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Coronavirus live: Australian minister likens vaccines race to Hunger Games; Indonesia sees record 29,745 new cases Coronavirus live: Australian minister likens vaccines race to Hunger Games; Indonesia sees record 29,745 new cases
(32 minutes later)
New South Wales health minister makes frank assessment of sluggish rollout; new figures come after country says all arrivals must be fully vaccinatedNew South Wales health minister makes frank assessment of sluggish rollout; new figures come after country says all arrivals must be fully vaccinated
Thousands of body bags have been donated to Bangladesh as the government extends its hard lockdown to combat the spreading Delta variant.
Reuters reports that hospitals in areas bordering India have been overwhelmed by cases and the government reported 153 new deaths on Sunday, taking the total to 15,065.
While most internal migrant workers have left the capital for their home villages, garment factories have continued to operate.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had donated 2,500 body bags to Bangladesh to ensure those killed by the virus can be buried properly. It also donated more than 70,000 PPE items.
The lockdown, which is being enforced by armed forces, will now last until at least 14 July.
Indonesia is asking for extra supplies of oxygen after 33 people sick with Covid-19 died when supplies ran out at a public hospital, the AP reports.Indonesia is asking for extra supplies of oxygen after 33 people sick with Covid-19 died when supplies ran out at a public hospital, the AP reports.
“Due to an increase of three to four times in the amount (of oxygen) needed, the distribution has been hampered,” said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister.“Due to an increase of three to four times in the amount (of oxygen) needed, the distribution has been hampered,” said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister.
The government has said it ran out of guaranteed oxygen supplies for coronavirus patients on 25 June and has asked producers to divert all their supplies to medical uses.The government has said it ran out of guaranteed oxygen supplies for coronavirus patients on 25 June and has asked producers to divert all their supplies to medical uses.
Dozens of people have died since Saturday at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta city, when it suffered a temporary outage with its central liquid oxygen supply.Dozens of people have died since Saturday at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta city, when it suffered a temporary outage with its central liquid oxygen supply.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadiki said his ministry has started a special task force focused on securing oxygen supplies for hospitals in need.Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadiki said his ministry has started a special task force focused on securing oxygen supplies for hospitals in need.
Indonesia recorded 29,745 new cases with 558 deaths on Monday.Indonesia recorded 29,745 new cases with 558 deaths on Monday.
British prime minister Boris Johnson’s expected announcement that face masks will soon become optional in England, including on public transport, has been debated all day.British prime minister Boris Johnson’s expected announcement that face masks will soon become optional in England, including on public transport, has been debated all day.
The powerful Unite union, which represents tens of thousands of transport workers, said it would be “an act of gross negligence” to allow people to choose to wear masks on public transport as infections continue to rise.The powerful Unite union, which represents tens of thousands of transport workers, said it would be “an act of gross negligence” to allow people to choose to wear masks on public transport as infections continue to rise.
“Not only does mask wearing reduce transmissions, it helps provide reassurance to drivers and to passengers who are nervous about using public transport,” said Bobby Morton, the union’s national officer for passenger transport.“Not only does mask wearing reduce transmissions, it helps provide reassurance to drivers and to passengers who are nervous about using public transport,” said Bobby Morton, the union’s national officer for passenger transport.
Mayors in England have also opposed the change, as Helen Pidd and Jessica Elgot report:Mayors in England have also opposed the change, as Helen Pidd and Jessica Elgot report:
Norway’s prime minister Erna Solberg said the country’s reopening will be delayed, fearing the spread of the Delta variant will cause a fourth wave.Norway’s prime minister Erna Solberg said the country’s reopening will be delayed, fearing the spread of the Delta variant will cause a fourth wave.
“There is a risk that the Delta variant will cause a fourth wave of infection in the unvaccinated part of the population, among those who have only received one dose or are in vulnerable groups,” Solberg said.“There is a risk that the Delta variant will cause a fourth wave of infection in the unvaccinated part of the population, among those who have only received one dose or are in vulnerable groups,” Solberg said.
