This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/jul/05/coronavirus-live-news-uk-pm-to-end-curbs-as-cases-reach-january-highs-indonesia-says-no-vaccine-no-entry

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Coronavirus live news: UK PM to end curbs as cases reach January highs; Indonesia says no vaccine, no entry Coronavirus live news: UK PM to end curbs as cases reach January highs; Indonesia says no vaccine, no entry
(32 minutes later)
Starting on 6 July foreigners and nationals entering Indonesia must be vaccinated; Fauci says 99.2% of recent US deaths were unvaccinated; Boris Johnson set to press ahead with final lifting of restrictionsStarting on 6 July foreigners and nationals entering Indonesia must be vaccinated; Fauci says 99.2% of recent US deaths were unvaccinated; Boris Johnson set to press ahead with final lifting of restrictions
Here’s the key quote from social care minister Helen Whatley from her Sky News appearance this morning. She said:
It is one of the UK’s health ministers Helen Whately who is doing the media round this morning. She’ll be out and about attempting to justify why it seems the hawks on reopening have the upper hand in the wake of Matt Hancock’s departure.
As a reminder, we are expecting a press conference from Boris Johnson in Downing Street today where he is expected to announce the end of all legal Covid restrictions in England from 19 July, and also the dropping of any mandatory face mask or social distancing measures.
It has been teased out to PA Media and other media outlets that Johnson is expected to say:
It still remains unclear in the coming weeks how you are meant to manage your own risks and exercise a judgment to maintain social distancing from people if they are determined not to socially distance themselves from you.
The latest data on the government’s own dashboard suggests case numbers have risen by nearly 70,000 or 67% in the last seven days. Hospitalisations however, remain at a much lower rate of increase – nevertheless showing a 24% rise in a week.
Alongside the press conference, the government will publish the results of its reviews into the use of so-called vaccine passports and the future of social distancing guidance, Downing Street confirmed. Health secretary Sajid Javid will also address the Commons later to update MPs on any changes.
Good morning, it is Martin Belam here in London. Indonesia will provide free telemedicine services to coronavirus patients with mild symptoms, its health minister said today, in an effort to reduce pressure on a healthcare sector inundated by record numbers of Covid cases.
With records most days last week and deaths surpassing 500 on several of those, Indonesia is battling one of Asia’s worst Covid epidemics, fueled by the highly contagious Delta variant first identified in India. [see 6.43am]
Reuters reports that remote services will be provided from Tuesday by telehealth firms such as Alodokter and Halodoc and will include free consultations and medication delivery, health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told a news conference.
“Positive Covid-19 patients can get medical services on time without waiting in line at hospitals, so that hospitals can be prioritised for patients with medium, heavy, and critical symptoms,” he said.
Hospital bed occupancy was at 75% nationwide as of 2 July, the health ministry said, but some hospitals on the most populous island of Java have reported over 90% capacity, including in the capital, Jakarta.
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.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 Guardian understands that more than 500 staff at Royal North Shore hospital and more than 120 staff at Fairfield hospital are now isolating and unable to work after being identified as a close contact of the 24-year-old student nurse who worked from 24-28 June across the two hospitals while infectious.The Guardian understands that more than 500 staff at Royal North Shore hospital and more than 120 staff at Fairfield hospital are now isolating and unable to work after being identified as a close contact of the 24-year-old student nurse who worked from 24-28 June across the two hospitals while infectious.
Nurses, as well as administration staff and other healthcare workers, are among the isolating workers.Nurses, as well as administration staff and other healthcare workers, are among the isolating workers.
The situation is so severe at Royal North Shore hospital, where five wards are affected, that health authorities are understood to be trying to move nursing staff from nearby hospitals to help fill the shortfall in services.The situation is so severe at Royal North Shore hospital, where five wards are affected, that health authorities are understood to be trying to move nursing staff from nearby hospitals to help fill the shortfall in services.
The number of isolating close contacts related to the student nurse has swelled since Wednesday, when about 100 initial staff and patients were sent into isolation following a positive result being returned late on Tuesday.The number of isolating close contacts related to the student nurse has swelled since Wednesday, when about 100 initial staff and patients were sent into isolation following a positive result being returned late on Tuesday.
Brett Holmes, general secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said the isolation orders have had “a large burden” on an “already strained” workforce.Brett Holmes, general secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said the isolation orders have had “a large burden” on an “already strained” workforce.
