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Coronavirus live news: first travellers to leave UK quarantine hotels; France could impose regional lockdowns Coronavirus live news: first travellers to leave UK quarantine hotels; France could impose regional lockdowns
(32 minutes later)
Some of first people to check into quarantine hotels in UK ‘released’; French PM says worrying spread in 20 areas; global deaths pass 2.5mSome of first people to check into quarantine hotels in UK ‘released’; French PM says worrying spread in 20 areas; global deaths pass 2.5m
The owner of British Airways, International Airlines Group, has reported a record €7.4bn loss for last year, and called for the introduction of digital health passes for passengers to enable the airline industry to get back on its feet.
IAG said that passenger capacity last year was only a third of 2019 and in the first quarter of this year is running at only a fifth of pre-Covid levels. The airline group reported a total annual operating loss of €7.4bn (£6.4bn).
“Our results reflect the serious impact that Covid-19 has had on our business,” said Luis Gallego, the chief executive of IAG. “The group continues to reduce its cost base and increase the proportion of variable costs to better match market demand. We’re transforming our business to ensure we emerge in a stronger competitive position.”
A poll in the in the Republic of Ireland has found that there is strong support for reopening society and the economy as soon as possible.A poll in the in the Republic of Ireland has found that there is strong support for reopening society and the economy as soon as possible.
The latest Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI opinion poll also found that the zero-Covid approach, the focus of recent debate, is not endorsed by a large majority of respondents, who yearn for some kind of ‘normality’ once the elderly and vulnerable people have been vaccinated.The latest Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI opinion poll also found that the zero-Covid approach, the focus of recent debate, is not endorsed by a large majority of respondents, who yearn for some kind of ‘normality’ once the elderly and vulnerable people have been vaccinated.
The findings also recorded a widespread willingness to take the vaccine, with 80 per cent saying they would take it tomorrow, and just 14 per cent saying they would choose not to.The findings also recorded a widespread willingness to take the vaccine, with 80 per cent saying they would take it tomorrow, and just 14 per cent saying they would choose not to.
It comes as the head of Ireland’s health service, Paul Reid, has been reflecting on the past year. Ireland had “prepared well,” he said on Thursday.It comes as the head of Ireland’s health service, Paul Reid, has been reflecting on the past year. Ireland had “prepared well,” he said on Thursday.
But he added: “We all have to put our hand on our heart and take reflections on what hasn’t worked and what we could have done better.”But he added: “We all have to put our hand on our heart and take reflections on what hasn’t worked and what we could have done better.”
The Philippines’ health ministry has reported 2,651 new coronavirus infections, the highest daily increase in cases in more than four months, and 46 additional deaths.The Philippines’ health ministry has reported 2,651 new coronavirus infections, the highest daily increase in cases in more than four months, and 46 additional deaths.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases had increased to 571,327, while confirmed deaths were at 12,247.In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases had increased to 571,327, while confirmed deaths were at 12,247.
The Philippines, which has south-east Asia’s second-highest Covid-19 caseload will take delivery of its first vaccines at the weekend, allowing it to kick off its inoculation programme.The Philippines, which has south-east Asia’s second-highest Covid-19 caseload will take delivery of its first vaccines at the weekend, allowing it to kick off its inoculation programme.
A scientist involved advising the UK government has said there is little point in primary school children wearing facemasks.A scientist involved advising the UK government has said there is little point in primary school children wearing facemasks.
Prof Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4: “Primary school children are the lowest risk both to themselves and to society.Prof Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4: “Primary school children are the lowest risk both to themselves and to society.
“There is really good data coming out … that shows that children are half as likely to acquire the virus to a third as likely to acquire the virus.“There is really good data coming out … that shows that children are half as likely to acquire the virus to a third as likely to acquire the virus.
“When it comes to transmitting they are probably half as likely to transmit it as adults. That risk actually gets smaller as you go into younger age groups. I am not a great fan of young children wearing facemasks.”“When it comes to transmitting they are probably half as likely to transmit it as adults. That risk actually gets smaller as you go into younger age groups. I am not a great fan of young children wearing facemasks.”