The government fears the variant will be the dominant strain of coronavirus in Norway by the end of the month.The government fears the variant will be the dominant strain of coronavirus in Norway by the end of the month.
Just over a third of adults are fully vaccinated in Norway.Just over a third of adults are fully vaccinated in Norway.
Sri Lanka today received its first batch of Pfizer vaccines, which were financed through the World Bank.Sri Lanka today received its first batch of Pfizer vaccines, which were financed through the World Bank.
It is expecting 800,000 doses over coming weeks and is negotiating for more to arrive before the end of the year, according to Faris H. Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank’s director for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal.It is expecting 800,000 doses over coming weeks and is negotiating for more to arrive before the end of the year, according to Faris H. Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank’s director for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal.
The World Bank has recently been vocal about addressing vaccine inequality and has said it has $12bn in financing available for developing countries to purchase vaccines.The World Bank has recently been vocal about addressing vaccine inequality and has said it has $12bn in financing available for developing countries to purchase vaccines.
Previously both Maldives and Bangladesh have received Pfizer vaccines through Covax but Sri Lanka’s resident claimed to be the first country in south Asia to purchase them.Previously both Maldives and Bangladesh have received Pfizer vaccines through Covax but Sri Lanka’s resident claimed to be the first country in south Asia to purchase them.
French holidaymakers will have access to Covid vaccines wherever they are in the country this summer, the government has announced.French holidaymakers will have access to Covid vaccines wherever they are in the country this summer, the government has announced.
The move, introduced on Monday, follows a dropping-off in the number of first vaccine jabs and warnings of a fourth wave of coronavirus as the rate of Delta variant infections rises.The move, introduced on Monday, follows a dropping-off in the number of first vaccine jabs and warnings of a fourth wave of coronavirus as the rate of Delta variant infections rises.
In France, people often take the entirety of July or August off work, and there have been reports of people postponing their coronavirus jabs due to previous rules that the second dose should be administered in the same place as the first.In France, people often take the entirety of July or August off work, and there have been reports of people postponing their coronavirus jabs due to previous rules that the second dose should be administered in the same place as the first.
Mobile vaccine units are being introduced in popular tourist spots, including beaches.Mobile vaccine units are being introduced in popular tourist spots, including beaches.
The health minister, Olivier Véran, had initially opposed loosening the second dose rules because of the difficulty of changing the distribution of vaccine stocks. He also suggested doctors and paramedics in certain holiday hotspots had “other things to do than vaccinate the entire French population during the summer”.The health minister, Olivier Véran, had initially opposed loosening the second dose rules because of the difficulty of changing the distribution of vaccine stocks. He also suggested doctors and paramedics in certain holiday hotspots had “other things to do than vaccinate the entire French population during the summer”.
Indonesia reported on Monday a record 29,745 new coronavirus infections and 558 deaths, health ministry data showed.Indonesia reported on Monday a record 29,745 new coronavirus infections and 558 deaths, health ministry data showed.
Parts of Indonesia lack oxygen supplies as the number of critically ill Covid patients who need it increases. At least 63 Covid patients died during treatment at Dr Sardjito general hospital in Yogyakarta city since Saturday – 33 of them during the outage of its central liquid oxygen supply even though the hospital switched to using oxygen cylinders during that period.Parts of Indonesia lack oxygen supplies as the number of critically ill Covid patients who need it increases. At least 63 Covid patients died during treatment at Dr Sardjito general hospital in Yogyakarta city since Saturday – 33 of them during the outage of its central liquid oxygen supply even though the hospital switched to using oxygen cylinders during that period.
Indonesia will now provide free telemedicine services to coronavirus patients with mild symptoms, its health minister said today, and the country is requiring foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated as one of the entry requirements as the country tries to curb the spread of coronavirusIndonesia will now provide free telemedicine services to coronavirus patients with mild symptoms, its health minister said today, and the country is requiring foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated as one of the entry requirements as the country tries to curb the spread of coronavirus
There’s a growing controversy in Thailand after a leaked health ministry document has prompted calls for medical staff inoculated against Covid to be given a booster of an mRNA vaccine, because it included a comment that such a move could dent public confidence in Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine. Thailand reported 6,166 new Covid infections today, and 50 new fatalities.There’s a growing controversy in Thailand after a leaked health ministry document has prompted calls for medical staff inoculated against Covid to be given a booster of an mRNA vaccine, because it included a comment that such a move could dent public confidence in Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine. Thailand reported 6,166 new Covid infections today, and 50 new fatalities.
