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Coronavirus live news: Germany 'could hit 20,000 new infections within days'; protests flare in Italy Coronavirus live news: Germany 'could hit 20,000 new infections within days'; protests flare in Italy
(about 1 hour later)
German minister warns about exponential rise in new cases; protests against Covid restrictions turn violent in Milan and TurinGerman minister warns about exponential rise in new cases; protests against Covid restrictions turn violent in Milan and Turin
Spain’s wine-producing region of La Rioja on Tuesday ordered the closure of restaurants and bars in its two largest towns for a month to try to curb the coronavirus contagion.
Reuters reports:
One of the world’s leading Covid-19 experimental vaccines produces an immune response in older adults as well as the young, its developers say, raising hopes of protection for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus that has caused social and economic chaos around the world.One of the world’s leading Covid-19 experimental vaccines produces an immune response in older adults as well as the young, its developers say, raising hopes of protection for those most vulnerable to the coronavirus that has caused social and economic chaos around the world.
Neither Oxford University nor its commercial partner AstraZeneca would release the data from the early trials showing the positive effects, which are being submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. But AstraZeneca confirmed the basic findings about the vaccine it calls AZD1222, which were shared at a closed academic meeting.Neither Oxford University nor its commercial partner AstraZeneca would release the data from the early trials showing the positive effects, which are being submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. But AstraZeneca confirmed the basic findings about the vaccine it calls AZD1222, which were shared at a closed academic meeting.
The phase 2 trials have shown that people over the age of 56 – and some over 70 – produced the same sort of antibody response as younger volunteers. Whether older people would be protected has always been a key question for the vaccines being developed. The body’s natural immune system and therefore its ability to fight any virus weakens with age, which is why the Covid death rate rises in older people.The phase 2 trials have shown that people over the age of 56 – and some over 70 – produced the same sort of antibody response as younger volunteers. Whether older people would be protected has always been a key question for the vaccines being developed. The body’s natural immune system and therefore its ability to fight any virus weakens with age, which is why the Covid death rate rises in older people.
The data also show that fewer side-effects – referred to by the scientists as “reactogenicity” – were reported in the older volunteers, which is encouraging, although it could mean that fewer of them reported issues such as a sore arm.The data also show that fewer side-effects – referred to by the scientists as “reactogenicity” – were reported in the older volunteers, which is encouraging, although it could mean that fewer of them reported issues such as a sore arm.
Structural racism led to the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK, a review by Dame Doreen Lawrence has concluded.Structural racism led to the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK, a review by Dame Doreen Lawrence has concluded.
The report, commissioned by Labour, contradicts the government’s adviser on ethnicity, Dr Raghib Ali, who last week dismissed claims that inequalities within government, health, employment and the education system help to explain why Covid-19 killed disproportionately more people from minority ethnic communities.The report, commissioned by Labour, contradicts the government’s adviser on ethnicity, Dr Raghib Ali, who last week dismissed claims that inequalities within government, health, employment and the education system help to explain why Covid-19 killed disproportionately more people from minority ethnic communities.
Lawrence’s review found BAME people are over-represented in public-facing industries where they cannot work from home, are more likely to live in overcrowded housing and have been put at risk by the government’s alleged failure to facilitate Covid-secure workplaces.Lawrence’s review found BAME people are over-represented in public-facing industries where they cannot work from home, are more likely to live in overcrowded housing and have been put at risk by the government’s alleged failure to facilitate Covid-secure workplaces.
She demanded that the government set out an urgent winter plan to tackle the disproportionate impact of Covid on BAME people and ensure comprehensive ethnicity data is collected across the NHS and social care.She demanded that the government set out an urgent winter plan to tackle the disproportionate impact of Covid on BAME people and ensure comprehensive ethnicity data is collected across the NHS and social care.
The Covid-19 death toll across the UK has passed 61,000.The Covid-19 death toll across the UK has passed 61,000.
The total number of deaths registered by the three statistical agencies across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland now stands at 59,927.The total number of deaths registered by the three statistical agencies across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland now stands at 59,927.
However, more up-to-date UK government figures show that 1,189 deaths have occurred within 28 days of a positive test since the figures were registered in each nation: 1,044 in England, 62 in Scotland, 47 in Wales and 36 in Northern Ireland.However, more up-to-date UK government figures show that 1,189 deaths have occurred within 28 days of a positive test since the figures were registered in each nation: 1,044 in England, 62 in Scotland, 47 in Wales and 36 in Northern Ireland.
