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Coronavirus live news: record daily toll takes Indonesia past 2m cases; France to open nightclubs from 9 July Coronavirus live news: record daily toll takes Indonesia past 2m cases; France to open nightclubs from 9 July
(32 minutes later)
Indonesia reports 14,536 new cases, its highest daily toll ; nightclub industry to open in France for first time since March 2020Indonesia reports 14,536 new cases, its highest daily toll ; nightclub industry to open in France for first time since March 2020
Taiwan needs a thorough review of how it handled the pandemic once it is over, president Tsai Ing-wen has said as case numbers dropped below 100 for the first time in more than a month.
Reuters reports that since last month, Taiwan has tightened curbs on private gatherings and closed entertainment venues as it battled a rise in domestic cases, a shock to an island that had previously largely kept infections well under control.
Speaking to local television, Tsai said the authorities had handled the first wave of the pandemic well. “The second wave was even more ferocious,” she said. “At the start we were somewhat caught off guard.”
Tsai’s government was heavily criticised by the opposition for a lack of preparedness, including limited testing facilities, when cases suddenly surged last month, though authorities moved fast to address those issues. “Once the epidemic is over, we must have a thorough review” to improve the epidemic prevention system, she said.
Taiwan is showing encouraging signs that the current wave is nearing its end. Speaking earlier today, health minister Chen Shih-chung announced just 75 new domestic infections.
It was the first time the daily figure had dipped below 100 since May 15, when Taiwan raised the alert level for its capital, Taipei, and the neighbouring city, after a sudden spike of 180 domestic cases. Taiwan’s tally of infections in the pandemic stands at 14,080, including 569 deaths.
French president Emmanuel Macron has invited music fans to a socially distanced techno party at the presidential palace tonight, resuming a tradition to mark the country’s annual street music festival.
AFP reports that France celebrates music in all its forms annually with a giant street party on 21 June, the longest day of the year. In 2018, Macron began throwing open the cobbled courtyard of the Élysée Palace to dance fans for the occasion, with a gig featuring stars from France’s electro scene.
This year’s Fete de la Musique comes a day after the government scrapped an 11pm curfew, one of the last steps in a phased lifting of Covid restrictions.
Last year’s festival was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic but with the number of infections at their lowest level in nearly a year the country is in party mode once more.
French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre and 1970s disco king Cerrone will headline the concert in the palace courtyard, where Macron normally greets visiting heads of state.
In contrast to previous editions, where Macron and his wife Brigitte have gamely joined in the dancing, this year’s event looks set to be a more staid affair. Attendees will be asked to remain seated and social distancing will be observed.
Socializing, parties and late night trips are all coming back as the coronavirus pandemic recedes in the US and along with them has come a surge in the price of calling a cab. It’s good news for Uber and Lyft, but for the rideshare drivers who were hit so hard by the pandemic? Not so much.
Flu could be a bigger problem than Covid-19 in the UK this winter, a senior government vaccine adviser has said, with low prevalence over the past months possibly leading to a drop in immunity among the population.Flu could be a bigger problem than Covid-19 in the UK this winter, a senior government vaccine adviser has said, with low prevalence over the past months possibly leading to a drop in immunity among the population.
Prof Anthony Harnden, the deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said research was being carried out on whether flu vaccines could be given alongside coronavirus vaccines this autumn.Prof Anthony Harnden, the deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said research was being carried out on whether flu vaccines could be given alongside coronavirus vaccines this autumn.
South Africa had many advantages over other African countries before the Covid crisis: a greater ability to borrow money, a more extensive public health system reinforced by a large private sector, world-class scientists and long experience of dealing with pandemics. Yet after a much-lauded early response, the authorities have struggled.South Africa had many advantages over other African countries before the Covid crisis: a greater ability to borrow money, a more extensive public health system reinforced by a large private sector, world-class scientists and long experience of dealing with pandemics. Yet after a much-lauded early response, the authorities have struggled.
