This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/nov/26/coronavirus-live-news-germany-extends-partial-lockdown-as-world-suffers-record-daily-deaths

The article has changed 40 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 27 Version 28
Coronavirus live news: fears African vaccinations may not start until mid-2021; Croatia closes all restaurants Coronavirus live news: fears African vaccinations may not start until mid-2021; Croatia closes all restaurants
(32 minutes later)
Health campaigners fear Africa near the back of queue for vaccines; weddings also banned in Croatia; Swedish royals test positiveHealth campaigners fear Africa near the back of queue for vaccines; weddings also banned in Croatia; Swedish royals test positive
As EU countries debate a bloc-wide ban on ski holidays to curb coronavirus infections, downhill enthusiasts may be tempted to head to non-member Switzerland, where the winter season is well underway. Millions of Americans took to the skies and the highways ahead of Thanksgiving at the risk of pouring gasoline on the coronavirus fire, disregarding increasingly dire warnings that they stay home and limit their holiday gatherings to members of their own household.Those who are flying witnessed a distinctly 2020 landscape at the nation’s airports: plexiglass barriers in front of the ID stations, rapid virus testing sites inside terminals, masks in check-in areas and onboard planes, and paperwork asking passengers to quarantine on arrival at their destination.While the number of Americans travelling by air over the past several days was down dramatically from the same time last year, many pressed ahead with their holiday plans amid skyrocketing deaths, hospitalizations and confirmed infections across the US.
Germany and Italy were on Thursday pushing for Europe to ban ski holidays as the number of worldwide infections reached a new peak of more than 60 million. British stocks fell on Thursday amid heightened concerns over economic growth after Health Minister Matt Hancock said more than a third of the population would remain under tough Covid-19 restrictions at the end of a national lockdown. The blue-chip FTSE 100 index slipped 0.4%, with financial and material stocks weighing the most, while the domestically focussed mid-cap FTSE 250 lost 0.9%, ending at a nine-day low. Hancock’s announcement followed Finance Minister Rishi Sunak’s grim forecast on Wednesday that Britain was set for its worst annual economic contraction in more than 300 years due to the pandemic
As EU countries debate a bloc-wide ban on ski holidays to curb coronavirus infections, downhill enthusiasts may be tempted to head to non-member Switzerland, where the winter season is well under way.
Germany and Italy were on Thursday pushing for Europe to ban ski holidays as the number of worldwide infections reached a new peak of more than 60m.
Paris has said the French are welcome to visit the country’s resorts, as long as they don’t ski, while Austria has warned that an EU-wide ban would be “disastrous” for the country’s tourism-reliant economy.Paris has said the French are welcome to visit the country’s resorts, as long as they don’t ski, while Austria has warned that an EU-wide ban would be “disastrous” for the country’s tourism-reliant economy.
In Switzerland meanwhile, which has been hard-hit by the second wave of Covid-19 infections, the authorities, ski and tourism sectors have stood united behind the decision to keep the winter season going, after the spring season was cut short by the first wave.In Switzerland meanwhile, which has been hard-hit by the second wave of Covid-19 infections, the authorities, ski and tourism sectors have stood united behind the decision to keep the winter season going, after the spring season was cut short by the first wave.
“In Switzerland, we can go skiing, with protection plans in place,” Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset told reporters Thursday. “In Switzerland, we can go skiing, with protection plans in place,” the Swiss health minister, Alain Berset, told reporters Thursday.
He added, though, that the government would re-examine the situation before the Christmas holidays because even though decisions on what parts of the economy should shut down are generally left to the Swiss cantons or states, the federal government can step in if it deems the situation unsafe.He added, though, that the government would re-examine the situation before the Christmas holidays because even though decisions on what parts of the economy should shut down are generally left to the Swiss cantons or states, the federal government can step in if it deems the situation unsafe.
