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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
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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
Nearly 200 airports across the UK and Europe are at risk of going bust within months due to the dramatic collapse in air travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the European airports trade body has warned.Nearly 200 airports across the UK and Europe are at risk of going bust within months due to the dramatic collapse in air travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the European airports trade body has warned.
Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), which represents airport operators, said it estimated that 193 out of Europe’s 740 commercial airports face “insolvency in the coming months if passenger traffic does not start to recover by the year-end”.Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), which represents airport operators, said it estimated that 193 out of Europe’s 740 commercial airports face “insolvency in the coming months if passenger traffic does not start to recover by the year-end”.
The trade body said the at-risk airports employed 277,000 people and generated collective annual revenues of €12.4bn (£11.2bn).The trade body said the at-risk airports employed 277,000 people and generated collective annual revenues of €12.4bn (£11.2bn).
Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI Europe, said the figures “paint a dramatically bleak picture” for the future of the aviation industry, which has already suffered tens of thousands of job losses.Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI Europe, said the figures “paint a dramatically bleak picture” for the future of the aviation industry, which has already suffered tens of thousands of job losses.
Nearly half a million people in the US have contracted Covid-19 in the last seven days, according to a Reuters tally, as cases and hospitalisations set fresh records in hot spots in the Midwest.Nearly half a million people in the US have contracted Covid-19 in the last seven days, according to a Reuters tally, as cases and hospitalisations set fresh records in hot spots in the Midwest.
More than 5,600 people died from the virus nationwide in the last week, with hospitalisations shooting up 13%, a Reuters analysis showed.More than 5,600 people died from the virus nationwide in the last week, with hospitalisations shooting up 13%, a Reuters analysis showed.
Illinois, which has emerged as a hot spot in recent weeks, reported over 31,000 new cases in the last seven days, more new infections than any other state except Texas.Illinois, which has emerged as a hot spot in recent weeks, reported over 31,000 new cases in the last seven days, more new infections than any other state except Texas.
Pennsylvania, a hotly contested battleground state in next week’s election, on Tuesday reported a fresh record in new daily coronavirus cases.Pennsylvania, a hotly contested battleground state in next week’s election, on Tuesday reported a fresh record in new daily coronavirus cases.
US president Donald Trump, facing a tough re-election battle on 3 November, lashed out again at reports that the coronavirus is surging, and reiterated his claim that the country is “rounding the turn” in its battle with the virus that has killed more than 226,000 people.US president Donald Trump, facing a tough re-election battle on 3 November, lashed out again at reports that the coronavirus is surging, and reiterated his claim that the country is “rounding the turn” in its battle with the virus that has killed more than 226,000 people.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump struck a defiant tone, saying once again his administration had done “a really good job in battling the pandemic”.Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump struck a defiant tone, saying once again his administration had done “a really good job in battling the pandemic”.
“We did the ventilators and now we’re doing all of the equipment and now we’re doing vaccines, we’re doing therapeutics. We’ve done a great job, and people are starting to see.”“We did the ventilators and now we’re doing all of the equipment and now we’re doing vaccines, we’re doing therapeutics. We’ve done a great job, and people are starting to see.”
To try and contain the surge, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker imposed fresh rounds of restrictions in six of 11 regions.To try and contain the surge, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker imposed fresh rounds of restrictions in six of 11 regions.
Indoor dining in bars and restaurants will be suspended by Wednesday and gatherings will be limited to 25 people. The affected areas include some Chicago suburbs.Indoor dining in bars and restaurants will be suspended by Wednesday and gatherings will be limited to 25 people. The affected areas include some Chicago suburbs.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has submitted applications to the World Health Organization for an Emergency Use Listing and prequalification of its coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V. Russia has applied to the World Health Organization for accelerated registration and pre-qualification of its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, the country’s sovereign wealth fund said.
Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a Covid-19 vaccine, and did so before large-scale trials were complete, stirring concerns among scientists and doctors about its safety and efficacy. Russia announced in August that it had registered the world’s first coronavirus vaccine, named after the Soviet-era satellite.
An Emergency Use Listing (EUL) is meant to make a vaccine available globally faster, while a WHO prequalification is a global quality tag that ensures vaccines are safe and effective. On Tuesday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which finances the vaccine, said that accelerated registration would make Sputnik V “available globally in a shorter time frame than usual procedures”.
The procedures would allow Sputnik V to be included in the list of medical products that meet leading quality, safety and efficacy standards, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in a statement. “The Russian Federation has become one of the first countries to apply to WHO for pre-qualification of its vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection,” RDIF said in a statement.
When contacted by news agency AFP, the WHO said such requests were “confidential”.
