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Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes milestone as Emirates cancels Australian flights Coronavirus live news: global death toll passes milestone as Emirates cancels Australian flights
(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
The New York Times sports reporter Karen Crouse has tweeted that two people who arrived from the US for the Australian Open have tested positive for Covid-19 while in mandatory quarantine.
I’ll try to get some more details.
Here’s our story on a grim landmark. The world has now passed 2m deaths from Covid-19.Here’s our story on a grim landmark. The world has now passed 2m deaths from Covid-19.
“Our world has reached a heart-wrenching milestone,” United Nations chief António Guterres announced on Friday.“Our world has reached a heart-wrenching milestone,” United Nations chief António Guterres announced on Friday.
“Behind this staggering number are names and faces: the smile now only a memory, the seat forever empty at the dinner table, the room that echoes with the silence of a loved one,” “Behind this staggering number are names and faces: the smile now only a memory, the seat forever empty at the dinner table, the room that echoes with the silence of a loved one.”
Guterres used the landmark to push for greater global solidarity to fund vaccination efforts.Guterres used the landmark to push for greater global solidarity to fund vaccination efforts.
New South Wales recorded one new case of coronavirus to 8pm last night, the state’s health department has announced.New South Wales recorded one new case of coronavirus to 8pm last night, the state’s health department has announced.
The case is a man from western Sydney, and was locally acquired. Investigations into the source of the infection are under way, but health officials believe the case is linked to the Berala BWS cluster.The case is a man from western Sydney, and was locally acquired. Investigations into the source of the infection are under way, but health officials believe the case is linked to the Berala BWS cluster.
NSW had recorded two consecutive days with no new cases of community transmission of the virus.NSW had recorded two consecutive days with no new cases of community transmission of the virus.
There were also 11 cases recorded in returned travellers, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,868.There were also 11 cases recorded in returned travellers, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,868.
There were 14,547 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 16,070.There were 14,547 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 16,070.
The World Health Organisation has called for a worldwide acceleration in vaccine rollouts - as well as a ramp-up in efforts to study the sequencing of the virus, in order to tackle troubling new strains emerging around the world.The World Health Organisation has called for a worldwide acceleration in vaccine rollouts - as well as a ramp-up in efforts to study the sequencing of the virus, in order to tackle troubling new strains emerging around the world.
“I want to see vaccination under way in every country in the next 100 days so that health workers and those at high risk are protected first,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference in Geneva on Friday.“I want to see vaccination under way in every country in the next 100 days so that health workers and those at high risk are protected first,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference in Geneva on Friday.
His call came as infections snowballed, with 724,000 new cases recorded on average per day globally over the past week, according to AFP - a record 10 percent increase on a week earlier.His call came as infections snowballed, with 724,000 new cases recorded on average per day globally over the past week, according to AFP - a record 10 percent increase on a week earlier.
While countries from Spain to Lebanon have announced record caseloads, the surge has been most marked in Latin America and the Caribbean, where confirmed cases leapt 26 percent this week.While countries from Spain to Lebanon have announced record caseloads, the surge has been most marked in Latin America and the Caribbean, where confirmed cases leapt 26 percent this week.
US President-elect Joe Biden said Friday he would harness the full strength of the federal government in a vaccine blitz: creating thousands of immunization sites, deploying mobile clinics and expanding the public health workforce.US President-elect Joe Biden said Friday he would harness the full strength of the federal government in a vaccine blitz: creating thousands of immunization sites, deploying mobile clinics and expanding the public health workforce.
“You have my word: we will manage the hell out of this operation,” said Biden, five days before he assumes leadership of the world’s hardest-hit country, where the death toll is approaching 400,000.“You have my word: we will manage the hell out of this operation,” said Biden, five days before he assumes leadership of the world’s hardest-hit country, where the death toll is approaching 400,000.
And that’s it from Victoria.And that’s it from Victoria.
