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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
(about 1 hour 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
A groundbreaking study using high-resolution satellite imagery to analyse graveyards has found that deaths have nearly doubled in Aden, the centre of Yemen’s coronavirus outbreak.
The discovery has given a sense of the true scale of the havoc the pandemic has wreaked on the vulnerable country.
The research, not yet peer-reviewed but released on Wednesday, was done by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the geospatial analysis specialists Satellite Applications Catapult.
The researchers used satellite pictures, official data sources and interviews with researchers in Aden city to quantify burial activity across all the identifiable cemeteries within the Aden governorate.
The team found that between April and September 2020 there were about 2,100 excess deaths in the area, against an expected baseline of about 1,300 deaths.
The findings represent the first significant quantitative data on Yemen’s Covid-19 outbreak, and should assist pandemic response planning and other vital humanitarian interventions. A similar project by the same team is under way in Somalia.
The lead author, Emilie Koum Besson, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:
Yemen, which the UN says has experienced the world’s worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition fighting to restore Yemen’s government broke out five years ago, has been particularly susceptible to the coronavirus pandemic.
Australia’s coronavirus hotspot of Victoria state reported two new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday after posting no infections in the previous two days, as state capital Melbourne emerged from more than three months of a hard lockdown.
Restaurants and cafes in Melbourne - home to 5 million people - can reopen from Wednesday and limits on social gatherings at homes have been eased, allowing two adults and dependents from one house to visit another household.
Melbourne, the Australian city most affected by the virus, was put into lockdown in early July after a second-wave outbreak that pushed daily case numbers to more than 700 in early August.
Australia has recorded just over 27,500 Covid-19 infections, far fewer than many other developed countries.
Victoria, the second most populous state, has accounted for more than 90% of the country’s 907 deaths. It reported two deaths in the past 24 hours.
Here’s a quick recap of the latest coronavirus developments over the last few hours.
French ICU units to hit record saturation in two weeks without new measures. 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.
Nearly 200 airports in UK and Europe could go bust due to collapse in air travel. Airports Council International 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”.
Canada’s Justin Trudeau predicts ‘tough winter’ and says pandemic ‘sucks’. As a second wave of Covid-19 infections engulfs much of the country, Trudeau called the pandemic a horrific national tragedy in a rare show of emotion and frustration from the prime minister.
US coronavirus cases surge in midwest as Trump heads there in campaign push. Trump travelled to a rally in Michigan and planned to go on to events in Wisconsin and Nebraska the same day, on a pre-election blitz across three states where cases are rising most steeply.
Obama ridicules Trump over Covid media coverage complaints at Florida rally. He mocked the president for his complaints about the media closely covering the national coronavirus crisis, saying “He is jealous of Covid’s media coverage.”
Barack Obama ridiculed Donald Trump at a Florida rally for the president’s complaints about the media closely covering the national coronavirus crisis.Barack Obama ridiculed Donald Trump at a Florida rally for the president’s complaints about the media closely covering the national coronavirus crisis.
The 44th president has recently abandoned traditional decorum where a former president refrains from publicly criticising his successor, lambasting the 45th president in recent speeches for his response to the coronavirus pandemic, in particular.The 44th president has recently abandoned traditional decorum where a former president refrains from publicly criticising his successor, lambasting the 45th president in recent speeches for his response to the coronavirus pandemic, in particular.
At a drive-in rally in Orlando to boost support for his former vice-president and now Democratic nominee for the White House, Joe Biden, Obama took a tone combining mockery of Trump with indignation.At a drive-in rally in Orlando to boost support for his former vice-president and now Democratic nominee for the White House, Joe Biden, Obama took a tone combining mockery of Trump with indignation.
He spoke of record numbers dying of coronavirus in the US and asked rhetorically of the president: “What is his closing argument?” with the election just a week away.He spoke of record numbers dying of coronavirus in the US and asked rhetorically of the president: “What is his closing argument?” with the election just a week away.
“That people are too focused on Covid. He said this at one of his rallies ‘Covid, Covid, Covid’, he is complaining. He is jealous of Covid’s media coverage,” Obama said with mock incredulity as the crowd laughed.“That people are too focused on Covid. He said this at one of his rallies ‘Covid, Covid, Covid’, he is complaining. He is jealous of Covid’s media coverage,” Obama said with mock incredulity as the crowd laughed.
At a rally on Saturday in North Carolina, Trump did say those words and complained that the media was paying too much attention to coronavirus, even as he claimed record case numbers are exaggerated and downplayed the death rates.At a rally on Saturday in North Carolina, Trump did say those words and complained that the media was paying too much attention to coronavirus, even as he claimed record case numbers are exaggerated and downplayed the death rates.
Obama said:Obama said:
Staff working for Mike Pence, the vice-president, have come down with Covid, it was revealed at the weekend, just a few weeks after Trump, his wife and youngest son all had coronavirus and multiple prominent people tested positive after the event at the White House to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court.Staff working for Mike Pence, the vice-president, have come down with Covid, it was revealed at the weekend, just a few weeks after Trump, his wife and youngest son all had coronavirus and multiple prominent people tested positive after the event at the White House to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to the supreme court.
Italian police have fired teargas at demonstrators protesting virus restrictions for the second night running, as dire figures on global tourism and investment highlighted the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.Italian police have fired teargas at demonstrators protesting virus restrictions for the second night running, as dire figures on global tourism and investment highlighted the devastating economic impact of the pandemic.
