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Coronavirus live news: UK targets vaccine for NHS staff 'by Christmas'; Melbourne delays easing of restrictions Coronavirus live news: UK targets vaccine for NHS staff 'by Christmas'; Melbourne delays easing of restrictions
(32 minutes later)
France, Italy, Austria and Greece report record increases in Covid-19 cases; Melbourne cluster grows. Follow the latest updates liveFrance, Italy, Austria and Greece report record increases in Covid-19 cases; Melbourne cluster grows. Follow the latest updates live
More than 1,000 test results have come back from the northern suburbs of Melbourne, finding no new cases of the virus. It’s significant because the area is the site of a current outbreak which prompted premier Dan Andrews to delay announcing reopening dates for the city’s retail and hospitality sector.
About 3,500 people in the northern suburbs got a Covid-19 test on Saturday, including 250 identified as close contacts of two schools at the centre of the outbreak: the East Preston Islamic College and Croxton specialist school in Northcote.
Those 250 are understood to be included in the 1,135 tests returned today.
1400 tests conducted taken today are in the labs and testing will proceed throughout the evening, the health department said.
“This testing enables us to get a very clear picture of how many cases there are and ensure there is a plan in place for everyone who tests positive along with the close contacts,” said Jeroen Weimar, the state’s head of testing and community engagement.
“There will at times no doubt be delays as more people come forward, but we are so appreciative of everyone making the effort, particularly during these colder spring days.”
Tasmania will on Monday reopen to much of mainland Australia, with the island state’s government insisting it is well prepared to handle any coronavirus cases.
The state was the first Australian jurisdiction to close its borders in March and hasn’t recorded a case in more than 70 days.
It will open to low-risk regions Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT, plus New Zealand. It remains closed to Victoria and is slated to open to NSW on 2 November, with a firm call on that date to be made this week.
All arrivals at airports and sea ports will be health screened and anyone with virus symptoms will be tested and ordered into quarantine until their result is known.
“While it’s exiting to be able to see restrictions ease and life getting to a Covid-normal, we also need to remember there is always a risk of coronavirus in our community,” health minister Sarah Courtney said.
She said “extensive work” had been put into the state’s contact tracing systems and aged care preparedness.
Ms Courtney said social distancing and personal hygiene were critical in the weeks ahead.
“It’s important that we continue this vigilance so our healthcare workers remain safe and we have capacity in our hospitals,” she said.
Tasmania has more than 200 ventilators and is planning to acquire another 100.
A rush for results could lead to inferior Covid vaccines, scientists have said.A rush for results could lead to inferior Covid vaccines, scientists have said.
Scientists have warned that early adoption of a Covid vaccine with only moderate effectiveness could disrupt efforts to test and create improved versions. Immunising against the disease is not going to be a simple business of turning off the virus once the first vaccine appears, they say. In fact, there could be considerable confusion as researchers struggle to pinpoint the best versions for different vulnerable groups, such as the elderly.Scientists have warned that early adoption of a Covid vaccine with only moderate effectiveness could disrupt efforts to test and create improved versions. Immunising against the disease is not going to be a simple business of turning off the virus once the first vaccine appears, they say. In fact, there could be considerable confusion as researchers struggle to pinpoint the best versions for different vulnerable groups, such as the elderly.
“The vaccines coming through fastest are the most experimental. It is possible they won’t be all that great and that others – created using more tried-and-tested but slower methods – might be better,” said Professor Adam Finn of Bristol University. “But to prove that point will become very difficult if lots of individuals have already been given the first vaccine. It will need vast numbers of people to demonstrate which is best or if a different vaccine is more suitable for particular groups, like the elderly.”“The vaccines coming through fastest are the most experimental. It is possible they won’t be all that great and that others – created using more tried-and-tested but slower methods – might be better,” said Professor Adam Finn of Bristol University. “But to prove that point will become very difficult if lots of individuals have already been given the first vaccine. It will need vast numbers of people to demonstrate which is best or if a different vaccine is more suitable for particular groups, like the elderly.”
Read more here:Read more here:
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 11,176 to 429,181, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Sunday.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 11,176 to 429,181, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Sunday.
