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Coronavirus live: global Covid cases reach new record for third day in a row, WHO reports Coronavirus live: global Covid cases reach new record for third day in a row, WHO reports
(32 minutes later)
Spain declares new national state of emergency; Dr Anthony Fauci tempers expectation of vaccine breakthrough in 2020Spain declares new national state of emergency; Dr Anthony Fauci tempers expectation of vaccine breakthrough in 2020
Earlier reports from Kashgar in the Chinese province of Xinjiang described flights being cancelled in and out of the region, with 15 new cases across the country and 405 asymptomatic patients under observation.
Now an official from Xinjiang health commission has said that 137 new asymptomatic cases have been detected in the region.
All of the new cases were linked to a garment factory. The parents of a 17-year-old girl who was found on Saturday to have the virus but showed no symptoms worked there, an official from Xinjiang health commission told a press briefing.
Kashgar launched a testing programme on Saturday night covering the region’s 4.75 million people. As of Sunday afternoon, more than 2.84 million people had been tested and the rest would be covered by Tuesday, the city government said in a statement.
Four towns in the Kashgar region were identified as “high-risk” areas, according to a statement from Kashgar city authority on Sunday night, and stringent controls such as travel restrictions are expected.
1,104 new cases of Covid-19 have been diagnosed in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 42,681.
Public Health Wales said five further deaths had been reported, with the total rising to 1,777.
The Welsh government has imposed a 17-day “firebreak” lockdown which started on Friday in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
Bulgaria’s prime minister Boiko Borisov has become the latest political figure to test positive for the new coronavirus.Bulgaria’s prime minister Boiko Borisov has become the latest political figure to test positive for the new coronavirus.
“After two PCR tests from today I am positive for Covid-19,” he said on his Facebook page, adding that he had mild symptoms and would quarantine at home.“After two PCR tests from today I am positive for Covid-19,” he said on his Facebook page, adding that he had mild symptoms and would quarantine at home.
Borisov, 61, self-isolated on Friday evening when a deputy minister of regional development he had been in contact with five days before tested positive for the virus.Borisov, 61, self-isolated on Friday evening when a deputy minister of regional development he had been in contact with five days before tested positive for the virus.
Bulgaria, a country of under seven million people, weathered the first wave of the coronavirus relatively well, but the number of cases and hospitalisations surged over the past weeks, reaching a total of over 37,500 cases and 1,084 deaths on Sunday.Bulgaria, a country of under seven million people, weathered the first wave of the coronavirus relatively well, but the number of cases and hospitalisations surged over the past weeks, reaching a total of over 37,500 cases and 1,084 deaths on Sunday.
On Thursday, the government made masks mandatory in crowded outdoor spaces, in addition to all inside public areas and transport in a bid to curb the number of infections that threaten to break the country’s severely understaffed medical system.On Thursday, the government made masks mandatory in crowded outdoor spaces, in addition to all inside public areas and transport in a bid to curb the number of infections that threaten to break the country’s severely understaffed medical system.
The World Health Organization’s coronavirus dashboard on Sunday showed a third consecutive daily record high in the number of new confirmed cases.The World Health Organization’s coronavirus dashboard on Sunday showed a third consecutive daily record high in the number of new confirmed cases.
AFP reports that the WHO’s complete figures for Saturday showed that 465,319 cases were confirmed to the UN health agency during the day, topping the 449,720 recorded on Friday and the 437,247 logged on Thursday.AFP reports that the WHO’s complete figures for Saturday showed that 465,319 cases were confirmed to the UN health agency during the day, topping the 449,720 recorded on Friday and the 437,247 logged on Thursday.
The WHO has warned that some countries are on a “dangerous track”, with too many witnessing an exponential increase in cases.The WHO has warned that some countries are on a “dangerous track”, with too many witnessing an exponential increase in cases.
According to the WHO’s figures, there have been more than 42.3 million confirmed cases of the respiratory disease, while nearly 1.15 million people have lost their lives, including 6,570 on Saturday.According to the WHO’s figures, there have been more than 42.3 million confirmed cases of the respiratory disease, while nearly 1.15 million people have lost their lives, including 6,570 on Saturday.
Nearly half of Saturday’s new cases were registered in the WHO’s Europe region, which logged a one-day record high of 221,898 cases.Nearly half of Saturday’s new cases were registered in the WHO’s Europe region, which logged a one-day record high of 221,898 cases.
In total, more than 9m cases have now been registered in the region.In total, more than 9m cases have now been registered in the region.
“We are at a critical juncture in this pandemic, particularly in the northern hemisphere,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday. “The next few months are going to be very tough and some countries are on a dangerous track.”“We are at a critical juncture in this pandemic, particularly in the northern hemisphere,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday. “The next few months are going to be very tough and some countries are on a dangerous track.”
