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Coronavirus live: Sajid Javid criticised over Covid recovery remarks; Italy records further 5,000 cases Coronavirus live: Sajid Javid criticised over Covid recovery remarks; Italy records further 5,000 cases
(32 minutes later)
Health secretary has been criticised for saying people must no longer ‘cower’ from coronavirusHealth secretary has been criticised for saying people must no longer ‘cower’ from coronavirus
Brazil on Saturday reported 1,108 new deaths from Covid-19, the health ministry said, bringing the total fatalities to 549,448. Cases rose by 38,091 to bring the total to 19,670,534, Reuters reports.
Summer holiday plans for nearly six million Britons could be ruined if Spain and Greece follow France onto the “amber plus” list requiring isolation on return, according to an analysis.Summer holiday plans for nearly six million Britons could be ruined if Spain and Greece follow France onto the “amber plus” list requiring isolation on return, according to an analysis.
Labour said an estimated 5,857,558 people face the prospect of last-minute quarantine requirements to protect against the spread of coronavirus after booking trips over the “summer of chaos”.Labour said an estimated 5,857,558 people face the prospect of last-minute quarantine requirements to protect against the spread of coronavirus after booking trips over the “summer of chaos”.
The UK government introduced an exemption for the requirement to isolate at home for 10 days for fully-vaccinated holidaymakers returning from countries on the amber list, PA reports.The UK government introduced an exemption for the requirement to isolate at home for 10 days for fully-vaccinated holidaymakers returning from countries on the amber list, PA reports.
But ministers removed the exemption for France amid concerns over the Beta variant, creating what critics call an “amber plus” designation on the traffic light system for foreign travel.But ministers removed the exemption for France amid concerns over the Beta variant, creating what critics call an “amber plus” designation on the traffic light system for foreign travel.
Labour’s shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said: “Not only have they failed to protect our borders, allowing Covid cases to rocket – they also refuse to be straight with the public and give them the information they need to book travel with confidence, with clear information on the direction of travel of infections in each country.”Labour’s shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said: “Not only have they failed to protect our borders, allowing Covid cases to rocket – they also refuse to be straight with the public and give them the information they need to book travel with confidence, with clear information on the direction of travel of infections in each country.”
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “The travel list allocations have not changed for Spain or Greece.A Department for Transport spokesman said: “The travel list allocations have not changed for Spain or Greece.
“We are closely monitoring the data and will take swift action on travel list allocations and international travel requirements should the data show that countries’ risk to England has changed.”“We are closely monitoring the data and will take swift action on travel list allocations and international travel requirements should the data show that countries’ risk to England has changed.”
Only fully-vaccinated football fans may be able to attend Premier League matches and other events with more than 20,000 spectators from October under UK government plans.Only fully-vaccinated football fans may be able to attend Premier League matches and other events with more than 20,000 spectators from October under UK government plans.
Talks are in an early phase with the Premier League to discuss whether supporters who have not been double-jabbed could be barred from entry, the PA news agency understands.Talks are in an early phase with the Premier League to discuss whether supporters who have not been double-jabbed could be barred from entry, the PA news agency understands.
The use of vaccine passports could also be extended to lower divisions and other sports in England as ministers seek to reduce the surge of Covid-19 cases as other restrictions are ended.The use of vaccine passports could also be extended to lower divisions and other sports in England as ministers seek to reduce the surge of Covid-19 cases as other restrictions are ended.
While no final decisions have been made, it is currently being discussed whether vaccine passports could be introduced for seated events with a capacity of 20,000 people and over.While no final decisions have been made, it is currently being discussed whether vaccine passports could be introduced for seated events with a capacity of 20,000 people and over.
The UK’s health secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised further for saying people must no longer “cower” from coronavirus as he announced he had made a “full recovery” from Covid-19.The UK’s health secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised further for saying people must no longer “cower” from coronavirus as he announced he had made a “full recovery” from Covid-19.
Jo Goodman, co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said Javid’s “comments are deeply insensitive on a number of levels”, PA reports.Jo Goodman, co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said Javid’s “comments are deeply insensitive on a number of levels”, PA reports.