The reported death toll rose by 29 to 10,032, the tally showed.The reported death toll rose by 29 to 10,032, the tally showed.
In Australia, the Victoria Racing Club has announced there will be no spectators allowed at this year’s Melbourne Cup “in light of the ongoing situation around government restrictions”.In Australia, the Victoria Racing Club has announced there will be no spectators allowed at this year’s Melbourne Cup “in light of the ongoing situation around government restrictions”.
“While we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to Cup Week, we understand the government’s commitment to keeping our community safe. We also recognise the need for certainty and clarity for our patrons, being only six days out from Derby Day,” said VRC chair Amanda Elliott.“While we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to Cup Week, we understand the government’s commitment to keeping our community safe. We also recognise the need for certainty and clarity for our patrons, being only six days out from Derby Day,” said VRC chair Amanda Elliott.
“We are still in discussions regarding the potential return to the track for a small number of owners, as is currently permitted in regional Victoria,” Mrs Elliott said.“We are still in discussions regarding the potential return to the track for a small number of owners, as is currently permitted in regional Victoria,” Mrs Elliott said.
“We will play our part in supporting Victoria’s emergence from this pandemic as Melbourne moves closer to a normal environment over summer.”“We will play our part in supporting Victoria’s emergence from this pandemic as Melbourne moves closer to a normal environment over summer.”
The VRC will run an interactive Cup website for people still wanting to enjoy the festivities of Australia’s famous race day.The VRC will run an interactive Cup website for people still wanting to enjoy the festivities of Australia’s famous race day.
The testing of entire cities whenever there is a new outbreak in China is overkill, the country’s chief epidemiologist has said.The testing of entire cities whenever there is a new outbreak in China is overkill, the country’s chief epidemiologist has said.
About 11 million people were recently tested in just five days in Qingdao, after 12 new cases were linked to a hospital. But the testing regime found no new cases, and Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist with China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, told China Newsweek the transmission would have been confined to the hospital.About 11 million people were recently tested in just five days in Qingdao, after 12 new cases were linked to a hospital. But the testing regime found no new cases, and Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist with China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, told China Newsweek the transmission would have been confined to the hospital.
“Qingdao has the determination to [test everyone], but it’s overkill,” Wu said.“Qingdao has the determination to [test everyone], but it’s overkill,” Wu said.
Mainland China has avoided seeing more massive outbreaks since it got control of the original Wuhan epidemic, even as new clusters have emerged in cities and provinces as populous as Beijing, Qingdao, and Jilin. As well as swift lockdowns, strict contact tracing, and travel restrictions, authorities in each case also embarked on ambitious drives to test every single resident.Mainland China has avoided seeing more massive outbreaks since it got control of the original Wuhan epidemic, even as new clusters have emerged in cities and provinces as populous as Beijing, Qingdao, and Jilin. As well as swift lockdowns, strict contact tracing, and travel restrictions, authorities in each case also embarked on ambitious drives to test every single resident.
Wu said while citywide testing may be reassuring to officials and residents, “the social cost was too big and unnecessary”.Wu said while citywide testing may be reassuring to officials and residents, “the social cost was too big and unnecessary”.
A harrowing report from CNN on the rise of child trafficking in India during the pandemic.A harrowing report from CNN on the rise of child trafficking in India during the pandemic.
See the full report here.See the full report here.
Still in Australia, the country’s prime minister, treasurer and health minister have again criticised the Labor government in Victoria for the continuation of lockdown measures in Victoria.Still in Australia, the country’s prime minister, treasurer and health minister have again criticised the Labor government in Victoria for the continuation of lockdown measures in Victoria.
In a joint statement they said the decision to keep some businesses closed was a “profound disappointment”, and called on the Victorian government to utilise mirror tracing and restriction measures used by the neighbouring state of New South Wales.In a joint statement they said the decision to keep some businesses closed was a “profound disappointment”, and called on the Victorian government to utilise mirror tracing and restriction measures used by the neighbouring state of New South Wales.
The Australian state of Western Australia has reported three new cases recorded on Saturday.The Australian state of Western Australia has reported three new cases recorded on Saturday.
