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Coronavirus live news: Swedish royals self-isolating after positive test; Germany extends partial lockdown | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia ‘have light flu symptoms’; Merkel warns restrictions may last until next year; Ukraine reports record daily case rise | |
Hello, I am taking over the Guardian’s global live feed from London, bringing you all the latest updates on coronavirus from around the world. Please do get in touch with me while I work to share any comments or news tips. Thanks in advance. | |
Twitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com | |
Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip and his wife, Princess Sofia, are self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus, the royal palace said Thursday. | |
Carl Philip, the 41-year-old son of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, and Sofia, 35, “have light flu symptoms” and are recuperating at home in Stockholm with their two young children, the palace said in a statement. | |
The king and queen, as well as Crown Princess Victoria and her husband, Prince Daniel, will all be tested as a precaution, it said. | |
According to the tabloid Aftonbladet, the royal family gathered for the funeral of the queen’s brother last week, but they all tested negative for the virus before attending that ceremony. | |
Sweden is known for its softer approach to the coronavirus pandemic, never locking down to the same extent as other countries. As of Wednesday, it had recorded a total of 230,514 cases of Covid-19 and 6,555 deaths. | |
Early in the pandemic Princess Sofia donned scrubs and began doing shifts as a healthcare assistant at the Sophiahemmet hospital in Stockholm, which she has continued to do part-time. | |
Here’s a roundup of the latest key developments: | |
The R rate in France has fallen to 0.65, as the health minister, Olivier Véran, said the country is on course to continue lifting restrictions. Véran predicted that France would reach a target of reducing daily infections to 5,000 by the second week of December. | |
Russia has registered record numbers for daily infections and deaths from coronavirus for the second time in less than a week. Health officials reported 25,487 new infections, bringing the national total to 2,187,990 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. | |
Germany will probably have to stick with measures to dampen the coronavirus pandemic into January, says Angela Merkel. “Given the high number of infections, we assume that the restrictions which are in place before Christmas will continue to be valid until the start of January, certainly for most parts of Germany,” the chancellor told parliament. | |
Sudan’s last democratically elected prime minister, Sadiq al-Mahdi, has died after a coronavirus infection. Mahdi, 84, who was overthrown in a military coup in 1989 had been taken to hospital in the United Arab Emirates three weeks ago. | |
Bars and restaurants in Tokyo have been asked to close early for the next three week. The governor, Yuriko Koike, said places serving alcohol, including karaoke venues, should close by 10pm from Saturday until 17 December. | |
South Korea reports highest cases since March. South Korea has reported its highest daily number of Covid-19 cases since March, despite the recent introduction of stricter social distancing measuresin Seoul and other virus hotspots. The country reported 583 infections on Thursday, the first time they had topped 500 since 6 March. | |
Global cases surpassed 60m, according to researchers at both Johns Hopkins University. According to Reuters, the pace of new infections is accelerating and the United States is reporting its worst numbers of hospitalisations. | |
Authorities in Sicily asked Cuba’s government to send to the region about 60 health operators, including doctors and nurses, as hospitals are struggling with a shortage of medical personnel during the second wave. The request was filed this week to the Italian embassy in Cuba and consists of intensive care specialists, nurses, anaesthetists, resuscitators, virologists and pneumologists, the Italian newspaper la Repubblica reported. | |
The Americas reported more than 1.5m cases in the last seven days; the highest weekly number since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization regional branch PAHO said. The rapid surge of infections in the US continued and cases accelerated in countries of North, Central and South America, PAHO said. In Canada, infections were rising particularly among the elderly and indigenous communities. | |
The daily death toll in the US reached 2,157 – one person every 40 seconds. It was the first time since May that deaths had passed 2,000 in 24 hours. | |
Iran recorded its worst daily caseload, with the health ministry reporting 13,843 new infections. That pushed the national tally to 894,385 in the Middle East’s worst-hit country. The ministry’s spokeswoman, Sima Sadat Lari, told state TV the death toll rose by 469 in 24 hours to 46,207. | |
France’s health minister, Olivier Véran, has said the country’s target of 5,000 new daily Covid-19 cases could be reached by the second week of December, allowing the lifting of restrictions to continue. | France’s health minister, Olivier Véran, has said the country’s target of 5,000 new daily Covid-19 cases could be reached by the second week of December, allowing the lifting of restrictions to continue. |
