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| Coronavirus live: UK expert calls for ‘strategic’ booster jabs; anti-lockdown clashes in Australia | Coronavirus live: UK expert calls for ‘strategic’ booster jabs; anti-lockdown clashes in Australia |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Latest updates: UK government urged to stay alert to winter Covid threat; riot police use pepper spray to break up crowds in Melbourne | Latest updates: UK government urged to stay alert to winter Covid threat; riot police use pepper spray to break up crowds in Melbourne |
| Italy reported 45 deaths, taking the total to 128,728, and 7,470 new cases on Saturday. | |
| Yesterday it recorded 49 deaths and 7,224 cases. | |
| Hi all, I’m handing over to my colleague Nadeem Badshah so here’s a round-up of today’s developments | |
| Vietnam reported record infections for the second day running, with 11,321 Covid-19 infections on Saturday, an increase of almost 700. Vietnam has now had 336,700 cases and at least 7,540 deaths. | |
| Residents of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City have been panic buying, emptying shelves of food and supplies after the city’s authorities announced a lockdown from Monday. It has been the epicentre of the surge in cases Vietnam has suffered after having escaped serious outbreaks earlier in the pandemic. | |
| British virologist Dr Chris Smith told BBC Breakfast that the UK government should deploy booster vaccines “strategically”. He said the pandemic needed to be ended all over the world but also the UK could not allow the effectiveness of vaccines to wane. | |
| Russia recorded 797 deaths and 21,000 new cases over the past 24 hours, with Moscow and Saint Petersburg having the most cases. | |
| Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters clashed with riot police in Australia. Police in Melbourne used pepper spray as large crowds surged, while in Sydney they were are able to prevent protesters from forming a mass demonstration. | |
| Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi said tackling Covid-19 infections was the main priority for the new cabinet he presented to parliament, calling his new health minister “a figure who can rally forces in the fight against coronavirus”. | |
| Donald Trump was due to stage a rally in Alabama on Saturday night, in a city that has declared a Covid emergency and in support of a congressman who both backed Trump’s attempt to overturn the election and this week sympathised with a man who threatened to blow up the US Capitol. | Donald Trump was due to stage a rally in Alabama on Saturday night, in a city that has declared a Covid emergency and in support of a congressman who both backed Trump’s attempt to overturn the election and this week sympathised with a man who threatened to blow up the US Capitol. |
| The former president will speak in Cullman, Alabama, in support of Mo Brooks’ bid for a US Senate seat. | The former president will speak in Cullman, Alabama, in support of Mo Brooks’ bid for a US Senate seat. |
| Like other southern, Republican-run states, Alabama is struggling with a surge in cases of Covid-19 fueled by the contagious Delta variant. On Thursday, the city of Cullman declared a state of emergency. | Like other southern, Republican-run states, Alabama is struggling with a surge in cases of Covid-19 fueled by the contagious Delta variant. On Thursday, the city of Cullman declared a state of emergency. |
| “We want to prevent as many non-Covid related things as possible, so our hospital can use its resources to focus on the pandemic and its variants,” said Luke Satterfield, an attorney for the city, according to AL.com. “We don’t want to put any extra strain on them.” | “We want to prevent as many non-Covid related things as possible, so our hospital can use its resources to focus on the pandemic and its variants,” said Luke Satterfield, an attorney for the city, according to AL.com. “We don’t want to put any extra strain on them.” |
| Trump’s rally was set to take the stage at York Farms at 7pm local time. Local media reported that organisers expected about 40,000 to attend. | Trump’s rally was set to take the stage at York Farms at 7pm local time. Local media reported that organisers expected about 40,000 to attend. |
| Dr William Smith, chief medical officer for Cullman Regional, told CBS42: “We view this as a potential ‘super-spreader’ event, just like last week’s Rock the South that was [at the same location]. We’ve seen an increase in patients since that event last weekend and we’re concerned we could see the same impact.” | Dr William Smith, chief medical officer for Cullman Regional, told CBS42: “We view this as a potential ‘super-spreader’ event, just like last week’s Rock the South that was [at the same location]. We’ve seen an increase in patients since that event last weekend and we’re concerned we could see the same impact.” |
| US president Joe Biden’s popularity is taking a hit over the “summer surge” in cases facing the US, according to a new poll. | US president Joe Biden’s popularity is taking a hit over the “summer surge” in cases facing the US, according to a new poll. |
