31st Jul 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=64 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

MSN Streets are busy with people going about their daily business in Sao Paulos 25 de Maro neighbourhood as the country continues to ease lockdown measures and registers record daily numbers of deaths from COVID19 surging past 90000. https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/watch/sao-paulo-streets-busy-as-brazils-virus-death-toll-surpasses-90000/vi-BB17ncSs 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

FRANCE 24 English Brazil which has been hit harder than any country except the United States in the pandemic recorded 69074 new cases and 1595 new deaths in the past 24 hours bringing the figures to a total of more than 2.5 million infections and 90134 people killed since the start of the pandemic the health ministry said. Technical issues likely contributed to the high daily figures. The health ministry had said Tuesday that problems with its online reporting system had delayed figures from Sao Paulo Brazils most populous state and the one with the most cases and deaths. https://www.france24.com/en/20200730-brazil-covid-19-coronavirus-jair-bolosnaro-death-toll 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Times The US passed the grim milestone of 150000 coronavirusrelated deaths yesterday amid spiralling outbreaks across southern states. Five states in the south and west reported daily records for coronavirus deaths as health experts warned that other states were on the brink of new outbreaks. Arkansas Florida Montana California and Oregon each had record rises with Florida reporting 216 deaths and California 185 bringing the national daily toll to about 1267. The US has now recorded 150447 deaths and more than 4.4 million infections. In Florida the death toll now stands at 6333 and a total of 451423 people have been infected out of a population of 21 million. The state recently overtook New York in terms of total caseload and is now second only to California. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/coronavirus-record-daily-deaths-in-five-us-states-zlmcfkvjn 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

Newsweek However the Scandinavian nation ranks eighth among countries with the highest number of COVID19 deaths per 100000 people. It outranks the U.S. and Brazil which are the worlds first and second worsthit nations in terms of total cases according to Johns Hopkins University. Last week Anders Tegnell the chief epidemiologist at Swedens public health agency who has led the countrys COVID19 response said the nations controversial antilockdown strategy has been a success to a great extent in an interview with UnHerd. While an official lockdown was never ordered Tegnell noted We have cut down on movement in society quite a lot. We have compared how much we travel in Scandinavian countries and the decrease in travel is the same in Sweden as in neighbouring countries. In many ways the voluntary measures we put in place in Sweden have been just as effective as complete lockdowns in other countries. https://www.newsweek.com/sweden-which-never-had-lockdown-sees-covid-19-cases-plummet-rest-europe-suffers-spike-1521626 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Washington Post While the outbreak occurred primarily in only two parts of France French President Emmanuel Macron imposed a severe nationwide lockdown on March 16. And during that lockdown the government put extensive testing and contact tracing in place. Almost exactly two months later France mostly reopened. And for the last two and a half months the country has functioned in a primarily open status with around 500 new cases per day and only about 450 deaths in the last month. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/30/us-could-learn-frances-response-covid-19/ 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Moscow Times Russia confirmed 5509 new coronavirus infections Thursday bringing the countrys official number of cases to 834499. Over the past 24 hours 129 people have died bringing the total toll to 13802 a rate considerably lower than in many other countries hit hard by the pandemic. A total of 9322 people recovered over the last 24 hours. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/07/30/russia-coronavirus-cases-pass-830k-amid-vaccine-race-lifted-lockdown-a69710 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

Stuff.co.nz More families are choosing to homeschool their children since New Zealand came out of the coronavirus lockdown. Ministry of Education figures show a surge in homeschooling applications since alert level 4 in March with 552 received between then and May. Three hundred applications were received in June the highest recorded in any month this year. In February when school started only 174 applications were received. https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/parenting/122267059/coronavirus-hundreds-more-families-homeschooling-after-lockdown 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

AlJazeera As of July 30 the confirmed coronavirus death toll on the continent stood at 18884 with deaths including the former president of the Republic of the Congo Jacques Joachim YhombiOpango and Somalias former Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein. There are 891199 confirmed infections and 540872 recoveries according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts warn fragile healthcare systems in many African countries could be overwhelmed in the face of a severe outbreak of COVID19 the highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/tracking-africa-coronavirus-cases-200401081427251.html 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