Greece has broken the toll of 2,000 deaths as a result of Covid-19. The public health organisation, EODY, reported the country had crossed the grim threshold following a further 99 fatalities over the last 24 hours.Greece has broken the toll of 2,000 deaths as a result of Covid-19. The public health organisation, EODY, reported the country had crossed the grim threshold following a further 99 fatalities over the last 24 hours.
An additional 2,018 cases of coronavirus were also confirmed, the majority (562) in Thessaloniki in northern Greece, and 408 in the Greater Athens region of Attica. A record 600 people are now in intensive care wards nationwide.An additional 2,018 cases of coronavirus were also confirmed, the majority (562) in Thessaloniki in northern Greece, and 408 in the Greater Athens region of Attica. A record 600 people are now in intensive care wards nationwide.
Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, was moved to tears on Thursday, when visiting a mink farmer who lost his herd following the government’s order this month to cull all 17 million mink in the country to curb the spread of coronavirus.Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, was moved to tears on Thursday, when visiting a mink farmer who lost his herd following the government’s order this month to cull all 17 million mink in the country to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Frederiksen has faced opposition calls to resign and a vote of no confidence in parliament after an order by the government in early November, which it later admitted was illegal, to cull the country’s entire mink population.Frederiksen has faced opposition calls to resign and a vote of no confidence in parliament after an order by the government in early November, which it later admitted was illegal, to cull the country’s entire mink population.
The order was given after authorities found Covid-19 outbreaks at hundreds of mink farms, including a new strain of the virus, suspected of being able to compromise the efficacy of vaccines.The order was given after authorities found Covid-19 outbreaks at hundreds of mink farms, including a new strain of the virus, suspected of being able to compromise the efficacy of vaccines.
“We have two generations of really skilled mink farmers, father and son, who in a very, very short time have had their life’s work shattered,” Frederiksen told reporters after a meeting with a mink farmer and his son at their farm near Kolding in western Denmark. “It has been emotional for them, and... sorry. It has for me too,” Frederiksen said with a wavering voice, pausing for breath in between words.“We have two generations of really skilled mink farmers, father and son, who in a very, very short time have had their life’s work shattered,” Frederiksen told reporters after a meeting with a mink farmer and his son at their farm near Kolding in western Denmark. “It has been emotional for them, and... sorry. It has for me too,” Frederiksen said with a wavering voice, pausing for breath in between words.
The move to cull Denmark’s entire mink population, one of the world’s biggest and highly valued for the quality of its fur, has left the government reeling after it admitted it did not have the legal basis to order the culling of healthy mink.The move to cull Denmark’s entire mink population, one of the world’s biggest and highly valued for the quality of its fur, has left the government reeling after it admitted it did not have the legal basis to order the culling of healthy mink.
After a tumultuous couple of weeks since the order was given on 4 November, the minister of agriculture, Mogens Jensen, stepped down last week after an internal investigation revealed a flawed political process.After a tumultuous couple of weeks since the order was given on 4 November, the minister of agriculture, Mogens Jensen, stepped down last week after an internal investigation revealed a flawed political process.
Denmark has proposed a ban on all mink breeding in the country until 2022. Tage Pedersen, the head of the Danish mink breeders’ association, said this month the industry, which employs around 6,000 people and exports fur pelts worth $800m annually, was finished.Denmark has proposed a ban on all mink breeding in the country until 2022. Tage Pedersen, the head of the Danish mink breeders’ association, said this month the industry, which employs around 6,000 people and exports fur pelts worth $800m annually, was finished.
Denmark’s opposition says the cull of healthy mink should not have been initiated before compensation plans were in place for the owners and workers at some 1,100 mink farms.Denmark’s opposition says the cull of healthy mink should not have been initiated before compensation plans were in place for the owners and workers at some 1,100 mink farms.
Italy reported 822 Covid 19-related deaths on Thursday, up from 722 the day before, and 29,003 new infections, up from 25,853 on Wednesday, the health ministry said. There were 232,711 swabs carried out in the past day, compared with a previous 230,007.Italy reported 822 Covid 19-related deaths on Thursday, up from 722 the day before, and 29,003 new infections, up from 25,853 on Wednesday, the health ministry said. There were 232,711 swabs carried out in the past day, compared with a previous 230,007.
