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Coronavirus live: Spain declares new national state of emergency amid rise in Covid cases Coronavirus live: Spain declares new national state of emergency amid rise in Covid cases
(32 minutes later)
Spanish government may impose curfews in new measures; Dr Anthony Fauci tempers expectation of vaccine breakthrough in 2020Spanish government may impose curfews in new measures; Dr Anthony Fauci tempers expectation of vaccine breakthrough in 2020
In the UK, the Royal Mail has announced that around 33,000 temporary jobs will be available this year over the Christmas period - over 10,000 more than its usual seasonal average.
The postal service typically employs between 15,000 and 23,000 extra staff between October and January to help sort the additional Christmas volumes of parcels, cards and letters.
Royal Mail says that such a high number of workers is needed this year because of elevated parcel volumes due to an increase in online shopping caused by the coronavirus crisis.
The United States came close to setting a single-day record of coronavirus cases in the latest figures, having already done so 24 hours earlier.
Data published by Johns Hopkins University showed that 83,718 new cases were reported nationally on Saturday, nearly matching the 83,757 infections reported on Friday. Before that, the most cases reported in the US on a single day had been 77,362 on 16 July.
Read more on that story here:
In Italy, Conte also said that taking strict measures now would allow for a relaxation before Christmas. “We think that we will suffer a bit this month but by gritting our teeth with these restrictions, we’ll be able to breathe again in December,” he said.
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.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.
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.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.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.”“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.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.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.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 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 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.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.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.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.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.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.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 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 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 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. The Dutch government imposed partial lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus on 14 October, 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.