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Coronavirus live: Trump not following science, says Fauci; UK targets vaccine for NHS staff 'by Christmas' Coronavirus live: Spain declares new national state of emergency amid rise in Covid cases
(32 minutes later)
Dr Anthony Fauci tempers expectation of vaccine breakthrough in 2020; France, Italy, Austria and Greece report record increases in cases Spanish government may impose curfews in new measures; Dr Anthony Fauci tempers expectation of vaccine breakthrough in 2020
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez will announce a new state of emergency on Sunday in an effort to curb a resurgence of the coronavirus, according to local media reports. Italy’s prime minister has now given his press conference (see earlier post) announcing new restrictive measures and warning that the country’s escalating coronavirus infection rate was already having a worrying impact on hospitals.
The state of emergency will give regions, which decide on their own health matters, the backing to impose stricter measures, including curfews. Giuseppe Conte’s government has ordered the closure of gyms and swimming pools, and while bars and restaurants can offer takeaway services they must stop in-house dining from 6pm. Cinemas and theatres will also close but museums will stay open.
There will be no ban on inter-regional travel, although people have been strongly advised not to leave their homes unless for work, health or education purposes. Up to 75% of high school teaching should be done online to limit the number of pupils in schools, according to the new decree.
“The latest epidemiological data cannot leave us indifferent,” Conte said. “The analysis indicates a rapid growth, with the stress on the national health system at worrying levels.”
Italy’s daily infection tally has increased five-fold since 8 October, rising by 19,644 on Saturday. There were 151 more fatalities on Saturday, bringing the total death toll to 37,210, the highest on mainland Europe.
Conte said the new measures were intended to avert the kind of tough lockdown the country experienced in the spring. “We need to do as much as possible to protect health and the economy … we know this is generating anger and inequality,” he said.
Still in Spain, Sánchez said that his government will use the state of emergency to impose an 11pm-6am nationwide curfew, except in the Canary Islands.
The prime minister says that Spain’s 19 regional leaders will have authority to set different hours for the curfew as long as they are stricter, close regional borders to travel and limit gatherings to six people who don’t live together.
“The reality is that Europe and Spain are immersed in a second wave of the pandemic,” Sánchez said after meeting with his Cabinet.
The leader added that he will seek the endorsement of the Parliament this week to extend the state of emergency for six months, until May.
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has declared a new nationwide state of emergency (see earlier post) in the hope of stemming a resurgence in coronavirus infections.
The Socialist leader told the nation in a televised address that the extraordinary measure will go into effect on Sunday, AP reported.
Sánchez had called a cabinet meeting to prepare the measure, a move that could impose curfews and other restrictions across the country.
The state of emergency gives the national government extraordinary powers, including the ability to temporarily restrict basic freedoms guaranteed in Spain’s constitution such as the right to free movement.
Spain this week became the first European country to surpass 1m officially recorded Covid-19 cases. But Sánchez admitted on Friday in a nationally televised address that the true figure could be more than 3m, due to gaps in testing and other factors.
The number of new coronavirus cases in the Netherlands has risen by more than 10,000 in 24 hours, according to newly-released official data.
The National Institute for Public Health reported 10,203 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The daily case count in the country has risen steeply since the beginning of September. This is the first time the figure has been above 10,000.
The Dutch government imposed partial lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus on Oct. 14, including the closure of all bars and restaurants in the country.
Here’s a clip of Anthony Fauci’s interview with Andrew Marr which we reported on earlier.Here’s a clip of Anthony Fauci’s interview with Andrew Marr which we reported on earlier.
Here’s a summary of the key developments of the last few hours.Here’s a summary of the key developments of the last few hours.
•The US’s top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci told the BBC that he expected news on whether a vaccine is safe and effective by December, but noted that a wide rollout was unlikely “until the second or third quarter of [next] year”. He also acknowledged that Donald Trump’s public statements on several key issues had not “followed the science”.•The US’s top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci told the BBC that he expected news on whether a vaccine is safe and effective by December, but noted that a wide rollout was unlikely “until the second or third quarter of [next] year”. He also acknowledged that Donald Trump’s public statements on several key issues had not “followed the science”.
•In Indonesia, the health ministry reported 3,732 new coronavirus infections, and 94 deaths, bringing the totals to 389,712 cases and 13,299 deaths - the highest totals in south-east Asia.•In Indonesia, the health ministry reported 3,732 new coronavirus infections, and 94 deaths, bringing the totals to 389,712 cases and 13,299 deaths - the highest totals in south-east Asia.