Thousands protested again in Italian cities with the cry of “freedom” punctuated by clashes with police, with many traders and employees fearing a second wave economic slump as much as the rising virus numbers.Thousands protested again in Italian cities with the cry of “freedom” punctuated by clashes with police, with many traders and employees fearing a second wave economic slump as much as the rising virus numbers.
The protesters are upset at the mandatory early closure of restaurants and other businesses. Some of the rallies have turned violent, particularly in Milan and Turin on Monday night, where angry youths threw petrol bombs and stones at police cars and smashed up shop fronts.The protesters are upset at the mandatory early closure of restaurants and other businesses. Some of the rallies have turned violent, particularly in Milan and Turin on Monday night, where angry youths threw petrol bombs and stones at police cars and smashed up shop fronts.
The clashes are “a black page” in Turin’s history, said local police chief Giuseppe De Matteis, “which cannot be attributed to social discontent but... to orchestration by individuals dedicated to crime”.The clashes are “a black page” in Turin’s history, said local police chief Giuseppe De Matteis, “which cannot be attributed to social discontent but... to orchestration by individuals dedicated to crime”.
Late on Tuesday, the Italian government announced the release of €5bn ($5.9bn) of funding for the worst hit businesses, including restaurants, taxi drivers and live entertainment venues.Late on Tuesday, the Italian government announced the release of €5bn ($5.9bn) of funding for the worst hit businesses, including restaurants, taxi drivers and live entertainment venues.
However, unhappiness over the measures in Italy and elsewhere in Europe - once again the global centre of the pandemic - is palpable among the business owners and residents who are once again facing lengthy restrictions as economies struggle to recover.However, unhappiness over the measures in Italy and elsewhere in Europe - once again the global centre of the pandemic - is palpable among the business owners and residents who are once again facing lengthy restrictions as economies struggle to recover.
The United Nations has cancelled all in-person meetings at its New York headquarters for the rest of the week after five people in Niger’s UN mission were infected with Covid-19.The United Nations has cancelled all in-person meetings at its New York headquarters for the rest of the week after five people in Niger’s UN mission were infected with Covid-19.
After largely operating virtually since New York became a global Covid-19 hotspot in March, the 193-member world body had been holding some in-person gatherings again, with precautions such as requiring diplomats to wear masks, social distancing and restricting the number of people at meetings.After largely operating virtually since New York became a global Covid-19 hotspot in March, the 193-member world body had been holding some in-person gatherings again, with precautions such as requiring diplomats to wear masks, social distancing and restricting the number of people at meetings.
In a letter to UN general assembly president Volkan Bozkır, secretary-general António Guterres said that “out of an abundance of caution and following medical advice” all in-person meeting should be suspended for the rest of this week “to allow for a better understanding of the extent of the exposure and for full contact tracing”.In a letter to UN general assembly president Volkan Bozkır, secretary-general António Guterres said that “out of an abundance of caution and following medical advice” all in-person meeting should be suspended for the rest of this week “to allow for a better understanding of the extent of the exposure and for full contact tracing”.
Niger is a member of the 15-member Security Council, which last met in person on Thursday. Diplomats said people who attended Thursday’s meeting were being tested and an in-person meeting on Syria planned for Tuesday was instead held virtually.Niger is a member of the 15-member Security Council, which last met in person on Thursday. Diplomats said people who attended Thursday’s meeting were being tested and an in-person meeting on Syria planned for Tuesday was instead held virtually.
President Emmanuel Macron will give a televised address on Wednesday evening, as French authorities explore fresh restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.President Emmanuel Macron will give a televised address on Wednesday evening, as French authorities explore fresh restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The Élysée palace did not say what Macron’s address would be about, but such televised statements have in the past been the occasion to announce new anti-virus measures.The Élysée palace did not say what Macron’s address would be about, but such televised statements have in the past been the occasion to announce new anti-virus measures.
The French leader has held meetings to review the state of the epidemic in recent days.The French leader has held meetings to review the state of the epidemic in recent days.
The French government has been exploring bringing in a national lockdown from midnight on Thursday, BFM TV reported, albeit a slightly more flexible one than the two-month shutdown that began in mid-March.The French government has been exploring bringing in a national lockdown from midnight on Thursday, BFM TV reported, albeit a slightly more flexible one than the two-month shutdown that began in mid-March.
Schools could remain open even as restrictions on people’s movements become more severe, BFM TV added.Schools could remain open even as restrictions on people’s movements become more severe, BFM TV added.
Sources told Reuters earlier this week that options being envisaged for some areas included confining people to their homes at weekends, closing non-essential shops and starting curfew measures earlier.Sources told Reuters earlier this week that options being envisaged for some areas included confining people to their homes at weekends, closing non-essential shops and starting curfew measures earlier.
France imposed a daily curfew on major cities two weeks ago that runs from 9pm to 6am.France imposed a daily curfew on major cities two weeks ago that runs from 9pm to 6am.
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.
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 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 announced in August that it had registered the world’s first coronavirus vaccine, named after the Soviet-era satellite.Russia announced in August that it had registered the world’s first coronavirus vaccine, named after the Soviet-era satellite.
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”.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 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.“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”.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”.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.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”.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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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”.
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 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.
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.
“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.
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.
Please do get in touch with any story tips or personal experiences you would like to share
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
US president Donald Trump acknowledged on Tuesday that a coronavirus economic relief deal would likely come after the Nov. 3 election.
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.
The president’s office said in a statement:
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.
“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.
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.