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Coronavirus live news: Greek health workers strike over conditions; Fauci says political divide added to US deaths Coronavirus live news: Ireland to reopen schools; France investigates cruise ship deaths
(32 minutes later)
Greek doctors marched in Athens over ‘suffocating’ conditions at hospitals; Fauci says large US death toll ‘should not have happened’ Ireland extends other restrictions to April to prevent explosion in cases; three passengers died after outbreak on cruise in March 2020
Spain’s coronavirus incidence slipped below 250 cases per 100,000 people - a threshold the health ministry considers as “extreme risk” of contagion - for the first time in two months today, Reuters reports.
The indicator, measured over the past 14 days, fell to 236 cases from 252 the previous day and from a record 900 cases at the end of January, health ministry data showed. It added 7,461 cases to its tally of infections today which now stands at 3,161,432 since the start of the pandemic.
The death toll increased by 443, to a total of 68,079, although most of the newly-registered deaths occurred in the previous days, the data showed. The daily death toll has been in decline for the past month in the country of 47 million.
With a third wave quickly receding and the vaccination campaign in full swing, several regions have relaxed restrictions such as night-time curfews in the past couple of weeks.
Brussels has put six EU member states on notice that their tight Covid border restrictions, including exit and entry bans, should be lifted over fears of a wider breakdown in the bloc’s free movement of people and goods.
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary and Sweden have been given 10 days to respond to the European commission’s concerns that they have breached commonly agreed coronavirus guidelines.
Restrictions imposed by Germany at its border with the Austrian Tirol region have been a particular cause of tension in recent weeks, with the German ambassador in Vienna summoned to justify the “unnecessary measures that do more harm than good”.
Here are some of the key global developments from the past few hours:
Scotland is to look to begin a “substantial” easing of coronavirus restrictions from 26 April, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said.
Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.
The Netherlands is expected to announce a slight easing of restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen (see 3.19pm).
Israel announced it would send a “token amount” of surplus coronavirus jobs to several countries (see 2.50pm), in the latest move to suggest limited global supplies will lead to a new form of diplomatic currency.
Spain extends its ban on arrivals from Britain, Brazil and South Africa until 16 March to safeguard against the spread of new coronavirus strains from these countries (see 4.34pm).
Greek hospital doctors went on strike and dozens marched in Athens to protest “suffocating” conditions at hospitals during the pandemic (see 12.58pm).
Chinese officials did “little” in terms of epidemiological investigations into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan in the first eight months after the outbreak, according to an internal World Health Organization document.
French investigators probe manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers (see 5.34pm).
Ten orangutans were airlifted back to their natural habitat on Indonesia’s Borneo island, in the first release of the apes into the wild for a year due to the dangers of coronavirus infection.
Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.
The government has prioritised education and childcare in a cautious new roadmap out of restrictions after a disastrous relaxation before Christmas led to Ireland having the world’s highest rate of infection.The government has prioritised education and childcare in a cautious new roadmap out of restrictions after a disastrous relaxation before Christmas led to Ireland having the world’s highest rate of infection.
The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, was to announce the revised Living with Covid plan in a televised address on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day the cabinet agreed to extend the maximum level 5 restrictions until 5 April, which means non-essential retail, bars, cafes, construction, gyms and other sectors will remain closed. A 5km travel limit remains in place, as does a ban on household mixing.The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, was to announce the revised Living with Covid plan in a televised address on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day the cabinet agreed to extend the maximum level 5 restrictions until 5 April, which means non-essential retail, bars, cafes, construction, gyms and other sectors will remain closed. A 5km travel limit remains in place, as does a ban on household mixing.
Exempting Covid-19 vaccines from intellectual property rights would not speed up production or distribution of the jabs, a pharmaceutical industry association has claimed.Exempting Covid-19 vaccines from intellectual property rights would not speed up production or distribution of the jabs, a pharmaceutical industry association has claimed.
Proponents of doing away with patents say more companies could produce the vaccine, which could then be used in poorer nations that have yet to receive any jabs.Proponents of doing away with patents say more companies could produce the vaccine, which could then be used in poorer nations that have yet to receive any jabs.
But Thomas Cueni, the head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), said managing the complex logistics of rolling out vaccines was what was slowing down jabs, not patents.But Thomas Cueni, the head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), said managing the complex logistics of rolling out vaccines was what was slowing down jabs, not patents.
His comments come amid a push at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to introduce a temporary IP waiver during the pandemic. The proposal, which was first put forward last year by India and South Africa, has been gaining momentum with the backing of more than 100 countries.His comments come amid a push at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to introduce a temporary IP waiver during the pandemic. The proposal, which was first put forward last year by India and South Africa, has been gaining momentum with the backing of more than 100 countries.