This brings the number of deaths across the four nations of the UK to 61,116.This brings the number of deaths across the four nations of the UK to 61,116.
Euro zone banks are tightening access to corporate credit amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new data released on Tuesday. Eurozone banks are tightening access to corporate credit amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic, according to new data released on Tuesday.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The number of new coronavirus infections in Germany is likely to reach 20,000 a day by the end of the week, economy minister Peter Altmaier said on Tuesday, according to a report by Reuters.The number of new coronavirus infections in Germany is likely to reach 20,000 a day by the end of the week, economy minister Peter Altmaier said on Tuesday, according to a report by Reuters.
He told a virtual German-French economic conference in Berlin:He told a virtual German-French economic conference in Berlin:
According to Altmaier’s forecast, Germany is contending with a faster upswing in coronavirus cases than previously expected. At the end of September, chancellor Angela Merkel said there could be 19,200 cases per day by Christmas. According to Altmaier’s forecast, Germany is contending with a faster upswing in coronavirus cases than previously expected. At the end of September, chancellor Angela Merkel said there could be 19,200 cases a day by Christmas.
On Tuesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 11,409. That compares with 6,868 cases last Tuesday and with the record 14,714 reported on Saturday.On Tuesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 11,409. That compares with 6,868 cases last Tuesday and with the record 14,714 reported on Saturday.
Hello, I’m Aamna Mohdin and I’ll be taking over the liveblog for the rest of the day. If you want to get in touch, you can email me (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or reach me on Twitter (@aamnamohdin)Hello, I’m Aamna Mohdin and I’ll be taking over the liveblog for the rest of the day. If you want to get in touch, you can email me (aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com) or reach me on Twitter (@aamnamohdin)
Poland’s prime minister defended the tightening of the country’s abortion law and condemned massive nationwide protests led by women’s rights activists, saying they shouldn’t be happening amid heightened coronavirus restrictions and decrying “acts of aggression”.Poland’s prime minister defended the tightening of the country’s abortion law and condemned massive nationwide protests led by women’s rights activists, saying they shouldn’t be happening amid heightened coronavirus restrictions and decrying “acts of aggression”.
Prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki was reacting to five days of massive protests across Poland against a ruling on Thursday by the country’s top court that declared abortions due to foetal congenital defects unconstitutional.Prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki was reacting to five days of massive protests across Poland against a ruling on Thursday by the country’s top court that declared abortions due to foetal congenital defects unconstitutional.
On Monday, protesters led by women’s rights activists blocked traffic for hours in most cities and also gathered outside churches, chanting obscenities against Poland’s influential Catholicchurch leaders, who condemn abortions. They called for the women to have the right of choice.On Monday, protesters led by women’s rights activists blocked traffic for hours in most cities and also gathered outside churches, chanting obscenities against Poland’s influential Catholicchurch leaders, who condemn abortions. They called for the women to have the right of choice.
“In order to have the freedom of choice you first must be alive,” Morawiecki, whose conservative government backs tight restrictions, said in defending the court’s ruling.“In order to have the freedom of choice you first must be alive,” Morawiecki, whose conservative government backs tight restrictions, said in defending the court’s ruling.
Morawiecki added that “the situations that we are seeing in the streets and which amount to acts of aggression, vandalism, attacks, are absolutely inadmissible, should not be taking place at all”.”Morawiecki added that “the situations that we are seeing in the streets and which amount to acts of aggression, vandalism, attacks, are absolutely inadmissible, should not be taking place at all”.”
The prime minister urged everyone to observe restrictions that ban gatherings of more than five people in an effort to fight a sudden spike in coronavirus cases.The prime minister urged everyone to observe restrictions that ban gatherings of more than five people in an effort to fight a sudden spike in coronavirus cases.
The constitutional tribunal’s ruling tightened what was already one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws. When it takes effect, abortion will be permitted only when a pregnancy threatens the woman’s health or is the result of crime like rape or incest.The constitutional tribunal’s ruling tightened what was already one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws. When it takes effect, abortion will be permitted only when a pregnancy threatens the woman’s health or is the result of crime like rape or incest.
Further protests are planned for later this week.Further protests are planned for later this week.
The number of new coronavirus infections in Germany is likely to reach 20,000 a day at the end of this week, economy minister Peter Altmaier has said.The number of new coronavirus infections in Germany is likely to reach 20,000 a day at the end of this week, economy minister Peter Altmaier has said.
“We are dealing with exponential growth,” Altmaier told a German-French economic conference via video link in Berlin.“We are dealing with exponential growth,” Altmaier told a German-French economic conference via video link in Berlin.