Hungary could consider tightening some lockdown restrictions as coronavirus infections are expected to rise “drastically” in the next two weeks, prime minister Viktor Orbán has told state radio.Hungary could consider tightening some lockdown restrictions as coronavirus infections are expected to rise “drastically” in the next two weeks, prime minister Viktor Orbán has told state radio.
Orbán also said all the 2.5 million to 2.6 million Hungarians who have registered for Covid-19 vaccinations so far would receive at least one dose by Easter, in early April.Orbán also said all the 2.5 million to 2.6 million Hungarians who have registered for Covid-19 vaccinations so far would receive at least one dose by Easter, in early April.
Orban said he hoped to get vaccinated with a shot developed by China’s Sinopharm early next week.Orban said he hoped to get vaccinated with a shot developed by China’s Sinopharm early next week.
“We need to radically limit travels outside Europe,” Orban said, including business travel.“We need to radically limit travels outside Europe,” Orban said, including business travel.
Orban flagged “very strict travel rules” to be worked out, and depending on the pace of new infections in coming days he said a tightening of current restrictions could become necessary.Orban flagged “very strict travel rules” to be worked out, and depending on the pace of new infections in coming days he said a tightening of current restrictions could become necessary.
The government has extended a partial lockdown until 15 March.The government has extended a partial lockdown until 15 March.
The rights of children and vulnerable people in police custody are being put at risk during the pandemic by problems with the remote provision of legal advice, according to a report by charities in England and Wales.The rights of children and vulnerable people in police custody are being put at risk during the pandemic by problems with the remote provision of legal advice, according to a report by charities in England and Wales.
While suspects here normally have a right to a lawyer being present during police interviews, research shows that legal support was provided remotely to children and vulnerable adults in more than half of 4,700 police station interviews during a snapshot period last year.While suspects here normally have a right to a lawyer being present during police interviews, research shows that legal support was provided remotely to children and vulnerable adults in more than half of 4,700 police station interviews during a snapshot period last year.
Charities say the potential for miscarriages of justices is being stored up as a result of issues such as confusion among interviewees who sometimes felt pressured to agree to getting advice remotely. They say consent was sometimes ignored or not sought.Charities say the potential for miscarriages of justices is being stored up as a result of issues such as confusion among interviewees who sometimes felt pressured to agree to getting advice remotely. They say consent was sometimes ignored or not sought.
Some solicitors refused to attend in person even though the child or mentally vulnerable client was accused of a serious crime such as attempted murder or rape.Some solicitors refused to attend in person even though the child or mentally vulnerable client was accused of a serious crime such as attempted murder or rape.
The findings come in a report by three charities – Fair Trials, Transform Justice and the National Appropriate Adult Network – which are calling for an end to remote legal assistance in police custody. (Read on )The findings come in a report by three charities – Fair Trials, Transform Justice and the National Appropriate Adult Network – which are calling for an end to remote legal assistance in police custody. (Read on )
Israel has administered at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose to 50% of its 9.3 million population, health minister Yuli Edelstein has said.Israel has administered at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose to 50% of its 9.3 million population, health minister Yuli Edelstein has said.
Israel counts East Jerusalem Palestinians, who have been included in the vaccine campaign that began on 19 December, as part of its population.Israel counts East Jerusalem Palestinians, who have been included in the vaccine campaign that began on 19 December, as part of its population.
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip are not part of the Israeli campaign.Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip are not part of the Israeli campaign.
Edelstein said 35% of Israel’s population had received both doses of the Pfizer Inc. vaccine, putting them on course to receive a so-called “green pass” with access to leisure sites that the country has been gradually reopening.Edelstein said 35% of Israel’s population had received both doses of the Pfizer Inc. vaccine, putting them on course to receive a so-called “green pass” with access to leisure sites that the country has been gradually reopening.
Good morning from London. This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog now on a day when some of the first people to check into quarantine hotels after arriving into the UK from abroad are being ‘released’.Good morning from London. This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog now on a day when some of the first people to check into quarantine hotels after arriving into the UK from abroad are being ‘released’.
That comes as, separately, hundreds of thousands of people who were asked to shield in England are being invited for a Covid-19 vaccine jab.That comes as, separately, hundreds of thousands of people who were asked to shield in England are being invited for a Covid-19 vaccine jab.