But several nations, including the US and Switzerland along with the EU, oppose the move. The opposition means the proposal cannot move forward in the WTO, which makes decisions by consensus.But several nations, including the US and Switzerland along with the EU, oppose the move. The opposition means the proposal cannot move forward in the WTO, which makes decisions by consensus.
There are also fears over vaccines being made to a poor quality, along with the potential consequences of added pressure on supply chains if the intellectual property was democratised.There are also fears over vaccines being made to a poor quality, along with the potential consequences of added pressure on supply chains if the intellectual property was democratised.
Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, said last week:Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, said last week:
French investigators are probing manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers, judicial sources have told AFP.French investigators are probing manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers, judicial sources have told AFP.
North Macedonia has said the EU should do more to help the Balkan country acquire Covid-19 vaccines, claiming it had become “collateral damage” of EU procurement policy.North Macedonia has said the EU should do more to help the Balkan country acquire Covid-19 vaccines, claiming it had become “collateral damage” of EU procurement policy.
Foreign minister Bujar Osmani told AFP that his country, which is not in the bloc – in part due to Bulgarian opposition – had been able to begin a modest vaccination campaign thanks to donations of a few thousand vaccine doses from Serbia, which made deals directly with pharmaceutical companies.Foreign minister Bujar Osmani told AFP that his country, which is not in the bloc – in part due to Bulgarian opposition – had been able to begin a modest vaccination campaign thanks to donations of a few thousand vaccine doses from Serbia, which made deals directly with pharmaceutical companies.
But he deplored the absence of any EU assistance, saying Brussels was sending “the wrong message” to the Balkans by “leaving the region without vaccines”.But he deplored the absence of any EU assistance, saying Brussels was sending “the wrong message” to the Balkans by “leaving the region without vaccines”.
Osmani said North Macedonia had last year ordered and paid for 800,000 Astra Zeneca vaccine doses through the World Health Organization’s Covax system, and ordered another 800,000 doses from the Pfizer group directly but “nothing has come to Macedonia as yet”.Osmani said North Macedonia had last year ordered and paid for 800,000 Astra Zeneca vaccine doses through the World Health Organization’s Covax system, and ordered another 800,000 doses from the Pfizer group directly but “nothing has come to Macedonia as yet”.
He said “every day we are delaying the vaccines puts more people in danger, in particular the vulnerable ones”, adding that his government was trying to secure Chinese vaccines, with 200,000 Sinopharm doses expected in the coming days.He said “every day we are delaying the vaccines puts more people in danger, in particular the vulnerable ones”, adding that his government was trying to secure Chinese vaccines, with 200,000 Sinopharm doses expected in the coming days.
The country of 2 million people has recorded almost 100,000 Covid cases and 3,076 deaths.The country of 2 million people has recorded almost 100,000 Covid cases and 3,076 deaths.
Hundreds of young Algerians have defied a coronavirus ban on demonstrations to protest in the capital Algiers, a day after major protests to mark the second anniversary of mass anti-government rallies, AFP reports.Hundreds of young Algerians have defied a coronavirus ban on demonstrations to protest in the capital Algiers, a day after major protests to mark the second anniversary of mass anti-government rallies, AFP reports.
EasyJet shares have rallied amid rocketing flight bookings for the British airline, boosted by prime minister Boris Johnson’s plan to ease England’s coronavirus lockdown, AFP reports.EasyJet shares have rallied amid rocketing flight bookings for the British airline, boosted by prime minister Boris Johnson’s plan to ease England’s coronavirus lockdown, AFP reports.
Spain has extended its ban on arrivals from Britain, Brazil and South Africa until 16 March to safeguard against the spread of new coronavirus strains from these countries, AFP reports.Spain has extended its ban on arrivals from Britain, Brazil and South Africa until 16 March to safeguard against the spread of new coronavirus strains from these countries, AFP reports.
Phone an organisation’s helpline today and you are likely to hear a recorded voice telling you that staff are working from home and operating hours have been reduced (apparently from about 9am to 9.15am), writes reporter Peter White.Phone an organisation’s helpline today and you are likely to hear a recorded voice telling you that staff are working from home and operating hours have been reduced (apparently from about 9am to 9.15am), writes reporter Peter White.
“But there’s good news!” the one-sided conversation will continue. “There’s not a thing you can’t do more quickly and efficiently by just going to our website.”“But there’s good news!” the one-sided conversation will continue. “There’s not a thing you can’t do more quickly and efficiently by just going to our website.”
