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. It said he tested positive for coronavirus and that his treatment was continuing. Istanbul’s American hospital said in a statement that Imamoğlu, an opponent of the country’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was admitted at 10pm (1900 GMT) after displaying symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. It said he tested positive for coronavirus and that his treatment was continuing.
Imamoglu, from the secularist Republican People’s Party (CHP), was elected mayor in a re-run election in June 2019 in a blow to Erdogan and his ruling AK Party. Imamoğlu, from the secular Republican People’s party (CHP), was elected mayor in a re-run election in June 2019 in a blow to Erdoğan and his ruling AK party.
Since then, there have been sporadic tensions between his municipality and the central government, including disputes over fundraising and measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the early stages of the outbreak. There have since been sporadic tensions between his municipality and the central government, including disputes over fundraising and measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic in its early stages.
Spanish regions have urged the central government to take measures that would give them legal backing to impose curfews as coronavirus cases rise.Spanish regions have urged the central government to take measures that would give them legal backing to impose curfews as coronavirus cases rise.
As of Saturday, 10 of Spain’s 17 regions, including Valencia, Asturias, Castilla-La Mancha and the Basque Country, had called on the government to decree a state of emergency, which would allow regions to limit people’s movement, Reuters reported.As of Saturday, 10 of Spain’s 17 regions, including Valencia, Asturias, Castilla-La Mancha and the Basque Country, had called on the government to decree a state of emergency, which would allow regions to limit people’s movement, Reuters reported.
Regions expect the government to call an extraordinary council of ministers on Sunday to approve the measure, Spanish media including El País reported.Regions expect the government to call an extraordinary council of ministers on Sunday to approve the measure, Spanish media including El País reported.
Many regions favour some form of curfew, but the powerful Madrid region opposes it, which has so far prevented a nationwide decision.Many regions favour some form of curfew, but the powerful Madrid region opposes it, which has so far prevented a nationwide decision.
Spain has recorded the highest number of Covid-19 infections in western Europe. Total cases rose to 1,046,132 on Friday, and the death toll is nearing 38,000.Spain has recorded the highest number of Covid-19 infections in western Europe. Total cases rose to 1,046,132 on Friday, and the death toll is nearing 38,000.
Catalonia said on Friday night that it would impose a curfew across the region, which includes Barcelona, as soon as the central government acted.Catalonia said on Friday night that it would impose a curfew across the region, which includes Barcelona, as soon as the central government acted.
The deputy Catalan leader, Pere Aragones, told a press conference:The deputy Catalan leader, Pere Aragones, told a press conference:
Some regions are considering imposing curfews by alternative means, such as going through regional courts, if the central government does not act.Some regions are considering imposing curfews by alternative means, such as going through regional courts, if the central government does not act.
“We cannot wait any longer and we have to take steps forward,” Murcia’s regional president, Fernando López Miras, told the Spanish broadcaster TVE on Saturday. “If the central government does nothing, we will approve a curfew.”“We cannot wait any longer and we have to take steps forward,” Murcia’s regional president, Fernando López Miras, told the Spanish broadcaster TVE on Saturday. “If the central government does nothing, we will approve a curfew.”
Malaysia reported 1,228 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, a record daily jump since the start of the pandemic, bringing the total number of cases to 25,742.Malaysia reported 1,228 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, a record daily jump since the start of the pandemic, bringing the total number of cases to 25,742.
The health ministry also said seven new deaths had also been recorded.The health ministry also said seven new deaths had also been recorded.
Recent data has highlighted the struggle authorities around the world face in bringing the coronavirus pandemic under control, as the US reported 80,000 infections in a single day, France extended a curfew to two-thirds of its citizens and Germany’s death toll passed 10,000.Recent data has highlighted the struggle authorities around the world face in bringing the coronavirus pandemic under control, as the US reported 80,000 infections in a single day, France extended a curfew to two-thirds of its citizens and Germany’s death toll passed 10,000.
The World Health Organization had earlier warned of an exponential rise in infections that threatened health systems’ ability to cope.The World Health Organization had earlier warned of an exponential rise in infections that threatened health systems’ ability to cope.