•In Hungary, there were 3,149 new cases of coronavirus reported on Sunday, the highest single-day tally and jumping above 3,000 for the first time.•In Hungary, there were 3,149 new cases of coronavirus reported on Sunday, the highest single-day tally and jumping above 3,000 for the first time.
•The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, called a cabinet meeting on Sunday to prepare a new state of emergency to stem surging coronavirus infections.•The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, called a cabinet meeting on Sunday to prepare a new state of emergency to stem surging coronavirus infections.
•In Italy, the government was reported to have agreed a raft of new measures to combat the spread of the virus, with prime minister Giuseppe Conte due to make a statement at 1:30pm local time.•In Italy, the government was reported to have agreed a raft of new measures to combat the spread of the virus, with prime minister Giuseppe Conte due to make a statement at 1:30pm local time.
•In Poland’s capital Warsaw, police detained 278 people on Saturday after thousands protested against new curbs aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus.•In Poland’s capital Warsaw, police detained 278 people on Saturday after thousands protested against new curbs aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus.
•In the UK, Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis has rejected calls for Dido Harding, who runs the government’s much-criticised test and trace programme, to resign. He also said the government was reviewing the length of the 14-day isolation period for travellers coming to the UK from abroad.•In the UK, Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis has rejected calls for Dido Harding, who runs the government’s much-criticised test and trace programme, to resign. He also said the government was reviewing the length of the 14-day isolation period for travellers coming to the UK from abroad.
A second firebreak lockdown could be required in Wales by January or February next year, Wales’ deputy minister for economy and transport has said.A second firebreak lockdown could be required in Wales by January or February next year, Wales’ deputy minister for economy and transport has said.
Lee Waters said the Welsh government was trying to “flatten the curve” of the second wave of Covid-19 but could not stop the virus from spreading entirely.Lee Waters said the Welsh government was trying to “flatten the curve” of the second wave of Covid-19 but could not stop the virus from spreading entirely.
Waters told BBC Wales’ Sunday Supplement: “This is not the last lockdown we’re likely to see. I think the projections in the papers we’ve published on our worst-case scenarios shows it’s likely we’re going to need to have another firebreak in January or February.Waters told BBC Wales’ Sunday Supplement: “This is not the last lockdown we’re likely to see. I think the projections in the papers we’ve published on our worst-case scenarios shows it’s likely we’re going to need to have another firebreak in January or February.
“It’s important that we can show that we are being rational, we’re being evidence-based and we are being transparent. We are trying our best to do that.”“It’s important that we can show that we are being rational, we’re being evidence-based and we are being transparent. We are trying our best to do that.”
Earlier, Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show that the Cardiff government will review the “understanding, clarity and policy” of a ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items.Earlier, Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show that the Cardiff government will review the “understanding, clarity and policy” of a ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items.
“We’re reviewing with supermarkets the understanding and the clarity and the policy because there’s been different application in different parts,” he said.“We’re reviewing with supermarkets the understanding and the clarity and the policy because there’s been different application in different parts,” he said.
Waters echoed those remarks, saying: “We’re going to sit down with the supermarkets to review how this has gone over the weekend.Waters echoed those remarks, saying: “We’re going to sit down with the supermarkets to review how this has gone over the weekend.
“We’re not reviewing the requirement for supermarkets not to sell non-essential, we’re going to review how it’s working in practice because clearly there are some bumps.”“We’re not reviewing the requirement for supermarkets not to sell non-essential, we’re going to review how it’s working in practice because clearly there are some bumps.”
The government in Italy has now agreed on measures (see 10:01am) to limit the spread of coronavirus, reports in Italy suggested.The government in Italy has now agreed on measures (see 10:01am) to limit the spread of coronavirus, reports in Italy suggested.
Prime minister Giuseppe Conte is due to make a statement at 1:30pm local time.Prime minister Giuseppe Conte is due to make a statement at 1:30pm local time.
Reuters said that measures agreed between Conte’s government and regional authorities ordered bars and restaurants to close by 6pm and shut public gyms, cinemas and swimming pools.Reuters said that measures agreed between Conte’s government and regional authorities ordered bars and restaurants to close by 6pm and shut public gyms, cinemas and swimming pools.
The decree encourages people not to go out and to limit contacts at home with anyone outside their immediate family, but does not impose a mandatory nationwide curfew or lockdown and allows shops and most businesses to remain open.The decree encourages people not to go out and to limit contacts at home with anyone outside their immediate family, but does not impose a mandatory nationwide curfew or lockdown and allows shops and most businesses to remain open.