AlJazeera Brazil has set daily records for new coronavirus cases and related deaths with nearly 1600 deaths on Wednesday and a government under President Jair Bolsonaro determined to ease lockdowns designed to quell the outbreak. Brazil is second only to the United States in the number of cases and deaths confirmed from the coronavirus. The 69074 new confirmed cases and 1595 additional deaths reported by the Health Ministry pushed the country past 2.5 million cases and a death toll in excess of 90000 people. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/phase-pandemic-brazil-hits-record-daily-deaths-cases-200730023554079.html 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters UK The coronavirus crisis could set back Latin America and the Caribbean by a decade as countries endure faltering economies and rising poverty the U.N. economic commission for the region and the World Health Organization WHO said on Thursday. Poverty in the region is forecast to climb 7 percentage points compared with last year to engulf an additional 45 million people according to a report by the WHO and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean ECLAC. The number of unemployed people is expected to rise to 44 million an increase of more than 18 million compared with last year while the regions economy is projected to shrink 9.1 the report said. The Americas are at risk of losing years of health gains in a matter of months. This is tragic Carissa Etienne director of the Pan American Health Organization PAHO said in a news conference. A presentation with highlights from the report warned that the coronavirus pandemic could cause a lost decade if income per capita drops to levels not seen since 2010 as forecast. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-latam/coronavirus-may-cost-latin-america-and-caribbean-a-decade-eclac-idUKKCN24V3FG 30th Jul 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Japan Times The total number of coronavirus cases nationwide surged past the 1000 mark for the first time on Wednesday with Osaka Aichi Fukuoka and Okinawa prefectures setting singleday records for new infections media reports said. Osaka reported 221 new COVID19 infections topping 200 for the first time while Fukuoka saw at least 101 cases. Aichi recorded 167 cases 93 of which were reported in Nagoya. Meanwhile Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures recorded 70 and 49 new cases respectively NHK said both the highest since the state of emergency was called off on May 25. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/29/national/japan-coronavirus-cases-wednesday/ 29th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian Scottish sports stadiums gyms and swimming pools are not likely to reopen until the middle of September assuming infection levels are low enough by then Nicola Sturgeon has announced. In a statement updating MSPs on her plans to ease lockdown the first minister said outdoor concerts and funfairs were likely to reopen in a little over three weeks time on 24 August. Sturgeon confirmed Scotlands schools would open fulltime from 11 August with all schools expected to resume by 18 August without any widespread enforcement of physical distancing among children. Ministers were also releasing another 30m to hire extra teachers she said. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jul/30/covid-19-scottish-gyms-and-stadiums-likely-to-stay-closed-until-september 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

Sky News Chief medical officers announce the new rule as the UK braces for winter amid warnings of a second wave brewing in Europe. Selfisolation rules are being changed as scientists warn people with coronavirus may be infectious for longer than previously thought. The chief medical officers of all four UK nations said anyone with symptoms or a positive test result should isolate for 10 days instead of seven. They changed their advice as the country braces for winter and warnings of a second wave of COVID19 brewing in Europe. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-self-isolation-period-for-those-with-covid-19-symptoms-to-be-extended-to-10-days-12038836 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC The change announced by the UKs chief medical officers comes as ministers try to avoid a resurgence of the virus. Until now those showing key symptoms a new continuous cough a temperature or loss of taste or smell have had to selfisolate for at least a week. The new advice is in line with World Health Organization guidance. The chief medical officers said the change is particularly important to protect those who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter when we may see increased community transmission. Evidence shows that people with Covid19 have a low but real possibility of infectiousness between seven and nine days after falling ill they said. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53588709 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

Cambridgeshire Live A little over four months on from the UK going into lockdown at the end of March the next round of lifting lockdown measures is set to come into effect from Saturday 1 August. The latest update comes as the UK continues to recover from the pandemic and find our way into whats being called a new normal. These cover everything from reopening of leisure venues and businesses to what going back to work could look like and even the ability for those who have been shielding to go back to a sense of normality. https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/coronavirus-lockdown-rules-august-reopen-18687300 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

Glasgow Live Scotland will not move to phase four in the near future Nicola Sturgeon has said but there is some good news on the horizon for parents with confirmation that schools can return in August. The First Minister is required by law to provide updates on the current lockdown situation every three weeks and the latest falls on todays coronavirus briefing from the Scottish Parliament chamber. The FM provided the latest statistics for Scotland as well as providing more information on yesterdays confirmed cluster of cases in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area. Eight confirmed cases have been traced to MD Pharmacy in Port Glasgow and an Amazon warehouse in Gourock. https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/coronavirus-scotland-nicola-sturgeon-schools-18685520 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC Weve heard from Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden whos said testing is not a silver bullet to stop the need for quarantine for people returning from Spain. Heathrow boss John HollandKaye wants tests at airports and again a few days later as an alternative. While Conservative MP Crispin Blunt thinks a more targeted use of quarantine measures would get more public support than a blanket rule for the whole of Spain. You can read more on why the UK isnt testing travellers on their return home here. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53582288 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