Italy has suffered at least 52,850 Covid-19 fatalities since its outbreak emerged in February, the second highest toll in Europe after the UK. It has also registered 1.5m cases.Italy has suffered at least 52,850 Covid-19 fatalities since its outbreak emerged in February, the second highest toll in Europe after the UK. It has also registered 1.5m cases.
While Italy’s daily death tolls have been amongst the highest in Europe over recent days, the rise in hospital admissions and intensive care occupancy has slowed, suggesting the latest wave of infections is receding.While Italy’s daily death tolls have been amongst the highest in Europe over recent days, the rise in hospital admissions and intensive care occupancy has slowed, suggesting the latest wave of infections is receding.
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 stood at 34,038 on Thursday, a decline of 275 from the day before. The number in intensive care decreased by two, following an increase of 32 on Wednesday, and now stands at 3,846.The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 stood at 34,038 on Thursday, a decline of 275 from the day before. The number in intensive care decreased by two, following an increase of 32 on Wednesday, and now stands at 3,846.
When Italy’s second wave of the epidemic was accelerating fast in the first half of November, hospital admissions were rising by around 1,000 per day, while intensive care occupancy was increasing by about 100 per day.When Italy’s second wave of the epidemic was accelerating fast in the first half of November, hospital admissions were rising by around 1,000 per day, while intensive care occupancy was increasing by about 100 per day.
The northern region of Lombardy, centred on Italy’s financial capital Milan, remains the hardest hit area, reporting 5,697 new cases on Thursday.The northern region of Lombardy, centred on Italy’s financial capital Milan, remains the hardest hit area, reporting 5,697 new cases on Thursday.
Swiss ski resorts can stay open for now as long as they have strict safety measures in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the health minister, Alain Berset, said on Thursday.Swiss ski resorts can stay open for now as long as they have strict safety measures in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the health minister, Alain Berset, said on Thursday.
Neighbours France, Italy, Austria and Germany have all ordered even the high-altitude lifts that could be running this early in the winter to remain closed in the hope that all resorts can benefit at peak season, if and when the infection rate slows.Neighbours France, Italy, Austria and Germany have all ordered even the high-altitude lifts that could be running this early in the winter to remain closed in the hope that all resorts can benefit at peak season, if and when the infection rate slows.
“In Switzerland the situation is much easier, one can still ski, that was always the goal. Obviously with respect for very strict measures, we have to have protection plans and things must be clear,” Berset told a news conference in Bern.“In Switzerland the situation is much easier, one can still ski, that was always the goal. Obviously with respect for very strict measures, we have to have protection plans and things must be clear,” Berset told a news conference in Bern.
He left the door open to alter the policy should conditions change by the year’s end, when the two-week holiday period lures many winter sports enthusiasts to the slopes.He left the door open to alter the policy should conditions change by the year’s end, when the two-week holiday period lures many winter sports enthusiasts to the slopes.
“The situation remains very serious and very unstable ... and we have not decided yet how it will go in future,” Berset said, adding Bern was in close contact with its neighbours and Swiss cantons.“The situation remains very serious and very unstable ... and we have not decided yet how it will go in future,” Berset said, adding Bern was in close contact with its neighbours and Swiss cantons.
He acknowledged tensions would arise if Swiss resorts were the only ones open. “We will have to discuss this with the cantons but we are a sovereign country and can decide ourselves what the facts are on our territory,” he added.He acknowledged tensions would arise if Swiss resorts were the only ones open. “We will have to discuss this with the cantons but we are a sovereign country and can decide ourselves what the facts are on our territory,” he added.
Switzerland has adopted a “middle path” to curb the pandemic that has infected more than 300,000 and killed 4,109, leaving the nation largely open for business while urging people to keep their distance and embrace proper hygiene.Switzerland has adopted a “middle path” to curb the pandemic that has infected more than 300,000 and killed 4,109, leaving the nation largely open for business while urging people to keep their distance and embrace proper hygiene.