The former Labour prime minister Tony Blair meanwhile urged the UK to take the lead in developing a new “health security infrastructure” that would ensure countries coordinate better in identifying emerging new threats as well as developing, testing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments.The former Labour prime minister Tony Blair meanwhile urged the UK to take the lead in developing a new “health security infrastructure” that would ensure countries coordinate better in identifying emerging new threats as well as developing, testing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments.
World leaders could have cut the length of the Covid outbreak by three months if they had collaborated on vaccines, testing and drugs, he told the Guardian as he launched a report on preparing for the next deadly pandemic.World leaders could have cut the length of the Covid outbreak by three months if they had collaborated on vaccines, testing and drugs, he told the Guardian as he launched a report on preparing for the next deadly pandemic.
Items in the UK diary for the hours ahead include:Items in the UK diary for the hours ahead include:
0930am The Covid-19 social impacts weekly survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)0930am The Covid-19 social impacts weekly survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
1000am Hearings into Covid-19 regulations breaches at City of London Magistrates’ Court1000am Hearings into Covid-19 regulations breaches at City of London Magistrates’ Court
Noon The ONS weekly Covid infection surveyNoon The ONS weekly Covid infection survey
I’ll be brining you coverage of those developments and continue to cover global news.I’ll be brining you coverage of those developments and continue to cover global news.
You can flag up any news stories that you feel we should be covering by emailing me contacting me on Twitter at @BenQuinn75.You can flag up any news stories that you feel we should be covering by emailing me contacting me on Twitter at @BenQuinn75.
The French prime minister, Jean Castex, has warned the government will impose new Covid measures, including weekend lockdowns in Paris and 19 other regions, from the start of March if signs of the coronavirus accelerating persist. France has also agreed with Germany to require coronavirus tests for workers commuting across their shared border.The French prime minister, Jean Castex, has warned the government will impose new Covid measures, including weekend lockdowns in Paris and 19 other regions, from the start of March if signs of the coronavirus accelerating persist. France has also agreed with Germany to require coronavirus tests for workers commuting across their shared border.
South Korea has launched its vaccination campaign. The first injections of the AstraZeneca’s vaccine were given to nursing home workers and patients across the country.South Korea has launched its vaccination campaign. The first injections of the AstraZeneca’s vaccine were given to nursing home workers and patients across the country.
Japan will decide on whether to relax its state of emergency in five prefectures on Friday, a week ahead of schedule, after a dramatic fall in new cases across the country.Japan will decide on whether to relax its state of emergency in five prefectures on Friday, a week ahead of schedule, after a dramatic fall in new cases across the country.
The former British prime minister, Tony Blair, says the length of the Covid outbreak could have been cut by three months if world leaders had collaborated on vaccines, testing and drugs. Blair, who was Labour PM from 1997 to 2007, urged the UK to take the lead in developing a new “health security infrastructure” that would ensure countries coordinate better in identifying emerging new threats as well as developing, testing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments.The former British prime minister, Tony Blair, says the length of the Covid outbreak could have been cut by three months if world leaders had collaborated on vaccines, testing and drugs. Blair, who was Labour PM from 1997 to 2007, urged the UK to take the lead in developing a new “health security infrastructure” that would ensure countries coordinate better in identifying emerging new threats as well as developing, testing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments.
The Queen has said her Covid vaccine “didn’t hurt at all” and urged those wary of receiving the vaccine to “think about other people”. The 94-year-old was vaccinated along with her husband Prince Philip in January, telling health officials leading the rollout in a video call that she now felt “protected”.The Queen has said her Covid vaccine “didn’t hurt at all” and urged those wary of receiving the vaccine to “think about other people”. The 94-year-old was vaccinated along with her husband Prince Philip in January, telling health officials leading the rollout in a video call that she now felt “protected”.
The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has warned against virus fatigue in member states. At a virtual summit, she reassured EU leaders over vaccine distribution, saying she would ban vaccines from leaving the EU if suppliers failed to deliver again.The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has warned against virus fatigue in member states. At a virtual summit, she reassured EU leaders over vaccine distribution, saying she would ban vaccines from leaving the EU if suppliers failed to deliver again.
