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Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes milestone as Emirates cancels Australian flights Coronavirus live news: Salisbury Cathedral hosts vaccinations, Australian Open players locked down
(32 minutes later)
Death toll reaches 2 million people; UK shuts travel corridors and requires negative tests to enter; German vaccine officials forced to guess who is eligible from namesDeath toll reaches 2 million people; UK shuts travel corridors and requires negative tests to enter; German vaccine officials forced to guess who is eligible from names
China on Saturday finished building a 1,500-room hospital for COVID-19 patients in five days to fight a surge in infections in a city south of Beijing, state media reported. Soothing organ music will be played as people over 80 receive Covid jabs in what must be the UK’s most spectacular and historic vaccination centre – Salisbury Cathedral.
The hospital is one of six with a total of 6,500 rooms being built in Nangong in Hebei province, the Xinhua News Agency said. All are due to be completed within the next week. Local GPs have invited a group of patients to be vaccinated in the 800-year-old building and the cathedral has organised a programme of music, which will be played on its 19th-century Father Willis organ.
China, which largely contained the spread of the coronavirus, has suffered hundreds of infections this month in Nangong and the Hebei provincial capital of Shijiazhuang, southwest of the Chinese capital. The Very Rev Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said the cathedral was delighted to be helping. “We are proud to be playing our part in the life-saving vaccination programme, which offers real hope in these difficult times,” he said.
A similar program of rapid hospital construction was launched by the ruling Communist Party at the start of the outbreak last year to set up isolation hospitals in Wuhan, the central city where the virus was first detected in late 2019. “Staff of our local NHS and their patients will receive a warm welcome to their cathedral, and we assure them of our constant prayer.”
Nationwide, the National Health Commission reported 130 new confirmed cases — 90 of those in Hebei — in the 24 hours through midnight Friday. There were 645 cases, two of them acquired abroad, being treated in Nangong and Shijiazhuang, according to Xinhua. You can read Steven Morris’s full story below:
In Shijiazhuang, authorities have finished construction of one-third of the rooms in a planned 3,000-room coronavirus facility, state TV said Saturday. China on Saturday finished building a 1,500-room hospital for Covid-19 patients in five days to fight a surge in infections in a city south of Beijing, state media reported.
The hospital is one of six with a total of 6,500 rooms being built in Nangong in Hebei province, the Xinhua news agency said. All are due to be completed within the next week.
China, which largely contained the spread of the coronavirus, has suffered hundreds of infections this month in Nangong and the Hebei provincial capital of Shijiazhuang, south-west of the Chinese capital.
A similar program of rapid hospital construction was launched by the ruling Communist party at the start of the outbreak last year to set up isolation hospitals in Wuhan, the central city where the virus was first detected in late 2019.
Nationwide, the National Health Commission reported 130 new confirmed cases – 90 of those in Hebei – in the 24 hours through midnight Friday. There were 645 cases, two of them acquired abroad, being treated in Nangong and Shijiazhuang, according to Xinhua.
In Shijiazhuang, authorities have finished construction of one-third of the rooms in a planned 3,000-room coronavirus facility, state TV said on Saturday.
More than 10 million people in Shijiazhuang underwent virus tests by late Friday, Xinhua said, citing a deputy mayor, Meng Xianghong. It said 247 locally transmitted cases were found.More than 10 million people in Shijiazhuang underwent virus tests by late Friday, Xinhua said, citing a deputy mayor, Meng Xianghong. It said 247 locally transmitted cases were found.
Tennis Australia has released a statement concerning the two Covid-19 cases that were discovered on a charter flight carrying tennis players and staff to Melbourne for the Australian Open. Tennis Australia has released a statement on the two Covid-19 cases that were discovered on a charter flight carrying tennis players and staff to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
They have confirmed that a total of 24 players will be forced to isolate for 14 days from their arrival. Originally they would have been allowed out of their rooms for 5 hours a day to train for the upcoming matches. It confirmed that a total of 24 players will be forced to isolate for 14 days from their arrival. Originally they would have been allowed out of their rooms for five hours a day to train for the upcoming matches.
The first day of the open is 8 February, 23 days away.The first day of the open is 8 February, 23 days away.