“Not only are they hurtful to bereaved families, implying our loved ones were too cowardly to fight the virus, but they insult all those still doing their best to protect others from the devastation this horrific virus can bring,” she added.“Not only are they hurtful to bereaved families, implying our loved ones were too cowardly to fight the virus, but they insult all those still doing their best to protect others from the devastation this horrific virus can bring,” she added.
“Words matter and the flippancy and carelessness of this comment has caused deep hurt and further muddied the waters of the Government’s dangerously mixed messaging.”“Words matter and the flippancy and carelessness of this comment has caused deep hurt and further muddied the waters of the Government’s dangerously mixed messaging.”
A snow leopard at San Diego Zoo in the US has tested positive for the coronavirus.A snow leopard at San Diego Zoo in the US has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Ramil, a nine-year-old male snow leopard, was tested for the virus after caretakers noticed that he had a cough and runny nose on Thursday.Ramil, a nine-year-old male snow leopard, was tested for the virus after caretakers noticed that he had a cough and runny nose on Thursday.
The animal’s stool sample was tested by the zoo staff and at a state-level lab, both of which confirmed the presence of the coronavirus, the zoo said.The animal’s stool sample was tested by the zoo staff and at a state-level lab, both of which confirmed the presence of the coronavirus, the zoo said.
Ramil is not showing additional symptoms. But because he shares an enclosure with a female snow leopard and two Amur leopards, the staff assume they have been exposed. As a result, the animals were quarantined and their exhibit was closed.Ramil is not showing additional symptoms. But because he shares an enclosure with a female snow leopard and two Amur leopards, the staff assume they have been exposed. As a result, the animals were quarantined and their exhibit was closed.
It is unclear how Ramil got infected, Associated Press reports.It is unclear how Ramil got infected, Associated Press reports.
In January, a troop of eight gorillas at the zoo’s sister facility, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, contracted Covid-19 from a keeper who had the virus but showed no symptoms.In January, a troop of eight gorillas at the zoo’s sister facility, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, contracted Covid-19 from a keeper who had the virus but showed no symptoms.
Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of president Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic.Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of president Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic.
Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of Covid-19 under Bolsonaro’s leadership. He has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures, Reuters reports.Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of Covid-19 under Bolsonaro’s leadership. He has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures, Reuters reports.
Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possibility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine.Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possibility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine.
The UK’s health secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised for saying on Twitter that people must no longer “cower” from coronavirus as he announced he had made a “full recovery” from Covid-19.The UK’s health secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised for saying on Twitter that people must no longer “cower” from coronavirus as he announced he had made a “full recovery” from Covid-19.
Italy reported 5,140 daily infections on Saturday compared to 5,143 on Friday. It also recorded five coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday against 17 the day before, the country’s health ministry said.Italy reported 5,140 daily infections on Saturday compared to 5,143 on Friday. It also recorded five coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday against 17 the day before, the country’s health ministry said.
Tunisia suffered its worst daily toll, recording 317 deaths in 24 hours. Its health ministry also reported 5,624 new cases.Tunisia suffered its worst daily toll, recording 317 deaths in 24 hours. Its health ministry also reported 5,624 new cases.
A further case of Covid was identified among the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. There were also 17 Olympics-related cases, taking the total to 123.A further case of Covid was identified among the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. There were also 17 Olympics-related cases, taking the total to 123.
Several people were arrested in Sydney as thousands attended anti-lockdown protests. Unmasked demonstrators marched through the city carrying signs calling for “freedom” and what they believe to be “the truth”.Several people were arrested in Sydney as thousands attended anti-lockdown protests. Unmasked demonstrators marched through the city carrying signs calling for “freedom” and what they believe to be “the truth”.
Malaysia recorded the highest number of daily infections since the beginning of the pandemic. The health ministry reported 15,902 new cases, bringing the cumulative number of cases in the country to 996,393.Malaysia recorded the highest number of daily infections since the beginning of the pandemic. The health ministry reported 15,902 new cases, bringing the cumulative number of cases in the country to 996,393.
