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Coronavirus live: global Covid cases reach new record for third day in a row, WHO reports Coronavirus live: daily infections exceed 50,000 in France; global cases reach new record
(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
France registered 52,010 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, following a record 45,422 on Saturday, the health ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
It also said that 116 people had died from coronavirus infection over the past 24 hours, compared to from 137 on Saturday, taking the total confirmed death toll to 34,761.
The new cases brought the total to 1,138,507, putting France now ahead of Argentina and Spain to become the country with the world’s fifth highest number of cases, after the US, India, Brazil and Russia.
Turkish Airlines will be putting foreign national pilots on unpaid leave to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its finances, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.
Turkey’s national carrier informed some of its foreign crew staff by email that they are to go on leave from 1 November, and that the decision would be reviewed after six months.
It wasn’t immediately clear how many pilots will be affected, and whether Turkish nationals would escape the cost saving measure.
A spokesman for Turk Hava Yollari AO, as the airline is officially known, declined to comment.
The company reported a loss of 2.23bn liras ($280m) in the second quarter, with passenger numbers down by almost two thirds this year.
Israel will begin human trials for a potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by a research institute overseen by the Defence Ministry on 1 November after receiving regulatory approval.Israel will begin human trials for a potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by a research institute overseen by the Defence Ministry on 1 November after receiving regulatory approval.
The Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) began animal trials for its “BriLife” vaccine in March.The Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) began animal trials for its “BriLife” vaccine in March.
The health ministry and an oversight committee have now given the green light to take it to the next stage.The health ministry and an oversight committee have now given the green light to take it to the next stage.
Eighty volunteers aged between 18 and 55 will be monitored for three weeks to see if virus antibodies develop, the ministry said in a statement.Eighty volunteers aged between 18 and 55 will be monitored for three weeks to see if virus antibodies develop, the ministry said in a statement.
A second phase, expected to begin in December, will involve 960 people over the age of 18, Reuters reports.A second phase, expected to begin in December, will involve 960 people over the age of 18, Reuters reports.
Should those succeed, a third, large-scale phase with 30,000 volunteers is scheduled for April or May 2021.Should those succeed, a third, large-scale phase with 30,000 volunteers is scheduled for April or May 2021.
If successful, the vaccine may then be approved for mass use.If successful, the vaccine may then be approved for mass use.
The vaccine, the ministry said, has already tested well on a number of animal models and the IIBR has produced more than 25,000 doses for the first and second phases of the clinical trials.The vaccine, the ministry said, has already tested well on a number of animal models and the IIBR has produced more than 25,000 doses for the first and second phases of the clinical trials.
“Our final goal is 15 million rations for the residents of the State of Israel and for our close neighbours,” said IIBR director Shmuel Shapira.“Our final goal is 15 million rations for the residents of the State of Israel and for our close neighbours,” said IIBR director Shmuel Shapira.
There are no internationally approved vaccines yet, but several are in advanced trials, including from Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna.There are no internationally approved vaccines yet, but several are in advanced trials, including from Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna.
Israel, with a population of 9 million, has begun easing a second nationwide coronavirus lockdown after a steady decline in the rate of daily infections.Israel, with a population of 9 million, has begun easing a second nationwide coronavirus lockdown after a steady decline in the rate of daily infections.
The country saw 692 new cases on Saturday - down from a peak of more than 9,000 several weeks ago.The country saw 692 new cases on Saturday - down from a peak of more than 9,000 several weeks ago.
It has reported 2,372 deaths from the pandemic.It has reported 2,372 deaths from the pandemic.
The US saw its highest ever number of new coronavirus cases in the past two days, keeping the pandemic a top election issue as Vice president Mike Pence travels the country to campaign despite close aides testing positive.The US saw its highest ever number of new coronavirus cases in the past two days, keeping the pandemic a top election issue as Vice president Mike Pence travels the country to campaign despite close aides testing positive.
The US reported 79,852 new infections on Saturday, close to the previous day’s record of 84,244 new cases, as we reported earlier.The US reported 79,852 new infections on Saturday, close to the previous day’s record of 84,244 new cases, as we reported earlier.