The pandemic delivered an unusual mixture of pain from economic loss and relief to residents of places that have gotten used to crowds of tourists. In Hawaii, locals hiked popular trails and visited beaches that are usually clogged by tourists. Traffic was noticeably lighter, and things in the islands were generally calmer.The pandemic delivered an unusual mixture of pain from economic loss and relief to residents of places that have gotten used to crowds of tourists. In Hawaii, locals hiked popular trails and visited beaches that are usually clogged by tourists. Traffic was noticeably lighter, and things in the islands were generally calmer.
Things are already looking much different in 2021. Around 30,000 travelers are now flying into Hawaii each day, over 80% of the number of travelers that were flying in during the same time in 2019. Around the islands, it seems that tourism as it was before the pandemic is coming back.Things are already looking much different in 2021. Around 30,000 travelers are now flying into Hawaii each day, over 80% of the number of travelers that were flying in during the same time in 2019. Around the islands, it seems that tourism as it was before the pandemic is coming back.
A senior health official is urging Australians to get their second doses of AstraZeneca despite deaths from the vaccine exceeding the nation’s Covid-19 death toll this year.A senior health official is urging Australians to get their second doses of AstraZeneca despite deaths from the vaccine exceeding the nation’s Covid-19 death toll this year.
AP reports that two women in Australia have died from rare blood clots caused by the vaccine. The only Covid-19 fatality this year was an 80-year-old traveler who died in April after being infected overseas and diagnosed in hotel quarantine.AP reports that two women in Australia have died from rare blood clots caused by the vaccine. The only Covid-19 fatality this year was an 80-year-old traveler who died in April after being infected overseas and diagnosed in hotel quarantine.
In the wake of updated health advice that AstraZeneca is not the preferred vaccine for those aged 50 and over, chief medical officer Paul Kelly told state leaders that health authorities did not recommend people follow up their first AstraZeneca dose with a different vaccine. Globally, the safety and effectiveness of switching vaccines between doses is still being tested.In the wake of updated health advice that AstraZeneca is not the preferred vaccine for those aged 50 and over, chief medical officer Paul Kelly told state leaders that health authorities did not recommend people follow up their first AstraZeneca dose with a different vaccine. Globally, the safety and effectiveness of switching vaccines between doses is still being tested.
He urged people not to cancel their second AstraZenca jab, which is booked three months after the first, saying the chances of developing blood clots after a second dose were 1.5 in a million.He urged people not to cancel their second AstraZenca jab, which is booked three months after the first, saying the chances of developing blood clots after a second dose were 1.5 in a million.
Covid-19 has claimed 910 lives in Australia, but vaccine hesitancy is on the rise as the death rate slows. Australia last week lifted its recommended age limit for AstraZeneca from 50 to 60 after a 52-year-old woman died of clots. A 48-year-old woman died in April.Covid-19 has claimed 910 lives in Australia, but vaccine hesitancy is on the rise as the death rate slows. Australia last week lifted its recommended age limit for AstraZeneca from 50 to 60 after a 52-year-old woman died of clots. A 48-year-old woman died in April.
Hello to everyone reading, Mattha Busby here to take you through the next few hours of global Covid developments. Please feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or message me via email (mattha.busby.freelance@guardian.co.uk) with any tips or thoughts.Hello to everyone reading, Mattha Busby here to take you through the next few hours of global Covid developments. Please feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or message me via email (mattha.busby.freelance@guardian.co.uk) with any tips or thoughts.
Olympic organizers have announced that they will allow domestic spectators at this summer’s Tokyo Games. However, attendance is capped at 10,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller.Olympic organizers have announced that they will allow domestic spectators at this summer’s Tokyo Games. However, attendance is capped at 10,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller.
The competition schedule remains unchanged, and attendees will be expected to wear masks in venues at all times, and speaking in a loud voice or shouting will be prohibited.The competition schedule remains unchanged, and attendees will be expected to wear masks in venues at all times, and speaking in a loud voice or shouting will be prohibited.