New Zealand has narrowly avoided having to put its Covid vaccination roll-out 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.
The shipment of 150,000 doses is the first in the batch of 1 million doses arriving this month and will allow the health officials to ramp up the programme. The shipment of 150,000 doses is the first in the batch of 1m doses arriving this month and will allow the health officials to ramp up the programme.
The country had distributed nearly all of its supply of the Pfizer storage and was at risk of running out by Wednesday.The country had distributed nearly all of its supply of the Pfizer storage and was at risk of running out by Wednesday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told RNZ’s Morning Report the country had been expecting the vaccines to arrive on Tuesday, which would have meant “working very close to the wire”. Prime minister Jacinda Ardern told RNZ’s Morning Report the country had been expecting the vaccines to arrive on Tuesday, which would have meant “working very close to the wire”.
“So this means we will be able to keep the rollout cranking along and that we won’t see any change in people’s booked vaccinations,” Ardern said.“So this means we will be able to keep the rollout cranking along and that we won’t see any change in people’s booked vaccinations,” Ardern said.
The vaccines will be transported to District Health Boards around the country today. The vaccines will be transported to district health boards around the country today.
Parts of Indonesia lack oxygen supplies as the number of critically ill Covid patients who need it increases, the nation’s pandemic response leader said Monday, after dozens of sick people died at a public hospital that ran out of its central supply, AP reports. “Due to an increase of three to four times the amount (of oxygen) needed, the distribution has been hampered,” said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister.The government is asking oxygen producers to dedicate their full supply to medical needs and will import it if needed, Pandjaitan said at the virtual news conference.This statement comes after Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikit said the government guaranteed oxygen supply for Covid patients on 26 June.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, hospital spokesman Banu Hermawan said.“Their deteriorating condition contributed the most to their deaths,” Hermawan said.Parts of Indonesia lack oxygen supplies as the number of critically ill Covid patients who need it increases, the nation’s pandemic response leader said Monday, after dozens of sick people died at a public hospital that ran out of its central supply, AP reports. “Due to an increase of three to four times the amount (of oxygen) needed, the distribution has been hampered,” said Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister.The government is asking oxygen producers to dedicate their full supply to medical needs and will import it if needed, Pandjaitan said at the virtual news conference.This statement comes after Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikit said the government guaranteed oxygen supply for Covid patients on 26 June.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, hospital spokesman Banu Hermawan said.“Their deteriorating condition contributed the most to their deaths,” Hermawan said.
In the UK, Transport for London (TfL) has recorded a £100m plunge in advertising revenue across its network of tube stations, trains and buses after Covid-19 pandemic restrictions kept commuters away from travelling to work.In the UK, Transport for London (TfL) has recorded a £100m plunge in advertising revenue across its network of tube stations, trains and buses after Covid-19 pandemic restrictions kept commuters away from travelling to work.
TfL’s advertising estate – which comprises more than 100,000 billboards, posters and panels throughout the capital’s tube and rail network, in trains and on buses and shelters – is one of the largest and most valuable in the world.TfL’s advertising estate – which comprises more than 100,000 billboards, posters and panels throughout the capital’s tube and rail network, in trains and on buses and shelters – is one of the largest and most valuable in the world.
However, with journeys in the city at record low levels at the height of the pandemic, advertisers disappeared, resulting in commercial income plummeting by more than two-thirds to £50m in the year to the end of March. It stands in stark contrast to 2019, when TfL’s advertising income recorded annual growth to £158.3m:However, with journeys in the city at record low levels at the height of the pandemic, advertisers disappeared, resulting in commercial income plummeting by more than two-thirds to £50m in the year to the end of March. It stands in stark contrast to 2019, when TfL’s advertising income recorded annual growth to £158.3m:
America’s top infectious disease expert says about 99.2% of recent Covid deaths in the United States involved unvaccinated people. And Dr. Anthony Fauci says “it’s really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable.”He told NBC’s “Meet the Press” it’s frustrating “where you have a formidable enemy” in the coronavirus and “yet we do have a countermeasure that’s highly, highly effective. And that’s the reason why it’s all the more sad and all the more tragic why it isn’t being completely implemented in this country.”America’s top infectious disease expert says about 99.2% of recent Covid deaths in the United States involved unvaccinated people. And Dr. Anthony Fauci says “it’s really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable.”He told NBC’s “Meet the Press” it’s frustrating “where you have a formidable enemy” in the coronavirus and “yet we do have a countermeasure that’s highly, highly effective. And that’s the reason why it’s all the more sad and all the more tragic why it isn’t being completely implemented in this country.”