The Duchess of Cambridge is having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus, Kensington palace said. Kate was due to spend the day with William celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the NHS at two major events but will now have a self-isolation period at home.The Duchess of Cambridge is having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus, Kensington palace said. Kate was due to spend the day with William celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the NHS at two major events but will now have a self-isolation period at home.
British prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce later today that all legal Covid precautions are to be lifted in England from 19 July. You can follow that live with Andrew Sparrow.British prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce later today that all legal Covid precautions are to be lifted in England from 19 July. You can follow that live with Andrew Sparrow.
Infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci says about 99.2% of recent Covid deaths in the US involved unvaccinated people.Infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci says about 99.2% of recent Covid deaths in the US involved unvaccinated people.
In China the city of Ruili, home to more than 210,000 people, has been locked down again after the discovery of cases imported from neighbouring Myanmar.In China the city of Ruili, home to more than 210,000 people, has been locked down again after the discovery of cases imported from neighbouring Myanmar.
Ukraine has approved the Covid vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson.Ukraine has approved the Covid vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson.
New Zealand has narrowly avoided having to put its Covid vaccination rollout on ice, with the largest shipment yet of Pfizer vaccines arriving two days ahead of schedule.New Zealand has narrowly avoided having to put its Covid vaccination rollout on ice, with the largest shipment yet of Pfizer vaccines arriving two days ahead of schedule.
In Australia, isolation orders related to an unvaccinated student nurse who worked across two Sydney hospitals while infectious with Covid-19 are continuing to wreak havoc on staffing levels, with more than 600 health professionals deemed as close contacts so far. The race to obtain Covid-19 vaccine supplies has been likened to the Hunger Games as Australia’s rollout continues to lag behind similar nations, with only 7.2% of the population fully vaccinated.In Australia, isolation orders related to an unvaccinated student nurse who worked across two Sydney hospitals while infectious with Covid-19 are continuing to wreak havoc on staffing levels, with more than 600 health professionals deemed as close contacts so far. The race to obtain Covid-19 vaccine supplies has been likened to the Hunger Games as Australia’s rollout continues to lag behind similar nations, with only 7.2% of the population fully vaccinated.
Andrew Sparrow has the main UK Covid news over on his live blog, but worth noting that this news has just broken: The Duchess of Cambridge is having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus, Kensington palace said.Andrew Sparrow has the main UK Covid news over on his live blog, but worth noting that this news has just broken: The Duchess of Cambridge is having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus, Kensington palace said.
Kate was due to spend the day with William celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the NHS at two major events but will now have a self-isolation period at home.Kate was due to spend the day with William celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the NHS at two major events but will now have a self-isolation period at home.
Kensington palace said in a statement: “Last week, the Duchess of Cambridge came into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.Kensington palace said in a statement: “Last week, the Duchess of Cambridge came into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.
“Her Royal Highness is not experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home.”“Her Royal Highness is not experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home.”
Kate’s last public event was a visit to Wimbledon on Friday, when she toured the SW19 sporting venue, meeting staff in the museum and Centre Court kitchen and sitting with the former tennis star Tim Henman to watch Jamie Murray play in the doubles.Kate’s last public event was a visit to Wimbledon on Friday, when she toured the SW19 sporting venue, meeting staff in the museum and Centre Court kitchen and sitting with the former tennis star Tim Henman to watch Jamie Murray play in the doubles.