Daily infections currently stand at 16,282. | Daily infections currently stand at 16,282. |
During a news conference detailing how France’s second national lockdown is about to be gradually unwound, Véran also said the reproduction rate of the disease had fallen to 0.65. | During a news conference detailing how France’s second national lockdown is about to be gradually unwound, Véran also said the reproduction rate of the disease had fallen to 0.65. |
Véran said: “The epidemic is not behind us. We must not relax our vigilance, and we will succeed.” | |
Hungary plans no further restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus, Reuters reports citing Gergely Gulyás, the chief of staff to the prime minister, Viktor Orbán. | |
Health officials have reported a steady rise in new cases and the number of deaths, but Gulyás told a press briefing that the government would look at infections data next week again to review its decisions. | |
Kenyan lorry drivers are facing 60km queues at the border with Uganda because of Covid health checks, Reuters reports. | Kenyan lorry drivers are facing 60km queues at the border with Uganda because of Covid health checks, Reuters reports. |
Before the virus, the Kenyan driver Joseph Kimani used to reckon with a five-hour wait to cross from there into Uganda with his cargo of diesel. | Before the virus, the Kenyan driver Joseph Kimani used to reckon with a five-hour wait to cross from there into Uganda with his cargo of diesel. |
Now the queue on the Kenyan side, which he and other drivers say extends for upwards of 60km (37 miles) and can take five days to clear. | Now the queue on the Kenyan side, which he and other drivers say extends for upwards of 60km (37 miles) and can take five days to clear. |
“The queues have been growing longer and longer,” Kimani said, blaming the delays mainly on coronavirus-related health checks. | “The queues have been growing longer and longer,” Kimani said, blaming the delays mainly on coronavirus-related health checks. |
To cross over, drivers need to show a negative coronavirus test taken in the previous 14 days. Failing that, they must submit to testing at the border and wait two days for the result. | To cross over, drivers need to show a negative coronavirus test taken in the previous 14 days. Failing that, they must submit to testing at the border and wait two days for the result. |
“I don’t even get time to see my family. I eat what I get on the road. I live in this vehicle,” he said. | “I don’t even get time to see my family. I eat what I get on the road. I live in this vehicle,” he said. |
Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has vowed to do “everything” to save jobs and the economic potential of Polish entrepreneurs. | Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has vowed to do “everything” to save jobs and the economic potential of Polish entrepreneurs. |
He outlined a package worth up to 40bn Polish zloty (£7.9bn) for businesses. | He outlined a package worth up to 40bn Polish zloty (£7.9bn) for businesses. |
Russia has registered record numbers for daily infections and deaths from coronavirus for the second time in less than a week, AFP reports. | Russia has registered record numbers for daily infections and deaths from coronavirus for the second time in less than a week, AFP reports. |
Health officials reported 25,487 new infections, bringing the national total to 2,187,990 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, the fifth-highest caseload in the world. | Health officials reported 25,487 new infections, bringing the national total to 2,187,990 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, the fifth-highest caseload in the world. |
Health authorities also reported 524 deaths, raising Russia’s total fatalities from Covid-19 to 38,062. | Health authorities also reported 524 deaths, raising Russia’s total fatalities from Covid-19 to 38,062. |
It was the second time since Saturday that the country had registered record increases for both cases and deaths. | It was the second time since Saturday that the country had registered record increases for both cases and deaths. |
Despite the surge, which Vladimir Putin last week described as “alarming”, Russia has not imposed the kind of lockdowns seen in some parts of Europe. | Despite the surge, which Vladimir Putin last week described as “alarming”, Russia has not imposed the kind of lockdowns seen in some parts of Europe. |
Authorities in many regions have required mask-wearing in public spaces and limited the number of in-office workers, but have not reintroduced the strict stay-at-home order put in place in the spring. | Authorities in many regions have required mask-wearing in public spaces and limited the number of in-office workers, but have not reintroduced the strict stay-at-home order put in place in the spring. |
Russia has registered a much lower virus fatality rate than other badly hit countries, raising concerns that authorities are downplaying the severity of the health crisis. | Russia has registered a much lower virus fatality rate than other badly hit countries, raising concerns that authorities are downplaying the severity of the health crisis. |