Euro Weekly News Lleida and six municipalities of the region of Segri in Spain are counting the hours to the relaxation of the lockdown restrictions. The local government will announce the lifting of restrictions shortly starting at four oclock this afternoon the mobility ban will be officially lifted. Shops will be allowed to reopen at 50 per cent capacity as are bars and restaurants but food can only be eaten on the terraces until 12 midnight. Meetings are limited to only 10 people because although the contagion curve has been cut in half authorities want to keep the pressure up. These same restrictions will apply to Barcelona and its metropolitan area. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/07/30/government-to-announce-lifting-of-lockdown-in-lleida-spain/ 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

The Japan Times A second wave of coronavirus infections sweeping the Israelioccupied West Bank is fueling fears of a surge in overcrowded Palestinian refugee camps where social distancing is next to impossible. At the start of the COVID19 pandemic in March the Palestinian Authority quickly imposed a lockdown as it sought to contain infections. But after Israel and later the PA eased restrictions in late April and May the number of cases rose again exacerbated by breaches of limits on public assembly and movement. One major driver has been Palestinian workers going to and from jobs in neighboring Israel according to the PA. The Jewish state went into lockdown in midMarch but after easing restrictions it started reporting 1000 to 2000 new coronavirus infections a day and reimposed some restrictions https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/30/world/social-issues-world/palestinian-camps-fear-coronavirus/ 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

The New York Times More than 3 million Chileans on Thursday asked to withdraw a portion of their pension funds as a controversial law took effect allowing citizens to tap into retirement savings to buffer the economic impacts of the coronavirus. Long lines formed in Santiago outside the offices of Pension Fund Administrators AFP as Chileans sought to take advantage of the new law. The emergency measure allows those with savings to withdraw up to 10 of their pensions. Chiles Superintendent of Pensions said in a statement 3024347 people had asked to withdraw their share by 5 p.m. local time. The websites of several of the fund administrators collapsed Thursday amid the deluge of requests prompting an apology from the companies. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/07/30/business/30reuters-health-coronavirus-chile-pensions.html 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

The New York Times Wisconsins governor on Thursday ordered residents wear masks when indoors and not in a private residence joining dozens of other U.S. state leaders mandating face coverings to slow the spread of coronavirus. In a statement Governor Tony Evers said Wisconsin was seeing an increase in significant community spread and rise in COVID19 cases which required he declare a new public health emergency and require face coverings statewide. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/07/30/us/30reuters-health-coronavirus-wisconsin.html 30th Jul 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters The Dutch government on Wednesday said it will not advise the public to wear masks to slow the spread of coronavirus asserting that their effectiveness has not been proven. The decision was announced by Minister for Medical Care Tamara van Ark after a review by the countrys National Institute for Health RIVM. The government will instead seek better adherence to social distancing rules after a surge in coronavirus cases in the country this week Van Ark said at a press conference in The Hague. Because from a medical perspective there is no proven effectiveness of masks the Cabinet has decided that there will be no national obligation for wearing nonmedical masks Van Ark said. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-netherlands/dutch-government-will-not-advise-public-to-wear-masks-minister-idUSKCN24U2UJ 29th Jul 2020

Partisan Exits

Reuters UK Chinese governmentlinked hackers targeted biotech company Moderna Inc a leading U.S.based coronavirus vaccine research developer earlier this year in a bid to steal valuable data according to a U.S. security official tracking Chinese hacking activity. Last week the U.S. Justice Department made public an indictment of two Chinese nationals accused of spying on the United States including three unnamed U.S.based targets involved in medical research to fight the COVID19 pandemic. The indictment states the Chinese hackers conducted reconnaissance against the computer network of a Massachusetts biotech firm known to be working on a coronavirus vaccine in January. Moderna which is based in Massachusetts and announced its COVID19 vaccine candidate in January confirmed to Reuters that the company had been in contact with the FBI and was made aware of the suspected information reconnaissance activities by the hacking group mentioned in last weeks indictment. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-moderna-cyber-excl/exclusive-chinese-backed-hackers-targeted-covid-19-vaccine-firm-moderna-idUKKCN24V38M 30th Jul 2020