Neither of two people who tested positive are players.Neither of two people who tested positive are players.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 18,678 to 2,019,636 on Saturday, according to the Robert Koch Institute.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 18,678 to 2,019,636 on Saturday, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
The reported death toll rose by 980 to 45,974, the tally showed.The reported death toll rose by 980 to 45,974, the tally showed.
China will donate one million doses of its Sinovac coronavirus vaccine to Cambodia, the kingdom’s premier, Hun Sen, has said, thanking “friend” Beijing for its generosity, AFP reports.China will donate one million doses of its Sinovac coronavirus vaccine to Cambodia, the kingdom’s premier, Hun Sen, has said, thanking “friend” Beijing for its generosity, AFP reports.
Cambodia has long been a staunch ally of Beijing, receiving billions of dollars in soft loans and investment from China.Cambodia has long been a staunch ally of Beijing, receiving billions of dollars in soft loans and investment from China.
While many countries reacted early in the pandemic by closing their borders to Chinese travellers, Hun Sen refused, and even travelled to Beijing to meet with leader Xi Jinping in a show of solidarity.While many countries reacted early in the pandemic by closing their borders to Chinese travellers, Hun Sen refused, and even travelled to Beijing to meet with leader Xi Jinping in a show of solidarity.
The premier announced late Friday that China has offered to donate shots made by the firm Sinovac.The premier announced late Friday that China has offered to donate shots made by the firm Sinovac.
“Friend China is helping us with one million doses,” Hun Sun said in an audio message on his official Facebook page, adding that the doses will vaccinate 500,000 people.“Friend China is helping us with one million doses,” Hun Sun said in an audio message on his official Facebook page, adding that the doses will vaccinate 500,000 people.
The first people to get the jab would include frontline health workers, teachers, soldiers, the premier’s bodyguards, and officials around the king, he said.The first people to get the jab would include frontline health workers, teachers, soldiers, the premier’s bodyguards, and officials around the king, he said.
Sinovac’s CoronaVac was rolled out in Turkey on Friday, after tests there showed it to be 91.25% effective.Sinovac’s CoronaVac was rolled out in Turkey on Friday, after tests there showed it to be 91.25% effective.
But more robust trials in Brazil demonstrated an efficacy rate of around 50% – much lower than the vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca.But more robust trials in Brazil demonstrated an efficacy rate of around 50% – much lower than the vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
A third trial in Indonesia – where authorities this week kicked off a mass vaccination drive with CoronaVac shots – showed an efficacy of 65.3%.A third trial in Indonesia – where authorities this week kicked off a mass vaccination drive with CoronaVac shots – showed an efficacy of 65.3%.
Cambodia has appeared to do well in the pandemic so far, registering just 436 cases, though experts say the low numbers are likely due to a lack of testing.Cambodia has appeared to do well in the pandemic so far, registering just 436 cases, though experts say the low numbers are likely due to a lack of testing.
Beijing has also offered to help another nation in the region, with the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, promising this week to provide 300,000 doses to Myanmar.Beijing has also offered to help another nation in the region, with the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, promising this week to provide 300,000 doses to Myanmar.
Thank you, Michael, Matilda Boseley here now, and NSW Health has just added another potential exposure site in Sydney to their list.Thank you, Michael, Matilda Boseley here now, and NSW Health has just added another potential exposure site in Sydney to their list.
Anyone who visited the Wentworthville Medical and Dental Clinic in western Sydney between 11.30am and 1.15pm on Friday 15 January is now considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.Anyone who visited the Wentworthville Medical and Dental Clinic in western Sydney between 11.30am and 1.15pm on Friday 15 January is now considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.
This comes after someone recently diagnosed visited the clinic while potentially infectious.This comes after someone recently diagnosed visited the clinic while potentially infectious.
The health department says this warning is for the dental, physio and imaging waiting room only.The health department says this warning is for the dental, physio and imaging waiting room only.
That’s all from me today. I leave you in the very capable hands of Matilda Boseley.That’s all from me today. I leave you in the very capable hands of Matilda Boseley.
The 14 travellers who have been in quarantine in Tasmania after having been at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Brisbane will be released today, the government has announced.The 14 travellers who have been in quarantine in Tasmania after having been at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Brisbane will be released today, the government has announced.