But populations weary of social isolation and economic hardship have pushed back against fresh restrictions to slow the resurgent virus’ spread. There were clashes overnight in Naples between Italian police and hundreds of protesters.But populations weary of social isolation and economic hardship have pushed back against fresh restrictions to slow the resurgent virus’ spread. There were clashes overnight in Naples between Italian police and hundreds of protesters.
Covid-19 has become a central election issue in the US ahead of the presidential election on 3 November. Donald Trump promised attendees at a Florida rally on Friday that “we’re going to quickly end this pandemic, this horrible plague”.Covid-19 has become a central election issue in the US ahead of the presidential election on 3 November. Donald Trump promised attendees at a Florida rally on Friday that “we’re going to quickly end this pandemic, this horrible plague”.
Joe Biden matched Trump’s vow to make a vaccine available free to all who want it “whether or not you’re insured” and said the Republican incumbent has “given up” on controlling the outbreak.Joe Biden matched Trump’s vow to make a vaccine available free to all who want it “whether or not you’re insured” and said the Republican incumbent has “given up” on controlling the outbreak.
Johns Hopkins University had earlier reported 79,963 new US cases in 24 hours, a record, although the number of daily deaths has remained broadly stable since the beginning of autumn at between 700 and 800.Johns Hopkins University had earlier reported 79,963 new US cases in 24 hours, a record, although the number of daily deaths has remained broadly stable since the beginning of autumn at between 700 and 800.
Ministers may be forced to close schools in England to older children if coronavirus cases continue to increase at the current rate, a scientist has said.Ministers may be forced to close schools in England to older children if coronavirus cases continue to increase at the current rate, a scientist has said.
Prof Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the original lockdown in March, said the NHS would soon be unable to cope unless the spread of the disease was stemmed.Prof Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the original lockdown in March, said the NHS would soon be unable to cope unless the spread of the disease was stemmed.
He said there were 8,000 people in hospital with coronavirus - around a third of the peak earlier this year - and that numbers were continuing to rise. “It is a worrying situation,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.He said there were 8,000 people in hospital with coronavirus - around a third of the peak earlier this year - and that numbers were continuing to rise. “It is a worrying situation,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“If the rate of growth continues as it is, it means that in a month’s time we will above that peak level in March and that is probably unsustainable.“If the rate of growth continues as it is, it means that in a month’s time we will above that peak level in March and that is probably unsustainable.
“We are in a critical time right now. The health system will not be able to cope with this rate of growth for much longer.”“We are in a critical time right now. The health system will not be able to cope with this rate of growth for much longer.”
His warning came as South Yorkshire became the latest region to enter the tightest Tier 3 restrictions in England following Liverpool city region, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.His warning came as South Yorkshire became the latest region to enter the tightest Tier 3 restrictions in England following Liverpool city region, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Ferguson said it would be another week or two before it became clear whether the stricter measures would have an impact on case numbers. He said the restrictions on households mixing should have a significant effect, but that further action may also be needed.Ferguson said it would be another week or two before it became clear whether the stricter measures would have an impact on case numbers. He said the restrictions on households mixing should have a significant effect, but that further action may also be needed.
Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, home to about 2 million people, will close nightclubs and discos on Sunday for two weeks in an effort to contain a surge in coronavirus infections straining its health system.Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, home to about 2 million people, will close nightclubs and discos on Sunday for two weeks in an effort to contain a surge in coronavirus infections straining its health system.
Speaking on national BTV television on Saturday, the city’s mayor, Yordanka Fankakova, also urged Sofia universities to switch to online education and appealed to businesses to let as many employees as possible work from home.Speaking on national BTV television on Saturday, the city’s mayor, Yordanka Fankakova, also urged Sofia universities to switch to online education and appealed to businesses to let as many employees as possible work from home.
“The situation is Sofia is becoming increasingly alarming. We have a new increase in infections and of people who need hospital treatment. This is straining the hospitals,” she said.“The situation is Sofia is becoming increasingly alarming. We have a new increase in infections and of people who need hospital treatment. This is straining the hospitals,” she said.