Hospitalisations are also rising and have hit a two-month high and deaths are trending upwards, according to a Reuters tally.Hospitalisations are also rising and have hit a two-month high and deaths are trending upwards, according to a Reuters tally.
So far in October, 29 states have set records for increases in new cases, including five considered key in the 3 November presidential election: Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.So far in October, 29 states have set records for increases in new cases, including five considered key in the 3 November presidential election: Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Hospitals are strained in several states including North Dakota, which is the hardest hit based on recent new cases per capita, according to Reuters.Hospitals are strained in several states including North Dakota, which is the hardest hit based on recent new cases per capita, according to Reuters.
The city of El Paso in Texas is asking residents to stay at home for the next two weeks and the wider El Paso County closed its parks and recreational facilities for 14 days.The city of El Paso in Texas is asking residents to stay at home for the next two weeks and the wider El Paso County closed its parks and recreational facilities for 14 days.
Over the last three weeks, the number of hospitalised Covid-19 patients in the El Paso area has tripled to a record 786, according to state data.Over the last three weeks, the number of hospitalised Covid-19 patients in the El Paso area has tripled to a record 786, according to state data.
“If we continue on this trend, we risk detrimental effects to our entire healthcare system,” the city’s public health director, Angela Mora, said in a statement.“If we continue on this trend, we risk detrimental effects to our entire healthcare system,” the city’s public health director, Angela Mora, said in a statement.
“For the sake of those hospitalised and the frontline healthcare workers working tirelessly each day to care for them, we ask you to please stay home for two weeks and eliminate your interactions with those outside your household until we can flatten the curve.”“For the sake of those hospitalised and the frontline healthcare workers working tirelessly each day to care for them, we ask you to please stay home for two weeks and eliminate your interactions with those outside your household until we can flatten the curve.”
The Czech government will almost certainly have to tighten its anti-coronavirus measures again as current curbs have not halted a surge in infections, prime minister Andrej Babis said on Sunday.The Czech government will almost certainly have to tighten its anti-coronavirus measures again as current curbs have not halted a surge in infections, prime minister Andrej Babis said on Sunday.
Cases are up across Europe, but the Czech Republic has recorded the sharpest rises in infections on the continent in recent weeks, Reuters reports.Cases are up across Europe, but the Czech Republic has recorded the sharpest rises in infections on the continent in recent weeks, Reuters reports.
The government on Wednesday ordered most shops and services to close and sought to limit movement to essential trips only.The government on Wednesday ordered most shops and services to close and sought to limit movement to essential trips only.
“The measures which we have taken, aren’t working yet,” Babis said in a video message on his Facebook page.“The measures which we have taken, aren’t working yet,” Babis said in a video message on his Facebook page.
“The next week will be the key one, and unless a miracle happens, we won’t have any other choice than to tighten our measures further,” he said.“The next week will be the key one, and unless a miracle happens, we won’t have any other choice than to tighten our measures further,” he said.
Babis said that he wanted Christmas to be celebrated as normal, but that he could not promise anything for now.Babis said that he wanted Christmas to be celebrated as normal, but that he could not promise anything for now.
“I don’t know what will happen with the virus. I don’t know,” he said.“I don’t know what will happen with the virus. I don’t know,” he said.
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths doubled to more than 2,000 over the last two weeks.The total number of coronavirus-related deaths doubled to more than 2,000 over the last two weeks.
The Philippines’ coronavirus tally surpassed 370,000 on Sunday with 2,223 new confirmed infections, while the death toll edged nearer to the 7,000-mark.The Philippines’ coronavirus tally surpassed 370,000 on Sunday with 2,223 new confirmed infections, while the death toll edged nearer to the 7,000-mark.
The department of health said confirmed cases now stand at 370,028 in total, of which 35,015 or nine percent are active cases.The department of health said confirmed cases now stand at 370,028 in total, of which 35,015 or nine percent are active cases.