Scotland is to look to begin a “substantial” easing of coronavirus restrictions from 26 April, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.Scotland is to look to begin a “substantial” easing of coronavirus restrictions from 26 April, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
AFP reports that the head of Scotland’s devolved government told lawmakers there were “much brighter times ahead”, adding that restrictions were working well alongside a mass vaccination programme that was “motoring”.AFP reports that the head of Scotland’s devolved government told lawmakers there were “much brighter times ahead”, adding that restrictions were working well alongside a mass vaccination programme that was “motoring”.
The first minister, whose government has devolved powers over health policy, indicated the lifting of restrictions on non-essential business would be more cautious than plans outlined for England by UK prime minister Boris Johnson yesterday.The first minister, whose government has devolved powers over health policy, indicated the lifting of restrictions on non-essential business would be more cautious than plans outlined for England by UK prime minister Boris Johnson yesterday.
Johnson yesterday outlined a four-step plan to ease lockdown measures in England, with schools opening again to pupils from 8 March, and non-essential retail from 12 April.Johnson yesterday outlined a four-step plan to ease lockdown measures in England, with schools opening again to pupils from 8 March, and non-essential retail from 12 April.
Some fans could be able to attend sporting fixtures from 17 May, while all physical distancing restrictions could be removed from 21 June - all subject to change and depending on scientific data.Some fans could be able to attend sporting fixtures from 17 May, while all physical distancing restrictions could be removed from 21 June - all subject to change and depending on scientific data.
Scotland, as well as Wales’ devolved government, has moved faster to reopen schools than England. Primary school students in Scotland aged between four and seven returned to the classroom on Monday.Scotland, as well as Wales’ devolved government, has moved faster to reopen schools than England. Primary school students in Scotland aged between four and seven returned to the classroom on Monday.
Sweden is preparing new measures to try to curb a resurgence in Covid-19 cases as the coronavirus strain first detected in Britain spreads rapidly.Sweden is preparing new measures to try to curb a resurgence in Covid-19 cases as the coronavirus strain first detected in Britain spreads rapidly.
Chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a news conference:Chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a news conference:
Sweden has avoided lockdowns throughout the pandemic. Health statistics agency figures today showed 10,933 new coronavirus cases had been registered since Friday, a rise from 9,458 in the corresponding period the previous week.Sweden has avoided lockdowns throughout the pandemic. Health statistics agency figures today showed 10,933 new coronavirus cases had been registered since Friday, a rise from 9,458 in the corresponding period the previous week.
The British coronavirus variant is thought by scientists to be a more infectious strain. Cases of the South African and Brazilian strains have also been detected but are not spreading quickly, Tegnell said.The British coronavirus variant is thought by scientists to be a more infectious strain. Cases of the South African and Brazilian strains have also been detected but are not spreading quickly, Tegnell said.
The centre-left government has laid the ground for potential lockdown measures to an extent not seen earlier during the pandemic.The centre-left government has laid the ground for potential lockdown measures to an extent not seen earlier during the pandemic.
Several of Sweden’s largest regions, including Stockholm on Tuesday, have also taken steps, such as recommending the use of masks in shops, workplaces and public transport.Several of Sweden’s largest regions, including Stockholm on Tuesday, have also taken steps, such as recommending the use of masks in shops, workplaces and public transport.
This is at odds with the health agency’s past reluctance to broadly endorse such moves because of limited evidence of their efficacy.This is at odds with the health agency’s past reluctance to broadly endorse such moves because of limited evidence of their efficacy.
Sweden, a country of 10 million people, has registered 12,713 deaths from Covid. The death rate per capita is much higher than its Nordic neighbours’ but lower than in most western European countries that opted for lockdowns.Sweden, a country of 10 million people, has registered 12,713 deaths from Covid. The death rate per capita is much higher than its Nordic neighbours’ but lower than in most western European countries that opted for lockdowns.
The Netherlands is expected to announce a slight easing of restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen, even as infection rates rise again.The Netherlands is expected to announce a slight easing of restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen, even as infection rates rise again.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, has been telling members of her parliamentary party that the country is experiencing a “third wave” of the pandemic. That’s according to Reuters, citing sources,Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, has been telling members of her parliamentary party that the country is experiencing a “third wave” of the pandemic. That’s according to Reuters, citing sources,
Israel has announced it will send surplus coronavirus inoculations to several countries, in the latest move to suggest limited global supplies will lead to a new form of diplomatic currency.Israel has announced it will send surplus coronavirus inoculations to several countries, in the latest move to suggest limited global supplies will lead to a new form of diplomatic currency.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced it had received multiple requests from unnamed foreign governments and would send a “token amount” of vaccines.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced it had received multiple requests from unnamed foreign governments and would send a “token amount” of vaccines.