Read more here: Duchess of Cambridge self-isolating at home after Covid contactRead more here: Duchess of Cambridge self-isolating at home after Covid contact
There’s a growing controversy in Thailand after a leaked health ministry document has prompted calls for medical staff inoculated against Covid to be given a booster of an mRNA vaccine, because it included a comment that such a move could dent public confidence in Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine.There’s a growing controversy in Thailand after a leaked health ministry document has prompted calls for medical staff inoculated against Covid to be given a booster of an mRNA vaccine, because it included a comment that such a move could dent public confidence in Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine.
The internal memo, which included various opinions, was reported by local media and shared widely on social media. Reuters report it was confirmed by Thai health minister Anutin Charnvirakul as being authentic.The internal memo, which included various opinions, was reported by local media and shared widely on social media. Reuters report it was confirmed by Thai health minister Anutin Charnvirakul as being authentic.
It included a comment from an unnamed official who recommended authorities do not give a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine to frontline health workers, because such a move would be “admitting that the Sinovac vaccine is not effective”.It included a comment from an unnamed official who recommended authorities do not give a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine to frontline health workers, because such a move would be “admitting that the Sinovac vaccine is not effective”.
Thailand has administered Sinovac’s inactivated virus vaccine to most health workers and its real-world study showed two doses were 95% effective in reducing mortality and severe symptoms. The study showed it was 71% to 91% effective in stopping infection with the Alpha variant.Thailand has administered Sinovac’s inactivated virus vaccine to most health workers and its real-world study showed two doses were 95% effective in reducing mortality and severe symptoms. The study showed it was 71% to 91% effective in stopping infection with the Alpha variant.
The comment in the leaked document prompted calls from prominent Thai health experts, including a top medical council official, to give health workers a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot. The hashtag “Give Pfizer to medical personnel” was trending on Thai Twitter with more than 624,000 tweets on Monday.The comment in the leaked document prompted calls from prominent Thai health experts, including a top medical council official, to give health workers a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot. The hashtag “Give Pfizer to medical personnel” was trending on Thai Twitter with more than 624,000 tweets on Monday.
Senior health official Opas Karnkawinpong told reporters the document was not real, however, contradicting health minister Anutin.Senior health official Opas Karnkawinpong told reporters the document was not real, however, contradicting health minister Anutin.
Anutin had said the comment on the booster shot was “just an opinion” and there was an expert panel to set vaccine policy. He said two doses of Sinovac’s vaccine were effective and “deliver results beyond the standard”.Anutin had said the comment on the booster shot was “just an opinion” and there was an expert panel to set vaccine policy. He said two doses of Sinovac’s vaccine were effective and “deliver results beyond the standard”.
A quick confirmation from Reuters has just come through that Indonesia reported on Monday a record 29,745 new coronavirus infections and 558 deaths, health ministry data showed.A quick confirmation from Reuters has just come through that Indonesia reported on Monday a record 29,745 new coronavirus infections and 558 deaths, health ministry data showed.
The figures brought the country’s total number of cases to 2,313,829 and deaths to 61,140.The figures brought the country’s total number of cases to 2,313,829 and deaths to 61,140.
Madeline Holcombe has been covering the coronavirus for CNN, and this morning she writes of concern over new outbreaks in the southern US:Madeline Holcombe has been covering the coronavirus for CNN, and this morning she writes of concern over new outbreaks in the southern US:
Read more here: CNN – These areas in the US have officials concerned as Covid-19 cases increaseRead more here: CNN – These areas in the US have officials concerned as Covid-19 cases increase
A very quick snap from Reuters here that Ukraine has approved the Covid vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson. Ukraine has already approved several vaccines, including AstraZeneca and Pfizer.A very quick snap from Reuters here that Ukraine has approved the Covid vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson. Ukraine has already approved several vaccines, including AstraZeneca and Pfizer.
The Russian figures are in for the day and the daily caseload remains at its heightened level. Reuters report that there were 24,353 new Covid cases on Monday, including 6,557 in Moscow. The government coronavirus task force said 654 people had died of coronavirus-linked causes in the past 24 hours.The Russian figures are in for the day and the daily caseload remains at its heightened level. Reuters report that there were 24,353 new Covid cases on Monday, including 6,557 in Moscow. The government coronavirus task force said 654 people had died of coronavirus-linked causes in the past 24 hours.