Andrews defended the decision to push ahead with the Australian Open, despite criticism that the 1,200 players and staff who have been allowed to enter hotel quarantine in the state is occurring while thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas.Andrews defended the decision to push ahead with the Australian Open, despite criticism that the 1,200 players and staff who have been allowed to enter hotel quarantine in the state is occurring while thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas.
Andrews won’t confirm the 15 February date reported by the Age newspaper this morning for the beginning of the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine.Andrews won’t confirm the 15 February date reported by the Age newspaper this morning for the beginning of the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine.
He confirms he will be getting the vaccine.He confirms he will be getting the vaccine.
Victoria’s decision to begin allowing entry to residents stranded in other states will be welcome news for the thousands who have been stuck in NSW and Queensland for more than two weeks.Victoria’s decision to begin allowing entry to residents stranded in other states will be welcome news for the thousands who have been stuck in NSW and Queensland for more than two weeks.
But Andrews flags that anyone travelling to those states should be aware that “circumstances can change and they can change rapidly”.But Andrews flags that anyone travelling to those states should be aware that “circumstances can change and they can change rapidly”.
The five Brisbane local government areas which will switch from a red to orange zone at 6pm tonight are:The five Brisbane local government areas which will switch from a red to orange zone at 6pm tonight are:
BrisbaneBrisbane
Moreton BayMoreton Bay
LoganLogan
IpswichIpswich
RedlandsRedlands
Andrews says he hopes to make a similar announcement for greater Sydney “in the coming days”.Andrews says he hopes to make a similar announcement for greater Sydney “in the coming days”.
There are currently 35 local government areas in greater Sydney that are classified as red zones by Victoria. Andrews said not all of the LGAs would have their red zone status removed, but “certainly from a strong majority”.There are currently 35 local government areas in greater Sydney that are classified as red zones by Victoria. Andrews said not all of the LGAs would have their red zone status removed, but “certainly from a strong majority”.
“So there will be a significant shift – that’s our aim in the next couple of days,” he said.“So there will be a significant shift – that’s our aim in the next couple of days,” he said.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews is speaking now in Melbourne.Victorian premier Daniel Andrews is speaking now in Melbourne.
He has announced that the government will remove the “red zone” designation on Brisbane, meaning Victorians who are stranded in Queensland will be able to return home. Travellers can now enter Victoria but are required to get a Covid test within 72 hours of arrival and isolate until receiving a negative result.He has announced that the government will remove the “red zone” designation on Brisbane, meaning Victorians who are stranded in Queensland will be able to return home. Travellers can now enter Victoria but are required to get a Covid test within 72 hours of arrival and isolate until receiving a negative result.
Queensland has reported no new cases of community transmission, and one in hotel quarantine – a returned traveller from South Africa. There are now 29 active cases of coronavirus in the state.Queensland has reported no new cases of community transmission, and one in hotel quarantine – a returned traveller from South Africa. There are now 29 active cases of coronavirus in the state.
A previously reported case from a person in Cairns has been re-tested and returned a negative result. Dr Jeannette Young, the state’s chief health officer, says she believes it was a historical case.A previously reported case from a person in Cairns has been re-tested and returned a negative result. Dr Jeannette Young, the state’s chief health officer, says she believes it was a historical case.
Young also notes it is now 14 days since the Grand Chancellor Covid-19 outbreak, meaning most (but not all) of the people linked to that cluster will exit quarantine at 6pm today.Young also notes it is now 14 days since the Grand Chancellor Covid-19 outbreak, meaning most (but not all) of the people linked to that cluster will exit quarantine at 6pm today.
“This is all very good news,” she said. “It means that, I believe, due to very quick work by a lot of people and by the people of greater Brisbane, that there is every chance we have contained this cluster.”“This is all very good news,” she said. “It means that, I believe, due to very quick work by a lot of people and by the people of greater Brisbane, that there is every chance we have contained this cluster.”
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews will hold a press conference at 10.15am, local time.Victorian premier Daniel Andrews will hold a press conference at 10.15am, local time.