| Two-thirds of Americans approved of his handling of the pandemic last month but that has dropped to 54% now, according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. | Two-thirds of Americans approved of his handling of the pandemic last month but that has dropped to 54% now, according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. |
| His overall job approval has also dropped from 59% to 54%. | His overall job approval has also dropped from 59% to 54%. |
| Dan Patrick, the Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, has refused to apologise for blaming rising Covid-19 hospitalisations and deaths on unvaccinated African Americans, comments one Black Houston official called “racist and flat out wrong”. | Dan Patrick, the Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, has refused to apologise for blaming rising Covid-19 hospitalisations and deaths on unvaccinated African Americans, comments one Black Houston official called “racist and flat out wrong”. |
| Doubling down on his remarks to Fox News, Patrick blamed “Democrat social media trolls” and said “Democrats continue to play politics with people’s lives”. | Doubling down on his remarks to Fox News, Patrick blamed “Democrat social media trolls” and said “Democrats continue to play politics with people’s lives”. |
| Sylvester Turner, the Democratic mayor of Houston, who is African American, said Patrick’s comments were “offensive and should not be ignored”. | Sylvester Turner, the Democratic mayor of Houston, who is African American, said Patrick’s comments were “offensive and should not be ignored”. |
| Amid widespread concern over the spread of the Delta variant, Texas is experiencing its highest hospitalisation rates since January. It emerged this week that the state had asked federal authorities for more mortuary trucks. | Amid widespread concern over the spread of the Delta variant, Texas is experiencing its highest hospitalisation rates since January. It emerged this week that the state had asked federal authorities for more mortuary trucks. |
| The overwhelming majority of Covid-19 hospitalisations and deaths in the US are among those who have not received a vaccine. | The overwhelming majority of Covid-19 hospitalisations and deaths in the US are among those who have not received a vaccine. |
| Speaking to Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Thursday night, Patrick said: “The biggest group in most states are African Americans who have not been vaccinated. | Speaking to Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Thursday night, Patrick said: “The biggest group in most states are African Americans who have not been vaccinated. |
| “The last time I checked over 90% of them vote for Democrats in their major cities and major counties, so it’s up to the Democrats – just as it’s up to the Republicans – to try to get as many people vaccinated.” | “The last time I checked over 90% of them vote for Democrats in their major cities and major counties, so it’s up to the Democrats – just as it’s up to the Republicans – to try to get as many people vaccinated.” |
| In his statement on Friday, Patrick said federal and state data “clearly indicate that Black vaccination rates are significantly lower than White or Hispanic rates”. But statistics from the Texas health department did not back him up. | In his statement on Friday, Patrick said federal and state data “clearly indicate that Black vaccination rates are significantly lower than White or Hispanic rates”. But statistics from the Texas health department did not back him up. |
| These are the images from inside Ho Chi Minh City’s supermarkets, where shoppers have rushed to grab food and supplies before a lockdown is enforced on Monday. | These are the images from inside Ho Chi Minh City’s supermarkets, where shoppers have rushed to grab food and supplies before a lockdown is enforced on Monday. |
| Panic set in despite the government saying it will deliver food to people, calling on the army to help with the lockdown procedures. | Panic set in despite the government saying it will deliver food to people, calling on the army to help with the lockdown procedures. |
| During a pre-match press conference, the Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, revealed his approach to encouraging players to get vaccinated. | During a pre-match press conference, the Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, revealed his approach to encouraging players to get vaccinated. |
| “If all the scientists, the doctors ... say the only solution to eradicate or help to move forward from this pandemic...is to be vaccinated, I think they should consider it.” | “If all the scientists, the doctors ... say the only solution to eradicate or help to move forward from this pandemic...is to be vaccinated, I think they should consider it.” |
| The streets of Colombo have been deserted during the first full day of Sri Lanka’s 10-day lockdown. | The streets of Colombo have been deserted during the first full day of Sri Lanka’s 10-day lockdown. |
| Active since late last night, the lockdown was announced by the health minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Friday because of surging infections that doubled to a daily average of 3,897, according to the Reuters Global Covid tracker. | Active since late last night, the lockdown was announced by the health minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, on Friday because of surging infections that doubled to a daily average of 3,897, according to the Reuters Global Covid tracker. |