Fauci cited the reasons for opposition to the vaccine by some Americans, whether it’s “ideological” or whether some “are just fundamentally anti-vax or anti-science.”Fauci cited the reasons for opposition to the vaccine by some Americans, whether it’s “ideological” or whether some “are just fundamentally anti-vax or anti-science.”
He said the country does “have the tools to counter” the pandemic and he’s asking people to “put aside all of those differences and realise that the common enemy is the virus.”Fauci noted the United States is “very fortunate” that it has “enough vaccines to vaccinate essentially everybody in the country. And there are people throughout the world who would do anything to get vaccines.”The United States has registered over 605,000 deaths in the pandemic, the highest national toll in the world.He said the country does “have the tools to counter” the pandemic and he’s asking people to “put aside all of those differences and realise that the common enemy is the virus.”Fauci noted the United States is “very fortunate” that it has “enough vaccines to vaccinate essentially everybody in the country. And there are people throughout the world who would do anything to get vaccines.”The United States has registered over 605,000 deaths in the pandemic, the highest national toll in the world.
Indonesia is requiring foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated as one of the entry requirements as the country tries to curb the spread of coronavirus, AP reports. Ganip Warsito, National Task Force for Covid-19 Mitigation Chief, said Sunday that starting on July 6, both foreigners and Indonesian nationals entering the country have to show digital or physical proof that they have been fully vaccinated.Indonesia is requiring foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated as one of the entry requirements as the country tries to curb the spread of coronavirus, AP reports. Ganip Warsito, National Task Force for Covid-19 Mitigation Chief, said Sunday that starting on July 6, both foreigners and Indonesian nationals entering the country have to show digital or physical proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
The obligation to show vaccination cards can be excluded in some cases, including diplomatic visas and service visas, and during official visits at ministerial level.The government is also extending the quarantine time for foreign travelers from five days to eight days.Indonesia recorded 27,233 new cases and 555 deaths from the virus in the last 24 hours. It brings the total to 2,284,084 cases and 60,582 death tolls as of Sunday.The obligation to show vaccination cards can be excluded in some cases, including diplomatic visas and service visas, and during official visits at ministerial level.The government is also extending the quarantine time for foreign travelers from five days to eight days.Indonesia recorded 27,233 new cases and 555 deaths from the virus in the last 24 hours. It brings the total to 2,284,084 cases and 60,582 death tolls as of Sunday.
Boris Johnson is to announce that the lifting of most remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England will go ahead on 19 July amid a backlash from government scientific advisers who have warned that doing so would be like building new “variant factories”.Boris Johnson is to announce that the lifting of most remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England will go ahead on 19 July amid a backlash from government scientific advisers who have warned that doing so would be like building new “variant factories”.
Despite cases having risen to their highest level since January 2021, the prime minister is set to press ahead with the final stage of unlocking in two weeks.Despite cases having risen to their highest level since January 2021, the prime minister is set to press ahead with the final stage of unlocking in two weeks.
In a Downing Street press conference on Monday afternoon, he is expected to announce that, with 86% of adults in the UK having had at least a first jab, the government will move from relying on legal curbs to control people’s behaviour to letting individuals make their own decisions.In a Downing Street press conference on Monday afternoon, he is expected to announce that, with 86% of adults in the UK having had at least a first jab, the government will move from relying on legal curbs to control people’s behaviour to letting individuals make their own decisions.
Changes to be announced include allowing fully vaccinated adults to travel to amber list countries without having to self-isolate when they return; making the wearing of face masks voluntary, apart from in hospitals and other healthcare settings; and no longer requiring fully vaccinated adults to self-isolate if they have come into contact with an infected person.Changes to be announced include allowing fully vaccinated adults to travel to amber list countries without having to self-isolate when they return; making the wearing of face masks voluntary, apart from in hospitals and other healthcare settings; and no longer requiring fully vaccinated adults to self-isolate if they have come into contact with an infected person.
Aubrey Allegretti and Linda Geddes report:Aubrey Allegretti and Linda Geddes report:
Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic with me, Helen Sullivan.Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic with me, Helen Sullivan.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce that the lifting of most remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England will go ahead on 19 July amid a backlash from government scientific advisers who have warned that doing so would be like building new “variant factories”.UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce that the lifting of most remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England will go ahead on 19 July amid a backlash from government scientific advisers who have warned that doing so would be like building new “variant factories”.