Berset said Switzerland could get the first, limited supply of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of January if all went well. It would not force people to get vaccines, which it plans to distribute to patients free of charge.Berset said Switzerland could get the first, limited supply of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of January if all went well. It would not force people to get vaccines, which it plans to distribute to patients free of charge.
Switzerland has signed vaccine contracts with Moderna and AstraZeneca and reserved doses from Pfizer while finalising a contract.Switzerland has signed vaccine contracts with Moderna and AstraZeneca and reserved doses from Pfizer while finalising a contract.
Croatia will close cafes and restaurants and ban weddings until Christmas as the number of coronavirus cases hit a record high for the second day in a row, the government said.Croatia will close cafes and restaurants and ban weddings until Christmas as the number of coronavirus cases hit a record high for the second day in a row, the government said.
The country of 4 million reported 4,009 new cases and 51 deaths on Thursday, with 21,725 active cases.The country of 4 million reported 4,009 new cases and 51 deaths on Thursday, with 21,725 active cases.
A new set of measures, including restricting outdoor and public gatherings to 25 people and private parties to 10, will come into effect on Saturday and last at least until 21 December, said the prime minister, Andrej Plenković.A new set of measures, including restricting outdoor and public gatherings to 25 people and private parties to 10, will come into effect on Saturday and last at least until 21 December, said the prime minister, Andrej Plenković.
Usable space on public transport will be restricted to 40%, bakeries will have to close by 10pm and cafes and restaurants will be closed for guests, but restaurants will be allowed to prepare and deliver food.Usable space on public transport will be restricted to 40%, bakeries will have to close by 10pm and cafes and restaurants will be closed for guests, but restaurants will be allowed to prepare and deliver food.
“Our goal is fourfold – to implement the measures, to expand testing, to maintain our health system and prepare for vaccination,” Plenković told a news conference. He said the government did not consider imposing a lockdown.“Our goal is fourfold – to implement the measures, to expand testing, to maintain our health system and prepare for vaccination,” Plenković told a news conference. He said the government did not consider imposing a lockdown.
Croatia’s eastern neighbour, Serbia, reported a record 51 deaths and 7,606 new infections in the past 24 hours. A state of emergency was introduced in the second-largest city of Novi Sad.Croatia’s eastern neighbour, Serbia, reported a record 51 deaths and 7,606 new infections in the past 24 hours. A state of emergency was introduced in the second-largest city of Novi Sad.
Serbia, which has a population of 7.2 million, has reported 148,214 coronavirus infections so far and 7,579 deaths.Serbia, which has a population of 7.2 million, has reported 148,214 coronavirus infections so far and 7,579 deaths.
Last week, North Macedonia introduced a state of emergency, bringing in the army and private hospitals to help counter the spike in infections.Last week, North Macedonia introduced a state of emergency, bringing in the army and private hospitals to help counter the spike in infections.
Berlin is racing to open six mass vaccination centres capable of handling up to 4,000 people per day by mid-December, the project coordinator told Reuters on Thursday, as the city waits for authorities to approve the first vaccines.Berlin is racing to open six mass vaccination centres capable of handling up to 4,000 people per day by mid-December, the project coordinator told Reuters on Thursday, as the city waits for authorities to approve the first vaccines.
An empty trade fair hall, two airport terminals, a concert arena, a velodrome and an ice rink will be turned into six vaccination centres where there are plans to administer up to 900,000 shots against coronavirus in the first three months.An empty trade fair hall, two airport terminals, a concert arena, a velodrome and an ice rink will be turned into six vaccination centres where there are plans to administer up to 900,000 shots against coronavirus in the first three months.
Albrecht Broemme said plans envisage 3,000 to 4,000 people per day being ferried through each centre in the same way as shoppers are guided through Ikea stores in one direction.Albrecht Broemme said plans envisage 3,000 to 4,000 people per day being ferried through each centre in the same way as shoppers are guided through Ikea stores in one direction.