Tasmania’s deputy state controller Scott Tilyard said on Saturday the decision was made after Queensland Health authorities declared the cluster over with no further cases of Covid-19 found after testing of all close contacts.Tasmania’s deputy state controller Scott Tilyard said on Saturday the decision was made after Queensland Health authorities declared the cluster over with no further cases of Covid-19 found after testing of all close contacts.
However, Tilyard said the greater Brisbane area remained “a high risk area”. People from those areas currently in quarantine would need to remain in quarantine.However, Tilyard said the greater Brisbane area remained “a high risk area”. People from those areas currently in quarantine would need to remain in quarantine.
Mexican tennis player Santiago González, one of the players on board the Australian Open charter flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne that has had two passengers test positive for Covid-19, has posted his own negative result on social media. Via my colleague Matilda Boseley:Mexican tennis player Santiago González, one of the players on board the Australian Open charter flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne that has had two passengers test positive for Covid-19, has posted his own negative result on social media. Via my colleague Matilda Boseley:
Western Australia has recorded two new cases of Covid-19, but both are returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.Western Australia has recorded two new cases of Covid-19, but both are returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.
The two cases – both men in their 40s – bring the state’s total number of cases to 886.The two cases – both men in their 40s – bring the state’s total number of cases to 886.
WA Health says there are 15 active cases of the virus in the state.WA Health says there are 15 active cases of the virus in the state.
Australia’s acting foreign minister, Simon Birmingham, has announced the federal government will schedule another 20 repatriation flights to bring stranded Australians home.Australia’s acting foreign minister, Simon Birmingham, has announced the federal government will schedule another 20 repatriation flights to bring stranded Australians home.
It follows the national cabinet’s decision to reduce the cap on international arrivals via commercial flights by about 50% until mid-February, and an announcement from Emirates overnight that all flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would be suspended until further notice.It follows the national cabinet’s decision to reduce the cap on international arrivals via commercial flights by about 50% until mid-February, and an announcement from Emirates overnight that all flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would be suspended until further notice.
At a press conference Birmingham said flights from “priority areas” around the world would be organised by the commonwealth “over and above” the existing cap on arrivals.At a press conference Birmingham said flights from “priority areas” around the world would be organised by the commonwealth “over and above” the existing cap on arrivals.
Travellers will be required to quarantine at the Howard Springs facility in the Northern Territory, as well as in Canberra and Tasmania.Travellers will be required to quarantine at the Howard Springs facility in the Northern Territory, as well as in Canberra and Tasmania.
“These flights will fly from priority areas from around the world, making sure that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade off of their intelligence and knowledge of where Australians most need assistance, target those flights,” he said.“These flights will fly from priority areas from around the world, making sure that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade off of their intelligence and knowledge of where Australians most need assistance, target those flights,” he said.
Birmingham also said the absence of Emirates would not hinder the availability of flights and the newly arranged flights would be on top of the current traveller caps.Birmingham also said the absence of Emirates would not hinder the availability of flights and the newly arranged flights would be on top of the current traveller caps.
“The capacity that Emirates was able to use within the cap will be allocated to other airlines ensuring that there are still as many tickets into Australia after Emirates’ decision as there would have been beforehand,” he said.“The capacity that Emirates was able to use within the cap will be allocated to other airlines ensuring that there are still as many tickets into Australia after Emirates’ decision as there would have been beforehand,” he said.
“There are other carriers here or elsewhere who will be able to bring Australians home using the seats that Emirates would have been able to fill previously.”“There are other carriers here or elsewhere who will be able to bring Australians home using the seats that Emirates would have been able to fill previously.”
The Victorian government has confirmed two people tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in Melbourne on an Australian Open charter flight from Los Angeles on Friday morning.The Victorian government has confirmed two people tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in Melbourne on an Australian Open charter flight from Los Angeles on Friday morning.
In a statement, a spokesman for Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria said a member of the flight crew and a non-playing Open participant had both returned positive tests. The passenger had returned a negative test before departing from the US.In a statement, a spokesman for Covid-19 Quarantine Victoria said a member of the flight crew and a non-playing Open participant had both returned positive tests. The passenger had returned a negative test before departing from the US.
The spokesman said all remaining 66 passengers on the flight have been classed as close contacts and will not be able to leave quarantine to attend training. They said that there were currently “no other known positive tests from this flight, but routine testing will continue for passengers”.The spokesman said all remaining 66 passengers on the flight have been classed as close contacts and will not be able to leave quarantine to attend training. They said that there were currently “no other known positive tests from this flight, but routine testing will continue for passengers”.