In the US, Joe Biden has hailed the 50m coronavirus vaccine doses given since he took office, but warned that the country must not relax. “We’re halfway there: 50 million shots in 37 days,” Biden said, referring to his ambition of 100m doses in his first 100 days as president. “That’s weeks ahead of schedule.”In the US, Joe Biden has hailed the 50m coronavirus vaccine doses given since he took office, but warned that the country must not relax. “We’re halfway there: 50 million shots in 37 days,” Biden said, referring to his ambition of 100m doses in his first 100 days as president. “That’s weeks ahead of schedule.”
New Zealand has reported one new community case of Covid-19, though the infected person has been in quarantine since February 23. The latest Auckland outbreak, now a dozen people strong, has seen Australia declare the city a “hotspot” and close its borders to New Zealand citizens. Air New Zealand has halted all flights to Australia until Sunday, pending review.New Zealand has reported one new community case of Covid-19, though the infected person has been in quarantine since February 23. The latest Auckland outbreak, now a dozen people strong, has seen Australia declare the city a “hotspot” and close its borders to New Zealand citizens. Air New Zealand has halted all flights to Australia until Sunday, pending review.
Let’s take a look at what the British papers are covering this morning, and the Queen’s Covid jab is spread across almost all of them. The Telegraph and the Mail both focus on the Queen saying not having the jab is selfish.Let’s take a look at what the British papers are covering this morning, and the Queen’s Covid jab is spread across almost all of them. The Telegraph and the Mail both focus on the Queen saying not having the jab is selfish.
The Sun has “Right as reign”, while the Metro has “One is not immune”.The Sun has “Right as reign”, while the Metro has “One is not immune”.
The Mirror has “Do one’s duty” and the Express leads with “Queen’s shock message: do your duty … get the jab!”The Mirror has “Do one’s duty” and the Express leads with “Queen’s shock message: do your duty … get the jab!”
The Times says “Vaccination passports ‘will be here by summer’”.The Times says “Vaccination passports ‘will be here by summer’”.
The Guardian meanwhile has (School) “Heads tell of despair at mask and test rules”. You can read the full story on England’s headteachers fearing that the reopening of schools could be undermined because parents will not consent to Covid testing for their children and because guidance on the wearing of face masks in classes is unenforceable.The Guardian meanwhile has (School) “Heads tell of despair at mask and test rules”. You can read the full story on England’s headteachers fearing that the reopening of schools could be undermined because parents will not consent to Covid testing for their children and because guidance on the wearing of face masks in classes is unenforceable.
The front page also has a large picture Lady Gaga who has offered a reward of $500,000 for the return of her stolen dogs.The front page also has a large picture Lady Gaga who has offered a reward of $500,000 for the return of her stolen dogs.
The former British prime minister, Tony Blair, says the length of the Covid outbreak could have been cut by three months if world leaders had collaborated on vaccines, testing and drugs.The former British prime minister, Tony Blair, says the length of the Covid outbreak could have been cut by three months if world leaders had collaborated on vaccines, testing and drugs.
Blair, who was Labour PM from 1997 to 2007, urged the UK to take the lead in developing a new “health security infrastructure” that would ensure countries coordinate better in identifying emerging new threats as well as developing, testing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments.Blair, who was Labour PM from 1997 to 2007, urged the UK to take the lead in developing a new “health security infrastructure” that would ensure countries coordinate better in identifying emerging new threats as well as developing, testing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments.
“Had there been global coordination a year ago, I think we could have shaved at least three months off this virus,” Blair told the Guardian in an interview.“Had there been global coordination a year ago, I think we could have shaved at least three months off this virus,” Blair told the Guardian in an interview.
The report, The New Necessary, published by his Institute for Global Change, argues that in future, with the right international coordination and investment, the creation of a new vaccine could be achieved in as little as 100 days.The report, The New Necessary, published by his Institute for Global Change, argues that in future, with the right international coordination and investment, the creation of a new vaccine could be achieved in as little as 100 days.
“The time that it’s taken for us to identify the virus, to develop a vaccine and to get it into production and distribution has been roughly, 15 months. And the result of that has been that the world has suffered a huge, catastrophic economic event as well as a health event,” he said.“The time that it’s taken for us to identify the virus, to develop a vaccine and to get it into production and distribution has been roughly, 15 months. And the result of that has been that the world has suffered a huge, catastrophic economic event as well as a health event,” he said.