Russia’s federal statistics service has released data showing excess deaths of more than 117,000 year-on-year between March and September, indicating that virus fatalities could be much higher. | Russia’s federal statistics service has released data showing excess deaths of more than 117,000 year-on-year between March and September, indicating that virus fatalities could be much higher. |
While Moscow saw the most new cases on Thursday, the second wave is hitting the country’s poorly funded regions the hardest. | While Moscow saw the most new cases on Thursday, the second wave is hitting the country’s poorly funded regions the hardest. |
Russia is pinning its hopes for controlling the pandemic on home-made vaccines, including the Sputnik V vaccine that researchers said Tuesday was 95% effective. | Russia is pinning its hopes for controlling the pandemic on home-made vaccines, including the Sputnik V vaccine that researchers said Tuesday was 95% effective. |
The jab will be provided free to Russian citizens and Moscow is looking to secure major international orders in the global race to supply vaccines. | The jab will be provided free to Russian citizens and Moscow is looking to secure major international orders in the global race to supply vaccines. |
Sudan’s last democratically elected prime minister, Sadiq al-Mahdi, who was overthrown in the 1989 military coup that brought Omar al-Bashir to power, has died after a coronavirus infection, Reuters reports. | Sudan’s last democratically elected prime minister, Sadiq al-Mahdi, who was overthrown in the 1989 military coup that brought Omar al-Bashir to power, has died after a coronavirus infection, Reuters reports. |
Mahdi, 84, had been taken to hospital in the United Arab Emirates three weeks ago. | Mahdi, 84, had been taken to hospital in the United Arab Emirates three weeks ago. |
His moderate Umma party was one of the largest opposition parties under Bashir, and Mahdi remained an influential figure even after Bashir was toppled in April 2019. | His moderate Umma party was one of the largest opposition parties under Bashir, and Mahdi remained an influential figure even after Bashir was toppled in April 2019. |
Sudan’s transitional administration, which governs under a power sharing deal between the military and civilian groups, declared three days of mourning. | Sudan’s transitional administration, which governs under a power sharing deal between the military and civilian groups, declared three days of mourning. |
Last month, Mahdi’s family said he had tested positive for Covid-19. He was transferred to the UAE for treatment a few days later following a brief hospitalisation in Sudan. | Last month, Mahdi’s family said he had tested positive for Covid-19. He was transferred to the UAE for treatment a few days later following a brief hospitalisation in Sudan. |
In a statement, the Umma party said Mahdi would be buried on Friday morning in the city of Omdurman in Sudan. | In a statement, the Umma party said Mahdi would be buried on Friday morning in the city of Omdurman in Sudan. |
Bars and restaurants in Tokyo have been asked to close early for the next three weeks as the city attempts to avoid a year-end surge in Covid-19 cases. | Bars and restaurants in Tokyo have been asked to close early for the next three weeks as the city attempts to avoid a year-end surge in Covid-19 cases. |
The governor, Yuriko Koike, said places serving alcohol, including karaoke venues, should close by 10pm from Saturday until 17 December. | The governor, Yuriko Koike, said places serving alcohol, including karaoke venues, should close by 10pm from Saturday until 17 December. |
Speaking to reporters she said: | Speaking to reporters she said: |
Japan’s national and local governments do not have the legal powers to enforce business closures or European-style lockdowns. Businesses that comply will be eligible for a one-off payment of ¥400,000 (£2,900) from the metropolitan government. | Japan’s national and local governments do not have the legal powers to enforce business closures or European-style lockdowns. Businesses that comply will be eligible for a one-off payment of ¥400,000 (£2,900) from the metropolitan government. |
The requested restrictions on opening hours are the first since the end of August, when Tokyo was confronted by a second wave of infections. Daily cases have been rising again in recent weeks, with 401 on Wednesday, following a record 537 last week. The city now has a total of 38,598 cases. | The requested restrictions on opening hours are the first since the end of August, when Tokyo was confronted by a second wave of infections. Daily cases have been rising again in recent weeks, with 401 on Wednesday, following a record 537 last week. The city now has a total of 38,598 cases. |
In addition to health ministry advice to avoid the “three Cs” - confined and crowded spaces, and close human contact - Koike has unveiled “five smalls” - precautions that should be taken when dining out. | In addition to health ministry advice to avoid the “three Cs” - confined and crowded spaces, and close human contact - Koike has unveiled “five smalls” - precautions that should be taken when dining out. |