The one male and two females all aged in their 20s had all returned to Perth from overseas.The one male and two females all aged in their 20s had all returned to Perth from overseas.
WA is monitoring 57 active cases remaining from its total of 760.WA is monitoring 57 active cases remaining from its total of 760.
Brazil has registered 432 additional coronavirus deaths over the last 24 hours and 26,979 new cases, the health ministry said on Saturday. The South American nation has now registered 156,903 total coronavirus deaths and 4,817,898 total confirmed cases.Brazil has registered 432 additional coronavirus deaths over the last 24 hours and 26,979 new cases, the health ministry said on Saturday. The South American nation has now registered 156,903 total coronavirus deaths and 4,817,898 total confirmed cases.
The diagnosis of Pence’s chief of staff has been confirmed by their office.The diagnosis of Pence’s chief of staff has been confirmed by their office.
“Vice-president Pence and Mrs Pence both tested negative for Covid-19 today, and remain in good health,” said Devin O’Malley, a Pence spokesman, on Saturday, adding that Donald Trump’s running mate would maintain his schedule “in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel”.“Vice-president Pence and Mrs Pence both tested negative for Covid-19 today, and remain in good health,” said Devin O’Malley, a Pence spokesman, on Saturday, adding that Donald Trump’s running mate would maintain his schedule “in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel”.
Full report here.Full report here.
Mike Pence’s chief of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus, Bloomberg is reporting. The diagnosis of Marc Short, the closest advisor to the US vice president, follows that of another senior staffer Marty Obst earlier on Saturday.Mike Pence’s chief of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus, Bloomberg is reporting. The diagnosis of Marc Short, the closest advisor to the US vice president, follows that of another senior staffer Marty Obst earlier on Saturday.
Pence delivered a campaign speech in Florida on Saturday evening. Bloomberg reported he was aware of Obst’s positive test result prior to departing, and that Obst was not seen on the plane with him.Pence delivered a campaign speech in Florida on Saturday evening. Bloomberg reported he was aware of Obst’s positive test result prior to departing, and that Obst was not seen on the plane with him.
Despite being a close contact of Short, Pence is not quarantining and is maintaining he schedule as an “essential employee”.Despite being a close contact of Short, Pence is not quarantining and is maintaining he schedule as an “essential employee”.
More than 100 inmates have tested positive for covid-19 at Indonesia’s Kerobokan prison, on the island of Bali.More than 100 inmates have tested positive for covid-19 at Indonesia’s Kerobokan prison, on the island of Bali.
The Jakarta Post reports today on a growing cluster inside the notorious prison, detected after complaints of symptoms by some inmates prompted mass testing earlier this week.The Jakarta Post reports today on a growing cluster inside the notorious prison, detected after complaints of symptoms by some inmates prompted mass testing earlier this week.
Of 106 positive test results so far, 84 are men, the Post reported. They have been moved to an isolated block of the prison, it said.Of 106 positive test results so far, 84 are men, the Post reported. They have been moved to an isolated block of the prison, it said.
“[The number of confirmed cases] might still be increasing because we are still waiting for more test results,” said I Putu Surya Dharma, spokesman for the law and human rights ministry’s Bali office.“[The number of confirmed cases] might still be increasing because we are still waiting for more test results,” said I Putu Surya Dharma, spokesman for the law and human rights ministry’s Bali office.
The prison is under lockdown and receiving no visitors or new prisoners.The prison is under lockdown and receiving no visitors or new prisoners.
Bali has recorded more than 11,000 cases of Covid-19 during the pandemic, which has also devastated the island’s economy which depends almost entirely on tourism.Bali has recorded more than 11,000 cases of Covid-19 during the pandemic, which has also devastated the island’s economy which depends almost entirely on tourism.
Indonesia has recorded more than 380,000 cases.Indonesia has recorded more than 380,000 cases.
Here is our full report on the latest from Victoria, Australia, where the country’s largest outbreak and which sparked one of the world’s strictest lockdowns, is being brought under control. From Calla Wahlquist:Here is our full report on the latest from Victoria, Australia, where the country’s largest outbreak and which sparked one of the world’s strictest lockdowns, is being brought under control. From Calla Wahlquist:
Read more:Read more:
From the wire services in Europe: Italy saw a second night of street protests against curfews as it reported another daily record on Saturday.From the wire services in Europe: Italy saw a second night of street protests against curfews as it reported another daily record on Saturday.