The Queensland chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young, has confirmed that some of those people linked to the Hotel Grand Chancellor cluster that emerged in Brisbane a fortnight ago will have to remain in quarantine.The Queensland chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young, has confirmed that some of those people linked to the Hotel Grand Chancellor cluster that emerged in Brisbane a fortnight ago will have to remain in quarantine.
While a number of guests and staff will be released from quarantine at 6pm this evening, Young said only those “who I believe are no longer an infection risk to the community” would be allowed to re-enter the community.While a number of guests and staff will be released from quarantine at 6pm this evening, Young said only those “who I believe are no longer an infection risk to the community” would be allowed to re-enter the community.
Queensland Health said in a statement that the following groups would be released from hotel or home quarantine at 6pm today:Queensland Health said in a statement that the following groups would be released from hotel or home quarantine at 6pm today:
All staff engaged at Hotel Grand Chancellor since 30 December 2020, including hotel workers, Queensland police officers, Australian Defence Force officers, Queensland Health staff, pathology staff and other workers.All staff engaged at Hotel Grand Chancellor since 30 December 2020, including hotel workers, Queensland police officers, Australian Defence Force officers, Queensland Health staff, pathology staff and other workers.
Quarantined guests released from the Hotel Grand Chancellor since 30 December 2020 after completing 14 days of mandatory quarantine.Quarantined guests released from the Hotel Grand Chancellor since 30 December 2020 after completing 14 days of mandatory quarantine.
Quarantined guests transferred from the Hotel Grand Chancellor and remain at The Westin, where they have completed their 14 days of mandatory quarantine.Quarantined guests transferred from the Hotel Grand Chancellor and remain at The Westin, where they have completed their 14 days of mandatory quarantine.
The guests and staff are required to meet a set of conditions before they are released, including completing their individual quarantine requirements, evidence of negative Covid-19 tests, being free of Covid-19 symptoms, and providing up-to-date contact details.The guests and staff are required to meet a set of conditions before they are released, including completing their individual quarantine requirements, evidence of negative Covid-19 tests, being free of Covid-19 symptoms, and providing up-to-date contact details.
Iceland has genetically sequenced all its positive Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, an increasingly vital practice as worrying new strains emerge from Britain and South Africa, AFP reports.Iceland has genetically sequenced all its positive Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, an increasingly vital practice as worrying new strains emerge from Britain and South Africa, AFP reports.
The World Health Organization on Friday urged all countries to ramp up genome sequencing to help combat the emerging variants.The World Health Organization on Friday urged all countries to ramp up genome sequencing to help combat the emerging variants.
Scientists at the Icelandic biopharma group deCODE Genetics’ laboratory in Reykjavik have worked relentlessly for the past 10 months, analysing each positive coronavirus test in Iceland at the request of the country’s health authorities.Scientists at the Icelandic biopharma group deCODE Genetics’ laboratory in Reykjavik have worked relentlessly for the past 10 months, analysing each positive coronavirus test in Iceland at the request of the country’s health authorities.
The aim is to trace every case in order to prevent problematic ones from slipping through the net.The aim is to trace every case in order to prevent problematic ones from slipping through the net.
“It takes us relatively short time to do the actual sequencing,” explains the head of the lab, Olafur Thor Magnusson, adding that “about three hours” is all that is needed to determine the virus strain.“It takes us relatively short time to do the actual sequencing,” explains the head of the lab, Olafur Thor Magnusson, adding that “about three hours” is all that is needed to determine the virus strain.
The entire process, from isolating the DNA to sequencing it, can take up to a day and a half, and has enabled Iceland to identify 463 separate variants – which scientists call haplotypes.The entire process, from isolating the DNA to sequencing it, can take up to a day and a half, and has enabled Iceland to identify 463 separate variants – which scientists call haplotypes.
Prior to sequencing, the DNA of each sample is first isolated, then purified using magnetic beads.Prior to sequencing, the DNA of each sample is first isolated, then purified using magnetic beads.
The samples are then taken to a massive, bright room full of equipment, where a deafening sound emanates from small machines resembling scanners.The samples are then taken to a massive, bright room full of equipment, where a deafening sound emanates from small machines resembling scanners.