India begins one of the world’s biggest coronavirus vaccine programs on Saturday, a colossal and complex task compounded by safety worries, shaky infrastructure and public scepticism.India begins one of the world’s biggest coronavirus vaccine programs on Saturday, a colossal and complex task compounded by safety worries, shaky infrastructure and public scepticism.
AFP reports the world’s second-most populous nation hopes to inoculate around 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by July – a number equal to almost the entire US population.AFP reports the world’s second-most populous nation hopes to inoculate around 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by July – a number equal to almost the entire US population.
Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high risk are prioritised to receive one of two approved vaccines, although one has yet to complete clinical trials.Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high risk are prioritised to receive one of two approved vaccines, although one has yet to complete clinical trials.
On day one around 300,000 people will receive the first of two doses, with prime minister Narendra Modi set to launch the program virtually in New Delhi.On day one around 300,000 people will receive the first of two doses, with prime minister Narendra Modi set to launch the program virtually in New Delhi.
Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine.Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine.
About 150,000 staff in 700 districts have been specially trained, and India has held several national dry runs involving mock transportation of vaccines.About 150,000 staff in 700 districts have been specially trained, and India has held several national dry runs involving mock transportation of vaccines.
But in an enormous, impoverished nation with often shoddy transport networks and one of the world’s worst-funded healthcare systems, it is still a daunting undertaking.But in an enormous, impoverished nation with often shoddy transport networks and one of the world’s worst-funded healthcare systems, it is still a daunting undertaking.
Regular child inoculations are a “much smaller game” and vaccinating against Covid-19 will be “deeply challenging”, said Satyajit Rath from the National Institute of Immunology.Regular child inoculations are a “much smaller game” and vaccinating against Covid-19 will be “deeply challenging”, said Satyajit Rath from the National Institute of Immunology.
In the US, governors have accused the Trump administration of deceiving the states about the amount of Covid-19 vaccine they can expect to receive, as the country’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention warns the new more infectious strain of the virus will probably become the dominant infection in the country by March.In the US, governors have accused the Trump administration of deceiving the states about the amount of Covid-19 vaccine they can expect to receive, as the country’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention warns the new more infectious strain of the virus will probably become the dominant infection in the country by March.
The CDC said it is about 50% more contagious than the virus that is causing the bulk of cases in this country so far.The CDC said it is about 50% more contagious than the virus that is causing the bulk of cases in this country so far.
“We want to sound the alarm,” said Dr Jay Butler, CDC deputy director for infectious diseases.“We want to sound the alarm,” said Dr Jay Butler, CDC deputy director for infectious diseases.
AP reports the clash over the pace of the government’s Covid-19 vaccine allotments threatens to escalate tensions between the outgoing Trump administration and some states over who is responsible for the relatively slow start to the vaccination drive against the scourge that has killed over 390,000 Americans.AP reports the clash over the pace of the government’s Covid-19 vaccine allotments threatens to escalate tensions between the outgoing Trump administration and some states over who is responsible for the relatively slow start to the vaccination drive against the scourge that has killed over 390,000 Americans.
Oregon had announced earlier this week that it would expand vaccine eligibility to roughly 760,000 residents 65 and older, as well teachers and child care providers, because of what it said were promises that the state’s vaccine allotment would be increased.Oregon had announced earlier this week that it would expand vaccine eligibility to roughly 760,000 residents 65 and older, as well teachers and child care providers, because of what it said were promises that the state’s vaccine allotment would be increased.
But Democratic governor Kate Brown said those plans are now in disarray because of “deception on a national scale” by the administration.But Democratic governor Kate Brown said those plans are now in disarray because of “deception on a national scale” by the administration.
Via Twitter, Brown said she was told by General Gustave F Perna, who leads Operation Warp Speed, that states will not be receiving increased shipments of vaccine from the national stockpile next week “because there is no federal reserve of doses.”Via Twitter, Brown said she was told by General Gustave F Perna, who leads Operation Warp Speed, that states will not be receiving increased shipments of vaccine from the national stockpile next week “because there is no federal reserve of doses.”