Partisan Exits

Bloomberg Quint Its also time to stop blaming each other which is tearing us apart. As Sandman pointed out all public health failures are policy failures. If people dont follow a policy its because its the wrong policy or was badly communicated. This is what policy makers are supposed to think through. A few brave souls in the public health community trying to help people find a level of muchneeded balance have come forward to say that some activities are relatively low risk. Being around other people outdoors is safer than indoors and short exposures are safer than long ones. If everyone wears a mask getting a haircut is OK. Getting exercise outdoors is reasonable. Outdoor restaurant tables are safer than indoor ones. https://www.bloombergquint.com/gadfly/a-smart-u-s-coronavirus-plan-can-avoid-a-second-shutdown 30th Jul 2020

Partisan Exits

The Japan Times The power of words is being tested in Japan where efforts to fight the novel coronavirus bound by a law tailored to a different disease remain strictly voluntary. But that may soon change after a nationwide surge in new infections triggered debate at all levels of government on not only how the law should be changed but when. Revising the law is necessary for our intended results to become reality Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said during an interview with The Japan Times. Legal authority and financial resources the central government needs to define and clarify these things. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/30/national/politics-diplomacy/disagreement-widens-cities-central-government-japans-virus-law/ 30th Jul 2020

Partisan Exits

London Evening Standard An Australian coronavirus conspiracy theorist was arrested after refusing to give police her details at a checkpoint for a second time. Eve Black last week boasted in a video posted to Facebook about passing through a roadblock in Melbourne without informing officers of where she was headed to. After the video went viral the 28yearold tried again to evade officers questions when she was stopped on Wednesday in the innercity suburb of Carlton. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/eve-black-australian-covid19-conspiracy-theorist-arrested-in-melbourne-a4511546.html 30th Jul 2020

Partisan Exits

Sky News Australia The latest record number of coronavirus infections to come from Victoria are worrying but the alarmism and the hysteria is often over the top by some politicians and many in the media says Sky News host Chris Kenny. Victoria has recorded 13 deaths and 732 new COVID19 in the past 24 hours. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the fatalities included three men and three women in their 70s three men and two women in their 80s and two men in their 90s. The Premier also said 913 active cases were from the states aged care sector. Mr Kenny said while the latest deaths are terrible people cant stay in lockdown forever. He said they will resist and then change their behavior. https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6176529662001 30th Jul 2020

Continued Lockdown

Lancashire Post When youre an organisation dedicated to helping people connect and come together to explore hobbies interests and experiences together a global pandemic resulting in lockdown and social distancing can safely be described as a bit of an issue. https://www.lep.co.uk/news/people/community-circles-lockdown-lifesavers-connecting-hundreds-across-lancashire-2928110 30th Jul 2020