Of these currently ill patients, 82 percent experience mild symptoms, 11.3 percent have no symptoms, 2.4 percent are severe cases, while 4.2 percent are in critical condition, the latest report detailed. Of these currently ill patients, 82% experience mild symptoms, 11.3% have no symptoms, 2.4% are severe cases, while 4.2% are in critical condition, the latest report detailed.
The department clarified, however, that 16 laboratories were not able to submit their case reports on time and were not yet included in the latest count.The department clarified, however, that 16 laboratories were not able to submit their case reports on time and were not yet included in the latest count.
The Philippines is now joining countries such as the United States, the UK, France, Saudi Arabia and Finland in starting to train specialist sniffer dogs to identify Covid-19 carriers, CNN Philippines reports.The Philippines is now joining countries such as the United States, the UK, France, Saudi Arabia and Finland in starting to train specialist sniffer dogs to identify Covid-19 carriers, CNN Philippines reports.
“Based on the study from other countries, the accuracy rate of Covid-19 detection dogs is 95 to 97 percent,” said Ryia Tabares, a representative of Universal K-9 Training and Services Inc, the company working to replicate the same efforts in the country. “Based on the study from other countries, the accuracy rate of Covid-19 detection dogs is 95 to 97%,” said Ryia Tabares, a representative of Universal K-9 Training and Services Inc, the company working to replicate the same efforts in the country.
His colleage Gerry Tabares said the company is currently training at least 12 dogs to detect the virus by sniffing.His colleage Gerry Tabares said the company is currently training at least 12 dogs to detect the virus by sniffing.
Gerry said while such a task isn’t limited to certain kinds of dogs, their students are of the Belgian Malinois, Labrador, and German Shepherd breeds.Gerry said while such a task isn’t limited to certain kinds of dogs, their students are of the Belgian Malinois, Labrador, and German Shepherd breeds.
“Those are the current breeds that we are training right now. So far, we are successful,” Gerry said.“Those are the current breeds that we are training right now. So far, we are successful,” Gerry said.
“As you can see in the demonstration, they can really detect the face masks of Covid-19 infected patients.”“As you can see in the demonstration, they can really detect the face masks of Covid-19 infected patients.”
The UK recorded 19,790 new coronavirus infections and 151 deaths on Sunday, official data showed.The UK recorded 19,790 new coronavirus infections and 151 deaths on Sunday, official data showed.
New cases dipped from Saturday’s 23,012, and the number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test was also down slightly from 174 the previous day.New cases dipped from Saturday’s 23,012, and the number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test was also down slightly from 174 the previous day.
The Welsh government will review the “understanding, clarity and policy” of a ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items during the firebreak lockdown.The Welsh government will review the “understanding, clarity and policy” of a ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items during the firebreak lockdown.
Health minister Vaughan Gething told The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the restriction, which has seen aisles cordoned off and plastic sheeting placed over products, had been applied differently in stores across Wales.Health minister Vaughan Gething told The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the restriction, which has seen aisles cordoned off and plastic sheeting placed over products, had been applied differently in stores across Wales.
Guidance previously published by the Welsh government said certain sections of supermarkets selling electrical goods, clothes, toys and games, garden products and dedicated sections for homewares, among others products, must be “cordoned off or emptied, and closed to the public” during the lockdown.Guidance previously published by the Welsh government said certain sections of supermarkets selling electrical goods, clothes, toys and games, garden products and dedicated sections for homewares, among others products, must be “cordoned off or emptied, and closed to the public” during the lockdown.
More than 50,000 people have signed a petition submitted to the Welsh Parliament calling for the ban to be immediately reversed. Supermarkets have been told they must only sell essential items to discourage people from spending more time than necessary in shops and be fair to retailers selling non-essential items only who had to shut shop.More than 50,000 people have signed a petition submitted to the Welsh Parliament calling for the ban to be immediately reversed. Supermarkets have been told they must only sell essential items to discourage people from spending more time than necessary in shops and be fair to retailers selling non-essential items only who had to shut shop.