Qatar has signed an agreement with drugmaker Moderna Inc to buy its potential COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is approved and released for global use, state news agency QNA reported on Sunday.Qatar has signed an agreement with drugmaker Moderna Inc to buy its potential COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is approved and released for global use, state news agency QNA reported on Sunday.
There are no internationally approved vaccines yet, but several are in advanced trials, including from Pfizer Inc , Johnson & Johnson and Moderna.There are no internationally approved vaccines yet, but several are in advanced trials, including from Pfizer Inc , Johnson & Johnson and Moderna.
“Negotiating early and securing a number of agreements enhances our chances of getting sufficient quantities of the vaccine early,” Reuters quoted Abdullatif al-Khal, chair of a national COVID-19 health group, as saying.“Negotiating early and securing a number of agreements enhances our chances of getting sufficient quantities of the vaccine early,” Reuters quoted Abdullatif al-Khal, chair of a national COVID-19 health group, as saying.
He did not say how many doses Doha was requesting. Earlier this month, al-Khal said Qatar signed an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech to supply Qatar with their vaccines.He did not say how many doses Doha was requesting. Earlier this month, al-Khal said Qatar signed an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech to supply Qatar with their vaccines.
Moderna said last month it was on track to produce 20 million doses of its vaccine by the end of the year, while maintaining its goal of readying 500 million to 1 billion doses in 2021.Moderna said last month it was on track to produce 20 million doses of its vaccine by the end of the year, while maintaining its goal of readying 500 million to 1 billion doses in 2021.
One of the more surprising headlines of the day comes from the Wall Street Journal in the United States: ‘Health Agency Halts Coronavirus Ad Campaign, Leaving Santa Claus in the Cold’. One of the more surprising headlines of the day comes from the Wall Street Journal in the United States: Health Agency Halts Coronavirus Ad Campaign, Leaving Santa Claus in the Cold.
The WSJ reports that the Trump administration offered Santa Claus performers a deal: if they agreed to promote a Covid-19 vaccine, they would get early access to it. The story says that performers playing Mrs Claus or elves would also have been included. But the plan has now been called off.The WSJ reports that the Trump administration offered Santa Claus performers a deal: if they agreed to promote a Covid-19 vaccine, they would get early access to it. The story says that performers playing Mrs Claus or elves would also have been included. But the plan has now been called off.
The article continues:The article continues:
You can read more of this belter at the Wall Street Journal (although it’s behind a paywall).You can read more of this belter at the Wall Street Journal (although it’s behind a paywall).
Hospitals in the Swiss city of Geneva on Sunday issued a call for medically trained volunteers and recently retired staff to help tackle a record number of Coronavirus patients anticipated in the coming days.Hospitals in the Swiss city of Geneva on Sunday issued a call for medically trained volunteers and recently retired staff to help tackle a record number of Coronavirus patients anticipated in the coming days.
AFP reported that Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) said the number of coronavirus patients was expected to be “far higher” than at the peak of the pandemic’s first wave in March.AFP reported that Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) said the number of coronavirus patients was expected to be “far higher” than at the peak of the pandemic’s first wave in March.
According to the latest figures released Friday by the Swiss health ministry, 5,057 new cases of the respiratory disease were registered in Geneva over the previous 14 days - an incidence of 1,012.5 per 100,000 people.According to the latest figures released Friday by the Swiss health ministry, 5,057 new cases of the respiratory disease were registered in Geneva over the previous 14 days - an incidence of 1,012.5 per 100,000 people.
Cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Switzerland have doubled from one week to the next throughout October.Cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Switzerland have doubled from one week to the next throughout October.
The government is expected to decide Wednesday on new measures to control the spread of the virus.The government is expected to decide Wednesday on new measures to control the spread of the virus.
“It is highly likely that the peak of 550 hospitalised Covid-positive patients that we recorded during the first wave will be greatly exceeded in the coming days,” said HUG director-general Bertrand Levrat.“It is highly likely that the peak of 550 hospitalised Covid-positive patients that we recorded during the first wave will be greatly exceeded in the coming days,” said HUG director-general Bertrand Levrat.
“We anticipate that the number of beds and professionals needed to treat Covid and non-Covid patients will be far higher than what we experienced this spring.”“We anticipate that the number of beds and professionals needed to treat Covid and non-Covid patients will be far higher than what we experienced this spring.”
•This post was corrected at 3:25pm to remove a reference to Geneva as Switzerland’s capital. •This post was corrected at 3:25pm. A previous version said that Geneva is Switzerland’s capital.
Still in the UK, NHS chiefs have denied claims that thousands of frail, elderly people were denied potentially life-saving care at the peak of the pandemic, Denis Campbell reports:Still in the UK, NHS chiefs have denied claims that thousands of frail, elderly people were denied potentially life-saving care at the peak of the pandemic, Denis Campbell reports:
You can read the story in full here:You can read the story in full here:
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.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.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.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.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.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: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.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.