Meanwhile Indonesia is requiring foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated as one of the entry requirements as the country tries to curb the spread of Covid. Both foreigners and Indonesian nationals entering the country will have to show digital or physical proof that they have been fully vaccinated.Meanwhile Indonesia is requiring foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated as one of the entry requirements as the country tries to curb the spread of Covid. Both foreigners and Indonesian nationals entering the country will have to show digital or physical proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
More on these stories in a moment. In the meantime, here are the other key recent developments:More on these stories in a moment. In the meantime, here are the other key recent developments:
Coronavirus has killed at least 3,972,934 people around the world since it first emerged in China in December 2019, according to the Johns Hopkins tracker.Coronavirus has killed at least 3,972,934 people around the world since it first emerged in China in December 2019, according to the Johns Hopkins tracker.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on Monday set to confirm the fourth and last step to lifting lockdown will go ahead on July 19, despite warnings that doing so would be like building “variant factories”.Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on Monday set to confirm the fourth and last step to lifting lockdown will go ahead on July 19, despite warnings that doing so would be like building “variant factories”.
The UK has recorded 24,248 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, according to official figures.There were a further 15 deaths, bringing the overall death toll to 128,222. Meanwhile, 86 % of adults have had their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 63.8% received both doses.The UK has recorded 24,248 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, according to official figures.There were a further 15 deaths, bringing the overall death toll to 128,222. Meanwhile, 86 % of adults have had their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 63.8% received both doses.
The Oakland zoo in northern California has administered an experimental Covid-19 vaccine to animals deemed at highest risk. The two-dose jab has been approved by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and distributed to nearly 70 zoos.The Oakland zoo in northern California has administered an experimental Covid-19 vaccine to animals deemed at highest risk. The two-dose jab has been approved by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and distributed to nearly 70 zoos.
Brazil has seen recorded 27,783 new Covid-19 cases and 830 new deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Sunday.The news comes as8tens of thousands took to the streets of the South American country’s biggest cities on Saturday to demand the removal of President Jair Bolsonaro, who they deem responsible for the death of over half a million people.Brazil has seen recorded 27,783 new Covid-19 cases and 830 new deaths in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Sunday.The news comes as8tens of thousands took to the streets of the South American country’s biggest cities on Saturday to demand the removal of President Jair Bolsonaro, who they deem responsible for the death of over half a million people.
Iran announced today it was reimposing coronavirus restrictions on major cities, as the spread of the highly contagious delta variant spurs fears of another devastating surge in the nation, the Associated Press reports.Iran announced today it was reimposing coronavirus restrictions on major cities, as the spread of the highly contagious delta variant spurs fears of another devastating surge in the nation, the Associated Press reports.
Russia has recorded 25,142 new Covid-19 infections on Sunday - the highest number since January 2. The news comes after Covid deaths in the country hit at a record high for five days in a row this week. President Vladimir Putin has for now refrained from calling another lockdown.Russia has recorded 25,142 new Covid-19 infections on Sunday - the highest number since January 2. The news comes after Covid deaths in the country hit at a record high for five days in a row this week. President Vladimir Putin has for now refrained from calling another lockdown.
South Africa recorded more than 26,000 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, its highest daily number since the pandemic broke out.South Africa recorded more than 26,000 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, its highest daily number since the pandemic broke out.
Bangladesh recorded 153 deaths, its highest daily toll yet, in the 24 hours to this morning, the Dhaka Tribune reports.Bangladesh recorded 153 deaths, its highest daily toll yet, in the 24 hours to this morning, the Dhaka Tribune reports.
The Luxembourg prime minister, Xavier Bettel, was admitted to hospital on Sunday morning. Bettel tested positive for coronavirus last week.The Luxembourg prime minister, Xavier Bettel, was admitted to hospital on Sunday morning. Bettel tested positive for coronavirus last week.
Schools in England are “bleeding out” with thousands of teachers having to isolate under a bubble system that is harming the most vulnerable children, ministers have been warned, The Guardian’s Josh Halliday reports.Schools in England are “bleeding out” with thousands of teachers having to isolate under a bubble system that is harming the most vulnerable children, ministers have been warned, The Guardian’s Josh Halliday reports.