Continued Lockdown

BBC Bedrooms kitchen countertops and dining tables became the new way of working for millions of people. According to the ONS 30 of adults in the UK were exclusively working from home at the start of July. From 1 August employers in England can allow staff back into offices at their own discretion when they feel its safe to do so. But now its time to return to those communal workplaces research from Eskenzi suggests that 91 of the UKs office workers would like to work from home at least part of the time. So why are so many office staff keen to keep working from home https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53580656 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Huffington Post UK With a vaccine not looking likely this side of Christmas scientists and health experts are scrabbling to find existing drugs that can help fight against the worst effects of Covid19. The Recovery trial in the UK has already unearthed one gamechanging drug dexamethasone and has crossed two other treatments off the list after they didnt show any clinical benefits. The first is hydroxychloroquine the drug fiercely advocated for by Donald Trump despite studies showing its not effective the other is lopinavirritonavir a drug commonly used to treat HIV. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/treatments-for-covid-19-explained_uk_5f202daec5b638cfec4a41a3 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters The European Union has warned member states of the risk of shortages of syringes wipes and protective gear needed for potential mass vaccinations against COVID19 and urged them to consider joint procurement according to an EU document. The bloc has also asked EU governments to consider jointly buying more shots against influenza and increase the number of people vaccinated to reduce the risk of simultaneous flu and COVID19 outbreaks in the autumn. No vaccine against COVID19 has yet been fully developed or approved but countries around the world are seeking to secure supplies of potential shots so that if and when vaccine candidates prove effective immunisation campaigns can start quickly. Some countries hope that may be as early as this year. Should a shot prove effective manufacturing and distribution issues could become hurdles. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-eu-syringes/eu-warns-of-risk-of-syringe-shortages-for-possible-covid-19-vaccine-idUKKCN24V1XK 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Financial Times A single dose of Johnson Johnsons experimental coronavirus vaccine elicited robust protection against Covid19 when tested on animals with clinical human trials now under way in the US and Belgium. The preclinical data published in Nature magazine show the drugmakers dose successfully prevented subsequent infection in nonhuman primates spurring socalled neutralising antibodies. It also provided complete or nearcomplete protection against Covid19 in their lungs. The findings give us confidence as we progress our vaccine development and upscale manufacturing in parallel said Paul Stoffels JJs chief scientific officer. https://www.ft.com/content/a983341f-4066-4ace-8b0a-43f4c82d63a9 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Wired.co.uk Having dealt with the monthslong terror of crammed ICUs unavailable PPE and the fear of getting infected the coronavirus crisis is taking its toll on healthcare workers mental health https://www.wired.co.uk/article/coronavirus-ptsd-doctors-nurses-mental-health 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Aberdeen Evening Express Scotland is at an advanced stage in developing a coronavirus proximity tracing app to be available by the autumn the First Minister has said. Nicola Sturgeon revealed she hopes to give more details about the software soon after a question from Gillian Martin MSP on Thursday. https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/scotland/scotland-expected-to-have-covid-19-tracker-app-by-autumn/ 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Digital Health Speaking about the future of healthcare at a Royal College of Physicians event Hancock told the audience better technology was needed for better healthcare. We want to double down on the huge advances weve made in technology within the NHS and social care because its not really about technology its about people he said. The health secretary also said in his speech that digital services should be used to keep patients out of hospital when appointments arent essential free up clinicians time and better connect people with their care. Referencing difficulties in developing new technology Hancock added they dont make it any less valuable. To promote collaboration and change we need more transparency better use of data more interoperability and the enthusiastic adoption of technological innovation that can improve care he said. This crisis has shown that patients and clinicians alike not just the young want to use technology. https://www.digitalhealth.net/2020/07/hancock-nhs-needs-to-double-down-on-tech-advances-after-covid-19/ 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Guardian When WHO officials walked back their statement that asymptomatic transmission was very rare Andy Slavitt a former acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services tweeted that WHO officials should stop expressing certainty when you dont have it.. It is equally important that the media and public retain a critical eye when seeking to understand information from WHO officials. Scientists have been criticized before for being bad communicators but as Slavitt points out public health communication isnt ancillary to public health. It is the central component in battling it. Unfortunately a knowledge gap still exists between scientists public health officials and the public they are supposed to serve. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/30/as-a-covid-19-survivor-i-dont-have-blind-faith-in-health-experts-heres-why 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Conversation From June 2019 to June 2020 YouGov surveyed a nationally representative sample of around 2000 respondents each week across Great Britain. It asked them to report on 12 mood states happiness contentment inspiration optimism energy levels sadness apathy stress boredom frustration loneliness and fear. Data from the survey suggests that the pandemic had a strong negative effect on peoples mood but that this quickly returned to baseline after the introduction of lockdown. Boredom loneliness frustration and apathy increased with the introduction of lockdown but so did happiness optimism contentment and even inspiration. Meanwhile sadness fear and stress all fell. https://theconversation.com/wellbeing-levels-fell-during-the-pandemic-but-improved-under-lockdown-new-research-shows-143367 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Guardian The scandal over Dominic Cummings trips to and around Durham during lockdown damaged trust and was a key factor in the breakdown of a sense of national unity amid the coronavirus pandemic research suggests. Revelations that Cummings and his family travelled to his parents farm despite ministers repeatedly imploring the public to stay at home as exposed by the Guardian and the Daily Mirror in May also crystallised distrust in politicians over the crisis according to a report from the thinktank British Future. The findings emerged in a series of surveys diaries and interviews carried out over the first months of the pandemic as the public got to grips with profound changes to their habits relationships and lifestyles. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jul/30/cummings-saga-damaged-uk-unity-covid-19-study-suggests 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