The office said “it did not expect to have significant ability to assist until the vaccination campaign in Israel is completed”.The office said “it did not expect to have significant ability to assist until the vaccination campaign in Israel is completed”.
However, it added it has accumulated a limited amount of unused vials during the past month and had decided to assist with “a token amount of vaccines”. Batches would go to Palestinian medical staff in the West Bank in a previously announced deal, but also to “some of the countries that have approached Israel.”However, it added it has accumulated a limited amount of unused vials during the past month and had decided to assist with “a token amount of vaccines”. Batches would go to Palestinian medical staff in the West Bank in a previously announced deal, but also to “some of the countries that have approached Israel.”
Local media reported those state included Honduras and Guatemala, two states that Israel successfully lobbied to move their embassies to Jerusalem to bolster its claim to the divided city.Local media reported those state included Honduras and Guatemala, two states that Israel successfully lobbied to move their embassies to Jerusalem to bolster its claim to the divided city.
The Czech Republic, which thrilled Israel in December by announcing plans to open a “diplomatic office” in Jerusalem, was also on the list, according to one report. The prime minister’s office did not confirm the reports.The Czech Republic, which thrilled Israel in December by announcing plans to open a “diplomatic office” in Jerusalem, was also on the list, according to one report. The prime minister’s office did not confirm the reports.
Israel has secured more than enough vaccine shots for its nine million citizens, half of whom have received at least one shot.Israel has secured more than enough vaccine shots for its nine million citizens, half of whom have received at least one shot.
Last week, an Israeli source said the government had agreed to secretly provide coronavirus vaccines for the Syrian regime to sweeten a prisoner swap deal, with reports they would be bought from Russia.Last week, an Israeli source said the government had agreed to secretly provide coronavirus vaccines for the Syrian regime to sweeten a prisoner swap deal, with reports they would be bought from Russia.
Syria’s rebel-held northwest will receive its first shipment of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine by the end of next month, the World Health Organisation hassaidSyria’s rebel-held northwest will receive its first shipment of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine by the end of next month, the World Health Organisation hassaid
The doses were procured through the UN body’s Covax programme, which aims to provide equitable worldwide access to vaccines against Covid-19.The doses were procured through the UN body’s Covax programme, which aims to provide equitable worldwide access to vaccines against Covid-19.
Thirty-five to 40 percent of the vaccines would be made available in the first quarter of 2021, and 60 to 65 percent in the second quarter, a WHO spokesperson told the AFP news agency.Thirty-five to 40 percent of the vaccines would be made available in the first quarter of 2021, and 60 to 65 percent in the second quarter, a WHO spokesperson told the AFP news agency.
The health directorate for the opposition-held territory said it expected to receive 120,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by next month.The health directorate for the opposition-held territory said it expected to receive 120,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by next month.
“They will cover 60,000 people,” starting with front-line health workers, the elderly and chronically ill people, said its spokesman Imad Zahran.“They will cover 60,000 people,” starting with front-line health workers, the elderly and chronically ill people, said its spokesman Imad Zahran.
Syria’s northwest, much of which is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is home to some four million people, including 2.8 million in need of urgent assistance.Syria’s northwest, much of which is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is home to some four million people, including 2.8 million in need of urgent assistance.
Linguists in Germany have collected more than 1,200 new words coined during the pandemic.Linguists in Germany have collected more than 1,200 new words coined during the pandemic.
From coronamüde (tired of Covid-19) to Coronafrisur (corona hairstyle), the project is documenting the huge number of new words coined in the last year as the language raced to keep up with lives radically changed by the pandemic.From coronamüde (tired of Covid-19) to Coronafrisur (corona hairstyle), the project is documenting the huge number of new words coined in the last year as the language raced to keep up with lives radically changed by the pandemic.
The list compiled by the Leibniz Institute for the German language, an organisation that documents German language in the past and present, has already collected more than 1,200 new German words – many more than the 200 they see in an average year.The list compiled by the Leibniz Institute for the German language, an organisation that documents German language in the past and present, has already collected more than 1,200 new German words – many more than the 200 they see in an average year.
It includes feelings many can relate to, such as overzoomed (stressed by too many video calls), Coronaangst (when you have anxiety about the virus) and impfneid (envy of those who have been vaccinated).It includes feelings many can relate to, such as overzoomed (stressed by too many video calls), Coronaangst (when you have anxiety about the virus) and impfneid (envy of those who have been vaccinated).