Minnesota governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, said he was among several governors deceived by federal officials about availability of a strategic supply of doses.Minnesota governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, said he was among several governors deceived by federal officials about availability of a strategic supply of doses.
“This one is so far beyond the pale to be almost unimaginable,” he said. “Who’s going to be prosecuted for this? What are the states to do when they’ve been lied to and made all their plans around this?”“This one is so far beyond the pale to be almost unimaginable,” he said. “Who’s going to be prosecuted for this? What are the states to do when they’ve been lied to and made all their plans around this?”
Alena Yarmosky, a spokeswoman for Virginia governor Ralph Northam, said governors were “told explicitly” on Tuesday that they would be provided additional doses. Northam, a Democrat and a doctor, had moved quickly as a result to announce that the state would expand vaccine eligibilityAlena Yarmosky, a spokeswoman for Virginia governor Ralph Northam, said governors were “told explicitly” on Tuesday that they would be provided additional doses. Northam, a Democrat and a doctor, had moved quickly as a result to announce that the state would expand vaccine eligibility
Now, Northam’s administration is trying to determine whether those additional supplies don’t exist, Yarmosky said.Now, Northam’s administration is trying to determine whether those additional supplies don’t exist, Yarmosky said.
“What we’re seeing is fully in line with the dysfunction that has characterised the Trump administration’s entire response to Covid-19. President-elect Biden cannot be sworn in fast enough,” she said.“What we’re seeing is fully in line with the dysfunction that has characterised the Trump administration’s entire response to Covid-19. President-elect Biden cannot be sworn in fast enough,” she said.
Overnight the West Australian premier Mark McGowan said his government would move Victoria to a “low risk” coronavirus category from next week, meaning some restrictions will be loosened on travellers from the state.Overnight the West Australian premier Mark McGowan said his government would move Victoria to a “low risk” coronavirus category from next week, meaning some restrictions will be loosened on travellers from the state.
While Victorian travellers will still need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in WA, from Monday they will be allowed into the state without needing a special exemption. They will also be required to present for a coronavirus test on day 11 of their quarantine.While Victorian travellers will still need to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in WA, from Monday they will be allowed into the state without needing a special exemption. They will also be required to present for a coronavirus test on day 11 of their quarantine.
Both the New South Wales and Victorian governments have identified 15 February as the launch date for the Pfizer vaccine in Australia.Both the New South Wales and Victorian governments have identified 15 February as the launch date for the Pfizer vaccine in Australia.
The Age today reports that while the federal government is yet to confirm a date for the beginning of the rollout of the vaccine, officials in both states have identified 15 February, a month from now, as the start of the rollout of the vaccine.The Age today reports that while the federal government is yet to confirm a date for the beginning of the rollout of the vaccine, officials in both states have identified 15 February, a month from now, as the start of the rollout of the vaccine.
The date was reportedly listed in an internal briefing to a major hospital group obtained by the Age, and has since been confirmed by officials in both states.The date was reportedly listed in an internal briefing to a major hospital group obtained by the Age, and has since been confirmed by officials in both states.
Victoria is aiming for phase one of the roll-out to deliver 15,000 doses a week of the Pfizer vaccine to frontline workers including staff at hospitals and aged care homes, as well as those working on hotel quarantine operations.Victoria is aiming for phase one of the roll-out to deliver 15,000 doses a week of the Pfizer vaccine to frontline workers including staff at hospitals and aged care homes, as well as those working on hotel quarantine operations.
Victoria has recorded its 10th consecutive day with no new cases of community transmission of the virus, while three new cases were reported through its hotel quarantine system. The zero cases came from almost 15,000 tests.Victoria has recorded its 10th consecutive day with no new cases of community transmission of the virus, while three new cases were reported through its hotel quarantine system. The zero cases came from almost 15,000 tests.