Hello everyone and thanks for following the Guardian’s live feed today. I am keeping you up to date with all the news on coronavirus from around the globe. Please do email or message me if you want to share thoughts, comments or news tips.Hello everyone and thanks for following the Guardian’s live feed today. I am keeping you up to date with all the news on coronavirus from around the globe. Please do email or message me if you want to share thoughts, comments or news tips.
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
In the UK, Prof Neil Ferguson has said a decision about whether restrictions on households mixing should be relaxed over Christmas will be a “political judgment” .In the UK, Prof Neil Ferguson has said a decision about whether restrictions on households mixing should be relaxed over Christmas will be a “political judgment” .
“It risks some transmission and there will be consequences of that. Some people will die because of getting infected on that day,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “But if it is only one or two days the impact is likely to be limited. So that is really a political judgment about the cost versus the benefits.”“It risks some transmission and there will be consequences of that. Some people will die because of getting infected on that day,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “But if it is only one or two days the impact is likely to be limited. So that is really a political judgment about the cost versus the benefits.”
Indonesia reported 4,070 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, taking the total number of cases to 385,980, official data from the country’s Covid-19 taskforce shows.Indonesia reported 4,070 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, taking the total number of cases to 385,980, official data from the country’s Covid-19 taskforce shows.
It also reported 128 new deaths, taking the total to 13,205, and 4,119 people recovered from the virus on Saturday, bringing the total to 309,219.It also reported 128 new deaths, taking the total to 13,205, and 4,119 people recovered from the virus on Saturday, bringing the total to 309,219.
Wales’ firebreak lockdown should bring the R value - the number of people each coronavirus case infects - below one, health minister Vaughan Gething has said.Wales’ firebreak lockdown should bring the R value - the number of people each coronavirus case infects - below one, health minister Vaughan Gething has said.
Gething told BBC Breakfast the 17-day period would be followed by a set of national measures to control the spread of Covid-19.Gething told BBC Breakfast the 17-day period would be followed by a set of national measures to control the spread of Covid-19.
Asked about economists warning that the lockdown could cost the Welsh economy more than £500m, Mr Gething said: “It’s not just about the direct costs within the firebreak, when we know there will be a challenge and loss in economic activity.Asked about economists warning that the lockdown could cost the Welsh economy more than £500m, Mr Gething said: “It’s not just about the direct costs within the firebreak, when we know there will be a challenge and loss in economic activity.
“It’s about saving a much greater loss if we need to have longer, deeper, more sustained measures.”“It’s about saving a much greater loss if we need to have longer, deeper, more sustained measures.”
The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, has tested positive for coronavirus and is subject to quarantine but is feeling good, presidential minister Blazej Spychalski announced on Saturday.The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, has tested positive for coronavirus and is subject to quarantine but is feeling good, presidential minister Blazej Spychalski announced on Saturday.
“The president yesterday was tested for the presence of coronavirus. The result turned out to be positive. The president is fine. We are in constant contact with the relevant medical services,” Spychalski said on Twitter.“The president yesterday was tested for the presence of coronavirus. The result turned out to be positive. The president is fine. We are in constant contact with the relevant medical services,” Spychalski said on Twitter.
Duda’s infection comes as the country imposed new restrictions on Saturday to curb the spread of the illness. Poland faces a surge in the COVID-19 epidemic, with new infections hitting a daily record of 13,632 on Friday.Duda’s infection comes as the country imposed new restrictions on Saturday to curb the spread of the illness. Poland faces a surge in the COVID-19 epidemic, with new infections hitting a daily record of 13,632 on Friday.
Duda, 48, holds a mainly ceremonial role but has the power to veto legislation. He is an ally of the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party.Duda, 48, holds a mainly ceremonial role but has the power to veto legislation. He is an ally of the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Russia has reported 16,521 new coronavirus cases and 296 deaths in the past 24 hours, up from 17,340 new cases and 283 deaths the previous day.Russia has reported 16,521 new coronavirus cases and 296 deaths in the past 24 hours, up from 17,340 new cases and 283 deaths the previous day.
The Czech Republic reported 15,252 new cases for 23 October, the highest daily tally. Deaths rose by 126 to 1,971.The Czech Republic reported 15,252 new cases for 23 October, the highest daily tally. Deaths rose by 126 to 1,971.