However, service in bars and restaurants will be subject to a series of controls to limit contagion, and cinemas, theatres, gaming halls and discotheques will be closed.However, service in bars and restaurants will be subject to a series of controls to limit contagion, and cinemas, theatres, gaming halls and discotheques will be closed.
The decree also directs that up to three-quarters of high school teaching should be done online to limit the number of pupils in school buildings.The decree also directs that up to three-quarters of high school teaching should be done online to limit the number of pupils in school buildings.
Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected on Sunday a proposal by prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin for him to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he did not see the need.Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah rejected on Sunday a proposal by prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin for him to declare a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis, saying that he did not see the need.
Critics say Muhyiddin’s request for emergency rule, which would include suspending parliament, is an attempt by the premier to stay in power amid a leadership challenge.Critics say Muhyiddin’s request for emergency rule, which would include suspending parliament, is an attempt by the premier to stay in power amid a leadership challenge.
Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in virus infections and on Saturday saw its biggest daily jump in cases with 1,228 new cases, Reuters reported.Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in virus infections and on Saturday saw its biggest daily jump in cases with 1,228 new cases, Reuters reported.
The palace said Muhyiddin made the request for emergency rule to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, but that the government has been handling the crisis well.The palace said Muhyiddin made the request for emergency rule to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, but that the government has been handling the crisis well.
“Al-Sultan Abdullah is of the opinion that there is no need at the moment for His Majesty to declare an emergency in the country or in any part of the country of Malaysia,” the palace said in a statement.“Al-Sultan Abdullah is of the opinion that there is no need at the moment for His Majesty to declare an emergency in the country or in any part of the country of Malaysia,” the palace said in a statement.
“His Majesty is confident in the ability of the government under the leadership of the prime minister to continue to implement policies and enforcement efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.”“His Majesty is confident in the ability of the government under the leadership of the prime minister to continue to implement policies and enforcement efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The constitution gives the king the right to decide if an emergency should be declared, based on threats to security, economy or public order.The constitution gives the king the right to decide if an emergency should be declared, based on threats to security, economy or public order.
Muhyiddin has been in a precarious position since he took office in March with a two-seat majority. Uncertainties deepened after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said last month he had the parliamentary majority to form a new government.Muhyiddin has been in a precarious position since he took office in March with a two-seat majority. Uncertainties deepened after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said last month he had the parliamentary majority to form a new government.
In Poland’s capital Warsaw, police detained 278 people on Saturday after thousands protested against new curbs aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, a police spokesman said.In Poland’s capital Warsaw, police detained 278 people on Saturday after thousands protested against new curbs aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, a police spokesman said.
Police said demonstrators had attacked policemen, throwing stones, glass bottles and fire crackers during the demonstrations. Police used tear gas on several occasions during the protests in Warsaw in which people demanded that new restrictions be repealed.Police said demonstrators had attacked policemen, throwing stones, glass bottles and fire crackers during the demonstrations. Police used tear gas on several occasions during the protests in Warsaw in which people demanded that new restrictions be repealed.
“We have 278 detainees … We were dealing with a clear manifestation of aggression, these people came to fight us,” Warsaw police spokesman Sylwester Marczak told reporters on Sunday, according to Reuters.“We have 278 detainees … We were dealing with a clear manifestation of aggression, these people came to fight us,” Warsaw police spokesman Sylwester Marczak told reporters on Sunday, according to Reuters.
The demonstrations also broke a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which came into effect on Saturday as part of new measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.The demonstrations also broke a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which came into effect on Saturday as part of new measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Despite the ban on gatherings, Poland also separately continued to see demonstrations on Saturday against a ruling on Thursday by the Constitutional Tribunal that imposes a near-total ban on abortion in the Catholic country.Despite the ban on gatherings, Poland also separately continued to see demonstrations on Saturday against a ruling on Thursday by the Constitutional Tribunal that imposes a near-total ban on abortion in the Catholic country.
Poland is seeing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, with new infections on Friday hitting a daily record of 13,632.Poland is seeing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, with new infections on Friday hitting a daily record of 13,632.
New curbs imposed on Saturday include a two-week shutdown of restaurants and bars. Schools will remain open for children up to third grade, with older students moving to distance learning. Older people can leave their homes only in special cases.New curbs imposed on Saturday include a two-week shutdown of restaurants and bars. Schools will remain open for children up to third grade, with older students moving to distance learning. Older people can leave their homes only in special cases.
The health ministry reported 87 coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday, taking the total death toll from Covid-19 to 4,438. The country recorded 11,742 new cases on Sunday, with total infections approaching 253,700.The health ministry reported 87 coronavirus-related deaths on Sunday, taking the total death toll from Covid-19 to 4,438. The country recorded 11,742 new cases on Sunday, with total infections approaching 253,700.