Vietnam posted its greatest daily caseload of the pandemic for the second day in a row. The health ministry said it had identified 7,968 new cases.Vietnam posted its greatest daily caseload of the pandemic for the second day in a row. The health ministry said it had identified 7,968 new cases.
An emergency UK government plan to prevent the spiralling “pingdemic” from hitting food supplies has descended into chaos, with industry leaders condemning the scheme as an “absolute disaster” that has done more harm than good.An emergency UK government plan to prevent the spiralling “pingdemic” from hitting food supplies has descended into chaos, with industry leaders condemning the scheme as an “absolute disaster” that has done more harm than good.
As train services were also disrupted on Saturday by the number of workers self-isolating, airports reported long queues at passport controls and the hospitality industry warned of a summer of closures, Downing Street defied growing calls to bring forward a full relaxation of quarantine rules from the scheduled date of 16 August.As train services were also disrupted on Saturday by the number of workers self-isolating, airports reported long queues at passport controls and the hospitality industry warned of a summer of closures, Downing Street defied growing calls to bring forward a full relaxation of quarantine rules from the scheduled date of 16 August.
In an attempt to prevent more empty supermarket shelves and avert wider economic damage, ministers bowed last Thursday to persistent pressure from the food industry, announcing that around 10,000 workers in the sector would be exempted from the rules if they tested negative on a daily basis. Others in key sectors of the economy and vital public services are also included in the emergency plan.In an attempt to prevent more empty supermarket shelves and avert wider economic damage, ministers bowed last Thursday to persistent pressure from the food industry, announcing that around 10,000 workers in the sector would be exempted from the rules if they tested negative on a daily basis. Others in key sectors of the economy and vital public services are also included in the emergency plan.
But several food industry leaders responsible for the supply chain told the Observer the measures had been so badly mishandled and poorly communicated that they had made the crisis worse.But several food industry leaders responsible for the supply chain told the Observer the measures had been so badly mishandled and poorly communicated that they had made the crisis worse.
The UK’s health secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised for saying people must no longer “cower” from coronavirus after he announced he had made a “full recovery” from Covid-19.The UK’s health secretary Sajid Javid has been criticised for saying people must no longer “cower” from coronavirus after he announced he had made a “full recovery” from Covid-19.
Shadow justice secretary David Lammy accused him of having “insulted” people who followed the rules to protect others, while the Lib Dems told him to apologise to those who have shielded because they are particularly vulnerable to the disease.Shadow justice secretary David Lammy accused him of having “insulted” people who followed the rules to protect others, while the Lib Dems told him to apologise to those who have shielded because they are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Javid, who had received both jabs before testing positive, said on Saturday he had made a “full recovery” and his “symptoms were very mild, thanks to amazing vaccines”.Javid, who had received both jabs before testing positive, said on Saturday he had made a “full recovery” and his “symptoms were very mild, thanks to amazing vaccines”.
“Please, if you haven’t yet, get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus,” he wrote on Twitter. Lammy questioned his use of the word cower, as did many social media users.“Please, if you haven’t yet, get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus,” he wrote on Twitter. Lammy questioned his use of the word cower, as did many social media users.
“129,000 Brits have died from Covid under your Government’s watch,” the Labour MP wrote.“129,000 Brits have died from Covid under your Government’s watch,” the Labour MP wrote.
“Don’t denigrate people for trying to keep themselves and their families safe.”“Don’t denigrate people for trying to keep themselves and their families safe.”
Lib Dem health spokeswoman Munira Wilson said Javid’s tweet was “outrageous” while thousands remain in hospital with Covid-19.Lib Dem health spokeswoman Munira Wilson said Javid’s tweet was “outrageous” while thousands remain in hospital with Covid-19.
Greek police used teargas and water cannon to disperse people who had gathered in central Athens on Saturday to protest against mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations.
More than 4,000 people rallied outside the Greek parliament for a third time this month to oppose mandatory inoculations for some workers, such as healthcare and nursing staff.