BBC The restrictions of lockdown have fostered a new community spirit in Britain but there are signs feelings of solidarity and togetherness are already beginning to fragment and fray. That is the warning from a campaign called Together which includes the NHS charities media groups and employers among its founders. The organisation helped organise the birthday clap for the health service this month and is launching a national public consultation on how to avoid new community divisions opening up. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53584856 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail Britons were brought together in the first weeks after lockdown both within their communities and nationally. Clap for Carers also played a major role in community spirit with nearly seven in ten people taking part by May. But unity began to dissipate by midMay amid a perception that young people were not socially distancing. Support for Black Lives Matter was tempered by concerns about public health and violence on the protests. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8575379/Britains-lockdown-blitz-spirit-starting-fray-says-study.html 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Japan Times Russia plans to register a vaccine for the novel coronavirus by Aug. 1012 clearing the way for what its backers say would be the worlds first official approval of an inoculation against the pandemic. The drug developed by Moscows Gamaleya Institute and the Russian Direct Investment Fund may be approved for civilian use within three to seven days of registration by regulators according to a person familiar with the process who asked not to be identified because the information isnt public. The Gamaleya vaccine is expected to get conditional registration in August meaning trials will still need to be conducted on another 1600 people Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said in a televised meeting of officials with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Production should begin in September she said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/07/30/world/science-health-world/russia-worlds-first-approved-vaccine/ 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters The study is credible with municipal authorities partnering with the respected Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and others. The randomised sample of nearly 7000 covers folks from three areas of the city. Its evidence that crowding speeds transmission and that lowincome groups are more vulnerable to infection. Just 16 of people sampled in more affluent parts of the same three areas of Mumbai were found to have the antibodies. Encouragingly the study suggests an infection mortality rate of between 0.05 and 0.01 based on official death numbers thats low and would remain so relative to many other estimates even if the numerator is underreported. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-breakingviews/breakingviews-mumbais-slums-test-lockdown-logic-idUSKCN24V09Z 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail Researchers looked at 145 patients in three groups children younger than age five children between ages five and 17 years and adults from ages 18 to 65 Children kindergartenage or younger had viral loads between 10fold and 100fold greater in their upper respiratory tract. This implies that young children can spread the virus just as easily as teenagers. However they only develop mild illness compared to older children and adults https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-8576665/Children-younger-five-spread-coronavirus-just-easily-older-kids.html 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

BBC The UK saw some of the biggest rises in deaths rates in Europe in the months until the middle of June official analysis shows. England saw the largest increase in death rates in Europe with Scotland seeing the third largest increase. The Office for National Statistics says that Spain saw the highest peak in rates of death in Europe. But the UK had the longest period of aboveaverage deaths and so overall saw higher death rates. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53592881 30th Jul 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

BBC US President Donald Trump has again defended the use of hydroxychloroquine to ward off coronavirus contradicting his own public health officials. He said the malaria medication was only rejected as a Covid19 treatment because he had recommended its use. His remarks come after Twitter banned his eldest son for posting a clip promoting hydroxychloroquine. There is no evidence the drug can fight the virus and regulators warn it may cause heart problems. On Wednesday Dr Anthony Fauci a leading member of the White House coronavirus task force told the BBC that hydroxychloroquine was not effective against the virus. We know that every single good study and by good study I mean randomised control study in which the data are firm and believable has shown that hydroxychloroquine is not effective in the treatment of Covid19 he said. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53575964 29th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

WTOP Struggling to breathe Luis Gualotua arrived before dawn Wednesday at a coronavirus testing site in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito which has experienced an alarming surge in COVID19 cases since the government started to reopen the economy last month. Hours later Gualotua was still in a long line waiting. My throat hurts my body hurts. I have general discomfort and I came here to find out if I have COVID. There is nothing left to do but wait said Gualotua a 34yearold unemployed carpenter. https://wtop.com/latin-america/2020/07/after-ecuador-eased-its-lockdown-the-virus-surged-in-quito/ 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Bloomberg Quint Tokyo will ask bars restaurants and karaoke stores to shorten their business hours as officials race to stop a resurgent spread of the coronavirus in the Japanese capital with Governor Yuriko Koike threatening to declare a state of emergency if the situation doesnt improve. Shops will be asked to shut at 10 p.m. from August 3 until the end of the month restrictions since the capital lifted all limits in June. Tokyo reported 367 cases on Thursday one higher than the previous record. https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/japan-mulls-virus-restrictions-as-tokyo-braces-for-higher-cases 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