According to the Russian statement, “successful pre-qualification will enable Sputnik V to be included in the list of medicines used by international procurement agencies and countries to guide bulk purchasing of medicines”.
Some Western scientists have expressed concern over the Russian vaccine, warning that moving too quickly could be dangerous.
So far, the WHO said, it “has not yet pre-qualified a vaccine for Covid-19, nor published any emergency use listing”.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is predicting a “tough winter” as a second wave of Covid-19 infections engulfs much of the country, saying the pandemic “sucks” and calling it a horrific national tragedy.Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is predicting a “tough winter” as a second wave of Covid-19 infections engulfs much of the country, saying the pandemic “sucks” and calling it a horrific national tragedy.
Canada’s case numbers have been rising, triggering new restrictions to public gatherings and indoor activities in several provinces. On Monday, Canada recorded 4,109 new cases, and there have now been nearly 10,000 deaths.Canada’s case numbers have been rising, triggering new restrictions to public gatherings and indoor activities in several provinces. On Monday, Canada recorded 4,109 new cases, and there have now been nearly 10,000 deaths.
“This sucks. It really, really does,” Trudeau said at a news conference when asked about the fatigue Canadians now feel after living amid the pandemic for more than seven months.“This sucks. It really, really does,” Trudeau said at a news conference when asked about the fatigue Canadians now feel after living amid the pandemic for more than seven months.
The comments mark a rare show of emotion and frustration from Trudeau, who has regularly given nationally televised briefings to reassure Canadians that his Liberal government is managing the crisis as best it can.The comments mark a rare show of emotion and frustration from Trudeau, who has regularly given nationally televised briefings to reassure Canadians that his Liberal government is managing the crisis as best it can.
“What we are living through is a horrific national tragedy. Families have lost loved ones, been devastated by these tragedies, and we need to know that there are more tragedies to come,” Trudeau said.“What we are living through is a horrific national tragedy. Families have lost loved ones, been devastated by these tragedies, and we need to know that there are more tragedies to come,” Trudeau said.
Quebec, Canada’s second-most populous province, on Monday extended a shutdown of bars, gyms and restaurants in hotspots like Montreal, with new cases coming in at about 1,000 per day.Quebec, Canada’s second-most populous province, on Monday extended a shutdown of bars, gyms and restaurants in hotspots like Montreal, with new cases coming in at about 1,000 per day.
Alberta on Monday limited social gatherings to 15 people, and British Columbia also imposed more restrictions on the number of people who could meet at one time after a rise in new cases there over the weekend.Alberta on Monday limited social gatherings to 15 people, and British Columbia also imposed more restrictions on the number of people who could meet at one time after a rise in new cases there over the weekend.
“My six-year-old asked me a few weeks ago, ‘Dad, is Covid-19 forever?’,” the prime minister said, saying it was “frustrating” to tell him he could not go trick-or-treating this year. “This is really difficult.”“My six-year-old asked me a few weeks ago, ‘Dad, is Covid-19 forever?’,” the prime minister said, saying it was “frustrating” to tell him he could not go trick-or-treating this year. “This is really difficult.”
“It’s frustrating knowing that unless we’re really, really careful, there may not be the kinds of family gatherings we want to have at Christmas,” he added.“It’s frustrating knowing that unless we’re really, really careful, there may not be the kinds of family gatherings we want to have at Christmas,” he added.
But he did also say things will get better and that the federal government would be there to help out, while urging Canadians to do their part to limit the spread of the disease.But he did also say things will get better and that the federal government would be there to help out, while urging Canadians to do their part to limit the spread of the disease.
“It’s going to be a tough winter,” he said, but “spring and summer will come and they will be better”.“It’s going to be a tough winter,” he said, but “spring and summer will come and they will be better”.
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.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.The US state recorded 64 deaths due to the virus and 5,262 new cases over the last 24 hours.
The number of Covid-19 patients in French intensive care units could reach the same level as during the peak of the first wave in April in two weeks without new measures, a government spokesman said.The number of Covid-19 patients in French intensive care units could reach the same level as during the peak of the first wave in April in two weeks without new measures, a government spokesman said.
Gabriel Attal said these estimates were based on models by the Pasteur Institute. “We are seeing an exponential increase in the number of infections,” he told reporters after cabinet members met with party leaders and lawmakers.Gabriel Attal said these estimates were based on models by the Pasteur Institute. “We are seeing an exponential increase in the number of infections,” he told reporters after cabinet members met with party leaders and lawmakers.
The prime minister Jean Castex told lawmakers 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 Jean Castex told lawmakers 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.
“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 a meeting with the prime minister behind closed doors.“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 a meeting with the prime minister behind closed doors.
“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.“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.
The prime minister did not say what measures they planned to take in response, the participants said.The prime minister 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.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.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.