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Coronavirus live news: France reports highest death toll since April; Italy deaths highest since mid-May Coronavirus live news: France reports highest death toll since April; Italy deaths highest since mid-May
(32 minutes later)
France deaths jump to 523; Italian death toll on Tuesday is 221; Germany could hit 20,000 daily cases soonFrance deaths jump to 523; Italian death toll on Tuesday is 221; Germany could hit 20,000 daily cases soon
Wisconsin has broken one-day state records in Covid-19 deaths and cases as state officials told residents to stay home, wear a mask, and implored them to cancel travel and social gatherings.
The US state recorded 64 deaths due to the virus and 5,262 new cases over the last 24 hours.
French hospitals’ intensive care units will be saturated with Covid-19 patients by 11 November if nothing is done to stop the epidemic in France, the prime minister told lawmakers in a meeting behind closed doors, according to participants.
“He told us that on 11 November, our hospitals will be at a saturation level equivalent to that of the first wave, so a level of extreme saturation,” lawmaker André Chassaigne told reporters after the meeting.
“So the situation is particularly serious. If we can’t flatten the curve, in the next 15 days, our hospitals won’t be able to treat patients,” he added.
Prime minister Jean Castex did not say what measures they planned to take in response, the participants said.
President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make a speech to the nation on Wednesday, at 1900 GMT, to address the health crisis. Sources told Reuters tighter restrictions would be announced.
France reported 523 new deaths from coronavirus over the past 24 hours on Tuesday, the highest daily toll since 22 April.
Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray, taking over the blog for the next few hours.Hi everyone, this is Jessica Murray, taking over the blog for the next few hours.
Please do get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to sharePlease do get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share
Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_Email: jessica.murray@theguardian.comTwitter: @journojess_
France reports 523 new deaths, the highest daily death toll since April. Reuters reports that Tuesday’s death toll data included hospital deaths, which are reported on a daily basis, and 235 retirement home deaths over the past four days. The country registered 1,194 new coronavirus patients in hospital and 148 people in the intensive care unit over the past 24 hours.France reports 523 new deaths, the highest daily death toll since April. Reuters reports that Tuesday’s death toll data included hospital deaths, which are reported on a daily basis, and 235 retirement home deaths over the past four days. The country registered 1,194 new coronavirus patients in hospital and 148 people in the intensive care unit over the past 24 hours.
Angela Merkel warns Germany’s health system could hit breaking point. The chancellor is bringing forward high-level talks to decide on new restrictions to break the second wave of the pandemic, daily newspaper Bild. Merkel told party colleagues that the number of new cases is doubling every seven to eight days, while the number of occupied intensive care beds is doubling every 10 days. 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 TuesdayAngela Merkel warns Germany’s health system could hit breaking point. The chancellor is bringing forward high-level talks to decide on new restrictions to break the second wave of the pandemic, daily newspaper Bild. Merkel told party colleagues that the number of new cases is doubling every seven to eight days, while the number of occupied intensive care beds is doubling every 10 days. 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
Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been hospitalised. Tebboune was previously self isolating due to contact with cases of COVID-19. A statement from the president’s office said he will continue to work from hospital.Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been hospitalised. Tebboune was previously self isolating due to contact with cases of COVID-19. A statement from the president’s office said he will continue to work from hospital.
Italy registers highest death toll since mid-May. Italy registered 221 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday – the highest daily toll since 15 May – and 21,944 new infections. The worst affected regions are Lombardy (where over 5,000 new cases were confirmed), Campania in the south and Piedmont.Italy registers highest death toll since mid-May. Italy registered 221 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday – the highest daily toll since 15 May – and 21,944 new infections. The worst affected regions are Lombardy (where over 5,000 new cases were confirmed), Campania in the south and Piedmont.
Sweden registered 1,870 new coronavirus, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The increase compares with a high of 1,698 daily cases recorded in late June. The country’s health agency has said the peak during the spring was probably much higher but not recorded due to lack of testing.Sweden registered 1,870 new coronavirus, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The increase compares with a high of 1,698 daily cases recorded in late June. The country’s health agency has said the peak during the spring was probably much higher but not recorded due to lack of testing.
Spain’s wine region La Rioja shuts restaurants, bars for a month. This was the latest move to try and contain the second wave of the pandemic in Spain, which has had a nationwide curfew in place since Sunday, while a growing number of regions have banned people from entering or exiting their territory.Spain’s wine region La Rioja shuts restaurants, bars for a month. This was the latest move to try and contain the second wave of the pandemic in Spain, which has had a nationwide curfew in place since Sunday, while a growing number of regions have banned people from entering or exiting their territory.
UK deaths involving Covid-19 pass 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. 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. This brings the number of deaths across the four nations of the UK to 61,116.UK deaths involving Covid-19 pass 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. 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. This brings the number of deaths across the four nations of the UK to 61,116.
France reported 523 new deaths from coronavirus over the past 24-hours, the highest daily toll since April 22, Reuters reports citing health ministry data.France reported 523 new deaths from coronavirus over the past 24-hours, the highest daily toll since April 22, Reuters reports citing health ministry data.