YAHOO! Australias coronavirus hot spot Victoria state will make wearing masks compulsory after reporting a record 723 new cases on Thursday mostly among the vulnerable residents of aged care homes. Masks have been compulsory for the past week in the state capital Melbourne Australias secondlargest city with 5 million people and a neighboring semirural district. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said masks or similar face coverings will become compulsory across the state starting late Sunday. Residents around the city of Geelong will not be allowed to have visitors in their homes from late Thursday in a second measure aimed at slowing the spread of the virus from the city. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/australian-state-makes-masks-compulsory-082906401.html 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

BBC Australias virushit state of Victoria has reported its worst death toll and case rise prompting fears that a sixweek lockdown of state capital Melbourne is not working. The state confirmed 13 new deaths and 723 new cases on Thursday a 36 jump on the case record set on Monday. There are fears now that Melbournes lockdown which began on 7 July will need to be extended. The spike meant Australia overall had its deadliest day in the pandemic. A 14th person died late on Thursday but his death will be included in Fridays figures as it was announced after the governments briefing. Officials in Victoria renewed appeals for people with symptoms to get tested quickly. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-53589817 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Bloomberg Australia has suffered its worst day of coronavirus infections with Victoria state recording 723 new cases dashing hopes that a lockdown in the city of Melbourne was bringing the outbreak under control. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters that 13 more people had died bringing the states death toll to 105. Infections had gradually decreased earlier this week with the state recording 295 new cases on Wednesday raising hopes the sixweek lockdown of the city of 5 million people was working. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-30/australia-braces-for-virus-record-as-second-lockdown-struggles 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Hindustan Times PM said maskwearing would be mandatory across the state extending the order from just Melbourne. Residents in several regional centers including Geelong would not be allowed to have visitors in their homes from midnight. Australia has suffered its worst day of coronavirus infections with Victoria state recording 723 new cases dashing hopes that a lockdown in the city of Melbourne was bringing the outbreak under control. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/australia-sets-covid-19-record-as-melbourne-lockdown-struggles/story-pXseRWwgSRC2oeKQYTOCiM.html 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters UK Britain reported its highest number of new COVID19 infections in more than a month on Thursday as ministers fretted about a second wave of cases in Europe and warned more quarantine restrictions were possible. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said COVID19 was under some measure of control in Britain but a resurgence in some European countries showed the pandemic was not over. It is absolutely vital as a country that we continue to keep our focus and our discipline and that we dont delude ourselves that somehow we are out of the woods or that that is all over because it isnt all over he said. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain/uk-worried-about-second-wave-in-europe-more-quarantine-measures-possible-idUKKCN24V0PL 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters UK Vietnam has had one of the worlds best records in containing the coronavirus despite bordering China its biggest trading partner where the virus was first reported. But after more than three months with no reports of local transmission new cases have now been reported in six cities and provinces in the past week and authorities in the communistruled country are scrambling to contain the new outbreak. Vietnam with more than 95 million people is the most populous country in the world to record no coronavirus deaths so far. It has had a total of only 459 cases far fewer than most other large countries in Southeast Asia and reported no local transmissions of the virus for 100 days until July 25. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-vietnam-response-e/explainer-covid-19-strikes-back-in-virus-free-vietnam-idUKKCN24V116 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters Poland may have to reimpose quarantine for travellers from countries such as Spain to contain the coronavirus its prime minister said on Thursday after the country reported its highest daily number of infections so far. Poland has reported fewer cases of COVID19 than some other European countries but in recent days the number of new infections has climbed with the health ministry blaming outbreaks in coal mines and social gatherings. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-poland/poland-may-reimpose-some-curbs-as-daily-covid-19-cases-jump-idUSKCN24V1GN 30th Jul 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters The number of new coronavirus infections in France rose by 1392 on Wednesday the highest daily tally in a month and a figure likely to fuel fears of a second wave of the disease despite officials downplaying such a scenario. The increase took Frances total number of confirmed cases to 185196. In a statement health authorities said that leaving aside the continuous decline of people in ICU units all COVID19 indicators showed an increase of the viral circulation. The reproduction rate on an upward trend since the beginning of the month is now higher than 1.3 which marks a rise over 24 hours they said. The figure for new cases the highest since the June 26 total of 1588 is above the past weeks daily average of 980 and almost double the 715 average seen in May when France started to lift is lockdown. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-france-casualties/frances-new-covid-19-cases-hit-one-month-peak-idUKKCN24U2W4 29th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