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
The coronavirus has had wide-ranging impacts on people’s lives all over the world, but this story from North Korea is more than a little unusual, as Justin McCurry reports, from Tokyo:The coronavirus has had wide-ranging impacts on people’s lives all over the world, but this story from North Korea is more than a little unusual, as Justin McCurry reports, from Tokyo:
In normal times, most diplomats can expect to end a foreign posting with an official – if not always fond – farewell from their hosts and a comfortable journey back to their native country.In normal times, most diplomats can expect to end a foreign posting with an official – if not always fond – farewell from their hosts and a comfortable journey back to their native country.
But for one group of Russian envoys and their families, the coronavirus pandemic meant there was only one way home – under their own steam on a hand-pushed rail trolley.But for one group of Russian envoys and their families, the coronavirus pandemic meant there was only one way home – under their own steam on a hand-pushed rail trolley.
A video clip shows some members of the group smiling and shouting for the camera as they push the trolley over the a bridge spanning the Tumen river, which divides North Korea and Russia.A video clip shows some members of the group smiling and shouting for the camera as they push the trolley over the a bridge spanning the Tumen river, which divides North Korea and Russia.
A still image captures the trolley, loaded down with suitcases, as it makes it way through the wintry North Korean countryside.A still image captures the trolley, loaded down with suitcases, as it makes it way through the wintry North Korean countryside.
A more conventional exit from North Korea has not been possible since the country closed its land borders and banned international air travel early on in the pandemic.A more conventional exit from North Korea has not been possible since the country closed its land borders and banned international air travel early on in the pandemic.
The country continues to insist – to widespread scepticism – that it has not recorded a single case of Covid-19, although it has reportedly quarantined tens of thousands of people in an attempt to prevent an outbreak.The country continues to insist – to widespread scepticism – that it has not recorded a single case of Covid-19, although it has reportedly quarantined tens of thousands of people in an attempt to prevent an outbreak.
“Since the borders have been closed for more than a year and passenger traffic has been stopped, it took a long and difficult journey to get home,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a post on social media.“Since the borders have been closed for more than a year and passenger traffic has been stopped, it took a long and difficult journey to get home,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a post on social media.
The group of eight, including a three-year-old child, travelled 32 hours by train and two hours by bus from the North Korean capital Pyongyang to reach the Russian border on Thursday, the foreign ministry added.The group of eight, including a three-year-old child, travelled 32 hours by train and two hours by bus from the North Korean capital Pyongyang to reach the Russian border on Thursday, the foreign ministry added.
The ministry name-checked the embassy’s third secretary, Vladislav Sorokin, as the trolley’s “engine” after he pushed it for more than a kilometre.The ministry name-checked the embassy’s third secretary, Vladislav Sorokin, as the trolley’s “engine” after he pushed it for more than a kilometre.
The group used the trolley to cover the short, final leg of the journey across the border and were greeted by officials on the Russian side before travelling by bus to Vladivostok airport.The group used the trolley to cover the short, final leg of the journey across the border and were greeted by officials on the Russian side before travelling by bus to Vladivostok airport.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 9,997 to 2,424,684, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 9,997 to 2,424,684, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.
The reported death toll rose by 394 to 69,519, the tally showed.The reported death toll rose by 394 to 69,519, the tally showed.
Global deaths from the coronavirus pandemic have passed 2.5m, according to Johns Hopkins University data, and global infections are just under 113m.Global deaths from the coronavirus pandemic have passed 2.5m, according to Johns Hopkins University data, and global infections are just under 113m.
The Japanese government is poised to end its coronavirus state of emergency in five prefectures on Friday, a week earlier than scheduled, after a dramatic fall in new cases across the country.The Japanese government is poised to end its coronavirus state of emergency in five prefectures on Friday, a week earlier than scheduled, after a dramatic fall in new cases across the country.