Reuters notes:Reuters notes:
France reports that 148 people have been taken to intensive care unit in the past 24 hours, a slight decrease from the 186 figure on Monday, Reuters reports.France reports that 148 people have been taken to intensive care unit in the past 24 hours, a slight decrease from the 186 figure on Monday, Reuters reports.
The country registered 1,194 new coronavirus patients in hospital in that same time period, from 1,307 on Monday.The country registered 1,194 new coronavirus patients in hospital in that same time period, from 1,307 on Monday.
Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany’s health system could hit breaking point if coronavirus infections continue to spiral, after bringing forward high-level talks to decide on new restrictions to break the second wave of the pandemic, Reuters reports, citing daily newspaper Bild.Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany’s health system could hit breaking point if coronavirus infections continue to spiral, after bringing forward high-level talks to decide on new restrictions to break the second wave of the pandemic, Reuters reports, citing daily newspaper Bild.
Bild reported that Merkel told party colleagues that the number of new cases is doubling every seven to eight days, while the number of occupied intensive care beds is doubling every 10 days.Bild reported that Merkel told party colleagues that the number of new cases is doubling every seven to eight days, while the number of occupied intensive care beds is doubling every 10 days.
The paper quotes Merkel as saying:The paper quotes Merkel as saying:
On Monday, Bild reported that Merkel was planning a “lockdown light” which would mainly focus on closing bars and restaurants as well as restrictions on public events.On Monday, Bild reported that Merkel was planning a “lockdown light” which would mainly focus on closing bars and restaurants as well as restrictions on public events.
US president Donald Trump acknowledged on Tuesday that a coronavirus economic relief deal would likely come after the Nov. 3 election.US president Donald Trump acknowledged on Tuesday that a coronavirus economic relief deal would likely come after the Nov. 3 election.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been hospitalised in the country’s capital Algiers days after stating he was self isolating due to contact with cases of COVID-19.Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been hospitalised in the country’s capital Algiers days after stating he was self isolating due to contact with cases of COVID-19.
The president’s office said in a statement:The president’s office said in a statement:
They added that the president will continue to work from hospital.They added that the president will continue to work from hospital.
Tebboune, elected in December 2019 after months of protests that toppled his ageing predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika, declared late last week that he was self isolating due to cases of COVID-19 “in the upper ranks,” of the Algerian government.Tebboune, elected in December 2019 after months of protests that toppled his ageing predecessor Abdelaziz Bouteflika, declared late last week that he was self isolating due to cases of COVID-19 “in the upper ranks,” of the Algerian government.
“In compliance with the advice of the medical staff, I went into voluntary quarantine,” he tweeted on Saturday.“I assure you, my brothers and sisters, that I am well and healthy and that I continue my work,” he said.“In compliance with the advice of the medical staff, I went into voluntary quarantine,” he tweeted on Saturday.“I assure you, my brothers and sisters, that I am well and healthy and that I continue my work,” he said.
Algeria has officially registered 56, 419 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, as well as 1,922 deaths.Algeria has officially registered 56, 419 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, as well as 1,922 deaths.
The pandemic put a temporary end to weekly Friday protests demanding a complete overhaul of Algeria’s leadership, including anger at Tebboune.The pandemic put a temporary end to weekly Friday protests demanding a complete overhaul of Algeria’s leadership, including anger at Tebboune.
Algerians are scheduled to go to the polls on November 1st to vote on a number of constitutional changes. The referendum has been criticised by supporters of the protest movement, who say the proposed changes are insufficient to curb the power of longtime ruling elites.Algerians are scheduled to go to the polls on November 1st to vote on a number of constitutional changes. The referendum has been criticised by supporters of the protest movement, who say the proposed changes are insufficient to curb the power of longtime ruling elites.
Italy registered 221 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday – the highest daily toll since 15 May – and 21,944 new infections.Italy registered 221 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday – the highest daily toll since 15 May – and 21,944 new infections.
The worst affected regions are Lombardy (where over 5,000 new cases were confirmed), Campania in the south and Piedmont.The worst affected regions are Lombardy (where over 5,000 new cases were confirmed), Campania in the south and Piedmont.
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 across the country increased by 958 to 13,955, of whom 1,411 are in intensive care.The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 across the country increased by 958 to 13,955, of whom 1,411 are in intensive care.
The government’s new restrictions, which include the 6pm closure of bars and restaurants, have been met with protests although Walter Ricciardi, the scientist advising the health ministry, warned the measures might not be enough to contain the virus.The government’s new restrictions, which include the 6pm closure of bars and restaurants, have been met with protests although Walter Ricciardi, the scientist advising the health ministry, warned the measures might not be enough to contain the virus.
He called for lockdowns in the cities of Milan and Naples, where he said it was possible to catch the virus by simply walking into a bar.He called for lockdowns in the cities of Milan and Naples, where he said it was possible to catch the virus by simply walking into a bar.
