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Coronavirus live: Bangladesh reports record 164 deaths; Indonesia sees new case high of 29,745 Coronavirus live: record number of cases recorded across Africa; Bangladesh reports record 164 deaths
(32 minutes later)
Bangladesh also reports record new cases as lockdown measures extended; new figures come after country says all arrivals must be fully vaccinated More cases reported in Africa over last week than at any other point in pandemic; Bangladesh reports record new cases as lockdown extended
As England prepares to ease coronavirus restrictions further, the messaging from ministers has changed. We have reached, it seems, a tipping point in the pandemic where rules will be replaced by personal decisions. The mantra now is about living with coronavirus, much as we do with seasonal flu.
The pandemic has invited countless comparisons between coronavirus and influenza and the diseases do have some features in common. Both are contagious, potentially lethal respiratory viruses. They can spread through aerosols, droplets and contaminated surfaces. And they share some of the same symptoms in the form of fever, cough, headaches and fatigue. In the winter ahead, one challenge the NHS faces is separating the Covid patients from the flu cases.
But there are striking differences between coronavirus and flu that matter for public health. Coronavirus spreads faster than influenza and can cause far more serious illness. The symptoms of coronavirus can take longer to show, and people tend to be contagious for longer, making them more prone to passing it on.
Greece could lower the age for vaccinations to 15 after it was recommended by the country’s vaccination committee, Reuters reports.
Government approval is still required to turn the recommendation, which notes parental consent would be necessary, into policy. Currently the lower age for vaccinations is 18.
“This summer is being overshadowed by the Delta variant, which can be highly contagious in a very short exposure time,” Theodoridou said. “We believe (vaccinating teenagers) is a safe step towards normality,” said the committee’s head Maria Theodoridou.
On Monday, health authorities reported 801 cases and six deaths, bringing total infections to 426,963.
As of Monday, 38.2% of Greece’s eligible population was fully vaccinated while 47.7% had had one dose, officials said.
It represents a huge step forward to something like normality in the film industry: the Cannes international film festival is reopening for business on Tuesday after cancellation of its physical edition last year. The ebb and flow of the coronavirus pandemic forced the festival, and its thousands of attendees from both the film business and the media, to change its plans on multiple occasions, and it will finally achieve lift-off with the world premiere of the Sparks musical Annette, Cannes’ first in-person screening since May 2019.
Eve Gabereau, managing director of UK distributor Modern Films, says it is “surreal, crazy and daunting” to return to Cannes, but that “it is important and great to be going – for the industry at large, professionally for my company, and for me personally”.
She adds: “Cannes is so important because of the buzz created around new films and talent, that allows us as an industry to come together and to build the year ahead, both for local markets and on a global scale. There are of course other great festivals that fulfil a similar role but there is something about Cannes – it feels like the starting point of it all.”
Traditionally, with its competition, special screenings and associated events, Cannes has provided a platform for independent and non-English language films, and its awards – led by the Palme d’Or – can propel even the most obscure product of world cinema to international acclaim. At the same time, its high-profile red-carpet premieres provide a dose of paparazzi glamour that rivals the Academy Awards. And operating concurrently to the festival is the perennially busy Cannes Marché du Film, where producers sell their films to distributors all over the world in what amounts to a giant industry trade fair.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the public in England that from 19 July they must use their own judgment to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 infections, wiping hundreds of regulations on mask-wearing, social distancing, gatherings and home working and heralding a return to normality.
The prime minister will also announce plans for those who have been double vaccinated to avoid quarantine rules on return from amber-list countries or when contacted by test and trace, with more details later in the week.
There will be no requirement to wear a mask in any setting in England and businesses who chose to enforce mask-wearing would need to take legal advice on their responsibilities under the Equality Act, Downing Street said.
Instead, people will be merely advised to consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces where they mingle with people they would not ordinarily meet. The change has prompted a significant backlash from regional mayors, who have called for their wearing to be retained on transport and retail.
More cases were reported in Africa over the last week than at any other point in the pandemic, according to a count by AFP using official figures.More cases were reported in Africa over the last week than at any other point in the pandemic, according to a count by AFP using official figures.
The continent registered 36,000 new infections between 28 June and 4 July, with most of them coming from South Africa.The continent registered 36,000 new infections between 28 June and 4 July, with most of them coming from South Africa.
WHO warned last week that the Delta variant was fuelling an “aggressive” third wave in Africa, where deaths had climbed 15%.WHO warned last week that the Delta variant was fuelling an “aggressive” third wave in Africa, where deaths had climbed 15%.
They warned that the variant was more aggressive and there were signs it was causing serious illness in young adults.They warned that the variant was more aggressive and there were signs it was causing serious illness in young adults.
Aside from South Africa, there have been surges in Tunisia and Zimbabwe.Aside from South Africa, there have been surges in Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
Only 1.2% of the continent’s population has been fully vaccinated, according to WHO.Only 1.2% of the continent’s population has been fully vaccinated, according to WHO.
Covid cases in the UK are rising exponentially, largely in younger age groups who are more likely to be partially or completely unvaccinated. What does this mean for the risk of new variants popping up?Covid cases in the UK are rising exponentially, largely in younger age groups who are more likely to be partially or completely unvaccinated. What does this mean for the risk of new variants popping up?
Science correspondent Natalie Grover covers how variants develop, how variants link to case rates and vaccines and whether “living with the virus” could mean more mutations.Science correspondent Natalie Grover covers how variants develop, how variants link to case rates and vaccines and whether “living with the virus” could mean more mutations.