| Businesses have closed and soldiers have been deployed to man checkpoints. A nightly curfew will become active from Monday. | Businesses have closed and soldiers have been deployed to man checkpoints. A nightly curfew will become active from Monday. |
| Today’s strange coronavirus story comes from Italy, where a student has tattooed the QR code for his vaccination status onto his own arm. | Today’s strange coronavirus story comes from Italy, where a student has tattooed the QR code for his vaccination status onto his own arm. |
| Andrea Colonnetta, 22, explained it like this: “I like to be different.” | Andrea Colonnetta, 22, explained it like this: “I like to be different.” |
| His parents, he said, told him to be less impulsive and think more about his decisions. | His parents, he said, told him to be less impulsive and think more about his decisions. |
| A video shared by his tattoo artist, Gabriele Pellerone, showed that the QR code works – Colonnetta gained entry to a McDonald’s by lifting his arm and scanning the code to bring up his green pass. | A video shared by his tattoo artist, Gabriele Pellerone, showed that the QR code works – Colonnetta gained entry to a McDonald’s by lifting his arm and scanning the code to bring up his green pass. |
| Vietnam has reported another 11,321 Covid-19 infections, its highest daily tally during the pandemic. | Vietnam has reported another 11,321 Covid-19 infections, its highest daily tally during the pandemic. |
| Most of the new cases on Saturday were detected in Ho Chi Minh City in the south, and its neighbouring province of Binh Duong, the health ministry said. The record is the second time in as many days that it has risen above its previous highest total. | Most of the new cases on Saturday were detected in Ho Chi Minh City in the south, and its neighbouring province of Binh Duong, the health ministry said. The record is the second time in as many days that it has risen above its previous highest total. |
| Reports showed 10,654 cases were registered on Friday. | Reports showed 10,654 cases were registered on Friday. |
| The country has now recorded 336,700 cases and at least 7,540 deaths. | The country has now recorded 336,700 cases and at least 7,540 deaths. |
| Hello, I’m Jedidajah Otte and taking over for the next hour. Feel free to get in touch with tips and updates, I’m on Twitter @JedySays or you can email me. | Hello, I’m Jedidajah Otte and taking over for the next hour. Feel free to get in touch with tips and updates, I’m on Twitter @JedySays or you can email me. |
| Vietnam’s impending implementation of a lockdown in Ho Chi Minh City has triggered panic-buying in shops and markets. | Vietnam’s impending implementation of a lockdown in Ho Chi Minh City has triggered panic-buying in shops and markets. |
| State media reported empty shelves and long queues outside markets, raising concerns about the effect on attempts to contain the spread of coronavirus. | State media reported empty shelves and long queues outside markets, raising concerns about the effect on attempts to contain the spread of coronavirus. |
| Vietnam said on Friday it would deploy troops to enforce the lockdown and said it would deliver food to citizens. | Vietnam said on Friday it would deploy troops to enforce the lockdown and said it would deliver food to citizens. |
| The order for residents to “stay where they are” will come into force on Monday. | The order for residents to “stay where they are” will come into force on Monday. |
| The city authorities said: “Each residential zone, street, ward, commune, township, organization, and factory must be a ‘fortress’ to prevent the spread of Covid-19.” | The city authorities said: “Each residential zone, street, ward, commune, township, organization, and factory must be a ‘fortress’ to prevent the spread of Covid-19.” |
| Vietnam recorded 380 deaths and 10,654 cases on Friday, according to the World Health Organization. | Vietnam recorded 380 deaths and 10,654 cases on Friday, according to the World Health Organization. |
| The British virologist Dr Chris Smith has urged the UK government to stay alert to the threat of coronavirus with winter approaching, suggesting the “strategic” use of coronavirus booster jabs. | The British virologist Dr Chris Smith has urged the UK government to stay alert to the threat of coronavirus with winter approaching, suggesting the “strategic” use of coronavirus booster jabs. |
| He told BBC Breakfast the government should not “take its eye off the ball” because any advances could be undone if the effectiveness of vaccines fades. | He told BBC Breakfast the government should not “take its eye off the ball” because any advances could be undone if the effectiveness of vaccines fades. |
| Russia has recorded 797 deaths and 21,000 new cases over the past 24 hours. | Russia has recorded 797 deaths and 21,000 new cases over the past 24 hours. |
| Russia’s two largest cities, Moscow (1,852 ) and St Petersburg (1,665), had the most cases. | Russia’s two largest cities, Moscow (1,852 ) and St Petersburg (1,665), had the most cases. |