Hello, and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.Hello, and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
The thousands of Australians still stranded overseas have been dealt another blow after Emirates announced late on Friday night that all flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would be suspended until further notice.The thousands of Australians still stranded overseas have been dealt another blow after Emirates announced late on Friday night that all flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane would be suspended until further notice.
The airline’s decision comes a little over a week after the national cabinet announced it would cut the number of international passengers allowed into New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia by 50% in response to new variants of the virus emerging overseas.The airline’s decision comes a little over a week after the national cabinet announced it would cut the number of international passengers allowed into New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia by 50% in response to new variants of the virus emerging overseas.
In a statement, Emirates said the decision was “due to operational reasons”. The decision will remove 19 flights per week that the United Arab Emirates carrier had been running.In a statement, Emirates said the decision was “due to operational reasons”. The decision will remove 19 flights per week that the United Arab Emirates carrier had been running.
In other news across the world:In other news across the world:
The number of people who have lost their life after having Covid now exceeds 2 million as another grim pandemic milestone was passed. Johns Hopkins University data shows that the US remains the worst affected country by the virus – followed by Brazil, India, Mexico and the UK – across the world in which more than 7.5 billion people reside.The number of people who have lost their life after having Covid now exceeds 2 million as another grim pandemic milestone was passed. Johns Hopkins University data shows that the US remains the worst affected country by the virus – followed by Brazil, India, Mexico and the UK – across the world in which more than 7.5 billion people reside.
Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, said a plane would be sent to India to pick up Covid-19 vaccines in two or three days at most, after the government had announced the flight would leave on Friday. Bolsonaro added there was little he could do about the pandemic in Brazil as a second wave tears through the country and that he “should be at the beach”.Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, said a plane would be sent to India to pick up Covid-19 vaccines in two or three days at most, after the government had announced the flight would leave on Friday. Bolsonaro added there was little he could do about the pandemic in Brazil as a second wave tears through the country and that he “should be at the beach”.
US president-elect Joe Biden’s incoming chief of staff, Ron Klain, has said he expects the country to hit 500,000 Covid deaths next month. In an online interview with the Washington Post, Klain added that he was confident that law enforcement would ensure a safe inauguration for Biden on 20 January.US president-elect Joe Biden’s incoming chief of staff, Ron Klain, has said he expects the country to hit 500,000 Covid deaths next month. In an online interview with the Washington Post, Klain added that he was confident that law enforcement would ensure a safe inauguration for Biden on 20 January.
Spain has logged a record 40,197 new Covid cases over the past 24 hours, bringing its total number of confirmed cases to 2,252,164. The health ministry said 235 people had died between Thursday and Friday, taking the country’s death toll to 53,314.Spain has logged a record 40,197 new Covid cases over the past 24 hours, bringing its total number of confirmed cases to 2,252,164. The health ministry said 235 people had died between Thursday and Friday, taking the country’s death toll to 53,314.
Tunisia said on Friday it recorded 4,170 new confirmed coronavirus cases, a record since the start of the pandemic. Tunisia on Thursday imposed a four-day national lockdown and closed schools until 24 January to combat a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.Tunisia said on Friday it recorded 4,170 new confirmed coronavirus cases, a record since the start of the pandemic. Tunisia on Thursday imposed a four-day national lockdown and closed schools until 24 January to combat a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases.
In Australia, health experts have cautiously given their support for the Victorian government’s decision to go ahead with the Australian Open tennis grand slam. But the government’s decision to push ahead with unique quarantine restrictions for the roughly 1,200 players and support staff arriving for the tournament while thousands of Victorians remain stranded in NSW thanks to border closures has drawn an angry response in some quarters.In Australia, health experts have cautiously given their support for the Victorian government’s decision to go ahead with the Australian Open tennis grand slam. But the government’s decision to push ahead with unique quarantine restrictions for the roughly 1,200 players and support staff arriving for the tournament while thousands of Victorians remain stranded in NSW thanks to border closures has drawn an angry response in some quarters.