France’s new Covid-19 contact-tracing app needs to be downloaded by at least 20% of the population to be effective but is far from reaching that level for now, the minister for digital affairs said on Sunday.France’s new Covid-19 contact-tracing app needs to be downloaded by at least 20% of the population to be effective but is far from reaching that level for now, the minister for digital affairs said on Sunday.
On 22 October, France relaunched its “StopCovid” tracing app and renamed it “Tous Anti-Covid” (all against Covid), which has since seen an additional 1.2m downloads for a total number of about 4m.On 22 October, France relaunched its “StopCovid” tracing app and renamed it “Tous Anti-Covid” (all against Covid), which has since seen an additional 1.2m downloads for a total number of about 4m.
“For the application to be efficient, about 20% of the population, or 15 to 20 million people, need to download it,” digital affairs minister Cedric O said on FranceInfo radio, according to Reuters.“For the application to be efficient, about 20% of the population, or 15 to 20 million people, need to download it,” digital affairs minister Cedric O said on FranceInfo radio, according to Reuters.
He said similar apps were working well in Britain, Germany and Canada but gave no examples of successful contact tracing in France with the app.He said similar apps were working well in Britain, Germany and Canada but gave no examples of successful contact tracing in France with the app.
Many in France have been reluctant to download the app over privacy concerns, despite the government’s reassurances that the data will not be used for any other purpose than stopping the pandemic.Many in France have been reluctant to download the app over privacy concerns, despite the government’s reassurances that the data will not be used for any other purpose than stopping the pandemic.
The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has called a cabinet meeting on Sunday to prepare a new state of emergency to stem surging coronavirus infections, a move that could impose curfews and other restrictions across the country.The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has called a cabinet meeting on Sunday to prepare a new state of emergency to stem surging coronavirus infections, a move that could impose curfews and other restrictions across the country.
AP reported that Sánchez’s government said on Saturday night that a majority of Spain’s regional leaders have agreed to a new state of emergency and the meeting on Sunday was to study its terms.AP reported that Sánchez’s government said on Saturday night that a majority of Spain’s regional leaders have agreed to a new state of emergency and the meeting on Sunday was to study its terms.
The state of emergency gives the national government extraordinary powers, including the ability to temporarily restrict basic freedoms guaranteed in Spain’s constitution such as the right to free movement.The state of emergency gives the national government extraordinary powers, including the ability to temporarily restrict basic freedoms guaranteed in Spain’s constitution such as the right to free movement.
Spain’s government has already declared two state of emergencies during the pandemic. Health minister Salvador Illa has said his agency and regional health officials are studying how to apply nightly curfewssimilar to the curfews already in place in France’s major cities.Spain’s government has already declared two state of emergencies during the pandemic. Health minister Salvador Illa has said his agency and regional health officials are studying how to apply nightly curfewssimilar to the curfews already in place in France’s major cities.
Spain this week became the first European country to surpass 1m officially recorded Covid-19 cases. But Sánchez admitted on Friday in a nationally televised address that the true figure could be more than 3m, due to gaps in testing and other factors.Spain this week became the first European country to surpass 1m officially recorded Covid-19 cases. But Sánchez admitted on Friday in a nationally televised address that the true figure could be more than 3m, due to gaps in testing and other factors.
Spain on Friday reported almost 20,000 new daily cases and a further 231 deaths, taking the country’s death toll in the pandemic to 34,752.Spain on Friday reported almost 20,000 new daily cases and a further 231 deaths, taking the country’s death toll in the pandemic to 34,752.
In Hungary, there were 3,149 new cases of coronavirus reported on Sunday, the highest single-day tally and jumping above 3,000 for the first time.
The total number of cases rose to 59,247 in the country of 10 million, with 35 new deaths taking the total to 1,425, Reuters reports.
Although coronavirus cases have been rising sharply since late August, Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban is seeking to avoid a repeat of the spring lockdown that sent the economy crashing by 13.6% in the second quarter.
Hungarian schools are operating as normal, and apart from closing borders to foreigners, the government has not imposed significant limitations on events.
Orban’s cabinet chief Gergely Gulyas said on Thursday that the government planned no new restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
In Italy, the government has been accused of “playing with fire” ahead of the announcement of new Covid-19 restrictions that will heavily penalise the hospitality industry.
Hospitality workers will protest outside parliament on Sunday as ministers debate measures that could include the closure of bars and restaurants from 6pm.