Emergency measures, including requests for bars and restaurants to close at 8 pm, are expected to be lifted in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi and Gifu prefectures, the Kyodo news agency cited government sources as saying. But they will remain in place in Tokyo and the neighbouring prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba.Emergency measures, including requests for bars and restaurants to close at 8 pm, are expected to be lifted in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi and Gifu prefectures, the Kyodo news agency cited government sources as saying. But they will remain in place in Tokyo and the neighbouring prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba.
Officials will make a decision on Fukuoka’s possible exit from the state of emergency after reviewing the availability of hospital beds in the south-western prefecture, Kyodo said.Officials will make a decision on Fukuoka’s possible exit from the state of emergency after reviewing the availability of hospital beds in the south-western prefecture, Kyodo said.
The state of emergency - Japan’s second since the start of the pandemic - began in 11 of the country’s 47 prefectures on 7 January and was extended for another month until 7 March. Tochigi, north of Tokyo, has already been withdrawn.The state of emergency - Japan’s second since the start of the pandemic - began in 11 of the country’s 47 prefectures on 7 January and was extended for another month until 7 March. Tochigi, north of Tokyo, has already been withdrawn.
While Japanese authorities do not have the legal powers to impose restrictions on businesses or individuals, requests to shorten opening hours and avoid non-essential outings appear to be paying off. Companies have been encouraged to adopt remote working, and attendance at large events such as concerts and sports fixtures has been capped at 5,000.While Japanese authorities do not have the legal powers to impose restrictions on businesses or individuals, requests to shorten opening hours and avoid non-essential outings appear to be paying off. Companies have been encouraged to adopt remote working, and attendance at large events such as concerts and sports fixtures has been capped at 5,000.
Japan recorded 1,065 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, according to public broadcaster NHK, well below the daily peak of almost 8,000 on 8 January. Seventy-four deaths were attributed to the virus on the same day, down from a high of 121 in early February.Japan recorded 1,065 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, according to public broadcaster NHK, well below the daily peak of almost 8,000 on 8 January. Seventy-four deaths were attributed to the virus on the same day, down from a high of 121 in early February.
The government is hoping to lift the state of emergency in the remaining four prefectures as planned on 7 March, NHK added.The government is hoping to lift the state of emergency in the remaining four prefectures as planned on 7 March, NHK added.
Health experts said the lifting of most restrictions should not be taken as a sign that life is returning to normal. “There is a danger it could send the wrong message that everything is all right now,” Toshio Nakagawa, head of the Japan Medical Association, said on Thursday.Health experts said the lifting of most restrictions should not be taken as a sign that life is returning to normal. “There is a danger it could send the wrong message that everything is all right now,” Toshio Nakagawa, head of the Japan Medical Association, said on Thursday.
In the US, Joe Biden has hailed the 50m coronavirus vaccine doses given since he took office, but warned that the country must not relax.In the US, Joe Biden has hailed the 50m coronavirus vaccine doses given since he took office, but warned that the country must not relax.
“We’re halfway there: 50 million shots in 37 days,” Biden said, referring to his ambition of 100m doses in his first 100 days as president. “That’s weeks ahead of schedule.”“We’re halfway there: 50 million shots in 37 days,” Biden said, referring to his ambition of 100m doses in his first 100 days as president. “That’s weeks ahead of schedule.”
But Biden warned that variants could continue to spread, leading to more cases and hospitalisations. He appealed to Americans to keep up with social distancing measures and wear face coverings.But Biden warned that variants could continue to spread, leading to more cases and hospitalisations. He appealed to Americans to keep up with social distancing measures and wear face coverings.
“This is not the time to relax,” he said.“This is not the time to relax,” he said.
Biden admitted he could not say when the country would return to normalcy.Biden admitted he could not say when the country would return to normalcy.
“I can’t give you a date,” the president said.“I can’t give you a date,” the president said.
“I can only promise we will work as hard as we can to make that day come as soon as possible.”“I can only promise we will work as hard as we can to make that day come as soon as possible.”
You can read our full story here.You can read our full story here.
France and Germany have agreed to require coronavirus tests for workers commuting across their shared border.France and Germany have agreed to require coronavirus tests for workers commuting across their shared border.
“Border closures are not on the agenda for now,” Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters in Berlin after a video summit of EU leaders.“Border closures are not on the agenda for now,” Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters in Berlin after a video summit of EU leaders.