| The country’s total number of deaths from coronavirus rose to 175,282 and cases to 6,726,523. | The country’s total number of deaths from coronavirus rose to 175,282 and cases to 6,726,523. |
| Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, said tackling the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections and accelerating vaccinations would be key for his government. | Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, said tackling the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections and accelerating vaccinations would be key for his government. |
| Speaking as parliament began debating his cabinet nominations, he also said they would be focused on improving the economy and securing livelihoods. | Speaking as parliament began debating his cabinet nominations, he also said they would be focused on improving the economy and securing livelihoods. |
| “The government’s first priority is controlling the coronavirus, improving the health situation and widespread vaccination,” Raisi said. | “The government’s first priority is controlling the coronavirus, improving the health situation and widespread vaccination,” Raisi said. |
| Iran has said it has struggled to import vaccines because of US sanctions that make it difficult to transfer money abroad. | Iran has said it has struggled to import vaccines because of US sanctions that make it difficult to transfer money abroad. |
| Raisi has nominated a 63-year-old optometrist, Bahram Eynollahi, as his health minister, describing him as “a figure who can rally forces in the fight against coronavirus”. | Raisi has nominated a 63-year-old optometrist, Bahram Eynollahi, as his health minister, describing him as “a figure who can rally forces in the fight against coronavirus”. |
| According to local media, Eynollahi had signed an open letter to the former president Hassan Rouhani warning against importing vaccines made by the United States, Britain and France. | According to local media, Eynollahi had signed an open letter to the former president Hassan Rouhani warning against importing vaccines made by the United States, Britain and France. |
| Malaysia’s new prime minister was sworn in on Saturday and how he handles the country’s worst surge in Covid-19 infections will be heavily scrutinised. | Malaysia’s new prime minister was sworn in on Saturday and how he handles the country’s worst surge in Covid-19 infections will be heavily scrutinised. |
| Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s handling of the pandemic as deputy to his predecessor, Muhyiddin Yassin, has already been a source of pressure, with 350,000 Malaysians signing a petition opposing his appointment. | Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s handling of the pandemic as deputy to his predecessor, Muhyiddin Yassin, has already been a source of pressure, with 350,000 Malaysians signing a petition opposing his appointment. |
| The 23,564 cases reported on Friday marked the third consecutive day of record numbers in Malaysia. | The 23,564 cases reported on Friday marked the third consecutive day of record numbers in Malaysia. |
| Strict lockdowns have put many in a precarious precision and last month many Malaysians began flying white flags from their homes as a signal that they needed help. | Strict lockdowns have put many in a precarious precision and last month many Malaysians began flying white flags from their homes as a signal that they needed help. |
| Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters have clashed with Australian riot police in Sydney and Melbourne, where in the latter pepper spray was used to break up crowds, Reuters reports. | Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters have clashed with Australian riot police in Sydney and Melbourne, where in the latter pepper spray was used to break up crowds, Reuters reports. |
| Riot police broke up congregations in Sydney, which has been under strict lockdown for two months. | Riot police broke up congregations in Sydney, which has been under strict lockdown for two months. |
| Officials reported 894 cases on Saturday – Australia’s highest daily rise in infections – with most found in Sydney. | Officials reported 894 cases on Saturday – Australia’s highest daily rise in infections – with most found in Sydney. |
| Police have not reported arrests but in Victoria said they would hand out fines of A$5,000 (£2,600) to protesters who took part. | Police have not reported arrests but in Victoria said they would hand out fines of A$5,000 (£2,600) to protesters who took part. |
| Warning people away from the protest, Victoria police’s chief commissioner, Shane Patton, said it was “just ridiculous to think that people would be so selfish and come and do this”. | Warning people away from the protest, Victoria police’s chief commissioner, Shane Patton, said it was “just ridiculous to think that people would be so selfish and come and do this”. |
| Hello, this is Kaamil Ahmed London launching our global coronavirus coverage from London for the day. If there are developments you think we are missing out on then feel free contact me by e-mail or through Twitter. | Hello, this is Kaamil Ahmed London launching our global coronavirus coverage from London for the day. If there are developments you think we are missing out on then feel free contact me by e-mail or through Twitter. |