“In Germany the number of new infections is rising by 70-75% compared to the week before.”“In Germany the number of new infections is rising by 70-75% compared to the week before.”
Altmaier’s forecast shows that Germany is contending with a faster upswing in coronavirus cases than previously expected. At the end of September, Chancellor Angela Merkel said there could be 19,200 cases per day by Christmas.Altmaier’s forecast shows that Germany is contending with a faster upswing in coronavirus cases than previously expected. At the end of September, Chancellor Angela Merkel said there could be 19,200 cases per day by Christmas.
On Tuesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 11,409.On Tuesday, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose by 11,409.
Merkel and leaders of Germany’s 16 states will meet on Wednesday to decide on additional restrictive measures to slow the second wave of the pandemic.Merkel and leaders of Germany’s 16 states will meet on Wednesday to decide on additional restrictive measures to slow the second wave of the pandemic.
Daily Bild reported the chancellor is planning a “lockdown-light” which would mainly focus on the closure of bars and restaurants to try to contain the spread of infections.Daily Bild reported the chancellor is planning a “lockdown-light” which would mainly focus on the closure of bars and restaurants to try to contain the spread of infections.
Altmaier said rising infections across Europe and corresponding curbs on daily life would make it harder for economic growth to rebound as quickly as previously hoped. But he did not expect supply chains to be disrupted like they were during the first wave of the virus in spring.Altmaier said rising infections across Europe and corresponding curbs on daily life would make it harder for economic growth to rebound as quickly as previously hoped. But he did not expect supply chains to be disrupted like they were during the first wave of the virus in spring.
The German government expects Europe’s largest economy to shrink by 5.5% this year, a source told Reuters on Monday, a slightly more optimistic forecast than its previous guidance for a 5.8% decline in gross domestic product.The German government expects Europe’s largest economy to shrink by 5.5% this year, a source told Reuters on Monday, a slightly more optimistic forecast than its previous guidance for a 5.8% decline in gross domestic product.
Here’s more on the situation in Russia.Here’s more on the situation in Russia.
Russia on Tuesday tightened anti-coronavirus restrictions including mask-wearing in public spaces after registering a record daily spike in virus deaths.Russia on Tuesday tightened anti-coronavirus restrictions including mask-wearing in public spaces after registering a record daily spike in virus deaths.
According to the country’s consumer safety regulator, face masks are to be worn in crowded areas, on public transport, in taxis and lifts from Wednesday.According to the country’s consumer safety regulator, face masks are to be worn in crowded areas, on public transport, in taxis and lifts from Wednesday.
Rospotrebnadzor also banned public events between 11pm and 6am, saying cafes and restaurants should be closed during this time.Rospotrebnadzor also banned public events between 11pm and 6am, saying cafes and restaurants should be closed during this time.
On Tuesday, health authorities reported a record 320 deaths from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours.On Tuesday, health authorities reported a record 320 deaths from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours.
Russia has the fourth-highest virus caseload in the world, with a total of 1,547,774 registered infections and 26,589 deaths.Russia has the fourth-highest virus caseload in the world, with a total of 1,547,774 registered infections and 26,589 deaths.
Moscow remains the epicentre of the outbreak and earlier this month residents over the age of 65 were asked to stay at home.Moscow remains the epicentre of the outbreak and earlier this month residents over the age of 65 were asked to stay at home.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Russia imposed one of the most severe nationwide lockdowns. on-essential businesses were shuttered and Moscow residents only permitted to move freely with official digital passes.At the beginning of the pandemic, Russia imposed one of the most severe nationwide lockdowns. on-essential businesses were shuttered and Moscow residents only permitted to move freely with official digital passes.
But most restrictions were lifted ahead of a large military parade in June and a nationwide vote on amendments that paved the way for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.But most restrictions were lifted ahead of a large military parade in June and a nationwide vote on amendments that paved the way for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.
Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borissov, who is being treated for coronavirus at home after testing positive, called on Bulgarians to observe anti-viral measures and keep safe as daily infections hit a record on Tuesday.Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borissov, who is being treated for coronavirus at home after testing positive, called on Bulgarians to observe anti-viral measures and keep safe as daily infections hit a record on Tuesday.
Borissov, 61, said in a posting on Facebook there was no change in his health and he was still feeling a general malaise but that did not prevent him from carrying out his duties as prime minister from home.Borissov, 61, said in a posting on Facebook there was no change in his health and he was still feeling a general malaise but that did not prevent him from carrying out his duties as prime minister from home.