France’s hard-hit Moselle department was striking its own deals with Germany’s neighbouring Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate regions, Merkel said.France’s hard-hit Moselle department was striking its own deals with Germany’s neighbouring Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate regions, Merkel said.
Covid-19, including the more dangerous South African variant, is spreading faster in the eastern Moselle region than elsewhere in France.Covid-19, including the more dangerous South African variant, is spreading faster in the eastern Moselle region than elsewhere in France.
But she added that the case of Germany’s borders with the Czech Republic and Austria’s Tyrol region, which have been closed, was “very different”.But she added that the case of Germany’s borders with the Czech Republic and Austria’s Tyrol region, which have been closed, was “very different”.
“It was the relevant German regional authorities who asked us” to block crossings, Merkel said.“It was the relevant German regional authorities who asked us” to block crossings, Merkel said.
Closing the French-German border in spring 2020 during the first pandemic wave created tensions between the two countries, even at the level of local populations.Closing the French-German border in spring 2020 during the first pandemic wave created tensions between the two countries, even at the level of local populations.
In Australia, the state of Victoria will start easing restrictions after authorities deemed new locally acquired cases detected for the first time in a week in the state will not pose any public health risk. The state’s capital, Melbourne, had the longest lockdown in the world in 2020 – 110 days – and recently renewed some restrictions after cases discovered from hotel quarantine.In Australia, the state of Victoria will start easing restrictions after authorities deemed new locally acquired cases detected for the first time in a week in the state will not pose any public health risk. The state’s capital, Melbourne, had the longest lockdown in the world in 2020 – 110 days – and recently renewed some restrictions after cases discovered from hotel quarantine.
Permitted outdoor gatherings will now be increased to 100 people and households will be able to host up to 30 guests from 11.59pm on Friday night, though masks will remain mandatory in public transport, indoor shopping centres and supermarkets.Permitted outdoor gatherings will now be increased to 100 people and households will be able to host up to 30 guests from 11.59pm on Friday night, though masks will remain mandatory in public transport, indoor shopping centres and supermarkets.
Crowds of up to 50% capacity will be allowed into the 100,000-seat Melbourne Cricket Ground when the Australian Football League season starts, the highest permitted threshold in almost a year since all sports were suspended.Crowds of up to 50% capacity will be allowed into the 100,000-seat Melbourne Cricket Ground when the Australian Football League season starts, the highest permitted threshold in almost a year since all sports were suspended.
“It’s been a hard slog, but Victorians are doing what they do best as we work to beat this virus, staying the course and looking out for each other,” the premier, Daniel Andrews said.“It’s been a hard slog, but Victorians are doing what they do best as we work to beat this virus, staying the course and looking out for each other,” the premier, Daniel Andrews said.
Nationally, Australia has been reporting zero or low single-digit cases for the last several weeks after quashing outbreaks over the Christmas period through snap lockdowns and speedy contact tracing.Nationally, Australia has been reporting zero or low single-digit cases for the last several weeks after quashing outbreaks over the Christmas period through snap lockdowns and speedy contact tracing.
As I mentioned earlier, the first AstraZeneca jabs began in South Korea today, with nursing home workers and some patients at facilities across the country receiving doses.As I mentioned earlier, the first AstraZeneca jabs began in South Korea today, with nursing home workers and some patients at facilities across the country receiving doses.
Amid the rollout, the prime minister Chung Sye-kyun said authorities would extend social distancing rules by two weeks nationwide, including a ban on private gatherings larger than four people, to blunt a coronavirus surge.Amid the rollout, the prime minister Chung Sye-kyun said authorities would extend social distancing rules by two weeks nationwide, including a ban on private gatherings larger than four people, to blunt a coronavirus surge.
Chung warned against large outbreaks before the general public begins to receive the vaccine.Chung warned against large outbreaks before the general public begins to receive the vaccine.
“Sporadic cluster infections continue in our everyday life, such as in workplaces, hospitals, and family gatherings,” Chung told a government meeting on Friday. “We have a long way to go to herd immunity.”“Sporadic cluster infections continue in our everyday life, such as in workplaces, hospitals, and family gatherings,” Chung told a government meeting on Friday. “We have a long way to go to herd immunity.”