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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
Good morning from London, where I’m picking up from Helen Davidson. You can reach me on Twitter or email with any comments, tips or suggestions.
If you’re looking for some Sunday morning reading, you could start with Robin McKie’s report for the Observer on fears in the scientific community that the early adoption of an only moderately effective coronavirus vaccine could hinder attempts to find a better one:
Or take a look this piece, also by colleagues at the Observer, about the danger that a sense of arbitrary restrictions could contribute to ‘Covid fatigue’ in the UK:
I’ll be handing over to my colleagues in London shortly. Here is a quick round up of the most recent developments:
Malaysia recorded its highest ever daily total on Saturday, with 1,228 new cases in the preceding 24 hours.
An investigation is underway in the Chinese region of Xinjiang after an asymptomatic coronavirus case was identified in the city of Kashgar on Saturday, the health commission said. It is the first local case in the region since 15 August.
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.
US vice-president Mike Pence’s chief of staff has tested positive for the coronavirus. Pence and his wife tested negative, his office said.
More than 100 inmates have tested positive for Covid-19 at Indonesia’s Kerobokan prison, on the island of Bali.
In Australia, the Victoria Racing Club has announced there will be no spectators allowed at this year’s Melbourne Cup horse race.
Italy reported a new daily record of 19,644 new coronavirus infections on Saturday as police clashed with far-right protesters in Rome.
Algeria’s president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has entered self-isolation after several senior officials displayed coronavirus symptoms, the presidency has said in a statement.
Austria has reported a record daily rise in coronavirus cases, with 3,614 infections in the last 24 hours. It is a significant increase from the 2,571 announced on Friday.
Russia reported 16,710 new coronavirus cases and 229 deaths on Sunday, including 4,455 in Moscow, bringing the national tally to 1,513,877 cases since the pandemic began.
Brazil has registered 26,979 new cases and 432 additional coronavirus deaths over the last 24 hours.
Coronavirus cases have risen by the record figure of 862 in Luxembourg, while a further three deaths being reported.
The Metropolitan police have said they made 18 arrests at today’s anti-lockdown protest in central London.
Greece announced a record 935 new infections on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 29,992.
France reported 45,422 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, compared to 42,032 on Friday. The country has registered a total of 1,086,497 cases.
The number of coronavirus deaths in the Czech Republic has doubled to 2,047 in two weeks, data from the health ministry showed on Saturday.
Angolan protesters defied coronavirus restrictions in the capital of Luanda on Saturday, taking to the streets to demonstrate against the government. Police fired tear gas and beat up demonstrators, some of whom had set up barricades and set fires.
Russia reported 16,710 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, including 4,455 in Moscow, bringing the national tally to 1,513,877 cases since the pandemic began.Authorities said 229 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 26,050.
AP: Just weeks after India fully opened up from a harsh lockdown and began to modestly turn a corner by cutting new coronavirus infections by near half, a Hindu festival season is raising fears that a fresh surge could spoil the hard-won gains.AP: Just weeks after India fully opened up from a harsh lockdown and began to modestly turn a corner by cutting new coronavirus infections by near half, a Hindu festival season is raising fears that a fresh surge could spoil the hard-won gains.
Nearly 1 billion Indians will soon celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, and the country’s biggest. Socializing is key part of the most highly anticipated event of the year, with malls and markets buzzing with shoppers. It also traditionally brings in a massive increase in consumer spending across India.Nearly 1 billion Indians will soon celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, and the country’s biggest. Socializing is key part of the most highly anticipated event of the year, with malls and markets buzzing with shoppers. It also traditionally brings in a massive increase in consumer spending across India.
Even though the government is expecting the festival to help resuscitate the ailing economy, it is also worried about people packing together, foregoing social distancing and masks.Even though the government is expecting the festival to help resuscitate the ailing economy, it is also worried about people packing together, foregoing social distancing and masks.
Such concerns prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the nation in a televised speech earlier this week, warning people of “any laxity” during the festive season that “could strain India’s health system.”Such concerns prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the nation in a televised speech earlier this week, warning people of “any laxity” during the festive season that “could strain India’s health system.”
India is second to the United States with the largest coronavirus outbreak. Last month, the country hit a peak of nearly 100,000 cases in a single day, but since then daily infections have fallen by about half and deaths by about a third.India is second to the United States with the largest coronavirus outbreak. Last month, the country hit a peak of nearly 100,000 cases in a single day, but since then daily infections have fallen by about half and deaths by about a third.
Some experts say the decline in cases suggests the virus may have finally reached a plateau but others question the testing methods. India’s testing rate has remained constant but it is relying heavily on antigen tests, which are faster but less accurate than traditional RT-PCR tests.Some experts say the decline in cases suggests the virus may have finally reached a plateau but others question the testing methods. India’s testing rate has remained constant but it is relying heavily on antigen tests, which are faster but less accurate than traditional RT-PCR tests.
Even as the reasons behind the decline are not fully clear, India is still clocking more than 50,000 cases a day, making any new surge all the more important.These fears stem largely from India’s initial success story — until it wasn’t.Even as the reasons behind the decline are not fully clear, India is still clocking more than 50,000 cases a day, making any new surge all the more important.These fears stem largely from India’s initial success story — until it wasn’t.
In June, the southern coastal state of Kerala was cheered for flattening the curve, generating worldwide appreciation, even from the United Nations. But in a stunning reversal, it now fares as the second-worst state in active coronavirus cases in the country.In June, the southern coastal state of Kerala was cheered for flattening the curve, generating worldwide appreciation, even from the United Nations. But in a stunning reversal, it now fares as the second-worst state in active coronavirus cases in the country.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan blamed “gross negligence” during the 10-day Onam festival celebrations in late August for Kerala’s virus surge. Since then, reported infections there have jumped by five times, far outpacing the nationwide trend.Health Minister Harsh Vardhan blamed “gross negligence” during the 10-day Onam festival celebrations in late August for Kerala’s virus surge. Since then, reported infections there have jumped by five times, far outpacing the nationwide trend.
Kerala’s story has alarmed health experts who fear similar problems in the runup to Diwali that could reverse the gains.Kerala’s story has alarmed health experts who fear similar problems in the runup to Diwali that could reverse the gains.
“If we don’t avoid socializing during the upcoming festival season, I fear we will be back to where we started,” said Dr. T. Jacob John, a retired virologist. “There is a significant risk ahead of us.”“If we don’t avoid socializing during the upcoming festival season, I fear we will be back to where we started,” said Dr. T. Jacob John, a retired virologist. “There is a significant risk ahead of us.”
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.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.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.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.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.“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.”“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.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.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.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.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.“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.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.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.“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.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.