After clashes in the southern city of Naples on Friday night, police again faced off against dozens of masked protestors in the centre of Rome after the far-right Forza Nuova group called for a protest against the curfews.After clashes in the southern city of Naples on Friday night, police again faced off against dozens of masked protestors in the centre of Rome after the far-right Forza Nuova group called for a protest against the curfews.
Some 200 masked militants belonging to the neo-fascist group hurled projectiles at police and set rubbish bins alight in the second night of street protests.Some 200 masked militants belonging to the neo-fascist group hurled projectiles at police and set rubbish bins alight in the second night of street protests.
Police arrested seven protesters and reported two officers injured, according to the Repubblica daily.Police arrested seven protesters and reported two officers injured, according to the Repubblica daily.
The government is planning further restrictions to contain a resurgence of the pandemic, and prime minister Giuseppe Conte has said he wants to avoid a repeat of the blanket lockdown earlier in the year. But a number of regions - including Campania, the area around Naples, Lazio around Rome, and Lombardy - have imposed overnight curfews.The government is planning further restrictions to contain a resurgence of the pandemic, and prime minister Giuseppe Conte has said he wants to avoid a repeat of the blanket lockdown earlier in the year. But a number of regions - including Campania, the area around Naples, Lazio around Rome, and Lombardy - have imposed overnight curfews.
The northern region of Piedmont and Sicily in the south will follow next week and other regions are expected to match them. The central government is expected to announce more measures soon.The northern region of Piedmont and Sicily in the south will follow next week and other regions are expected to match them. The central government is expected to announce more measures soon.
Earlier, health ministry data showed 19,644 new Covid cases and 151 dead as the disease surged in areas like Lombardy, Milan, Campania and Lazio.Earlier, health ministry data showed 19,644 new Covid cases and 151 dead as the disease surged in areas like Lombardy, Milan, Campania and Lazio.
Conte pledged to speed up help for businesses suffering in the crisis but said the weeks ahead would be very difficult. “We cannot lower our guard,” he added.Conte pledged to speed up help for businesses suffering in the crisis but said the weeks ahead would be very difficult. “We cannot lower our guard,” he added.
According to a draft decree circulated on Saturday, public gyms and swimming pools may be closed and bars and restaurants told to shut from 6 p.m., while people will be encouraged not to travel outside their home districts.According to a draft decree circulated on Saturday, public gyms and swimming pools may be closed and bars and restaurants told to shut from 6 p.m., while people will be encouraged not to travel outside their home districts.
Like many authorities across Europe, the Italian government is desperate not to close down the economy completely but is facing growing public anger at renewed restrictions being imposed to limit public gatherings.Like many authorities across Europe, the Italian government is desperate not to close down the economy completely but is facing growing public anger at renewed restrictions being imposed to limit public gatherings.
With public health services coming under strain, authorities have reopened temporary intensive care facilities built during the first phase.With public health services coming under strain, authorities have reopened temporary intensive care facilities built during the first phase.
Despite this, Italy’s top public health body warned on Friday services were approaching crisis point.Despite this, Italy’s top public health body warned on Friday services were approaching crisis point.
Mainland China reported 15 new cases on Saturday, all imported from other countries. There are 405 asymptomatic patients currently under observation, including a teenage girl in Kashgar.Mainland China reported 15 new cases on Saturday, all imported from other countries. There are 405 asymptomatic patients currently under observation, including a teenage girl in Kashgar.
The city has imposed travel restrictions while health authorities test the population. The South China Morning Post cited an unnamed official, saying residents are allowed to leave the city if they have a negative test result.The city has imposed travel restrictions while health authorities test the population. The South China Morning Post cited an unnamed official, saying residents are allowed to leave the city if they have a negative test result.