The organisers reserved the right to change these rules at any point of the Covid situation changes in Japan. The equivalent policies governing the Paralympic Games will be decided by 16 July, a week before the opening of the Olympic Games.The organisers reserved the right to change these rules at any point of the Covid situation changes in Japan. The equivalent policies governing the Paralympic Games will be decided by 16 July, a week before the opening of the Olympic Games.
Indonesia reported 14,536 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the highest daily increase since the beginning of the pandemic, taking its overall cases past the 2 million mark.Indonesia reported 14,536 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the highest daily increase since the beginning of the pandemic, taking its overall cases past the 2 million mark.
Myanmar has reported what is believed to be its highest daily increase in Covid cases since the February coup, as concerns grow over the country’s collapsed health system and the junta’s continued crackdown on medics.Myanmar has reported what is believed to be its highest daily increase in Covid cases since the February coup, as concerns grow over the country’s collapsed health system and the junta’s continued crackdown on medics.
French nightclubs will be allowed to reopen from 9 July onwards, allowing the industry to operate again for the first time since it was shut during the France’s Covid lockdown in March 2020.French nightclubs will be allowed to reopen from 9 July onwards, allowing the industry to operate again for the first time since it was shut during the France’s Covid lockdown in March 2020.
UK health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed the government is working on a booster jab programme and should have clinical data in the next few weeks.UK health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed the government is working on a booster jab programme and should have clinical data in the next few weeks.
Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers in England, has said that hospital admissions are “slowly rising” but are nothing like the rates seen during previous waves.Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers in England, has said that hospital admissions are “slowly rising” but are nothing like the rates seen during previous waves.
Thailand’s health minister said Japan’s government would donate some AstraZeneca vaccines in July.Thailand’s health minister said Japan’s government would donate some AstraZeneca vaccines in July.
Taiwan has reported its first day with fewer than 100 new cases for the first time since 14 May.Taiwan has reported its first day with fewer than 100 new cases for the first time since 14 May.
Hong Kong has announced a shortening of hotel quarantine requirements to seven days for arrivals, planned for the end of the month.Hong Kong has announced a shortening of hotel quarantine requirements to seven days for arrivals, planned for the end of the month.
An Israeli health official has urged more 12- to 15-year-olds to be vaccinated against Covid, citing new outbreaks that attributed to the more infectious Delta variant.An Israeli health official has urged more 12- to 15-year-olds to be vaccinated against Covid, citing new outbreaks that attributed to the more infectious Delta variant.
New Zealand is approving the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.New Zealand is approving the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced.
Changes in India’s vaccination programme come into effect today, with every adult now eligible for a free vaccine paid for by the federal government. This ends a complex system of buying and distributing vaccines that overburdened states and created inequities in who got the shots.Changes in India’s vaccination programme come into effect today, with every adult now eligible for a free vaccine paid for by the federal government. This ends a complex system of buying and distributing vaccines that overburdened states and created inequities in who got the shots.
Shortages of Pfizer vaccines are expected to slow Australia’s rollout through June and July.Shortages of Pfizer vaccines are expected to slow Australia’s rollout through June and July.
Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, has said Sydney’s mask mandate will likely be extended beyond Wednesday, after it recorded two new local cases of Covid-19.Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, has said Sydney’s mask mandate will likely be extended beyond Wednesday, after it recorded two new local cases of Covid-19.
US land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least 21 July, the US Homeland Security Department said.US land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least 21 July, the US Homeland Security Department said.
The major manufacturing hub of Dongguan in China’s most populous province of Guangdong has launched mass testing today for Covid and cordoned off communities after detecting its first infections in the current outbreak.The major manufacturing hub of Dongguan in China’s most populous province of Guangdong has launched mass testing today for Covid and cordoned off communities after detecting its first infections in the current outbreak.