Under these guidelines, people should eat in small groups, keep their meals brief, avoid eating from shared plates, talk quietly and observe established preventive measures such as mask wearing, hand sanitising and visiting only properly ventilated places. Koike has also asked people to avoid non-essential outings and to work remotely where possible. | Under these guidelines, people should eat in small groups, keep their meals brief, avoid eating from shared plates, talk quietly and observe established preventive measures such as mask wearing, hand sanitising and visiting only properly ventilated places. Koike has also asked people to avoid non-essential outings and to work remotely where possible. |
Several parts of Japan have witnessed a surge in new infections, prompting the government this week to remove Sapporo and Osaka from a subsidised tourism campaign aimed at propping up regional economies during the pandemic. | Several parts of Japan have witnessed a surge in new infections, prompting the government this week to remove Sapporo and Osaka from a subsidised tourism campaign aimed at propping up regional economies during the pandemic. |
Japan’s third wave has prompted warnings about the strain the rise in serious cases is placing on hospitals. Toshio Nakagawa, the president of the Japan Medical Association, said more beds were being taken up by patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms, forcing staff to scale down the treatment of other illnesses. | Japan’s third wave has prompted warnings about the strain the rise in serious cases is placing on hospitals. Toshio Nakagawa, the president of the Japan Medical Association, said more beds were being taken up by patients with severe Covid-19 symptoms, forcing staff to scale down the treatment of other illnesses. |
“We need to act urgently or we will face a nationwide crisis,” Nakagawa said, urging authorities to restrict business operations. “As medical professionals, we believe that vigorous disease prevention is also best for the economy.” | “We need to act urgently or we will face a nationwide crisis,” Nakagawa said, urging authorities to restrict business operations. “As medical professionals, we believe that vigorous disease prevention is also best for the economy.” |
Japan has fared better than many other countries since the start of the pandemic. As of Wednesday, it had 135,400 cases and 2,001 deaths, the health ministry said. | Japan has fared better than many other countries since the start of the pandemic. As of Wednesday, it had 135,400 cases and 2,001 deaths, the health ministry said. |
Restrictive measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Germany will be in place until at least the end of December and possibly longer, the chancellor, Angela Merkel, has told parliament. | Restrictive measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Germany will be in place until at least the end of December and possibly longer, the chancellor, Angela Merkel, has told parliament. |
She said: | She said: |
She confirmed that Germans will be allowed to congregate in groups of up 10 people over Christmas. But she urged the public to remember that there around 27 million vulnerable Germans who can’t be protected. | She confirmed that Germans will be allowed to congregate in groups of up 10 people over Christmas. But she urged the public to remember that there around 27 million vulnerable Germans who can’t be protected. |
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 22,268 to 983,588, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Thursday, while the death toll rose by 389 to 15,160. | The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 22,268 to 983,588, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Thursday, while the death toll rose by 389 to 15,160. |
Merkel said the number of Covid cases in Germany was “stagnating at a high – far too high – level”. | Merkel said the number of Covid cases in Germany was “stagnating at a high – far too high – level”. |
Late last night she agreed with leaders of Germany’s 16 federal states to extend and tighten the coronavirus lockdown until December 20, but ease rules over the Christmas holidays to let families and friends celebrate together. | Late last night she agreed with leaders of Germany’s 16 federal states to extend and tighten the coronavirus lockdown until December 20, but ease rules over the Christmas holidays to let families and friends celebrate together. |
Merkel’s chief of staff said rules limiting social contact might be needed for longer. | Merkel’s chief of staff said rules limiting social contact might be needed for longer. |
“We have difficult winter months ahead of us. This will continue until March,” Helge Braun told RTL television. | “We have difficult winter months ahead of us. This will continue until March,” Helge Braun told RTL television. |
“After March, I am very optimistic because we will probably be able to vaccinate more and more people and it will be easier to keep infection rates low with the spring.” | “After March, I am very optimistic because we will probably be able to vaccinate more and more people and it will be easier to keep infection rates low with the spring.” |
Merkel said vaccines could arrive before Christmas. | Merkel said vaccines could arrive before Christmas. |