Prime minister Giuseppe Conte is expected to announce the restrictions, which might also include the closure of gyms and swimming pools, on Sunday afternoon. People will be “strongly advised” not to travel beyond their home towns unless strictly necessary, according to a draft of the decree.
The plan to close restaurants and bars from 6pm has been hotly contested by regional administrations.
“We ask that they close us down completely and give us the famous financial support that Conte keeps talking about,” said Paolo Bianchini, a restaurant owner in the Lazio town of Viterbo and spokesperson for MIO, the hospitality movement organising the protest.
“It’s useless staying open at all, and being left to have an agonising death – our companies are dying. There will be civil war as people no longer have money – [the government] is playing with fire.”
There were clashes between protesters and police in the southern city of Naples on Friday night after a curfew was imposed across the whole Campania region. Dozens of militants belonging to the extreme right group, Forza Nuova, also clashed with police on Saturday night in central Rome in response to a Lazio-wide curfew also in place since Friday.
Italy registered 19,644 new coronavirus infections and 151 more fatalities on Saturday. The virus is rapidly spreading in Lombardy, Campania and Lazio. There are 1,128 people currently in intensive care with Covid-19 across the country, more than double the figure of two weeks ago.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US, has given an interview to the BBC’s Andrew Marr. He tempers Donald Trump’s claims that there will be a vaccine by the end of the year, calling the statement correct but noting that a wide rollout will take “several months into 2021” and early use will focus on vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.
“We will know whether a vaccine is safe and effective by the end of November, the beginning of December,” Fauci said. “When you talk about vaccinating a substantial proportion of the population, so that you can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the outbreak, that very likely will not be until the second or third quarter of the year.”
He also says it’s “very important” for politicians and public figures to follow the science. “You can positively or negatively influence behaviour,” he says. “It would really be a shame if we have a safe and effective vaccine but a substantial portion of the people don’t want to take the vaccine because they don’t trust authority.”
He also says it’s “obvious” that the idea of injecting bleach, notoriously raised by Trump earlier this year, is not following the science. When asked whether Trump’s suggestion that he is now immune and could “come down and start kissing everybody” is following the science, he says “you know the answer to that, no it isn’t.”
He says that Trump is also not right that listening to scientists would lead to a massive depression, adding that he believes that “if we did things in a prudent way… you could follow the science and public health measures without shutting down the economy.” And he denies saying, as Trump recently suggested, that the virus “is going to go away soon”, explaining that remarks he made in January before person-to-person transmission began have been taken out of context.
When asked about Joe Biden’s claim that wearing masks could save 100,000 lives by January he says “I’m not sure about the number” but that it is true that wearing masks can save a lot of lives.
In Ireland, the Irish Independent reports that any move towards a third national lockdown would be heavily resisted by ministers with the government coalition.
The newspaper reports that “senior Fine Gael ministers have insisted everything must be done to avoid the need to impose the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions for a third time”. It quotes one minister as saying that Taoiseach Micheál Martin “needs to be careful with this rush for a third lockdown, the people might not buy it”.
You can read the full story here.
Here’s the latest edition of the Guardian’s tracker of coronavirus cases and deaths around the world. The US continues to have the highest number of total cases and deaths, and cases and deaths in the last fortnight.
In the UK, Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis has rejected calls for Dido Harding, who runs the government’s much-criticised test and trace programme, to resign. Speaking in response to an article by Tory MP Bernard Jenkin and an interview in which he said the programme should be led by “a very senior military person”, he says she has done a “very good job” and that the programme has “come on so much”. Another of Ridge’s interviewees, shadow mental health minister Rosena Allin-Khan, says that Harding’s position is “untenable”.
Lewis also says that reports that the government is looking at cutting the 14-day isolation period for travellers returning to the UK from abroad are accurate. But he says that “we’re not ready to make a final decision or announcement on that yet” and the decision will be “scientifically led”.
He denies an accompanying claim that business leaders will be exempt and says that any changes “will apply to everybody”.
In Indonesia, the health ministry has reported 3,732 new coronavirus infections, and 94 deaths. The total number of infections now stands at 389,712, with 13,299 – on both counts, the highest totals in south-east Asia.
The government of Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta said in a statement earlier on Sunday that it will extend mass social restriction measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus until 8 November.
Meanwhile, the Jakarta Post reported that more than 100 inmates at a prison on the island of Bali had tested positive. There have been 11,000 cases in total in Bali, which has seen its economy devastated by the sharp decline in tourism.
• This post was amended at 8.37am to correct the total infection count.
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 with 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 teargas 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.