Staying in the UK, Downing Street has described a claim by the prime minister’s former chief adviser that Boris Johnson is ignoring scientific advisers over the final stage of the road map out of Covid restrictions as “not accurate”.Staying in the UK, Downing Street has described a claim by the prime minister’s former chief adviser that Boris Johnson is ignoring scientific advisers over the final stage of the road map out of Covid restrictions as “not accurate”.
Asked if lifting measures on 19 July was the right approach in a question and answer session on his blog, Dominic Cummings wrote:Asked if lifting measures on 19 July was the right approach in a question and answer session on his blog, Dominic Cummings wrote:
However, when asked about the former adviser’s comments, the prime minister’s official spokesman told reporters:However, when asked about the former adviser’s comments, the prime minister’s official spokesman told reporters:
The UK has reported 27,334 new cases, according to official data released on Monday, meaning the rise in cases between 29 June and 5 July stood at a little more than 53% compared with the previous seven-day period.The UK has reported 27,334 new cases, according to official data released on Monday, meaning the rise in cases between 29 June and 5 July stood at a little more than 53% compared with the previous seven-day period.
A further nine people were reported as having died within 28 days of a positive test, Reuters reports. A total of 45.35 million people had received a first dose of a vaccine against coronavirus by 4 July and 33.73 million people had received a second dose.A further nine people were reported as having died within 28 days of a positive test, Reuters reports. A total of 45.35 million people had received a first dose of a vaccine against coronavirus by 4 July and 33.73 million people had received a second dose.
Italy has recorded 31 more deaths on Monday – compared 12 the day before, its health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections fell to 480 from 808. Reuters reports:Italy has recorded 31 more deaths on Monday – compared 12 the day before, its health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections fell to 480 from 808. Reuters reports:
In the UK, the assistant general secretary of the the Unison trade union has warned against lifting too many restrictions too quickly. PA Media quotes Jon Richards as saying:In the UK, the assistant general secretary of the the Unison trade union has warned against lifting too many restrictions too quickly. PA Media quotes Jon Richards as saying:
The pandemic has increased the risk of child marriages and domestic and violence against displaced women, the UN’s refugee agency said.The pandemic has increased the risk of child marriages and domestic and violence against displaced women, the UN’s refugee agency said.
UNHCR said the data backs up its early warnings that displaced women and girls would suffer some of the worst consequences of the pandemic.UNHCR said the data backs up its early warnings that displaced women and girls would suffer some of the worst consequences of the pandemic.
It said various surveys and reports among displaced populations had shown increases in domestic violence and in women feeling vulnerable physical or psychological violence as a result of the pandemic. It said 89% of protection operations under the UNCHR umbrella viewed gender-based violence as a severe or extreme risk.It said various surveys and reports among displaced populations had shown increases in domestic violence and in women feeling vulnerable physical or psychological violence as a result of the pandemic. It said 89% of protection operations under the UNCHR umbrella viewed gender-based violence as a severe or extreme risk.
Disrupted schooling also posed a risk to girls, who potentially faced more pressure for early marriages. It cited research that up to 50% of refugee girls in secondary education might not return to schooling.Disrupted schooling also posed a risk to girls, who potentially faced more pressure for early marriages. It cited research that up to 50% of refugee girls in secondary education might not return to schooling.
Reuters reports that Russia’s powerful Orthodox Church has warned its followers that avoiding vaccination would make them sinners.Reuters reports that Russia’s powerful Orthodox Church has warned its followers that avoiding vaccination would make them sinners.
The entire UK may not follow the same path towards lifting their restrictions. Wales has said it will not be rushing to follow England.The entire UK may not follow the same path towards lifting their restrictions. Wales has said it will not be rushing to follow England.
Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan said their government will be “following the data rather than following the politics”.Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan said their government will be “following the data rather than following the politics”.
British prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce today that wearing face masks in England will become voluntary in many public settings.British prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce today that wearing face masks in England will become voluntary in many public settings.
Morgan said the Welsh government would like to move in line with the rest of the UK but would do so only if the conditions were right.Morgan said the Welsh government would like to move in line with the rest of the UK but would do so only if the conditions were right.
Save the Children is warning that vaccines are urgently needed in Indonesia to limit the spread of coronavirus to children.
The charity said more than 600 children have died, despite the belief that Covid-19 did not severely affect children.
“The recent spike in cases of Covid-19 among children in Indonesia is extremely concerning, and there’s no sign that rates will go down anytime soon without urgently speeding up Covid-19 -vaccine programme,” said Dino Satria, chief of humanitarian and resilience at Save the Children in Indonesia.
Indonesia is experiencing its worst wave of infections, with hospitals overwhelmed and running out of oxygen. Save the Children said 260,000 cases of coronavirus have been identified in under-18s.
“We desperately need more vaccines – that’s the bottom line. Without help from the international community through Covax, the Covid crisis in Indonesia will quickly spiral out of control,” said Satria.
The charity said the pandemic also affects children by forcing them out of school, which makes them more vulnerable to child labour, early marriage and domestic violence.
Bangladesh has reported record increases in both deaths and infections on Monday, as the country extended its lockdown restrictions.
Reuters reports that 164 deaths took the total to 15,229. With 9,964 new infections, the total is now 954,881.
Over the weekend, Bangladesh received 2.5m doses of the Moderna vaccine and 2m of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine.
Only 3% of its population, which is 170 million people, have received both doses.
A positive test in the South African rugby team has forced them into isolation ahead of a test game against Georgia scheduled for Friday.
Lood de Jager’s positive test followed three others last week. The rest of the team have to isolate until they take PCR tests.
The incident will mean more questions about the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa as it goes through a third wave.
There have been similar questions about other sporting events, including the Copa America football tournament in Brazil and a Euro 2020 quarter-final played in St Petersburg last week despite it hitting its record number of cases.
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 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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.