Tuesday, 8 September
- Global deaths pass 890,000.
- Virus warning from scientists as UK cases rise.
- Could saliva tests be a Covid-19 game-changer in France?
- King Salaman and Putin discuss oil partnership, vaccine production.
- Bali Covid-19 surge blamed on inaccurate rapid tests for visitors.
- Japan eyes up easing Covid-19 rule to allow more people at events.
- US reports more than 24,000 new Covid-19 cases.
Global deaths pass 890,000
The Guardian says the global coronavirus death toll has passed another grim milestone exceeding 890,000, with 890,260 confirmed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
The true death toll is likely to be higher, due to different testing rates and definitions, time lags and suspected under-reporting in some countries.
Read the full story on The Guardian
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Virus warning from scientists as UK cases rise
BBC News says two members of the UK government’s Scientific Advisory Group Emergencies have given stark warnings over the increase in coronavirus cases across the country.
Prof John Edmunds said cases were now “increasing exponentially”.
While England’s deputy chief medical officer, Prof Jonathan Van Tam, said people had “relaxed too much” and must start taking the virus seriously again.
Read the full story on BBC News
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Could saliva tests be a Covid-19 game-changer in France?
France24 says offering painless, non-invasive and rapid results, saliva tests have the potential to change the way we live with the coronavirus.
The most common test currently used in France is the nasal test, which involves inserting a long cotton swab into the patient’s nose.
A recent study found the results of saliva tests may be more reliable than nasal swabs. And people may be willing to get regular tests if it is not a painful procedure.
Read the full story on France24
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King Salaman and Putin discuss oil partnership, vaccine production
Arab News says in a phone call between Saudi King Salman and President Vladimir Putin of Russia the two leaders discussed the work of the G20 under the Saudi presidency and Russian advances towards developing a Covid-19 vaccine.
The two leaders also discussed the work of the G20 to “mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the return to normal life.”
Read the full story on Arab News
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Bali Covid-19 surge blamed on inaccurate rapid tests for visitors
Aljazeera news says medical experts have linked a surge in coronavirus cases on Bali to the inaccurate, cheap and rapid test kits that are being used to screen domestic visitors to the Indonesian resort island.
Foreign tourists were banned from entering Indonesia on April 2, and while a plan to reopen Bali to international visitors this week has been dropped, domestic air travel resumed on July 31.
Read the full story on Aljazeera
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Japan eyes up easing Covid-19 rule to allow more people at events
Japan Times says Japan plans to relax a rule limiting the size of crowds at professional sports, music and other events later this month – amid signs that Covid-19 cases are decreasing nationwide, government sources said.
Under the current rule, venues are allowed to hold up to 50 per cent of their capacity or up to a total of 5,000. The government is considering scrapping the 5,000-person cap as early as Sept. 19, the sources said.
Read the full story on Japan Times
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US reports more than 24,000 new Covid-19 cases
CNN says the United States recorded 24,362 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday, bringing the nationwide total to at least 6,300,727 infections, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The death toll rose to at least 189,206 after 265 new virus-related fatalities were also recorded Monday.
The totals include cases from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other US territories, as well as repatriated cases.
Read the full story on CNN
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A look at the other top stories
John Bolton speaks out on claims that Trump disparaged fallen soldiers in France
Fox News says former national security adviser John Bolton disputed the main thesis of The Atlantic’s recent report alleging that President Trump disparaged fallen American soldiers in France, calling the claim “simply false” in an appearance on “The Story” Monday.
Britain and EU need a Brexit deal ‘as quickly as possible’ says Germany
Euronews says the German government said Monday a Brexit deal between the UK and the European Union was still possible and that it’s in the interest of both sides to secure one.
Britain left the EU on January 31 but the two sides are in a transition period until the end of the year and are negotiating their future trade ties
Three Africans vying for the post of WTO Director general
AfricaNews says The World Trade Organisation begins on Monday the process of selecting its new boss, following the resignation of Brazilian Roberto Azevedo on 31 August.
As Africa has never had a representative at the head of the WTO, the continent hopes to have its fair chance.
ISIL claims responsibility for deadly Tunisia knife attack
Aljazeera says ISIL (ISIS) armed group claimed responsibility on Monday for a knife attack in Tunisia that killed one National Guard officer and wounded another as security forces rounded up more suspects.
The attack on Sunday in a tourist district of the coastal city of Sousse saw a group of assailants ram a patrol of the National Guard with a vehicle before stabbing the officers.
China says Indian troops fired ‘provocative’ shots in border dispute
BBC News says China has accused Indian troops of illegally crossing a disputed border and firing “provocative” warning shots at patrolling soldiers.
Australian journalists flee China over security concerns
France24 says two of Australia’s leading foreign correspondents in China have rushed home for their own safety after they were questioned separately by China’s Ministry of State Security, Australia’s ABC said.