The ban on selling non-essential items was announced in the Senedd on Thursday after Conservative MS Russell George said it was “unfair” to force independent clothing and hardware retailers to shut while similar goods were on sale in major supermarkets.The ban on selling non-essential items was announced in the Senedd on Thursday after Conservative MS Russell George said it was “unfair” to force independent clothing and hardware retailers to shut while similar goods were on sale in major supermarkets.
Gething told the BBC the Welsh government had worked with supermarkets on the ban and discussed which items were affected by it.Gething told the BBC the Welsh government had worked with supermarkets on the ban and discussed which items were affected by it.
“It’s also about reducing the opportunity for contacts. That’s what we’re really trying to do – we’re asking people to stay at home to stay lives, that really is right back where we are,” he said.“It’s also about reducing the opportunity for contacts. That’s what we’re really trying to do – we’re asking people to stay at home to stay lives, that really is right back where we are,” he said.
The Welsh Retail Consortium called for the ban to be “dropped quickly” and warned it could result in the “safe flow of customers” being undermined due to changes in store layouts, the PA reports.The Welsh Retail Consortium called for the ban to be “dropped quickly” and warned it could result in the “safe flow of customers” being undermined due to changes in store layouts, the PA reports.
Italy reported a new daily record of 21,273 coronavirus cases with 128 deaths, health ministry figures showed on Sunday, up from the 19,644 new infections reported on Saturday.Italy reported a new daily record of 21,273 coronavirus cases with 128 deaths, health ministry figures showed on Sunday, up from the 19,644 new infections reported on Saturday.
Earlier, prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced a package of new restrictions to combat the pandemic. Earlier, the Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, announced a package of new restrictions to combat the pandemic.
Hello everyone, I’ll be bringing you the latest key developments in all things Covid-19 for the next few hours. As ever, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have relevant updates or comments to share, either via Twitter @JedySays or via email.Hello everyone, I’ll be bringing you the latest key developments in all things Covid-19 for the next few hours. As ever, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have relevant updates or comments to share, either via Twitter @JedySays or via email.
I won’t always be able to respond, but I read everything.I won’t always be able to respond, but I read everything.
That’s it from me this Sunday - my colleague Jedidajah Otte will take over shortly. Here’s a summary of events so far today:That’s it from me this Sunday - my colleague Jedidajah Otte will take over shortly. Here’s a summary of events so far today:
•The World Health Organization’s coronavirus dashboard showed a third consecutive daily record high in the number of new confirmed 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.•The World Health Organization’s coronavirus dashboard showed a third consecutive daily record high in the number of new confirmed 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.
•An official from China’s Xinjiang health commission said that 137 new asymptomatic cases have been detected in the region. All of the new cases were linked to a garment factory.•An official from China’s Xinjiang health commission said that 137 new asymptomatic cases have been detected in the region. All of the new cases were linked to a garment factory.
•The United States saw 83,718 new cases reported nationally on Saturday, nearly matching the reord 83,757 infections reported on Friday.•The United States saw 83,718 new cases reported nationally on Saturday, nearly matching the reord 83,757 infections reported on Friday.
•The prime minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte announced a raft of new restrictions and warned that the country’s escalating coronavirus infection rate was already having a worrying impact on hospitals.•The prime minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte announced a raft of new restrictions and warned that the country’s escalating coronavirus infection rate was already having a worrying impact on hospitals.
•Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has declared a new nationwide state of emergency in the hope of stemming a resurgence in coronavirus infections. He said: “The reality is that Europe and Spain are immersed in a second wave of the pandemic.”•Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has declared a new nationwide state of emergency in the hope of stemming a resurgence in coronavirus infections. He said: “The reality is that Europe and Spain are immersed in a second wave of the pandemic.”
•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 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 Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas in the United States said it was “extremely disappointed” after the Trump administration pulled out of a deal offering the Christmas legends early access to a Covid-19 vaccine in exchange for promoting it.•The Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas in the United States said it was “extremely disappointed” after the Trump administration pulled out of a deal offering the Christmas legends early access to a Covid-19 vaccine in exchange for promoting it.
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.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.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.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.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.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 42,681.1,104 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.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.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 7 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 7 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.