A police official, who asked not to be named, said some protesters had thrown petrol bombs, prompting the police to respond with tear gas.
Nearly 2,500 Covid-19 cases in Greece were reported on Saturday, bringing the total number of infected people to 474,366.
Libyan authorities on Saturday stepped up their vaccination campaign around the capital Tripoli, as coronavirus cases rise across the country.
The health ministry has set up temporary centres in six districts of the capital.
“The campaign will continue until all the available doses are used,” doctor Rawad Behelille told AFP in central Tripoli.
Algeria will manufacture the Chinese coronavirus vaccine Sinovac locally, the government announced.
Chinese experts arrived Friday to inspect equipment destined for a factory in Constantine, in eastern Algeria, a statement from the pharmaceutical industry ministry said.
Sinovac will be the second coronavirus vaccine to be produced in Algeria, with the Russian vaccine Sputnik V to be produced locally from September, according to authorities.
The Pasteur Institute of Algeria said it had received 2.4 million doses of Sinovac, bringing the total number of doses of all vaccines received so far by the country to nearly six million, AFP reports.
Russia has sent a shipment of coronavirus-related humanitarian assistance to Cuba, including 1 million medical masks, the defence ministry said, adding President Vladimir Putin had given instructions for the aid.
Cuba, which kept coronavirus infections low last year, earlier this week reported the highest rate of contagion per capita in Latin America. That has strained its healthcare sector and helped stoke rare anti-government protests earlier this month on the Communist-run island.
Two military planes carrying 88 tonnes of aid – including food and personal protective equipment, amongst it over 1 million medical masks – departed from an airfield near Moscow on Saturday, the defence ministry said.
“On the instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, military transport aircraft are delivering humanitarian aid to the Republic of Cuba,” the ministry said.
Thousands of people protested in cities across Italy against the government’s introduction of restrictions on unvaccinated people as Rome tries to slow an upturn in Covid-19 infections, AFP reports.
“Freedom!” and “Down with the dictatorship!” chanted Italian flag-waving demonstrators from Naples in the south to Turin in the north, while rain-soaked protesters in Milan shouted: “No Green Pass!”
The vast majority were not wearing masks.
The “green pass”, which is an extension of the EU’s digital Covid certificate, will be required from 6 August to enter cinemas, museums, indoor swimming pools or sports stadiums, or eat indoors at restaurants.
It will serve as proof bearers have either been vaccinated, undergone a recent negative Covid-19 test, or recovered from a coronavirus infection.
An official with France’s interior ministry said 161,000 people had demonstrated across the country on Saturday against Covid-19 restrictions and a vaccination campaign, up from 114,000 a week earlier, Reuters reports.
Since the vaccine rollout began in England last year, the journey has been relatively smooth. The few bumps that the jab juggernaut has encountered, mostly hiccups in the supply chain, have been successfully navigated.
Yet there are now concerns about the final stages, with under-30s showing markedly more reluctance to get their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines than older people.
So far, 58.4% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 58.9% of 25- to 29-year-olds in England have received a first dose since they became eligible on 18 June according to Public Health England, but that number is now rising slowly enough to alarm NHS trusts.
During protests in Paris against Covid-19 restrictions and a vaccination campaign, police sought to push back demonstrators near the capital’s Gare Saint-Lazare railway station after protesters had knocked over a police motorbike ridden by two officers, television pictures showed.
Images showed a heavy police presence on the capital’s streets. Scuffles between police and demonstrators also broke out the Champs-Elysees thoroughfare, where teargas was fired and traffic was halted, Reuters reports.
At another protest called by far-right politicians in west Paris, demonstrators opposed to anti-coronavirus measures carried banners reading “Stop the dictatorship”.
Protests were also planned in cities including Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes and Toulouse.
French lawmakers are due to vote this weekend on a bill drafted by the government aimed at setting up a health pass and mandatory vaccination for health workers.
Turkey’s new coronavirus cases jumped to 12,381 on Saturday, the highest level since mid-May.
Health ministry data also showed that 58 people died due to Covid-19, Reuters reports.