That’s it from me, Martin Belam, today. Mattha Busby will be here shortly to take over our global coronavirus coverage. Andrew Sparrow has the UK Covid and politics news on his live blog.That’s it from me, Martin Belam, today. Mattha Busby will be here shortly to take over our global coronavirus coverage. Andrew Sparrow has the UK Covid and politics news on his live blog.
A quick snap from Reuters here: Indonesia reported 14,536 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the highest daily increase since the beginning of the pandemic, taking its overall cases past the 2 million mark.A quick snap from Reuters here: Indonesia reported 14,536 new coronavirus cases on Monday, the highest daily increase since the beginning of the pandemic, taking its overall cases past the 2 million mark.
French nightclubs will be allowed to re-open from 9 July onwards, said government minister Alain Griset, allowing the industry to operate again for the first time since it was shut during the France’s Covid lockdown in March 2020.French nightclubs will be allowed to re-open from 9 July onwards, said government minister Alain Griset, allowing the industry to operate again for the first time since it was shut during the France’s Covid lockdown in March 2020.
France eased its third nationwide lockdown last month with the reopening of terraces on 19 May. Reuters note that earlier in June, restaurants, bars and cafes were allowed to reopen for indoor service for the first time in seven months.France eased its third nationwide lockdown last month with the reopening of terraces on 19 May. Reuters note that earlier in June, restaurants, bars and cafes were allowed to reopen for indoor service for the first time in seven months.
More than 100 nightclubs out of 1,600 in France have closed permanently due to the pandemic, according to hospitality trade union UMIH.More than 100 nightclubs out of 1,600 in France have closed permanently due to the pandemic, according to hospitality trade union UMIH.
Thailand’s health minister said Japan’s government would donate some AstraZeneca vaccines, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to shore-up supplies after some early delays in its vaccinations.Thailand’s health minister said Japan’s government would donate some AstraZeneca vaccines, as the Southeast Asian country seeks to shore-up supplies after some early delays in its vaccinations.
According to Reuters, an agreement would be signed on Thursday with the vaccines to be delivered around July. The statement did not specify a quantity.According to Reuters, an agreement would be signed on Thursday with the vaccines to be delivered around July. The statement did not specify a quantity.
Here’s some more on that Olympics decision, with the key points of what has been agreed:Here’s some more on that Olympics decision, with the key points of what has been agreed:
The current competition schedule remains unchanged.The current competition schedule remains unchanged.
In the event that a state of emergency or other priority measures aimed at preventing infection are implemented at any time after 12 July 2021, restrictions on the number of spectators at the Games, including non-spectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time.In the event that a state of emergency or other priority measures aimed at preventing infection are implemented at any time after 12 July 2021, restrictions on the number of spectators at the Games, including non-spectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time.
In the event of any rapid change in infection status and in the capacity of the medical care system, a five party meeting will be held promptly to consider further measures.In the event of any rapid change in infection status and in the capacity of the medical care system, a five party meeting will be held promptly to consider further measures.
The Japanese parties have formulated guidelines for spectators aimed at ensuring safe and secure environments. These stipulate that masks should be worn in venues at all times; speaking in a loud voice or shouting will be prohibited; congestion should be avoided by means of appropriate announcements; and visitors should leave venues in a staggered manner. Spectators will be requested to travel directly to venues and return home directlyThe Japanese parties have formulated guidelines for spectators aimed at ensuring safe and secure environments. These stipulate that masks should be worn in venues at all times; speaking in a loud voice or shouting will be prohibited; congestion should be avoided by means of appropriate announcements; and visitors should leave venues in a staggered manner. Spectators will be requested to travel directly to venues and return home directly
The statement also says that “The equivalent policies governing the Paralympic Games will be decided by 16 July 2021, a week before the opening of the Olympic Games.”The statement also says that “The equivalent policies governing the Paralympic Games will be decided by 16 July 2021, a week before the opening of the Olympic Games.”