If you missed it yesterday, US president Joe Biden, speaking at a White House party marking the Fourth of July, urged Americans to get vaccinated to stave off a rise in cases of the coronavirus Delta variant, describing it as the patriotic thing to do.If you missed it yesterday, US president Joe Biden, speaking at a White House party marking the Fourth of July, urged Americans to get vaccinated to stave off a rise in cases of the coronavirus Delta variant, describing it as the patriotic thing to do.
“Think back to where this nation was a year ago,” the president said in a speech on the theme of “Independence Day and independence from Covid-19”.“Think back to where this nation was a year ago,” the president said in a speech on the theme of “Independence Day and independence from Covid-19”.
The Biden administration has, nevertheless, missed its aim of having 70% of adult Americans with at least one shot by the holiday weekendThe Biden administration has, nevertheless, missed its aim of having 70% of adult Americans with at least one shot by the holiday weekend
Andrew Sparrow has launched his UK live blog for the day with this opening:Andrew Sparrow has launched his UK live blog for the day with this opening:
Andrew will be covering UK Covid lines there, I’ll continue to focus on international coronavirus news here:Andrew will be covering UK Covid lines there, I’ll continue to focus on international coronavirus news here:
In the UK, the opposition Labour party is on-board with lifting Covid restrictions in England as soon as possible. In her media appearances, shadow housing secretary Lucy Powell said that lockdown restrictions needed to be lifted in “an irreversible, measured way” that is led by scientific advice.In the UK, the opposition Labour party is on-board with lifting Covid restrictions in England as soon as possible. In her media appearances, shadow housing secretary Lucy Powell said that lockdown restrictions needed to be lifted in “an irreversible, measured way” that is led by scientific advice.
“Like everybody else in the country, we want those restrictions to come to an end as soon as possible,” the Labour MP told Sky News.“Like everybody else in the country, we want those restrictions to come to an end as soon as possible,” the Labour MP told Sky News.
“But what we want to see is that we’re doing that in an irreversible, measured way, in a way that’s well communicated, that’s well understood, that has scientific advice and expert advice at the forefront.“But what we want to see is that we’re doing that in an irreversible, measured way, in a way that’s well communicated, that’s well understood, that has scientific advice and expert advice at the forefront.
PA media also quote her saying: “That it isn’t just another case, I’m afraid, of ministerial stop-start and saying this is ‘freedom day’, and then at the last minute pulling things back or changing that.”PA media also quote her saying: “That it isn’t just another case, I’m afraid, of ministerial stop-start and saying this is ‘freedom day’, and then at the last minute pulling things back or changing that.”
Social care minister Helen Whately is doing the UK media round this morning, and one question she has faced has been what happens to the rules around care home visiting if England lifts all legal restrictions on 19 July. She said that care home visiting is unlikely to “completely go back to normal”.Social care minister Helen Whately is doing the UK media round this morning, and one question she has faced has been what happens to the rules around care home visiting if England lifts all legal restrictions on 19 July. She said that care home visiting is unlikely to “completely go back to normal”.
“We will be taking some more steps as part of Step 4 of the road map,” she told Sky News earlier .“We will be taking some more steps as part of Step 4 of the road map,” she told Sky News earlier .
PA quote her as saying “I don’t think visiting will completely go back to normal. There will still have to be some precautions. It’s step by step, getting things as close to normal as we can, while still protecting people who are at greater risk from Covid.”PA quote her as saying “I don’t think visiting will completely go back to normal. There will still have to be some precautions. It’s step by step, getting things as close to normal as we can, while still protecting people who are at greater risk from Covid.”
She also said to Times Radio: “I’m also really aware that there will be circumstances, I’m expecting to continue in health and social care clearly, where people will need to continue to wear PPE, which includes masks.”She also said to Times Radio: “I’m also really aware that there will be circumstances, I’m expecting to continue in health and social care clearly, where people will need to continue to wear PPE, which includes masks.”