Overnight there was a bit of confusion among Kashgar residents and visitors, as flights in and out of the Xinjiang region city were suddenly cancelled, and police authorities posted and then deleted a social media message reminding people to wear masks.Overnight there was a bit of confusion among Kashgar residents and visitors, as flights in and out of the Xinjiang region city were suddenly cancelled, and police authorities posted and then deleted a social media message reminding people to wear masks.
“Everyone wear your masks properly and pay attention to personal safety. Don’t believe or spread rumours to avoid unnecessary panic. All is subject to official notification,” the Weibo post said. Videos shared online also appeared to show traffic banking up at checkpoints.“Everyone wear your masks properly and pay attention to personal safety. Don’t believe or spread rumours to avoid unnecessary panic. All is subject to official notification,” the Weibo post said. Videos shared online also appeared to show traffic banking up at checkpoints.
Xinjiang health authorities announced on Saturday night that an asymptomatic case had been found during a routine screening in Shufu county, and the patient - a 17-year-old woman - had been transferred to hospital.Xinjiang health authorities announced on Saturday night that an asymptomatic case had been found during a routine screening in Shufu county, and the patient - a 17-year-old woman - had been transferred to hospital.
The case would be the first inside Xinjiang since mid-August, when an outbreak sparked a “wartime state” of lockdown in the capital Urumqi.The case would be the first inside Xinjiang since mid-August, when an outbreak sparked a “wartime state” of lockdown in the capital Urumqi.
Mexico’s health ministry reported on Saturday 6,025 additional cases of the novel coronavirus and 431 more deaths in the country, bringing the official number of cases to 886,800 and the death toll to 88,743.Mexico’s health ministry reported on Saturday 6,025 additional cases of the novel coronavirus and 431 more deaths in the country, bringing the official number of cases to 886,800 and the death toll to 88,743.
Health officials have said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.Health officials have said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.
Malaysia recorded its highest ever daily total on Saturday, with 1,228 new cases in the preceding 24 hours, surpassing last Sunday’s record of 871 cases. The country has recorded at least 700 daily cases for eight consecutive days.Malaysia recorded its highest ever daily total on Saturday, with 1,228 new cases in the preceding 24 hours, surpassing last Sunday’s record of 871 cases. The country has recorded at least 700 daily cases for eight consecutive days.
The health ministry said more than 72% of the new cases were in the state of Sabah, the centre of the current spike in cases. Much of the blame for the current surge has been focused on the East Malaysian state, after people spent two weeks campaigning for an upcoming election before returning to other parts of the country, the Straits Times reported. At around the same time there were outbreaks in Sabah’s detention centres for illegal migrants.The health ministry said more than 72% of the new cases were in the state of Sabah, the centre of the current spike in cases. Much of the blame for the current surge has been focused on the East Malaysian state, after people spent two weeks campaigning for an upcoming election before returning to other parts of the country, the Straits Times reported. At around the same time there were outbreaks in Sabah’s detention centres for illegal migrants.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is preparing to provide vaccinations for frontline staff to start before Christmas, the Mail on Sunday has reported.The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is preparing to provide vaccinations for frontline staff to start before Christmas, the Mail on Sunday has reported.
Citing an email from a NHS Trust chief to his staff, the report said a national vaccination program rollout was being accelerated, with healthcare workers prioritised.Citing an email from a NHS Trust chief to his staff, the report said a national vaccination program rollout was being accelerated, with healthcare workers prioritised.
Writing to staff earlier this month, the head of a hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire said they and other NHS organisations nationally had been told “to be prepared to start a Covid-19 vaccine program in early December”.Writing to staff earlier this month, the head of a hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire said they and other NHS organisations nationally had been told “to be prepared to start a Covid-19 vaccine program in early December”.
“The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff priorities prior to Christmas,” the email said, adding that the vaccine was expected to be given in two doses 28 days apart.“The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff priorities prior to Christmas,” the email said, adding that the vaccine was expected to be given in two doses 28 days apart.
The Mail also reported the UK government has pushed through new laws allowing the UK to bypass European medicines approvals and fast track production if a vaccine is ready before the end of December.The Mail also reported the UK government has pushed through new laws allowing the UK to bypass European medicines approvals and fast track production if a vaccine is ready before the end of December.