The machines are gene sequencers, which map the novel coronavirus genome.The machines are gene sequencers, which map the novel coronavirus genome.
In a twist that, well, many people could see coming, the Australian Open is now facing massive complications after two people on the charter flight QR7493 from Los Angeles tested positive to Covid-19 on arrival in Melbourne.In a twist that, well, many people could see coming, the Australian Open is now facing massive complications after two people on the charter flight QR7493 from Los Angeles tested positive to Covid-19 on arrival in Melbourne.
In an email posted on social media by Mexican world number 155 Santiago González, which appears to be sent by Tennis Australia, the players on the flight are instructed that they must isolate in their rooms for two weeks with no ability to train in the vital days leading up to the competition.In an email posted on social media by Mexican world number 155 Santiago González, which appears to be sent by Tennis Australia, the players on the flight are instructed that they must isolate in their rooms for two weeks with no ability to train in the vital days leading up to the competition.
Former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka, as well as American Sloane Stephens and Japanese player Kei Nishikori were reportedly also on board this flight.Former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka, as well as American Sloane Stephens and Japanese player Kei Nishikori were reportedly also on board this flight.
The flight with the two positive cases was the same one that US player Tennys Sandgren tweeted he had been allowed to board despite returning a positive test.The flight with the two positive cases was the same one that US player Tennys Sandgren tweeted he had been allowed to board despite returning a positive test.
It was later clarified Sandgren had contracted the virus in November, and was not considered to be a risk of transmitting the virus. At the time a spokesman for the Victorian quarantine program said it was common among people who had tested positive and then recovered to “shed viral fragments for some time”, which could “trigger another positive result”.It was later clarified Sandgren had contracted the virus in November, and was not considered to be a risk of transmitting the virus. At the time a spokesman for the Victorian quarantine program said it was common among people who had tested positive and then recovered to “shed viral fragments for some time”, which could “trigger another positive result”.
There is no suggestion Sandgren is one of the positive cases on board, though Guardian Australia is seeking additional information from the Victorian health department.There is no suggestion Sandgren is one of the positive cases on board, though Guardian Australia is seeking additional information from the Victorian health department.
Australia’s shadow foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has accused the federal government of abandoning the roughly 40,000 Australians still stranded overseas after airline Emirates announced late on Friday it was cancelling flights to cities on the east coast.Australia’s shadow foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has accused the federal government of abandoning the roughly 40,000 Australians still stranded overseas after airline Emirates announced late on Friday it was cancelling flights to cities on the east coast.
Labor has been critical of the government’s decision to leave hotel quarantine up to the states, and on Saturday Wong said the prime minister, Scott Morrison, had “refused to take responsibility”.Labor has been critical of the government’s decision to leave hotel quarantine up to the states, and on Saturday Wong said the prime minister, Scott Morrison, had “refused to take responsibility”.
“It is his responsibility, but he has refused to take responsibility. He has left it to the states and now we have 40,000 Australians stranded overseas,” she said.“It is his responsibility, but he has refused to take responsibility. He has left it to the states and now we have 40,000 Australians stranded overseas,” she said.
“A safe national quarantine system would protect Australians here in Australia and would enable Australians who are stranded to come home. None of this is good enough. None of this is good enough because we have a prime minister who has walked away from his responsibility.”“A safe national quarantine system would protect Australians here in Australia and would enable Australians who are stranded to come home. None of this is good enough. None of this is good enough because we have a prime minister who has walked away from his responsibility.”
Mexican world number 155 Santiago González has revealed he was one of the tennis players on board a charter plane from Los Angeles that has since had two people return positive Covid-19 tests. The flight landed in Melbourne on Friday morning.Mexican world number 155 Santiago González has revealed he was one of the tennis players on board a charter plane from Los Angeles that has since had two people return positive Covid-19 tests. The flight landed in Melbourne on Friday morning.
It means González – and any other player who was on board – will be confined to their rooms and unable to train for the two-week quarantine.It means González – and any other player who was on board – will be confined to their rooms and unable to train for the two-week quarantine.
My colleague Matilda Boseley has contacted Tennis Australia for comment.My colleague Matilda Boseley has contacted Tennis Australia for comment.