“I am being treated like every Bulgarian who has to stay for home treatment. I am confident that our society, led by our doctors, who are some of the best in the world, will go through this ordeal. Follow the measures and keep safe!” he wrote.“I am being treated like every Bulgarian who has to stay for home treatment. I am confident that our society, led by our doctors, who are some of the best in the world, will go through this ordeal. Follow the measures and keep safe!” he wrote.
Borissov tested positive for the virus on Sunday.Borissov tested positive for the virus on Sunday.
Bulgaria reported 2,243 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, its highest daily tally. Some 40,143 Bulgarians have tested positive for the disease since March and 1,146 have died.Bulgaria reported 2,243 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, its highest daily tally. Some 40,143 Bulgarians have tested positive for the disease since March and 1,146 have died.
Health authorities have made the wearing of masks obligatory, both indoors and outdoors, and urged the country’s 7 million people to observe social distancing and maintain good hygiene. Some cities have closed nightclubs and bars.Health authorities have made the wearing of masks obligatory, both indoors and outdoors, and urged the country’s 7 million people to observe social distancing and maintain good hygiene. Some cities have closed nightclubs and bars.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong will reopen public beaches and increase the number of people allowed to sit together in bars and restaurants starting from Friday as the city continues to unwind strict Covid-19 rules put in place in July.Meanwhile, Hong Kong will reopen public beaches and increase the number of people allowed to sit together in bars and restaurants starting from Friday as the city continues to unwind strict Covid-19 rules put in place in July.
“The epidemic situation has continued to subside over the past two weeks,” said Sophia Chan, the Chinese special administrative region’s health secretary.“The epidemic situation has continued to subside over the past two weeks,” said Sophia Chan, the Chinese special administrative region’s health secretary.
She cautioned that residents needed to remain vigilant to fight the virus, as there are still unknown transmission chains in the community.She cautioned that residents needed to remain vigilant to fight the virus, as there are still unknown transmission chains in the community.
The relaxation of measures comes as the Asian financial hub has maintained single-digit or no new local cases in recent weeks. However, the city has continued to register imported cases.The relaxation of measures comes as the Asian financial hub has maintained single-digit or no new local cases in recent weeks. However, the city has continued to register imported cases.
“Globally, there is a worsening epidemic situation that may continue to pose some public health risk to Hong Kong,” she said.“Globally, there is a worsening epidemic situation that may continue to pose some public health risk to Hong Kong,” she said.
The government began to relax restrictions on dining, sports facilities and theme parks in September after a mass testing programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases.The government began to relax restrictions on dining, sports facilities and theme parks in September after a mass testing programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases.
The programme screened 1.8 million people – almost a quarter of Hong Kong’s population.The programme screened 1.8 million people – almost a quarter of Hong Kong’s population.
France should get ready for “difficult decisions” on new measures to tackle the resurgence of covid cases, the interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, has said ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the pandemic.France should get ready for “difficult decisions” on new measures to tackle the resurgence of covid cases, the interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, has said ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the pandemic.
French authorities are looking at options for still tighter measures to fight the disease, which has kept spreading despite some of the strictest restrictions in Europe, according to three sources familiar with the government’s thinking.French authorities are looking at options for still tighter measures to fight the disease, which has kept spreading despite some of the strictest restrictions in Europe, according to three sources familiar with the government’s thinking.
“We must expect difficult decisions,” Darmanin told France Inter radio.“We must expect difficult decisions,” Darmanin told France Inter radio.
France has already set a curfew in major cities, including Paris. Two industry sources in contact with the government said officials are now looking at measures including starting the curfew earlier, confining people to their homes at weekends except for essential trips, and closing non-essential shops.France has already set a curfew in major cities, including Paris. Two industry sources in contact with the government said officials are now looking at measures including starting the curfew earlier, confining people to their homes at weekends except for essential trips, and closing non-essential shops.
On Monday, France reported 26,771 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, while the death toll went up by 257, taking the cumulative total since the start of the epidemic to 35,018 deaths. The number of people in intensive care units rose by 186 to 2,770.On Monday, France reported 26,771 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, while the death toll went up by 257, taking the cumulative total since the start of the epidemic to 35,018 deaths. The number of people in intensive care units rose by 186 to 2,770.
Russia’s consumer health watchdog ordered bars and restaurants to close between 11pm and 6am local time to contain the coronavirus, RIA news agency reported.Russia’s consumer health watchdog ordered bars and restaurants to close between 11pm and 6am local time to contain the coronavirus, RIA news agency reported.