The Spanish government has it will reflect on the need for physical appearances after several leading politicians, including the health minister and the leader of the conservative People’s party, attended a newspaper awards ceremony a day after the declaration of a state of emergency and the imposition of a nationwide curfew.The Spanish government has it will reflect on the need for physical appearances after several leading politicians, including the health minister and the leader of the conservative People’s party, attended a newspaper awards ceremony a day after the declaration of a state of emergency and the imposition of a nationwide curfew.
The event, held by the online newspaper El Español in Madrid on Monday night, was also attended by the president of the Madrid region and the leader of the centre-right Citizens party.The event, held by the online newspaper El Español in Madrid on Monday night, was also attended by the president of the Madrid region and the leader of the centre-right Citizens party.
It came 24 hours after the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced a state of emergency and urged Spaniards to limit their movements, adding:It came 24 hours after the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced a state of emergency and urged Spaniards to limit their movements, adding:
In a statement, El Español said the venue had been at 33% capacity and that the 80 guests had been seated at 12 tables of six people and two of four people. It added that facemasks had been worn, physical distancing maintained, and that the event had ended an hour before the 12am-6am curfew in Madrid had begun.In a statement, El Español said the venue had been at 33% capacity and that the 80 guests had been seated at 12 tables of six people and two of four people. It added that facemasks had been worn, physical distancing maintained, and that the event had ended an hour before the 12am-6am curfew in Madrid had begun.
María Jesús Montero, the spokeswoman for Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government, also stressed that protocol had been followed but said more thought needed to be given to such events.María Jesús Montero, the spokeswoman for Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government, also stressed that protocol had been followed but said more thought needed to be given to such events.
She added:She added:
Some accused the guests of double standards, pointing out that the continuing spread of the virus couldn’t be blamed solely on irresponsible young people.Some accused the guests of double standards, pointing out that the continuing spread of the virus couldn’t be blamed solely on irresponsible young people.
Gabriel Rufián, an MP for the Catalan Republican Left party, tweeted pictures of the event with the caption: “Those kids and their drinking parties are just awful, eh?”Gabriel Rufián, an MP for the Catalan Republican Left party, tweeted pictures of the event with the caption: “Those kids and their drinking parties are just awful, eh?”
Only a share of the European Union population can be inoculated against the new coronavirus before 2022, should an effective vaccine be available, officials said in an internal meeting.Only a share of the European Union population can be inoculated against the new coronavirus before 2022, should an effective vaccine be available, officials said in an internal meeting.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov is self-isolating after coming into contact with a person infected with Covid-19, the RIA news agency reported on Tuesday, Reuters reports.Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov is self-isolating after coming into contact with a person infected with Covid-19, the RIA news agency reported on Tuesday, Reuters reports.
Lavrov’s previously planned visits and meetings are being postponed.Lavrov’s previously planned visits and meetings are being postponed.
Dr Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization, told BBC World at One that across the European region there is “an intense and alarming increase in cases and deaths with daily cases increasing by a third and unfortunately daily deaths, increasing by close to 40% compared with the previous week, particularly France, Spain, the United Kingdom”.Dr Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization, told BBC World at One that across the European region there is “an intense and alarming increase in cases and deaths with daily cases increasing by a third and unfortunately daily deaths, increasing by close to 40% compared with the previous week, particularly France, Spain, the United Kingdom”.
She is concerned that hospitals are now filling up with very ill people, despite better management of hospital capacity.She is concerned that hospitals are now filling up with very ill people, despite better management of hospital capacity.
The WHO doesn’t want to see a whole nation go into a lockdown that went before, she said, “though we do understand why in some ways, it’s easier for a government to do that. We don’t want to see the economy damaged because it damages health. But you also need to protect health in order to protect the economy”.The WHO doesn’t want to see a whole nation go into a lockdown that went before, she said, “though we do understand why in some ways, it’s easier for a government to do that. We don’t want to see the economy damaged because it damages health. But you also need to protect health in order to protect the economy”.
She said people who have to self-isolate need clearer guidance and the authorities need every day to check up on them.She said people who have to self-isolate need clearer guidance and the authorities need every day to check up on them.
Sweden registered 1,870 new coronavirus cases on 23 October, the highest since the start of the pandemic, Reuters reports.Sweden registered 1,870 new coronavirus cases on 23 October, the highest since the start of the pandemic, Reuters reports.
The increase compares with a high of 1,698 daily cases recorded in late June. The country’s health agency has said the peak during the spring was probably much higher but not recorded due to lack of testing.The increase compares with a high of 1,698 daily cases recorded in late June. The country’s health agency has said the peak during the spring was probably much higher but not recorded due to lack of testing.
Sweden’s official death toll decreased with 15 cases since Friday, taking the total to 5,918 deaths. Reuters notes that while no explanation was given for the decrease but the death count has previously been changed after the actual cause of death has been determined.Sweden’s official death toll decreased with 15 cases since Friday, taking the total to 5,918 deaths. Reuters notes that while no explanation was given for the decrease but the death count has previously been changed after the actual cause of death has been determined.
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.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: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.