Middle East Monitor Libyas internationally recognised government in Tripoli will impose a full lockdown in areas of the country it controls it said on Thursday after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases Reuters reports. Libya split since 2014 between areas held by the Government of National Accord GNA in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east managed to avoid an early surge of the pandemic. However the disease has been spreading more quickly this month and Libyas National Centre for Disease Control NCDC one of the few bodies that operates across the country despite the conflict has confirmed 3222 cases. Libyas health system is in tatters after nearly a decade of chaos and war that has fragmented the state destroyed infrastructure and left many people living in crowded conditions after fleeing their homes. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200730-libya-to-impose-full-lockdown-as-pandemic-cases-grow/ 31st Jul 2020

New Lockdown

BBC It is too soon for further easing of lockdown measures in Bradford the citys council leader has said. Susan Hinchcliffes warning comes as coronavirus infection rates in the city rose to 48 per 100000 of population for the week ending 25 July. Ms Hinchcliffe is in talks with the government about if the city should move forward with an easing of restrictions on 1 August. She said holding back could help avoid the imposition of a citywide lockdown. Venues such as bowling alleys and boxing gyms are due to reopen from 1 August while those extremely vulnerable people who have been shielding will no longer need to https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-53594031 30th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

Stuff.co.nz Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Victorias strict lockdown was not achieving its desired results after the nations coronavirus hotspot reported another recordbreaking day for deaths and new infections. Victoria experienced its worst day since the start of the Covid19 pandemic with 723 new cases and 13 deaths recorded on Thursday. Morrison expressed great concern for the state and said the weeks its been back in lockdown after a surge in infections in the last month has been necessary but will come at an impact to the economy. https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/300070235/australia-pm-scott-morrison-says-strict-victoria-lockdown-is-not-getting-its-desired-results 30th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

The Times Victoria has reported its worst daily coronavirus death toll and the highest rise in infections amid fears that a sixweek lockdown of the state capital Melbourne is failing. The state reported 723 new cases today a 36 per cent rise on the case record set on Monday. It also reported another 13 deaths the largest number in a single day since the pandemic took hold in Australia. There are fears that Melbournes lockdown which began on July 8 will need to be extended. The Victoria government said that sick people breaking isolation rules by going to their workplaces were responsible for the rising number of infections. If youve got symptoms the only thing you can do is get tested said the state premier Daniel Andrews. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/victoria-has-worst-death-toll-as-fears-that-rise-melbourne-lockdown-failing-gq36b253s 30th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

YAHOO! An eerie prediction has revealed what Victoria could look like if states current sixweek lockdown was to be lifted. On Thursday an additional 723 coronavirus cases were reported in Victoria and a record 13 deaths. The deaths mean the state has recorded 44 fatalities in just five days the majority of which are aged care related. The fatalities mean Victoria is the first state to reach 100 deaths. The state has recorded 105 deaths more than double NSWs 51 since the pandemic began. https://au.news.yahoo.com/dire-reality-if-victoria-coronavirus-lockdown-was-lifted-today-060901059.html 30th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

The Jakarta Post Lebanon on Wednesday reported 182 new coronavirus cases its highest singleday infection tally since the countrys outbreak began in February ahead of fresh lockdown measures that go into effect at midnight. The new cases bring the total number of COVID19 infections in Lebanon to 4202 including 55 deaths according to health ministry figures cited by the staterun National News Agency NNA. New nationwide lockdown measures were announced this week following a rise in cases after previous restrictions were gradually lifted. https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/07/30/lebanon-virus-cases-peak-ahead-of-new-lockdown-.html 30th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

BBC The new lockdown rules for parts of northern England come nearly four weeks after restrictions were eased across the country and people were allowed to meet indoors for the first time since late March. More than four million people in Greater Manchester Blackburn with Darwen Burnley Hyndburn Pendle Rossendale Bradford Calderdale and Kirklees will be affected by the tightening of restrictions. The measures which came into force at midnight mean different households will not be allowed to meet in homes or private gardens but individual households will still be able to go to pubs and restaurants. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53602362 30th Jul 2020

New Lockdown

Hilton Head Island Packet China is tightening travel restrictions in the capital of the Xinjiang region amid a COVID19 outbreak in the northwestern city. People arriving in Urumqi from regions considered to have high infection risk must undergo a twoweek quarantine. Others arriving from less risky areas most show proof of good health. Locals in principle must stay in the city or show proof of health to be allowed to leave. https://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article244592982.html 30th Jul 2020