“The biggest challenge will be succeeding in getting the right people at the right time at the right vaccination centre,” Broemme said on the sidelines of a fire drill at the city’s makeshift Covid-19 hospital in a trade fair hall.“The biggest challenge will be succeeding in getting the right people at the right time at the right vaccination centre,” Broemme said on the sidelines of a fire drill at the city’s makeshift Covid-19 hospital in a trade fair hall.
Germany appears to be the furthest ahead of European nations in its planning for the daunting logistical and administrative challenge that could be just a few weeks away if the first vaccines gain approval.Germany appears to be the furthest ahead of European nations in its planning for the daunting logistical and administrative challenge that could be just a few weeks away if the first vaccines gain approval.
Europe’s drug watchdog expects to receive the first application for conditional marketing approval for a Covid-19 vaccine “in the coming days”, it said on Thursday, the latest step towards making a shot available outside the United States.Europe’s drug watchdog expects to receive the first application for conditional marketing approval for a Covid-19 vaccine “in the coming days”, it said on Thursday, the latest step towards making a shot available outside the United States.
Broemme said Berlin was working on the assumption that about 80% of its doses in the first instance will come from Pfizer/BioNTech, with the remaining 20% of the doses from AstraZeneca.Broemme said Berlin was working on the assumption that about 80% of its doses in the first instance will come from Pfizer/BioNTech, with the remaining 20% of the doses from AstraZeneca.
The health minister, Jens Spahn, said Germany had secured about 300nm vaccine doses. Other German states have said vaccination centres will be ready from mid-December and mobile teams will inoculate the most vulnerable.The health minister, Jens Spahn, said Germany had secured about 300nm vaccine doses. Other German states have said vaccination centres will be ready from mid-December and mobile teams will inoculate the most vulnerable.
Hello everyone, I am running the Guardian’s global live feed today, bringing you the latest updates. Please do get in touch with me while I work to share any comments or news tips. Thanks in advance.Hello everyone, I am running the Guardian’s global live feed today, bringing you the latest updates. 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.comTwitter: @sloumarshInstagram: sarah_marsh_journalistEmail: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com
The number of people in Ireland infected by someone who has Covid-19 remained at around 0.7 to 0.9 for the second successive week, a senior health official said on Thursday, as ministers prepare to reopen parts of the next economy next week.The number of people in Ireland infected by someone who has Covid-19 remained at around 0.7 to 0.9 for the second successive week, a senior health official said on Thursday, as ministers prepare to reopen parts of the next economy next week.
The reproduction rate, also known as the R number, fell to 0.6 two weeks ago but has failed to hit the 0.5 mark health officials had targeted to reduce cases to a very low level and keep them there for a sustained period as curbs are lifted.The reproduction rate, also known as the R number, fell to 0.6 two weeks ago but has failed to hit the 0.5 mark health officials had targeted to reduce cases to a very low level and keep them there for a sustained period as curbs are lifted.
“What appears to have been a very rapid decline of 6% a day (in the growth rate of cases), which had us on track for the really good figure we hoped for at the beginning of December, has stalled in recent days with a growth rate of 0% and an R value probably between 0.7 and 0.9,” the Irish Health Service Executive’s chief clinical officer, Colm Henry, told a news briefing.“What appears to have been a very rapid decline of 6% a day (in the growth rate of cases), which had us on track for the really good figure we hoped for at the beginning of December, has stalled in recent days with a growth rate of 0% and an R value probably between 0.7 and 0.9,” the Irish Health Service Executive’s chief clinical officer, Colm Henry, told a news briefing.
A fabled Mexican physician turned paramilitary chief, José Manuel Mireles, has died of Covid-19 as the Latin American country continues to struggle with one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks.A fabled Mexican physician turned paramilitary chief, José Manuel Mireles, has died of Covid-19 as the Latin American country continues to struggle with one of the world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks.