Olympic organizers have announced that they will allow domestic spectators at this summer’s Tokyo Games. However attendance is capped at 10,000 people or 50 percent of a venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller.Olympic organizers have announced that they will allow domestic spectators at this summer’s Tokyo Games. However attendance is capped at 10,000 people or 50 percent of a venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller.
There is a warning though that this could change if the pandemic situation in Japan worsens before the Games start on 23 July.There is a warning though that this could change if the pandemic situation in Japan worsens before the Games start on 23 July.
Organizers say they have sold tickets for an average of 42 percent of venue capacity, but that will be distributed unevenly among the venues. It is unclear how access will now be allocated.Organizers say they have sold tickets for an average of 42 percent of venue capacity, but that will be distributed unevenly among the venues. It is unclear how access will now be allocated.
The Euro 2020 tournament had a similar issue, with ticket-holders for matches in limited capacity venues facing a second ticket ballot for access.The Euro 2020 tournament had a similar issue, with ticket-holders for matches in limited capacity venues facing a second ticket ballot for access.
Shortages of Pfizer vaccines are expected to slow Australia’s rollout through June and July, as states and territories call on the commonwealth to sign up more GPs to dispense doses when supplies increase in August.Shortages of Pfizer vaccines are expected to slow Australia’s rollout through June and July, as states and territories call on the commonwealth to sign up more GPs to dispense doses when supplies increase in August.
National cabinet met on Monday to discuss Australia’s vaccine rollout in the wake of updated health advice that AstraZeneca is not the preferred vaccine for those aged 50 and over due to the risk of rare blood clots.National cabinet met on Monday to discuss Australia’s vaccine rollout in the wake of updated health advice that AstraZeneca is not the preferred vaccine for those aged 50 and over due to the risk of rare blood clots.
At the meeting, the head of the rollout, lieutenant general John Frewen, gave states and territories projections of the maximum and minimum number of vaccines they will be allocated. The aged care minister Richard Colbeck is expected to table the figures at the Senate’s Covid-19 inquiry on Monday evening.At the meeting, the head of the rollout, lieutenant general John Frewen, gave states and territories projections of the maximum and minimum number of vaccines they will be allocated. The aged care minister Richard Colbeck is expected to table the figures at the Senate’s Covid-19 inquiry on Monday evening.
Read more of Paul Karp’s report: Australia’s vaccine rollout ‘constrained’ by Pfizer supply shortages until AugustRead more of Paul Karp’s report: Australia’s vaccine rollout ‘constrained’ by Pfizer supply shortages until August
An Israeli health official has urged more 12- to 15-year-olds to be vaccinated against Covid, citing new outbreaks that he attributed to the more infectious Delta variant.An Israeli health official has urged more 12- to 15-year-olds to be vaccinated against Covid, citing new outbreaks that he attributed to the more infectious Delta variant.
Reuters report the health ministry will probably issue a recommendation that 12- to 15-year-olds get vaccinated, having previously left the matter up to the parents’ preference, said Nachman Ash, the national pandemic response coordinator.Reuters report the health ministry will probably issue a recommendation that 12- to 15-year-olds get vaccinated, having previously left the matter up to the parents’ preference, said Nachman Ash, the national pandemic response coordinator.
“I think that would certainly be correct at this stage, when we see an outbreak of the Delta variant in the country,” he told a Tel Aviv radio station. “We should not wait for higher numbers. We have seen there were quite a few children infected over the last week.”“I think that would certainly be correct at this stage, when we see an outbreak of the Delta variant in the country,” he told a Tel Aviv radio station. “We should not wait for higher numbers. We have seen there were quite a few children infected over the last week.”
Andrew Sparrow has launched our UK Covid and politics live blog for the day. I’ll be continuing here with global coronavirus news.Andrew Sparrow has launched our UK Covid and politics live blog for the day. I’ll be continuing here with global coronavirus news.