Mireles, who was 62 and Mexico’s most famous autodefensa (self-defence) leaders, found international fame after appearing in the 2015 documentary Cartel Land, about Mexico’s drug conflict.Mireles, who was 62 and Mexico’s most famous autodefensa (self-defence) leaders, found international fame after appearing in the 2015 documentary Cartel Land, about Mexico’s drug conflict.
The film recounted how the doctor had decided to become a vigilante about a decade ago, taking up arms against the Knights Templar drug cartel as it seized control of towns and villages in the Mexican state of Michoacán.The film recounted how the doctor had decided to become a vigilante about a decade ago, taking up arms against the Knights Templar drug cartel as it seized control of towns and villages in the Mexican state of Michoacán.
Mireles was a highly controversial character who some considered a hero and others an outlaw. He spent three years in prison after being arrested in 2014 and went into politics after his release in 2017.Mireles was a highly controversial character who some considered a hero and others an outlaw. He spent three years in prison after being arrested in 2014 and went into politics after his release in 2017.
On Wednesday prominent Mexican politicians, including Michoacán’s governor, lamented the death of Mireles, who had been taken to hospital in early November and put on a ventilator.On Wednesday prominent Mexican politicians, including Michoacán’s governor, lamented the death of Mireles, who had been taken to hospital in early November and put on a ventilator.
Mexico has the world’s fourth-highest Covid death toll after the US, Brazil and India, with more than 100,000 officially registered deaths. This week it was poised to overtake Brazil as the country with the 10th highest death rate per million residents.Mexico has the world’s fourth-highest Covid death toll after the US, Brazil and India, with more than 100,000 officially registered deaths. This week it was poised to overtake Brazil as the country with the 10th highest death rate per million residents.
The second wave of Covid-19 infections that has hit Sweden could peak in mid-December, health officials said on Thursday, saying developments will depend on how well the public follows social distancing advice. New infections have hit record levels in recent weeks after a lull in the summer, throwing the country’s light-touch approach to fighting the pandemic into renewed focus. In total, 6,622 people with Covid-19 have died in Sweden, a per capita total vastly higher than neighbours Norway, Denmark and Finland, which opted for stricter lockdowns during the spring, but lower than a handful of larger European nations.The second wave of Covid-19 infections that has hit Sweden could peak in mid-December, health officials said on Thursday, saying developments will depend on how well the public follows social distancing advice. New infections have hit record levels in recent weeks after a lull in the summer, throwing the country’s light-touch approach to fighting the pandemic into renewed focus. In total, 6,622 people with Covid-19 have died in Sweden, a per capita total vastly higher than neighbours Norway, Denmark and Finland, which opted for stricter lockdowns during the spring, but lower than a handful of larger European nations.
Tougher restrictions in place since mid-October, however, may have helped slow the spread of the disease, with the public health agency saying infections could peak in the coming weeks.Tougher restrictions in place since mid-October, however, may have helped slow the spread of the disease, with the public health agency saying infections could peak in the coming weeks.
Mass vaccination against Covid-19 is unlikely to start in Africa until midway through next year and keeping vaccines cold could be a big challenge, the continent’s disease control group said on Thursday.Mass vaccination against Covid-19 is unlikely to start in Africa until midway through next year and keeping vaccines cold could be a big challenge, the continent’s disease control group said on Thursday.
Some European countries expect to start rolling out vaccination campaigns as early as January. But health campaigners are worried that Africa will find itself near the back of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines after wealthier nations signed a raft of bilateral vaccine supply deals with pharmaceutical companies. “We are very concerned as a continent that we will not have access to vaccines in a timely fashion,” said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an African Union agency.Some European countries expect to start rolling out vaccination campaigns as early as January. But health campaigners are worried that Africa will find itself near the back of the queue for Covid-19 vaccines after wealthier nations signed a raft of bilateral vaccine supply deals with pharmaceutical companies. “We are very concerned as a continent that we will not have access to vaccines in a timely fashion,” said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an African Union agency.