Covid index - July 2020 - September 2020
1 Aug 2020:
"Eat Out to Help Out" starts
Restrictions in Bradford & Blackburn (SI2020/822)
India has recorded 57,000 new corona virus cases - the highest daily total to date
Maharashtra - home to the financial capital, Mumbai - is still the worst affected state
In the UK people shielding against coronavirus can now leave their home and return to work
The US top infectious diseases expert has said he is 'optimistic' a US-developed vaccine will be available by end of 2020
Mexico's coronavirus death toll is now the world's third highest, with only the US and Brazil recording greater numbers
Millions of Americans are set to lose a $600 benefit after US politicians failed to agree a deal on its extension
The elderly leader of a South Korean sect has been arrested for allegedly obstructing a tracing investigation
2 Aug 2020: A state of disaster has been declared in the Australian state of Victoria after a spike in infections
The city of Melbourne has been placed under curfew. Residents can go out once a day to shop for food or exercise
India has recorded more than 50,000 new cases of the virus for a third consecutive day
Teachers and parents need "greater clarity" on the reopening of UK schools, a teachers' union says
Coronavirus is cited as the reason for holding Trump's election nomination without press in attendance
More than 500,000 cases have now been confirmed in South Africa, the country's health minister says
More than 17m cases and 685,000 deaths have been recorded worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins University
3 Aug 2020: Infections in the Australian state of Victoria are surging, with hundreds of new cases reported daily
Victoria will close non-essential shops along some manufacturing, construction and administration during lockdown
The number of virus deaths in Iran is nearly triple what the government says, leaked data shows
New tests for Covid-19 and flu that can give results in 90 minutes are to be rolled out in the UK next week
Manchester, in northern England, declares a major incident after a rise in the infection rate
The US is said to be entering a "new phase", with rural and urban areas both affected
Diners at UK restaurants to get 50% off meals as "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme launches
Globally, more than 18 million infections and 689,000 deaths have been recorded - Johns Hopkins University
4 Aug 2020: India reports 803 deaths and more than 50,000 new cases, the highest total in any country on Monday
The world's second most populous country has the fifth highest death toll, and continues to try to reopen after lockdown
The US - which has the highest total cases and deaths in the world - has recorded just over 47,000 cases and 469 deaths, the CDC said
Australia is imposing strict on-the-spot fines for people who ignore orders to self-isolate
Current testing and tracing may not prevent new virus wave when UK schools reopen, scientists warn
Tens of millions of people in the Philippines are back in lockdown after warnings of a surge
There are now more than 18m confirmed cases across the world, and 693,000 deaths
5 Aug 2020: Spread of the coronavirus in the UK could have been slowed with earlier quarantine restrictions on arrivals, says a report from MPs
Travellers told to self-isolate in early stages were mostly from Asia but countries such as Spain should have been included, they say
Thousands of infected people are likely to have arrived in the days before lockdown was imposed in late March, report adds
Australia records another daily record in virus cases, driven by an outbreak in Melbourne, which is under a new lockdown
Sri Lankans go to the polls to vote for a new parliament, with virus safety measures in place
Virgin Atlantic becomes latest airline industry casualty as it files for bankruptcy in the US
Global death toll has passed 700,000; more than 11 million people have recovered from the virus
6 Aug 2020: France, Spain and Greece record their highest number of new cases in weeks
Facebook and Twitter penalise Donald Trump and his campaign for posts showing "harmful Covid misinformation"
In the UK, 50m face masks bought by the government will not be used in hospitals because of safety concerns
A fire in a hospital in India kills eight coronavirus patients
Australia is set to introduce more travel restrictions as it battles a new wave of infections
7 Aug 2020: Restrictions in Gtr Manchester, parts of Lancashire & W Yorks (SI2020/828)
More than one million cases have been confirmed in Africa, although the true extent of the pandemic there is not known
South Africa accounts for more than half of these cases, but there are concerns about a lack of data from Tanzania
Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam announces free Covid-19 tests for anyone in the city who wants one
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak says the government "will not hesitate" to add more countries to its travel quarantine list
India reaches two million cases in 20 days, much faster than the two countries with the highest number of cases, the US and Brazil
The Australian state of New South Wales announces new restrictions, with mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from neighbouring Victoria
8 Aug 2020: Facemask rules extended to cinemas, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, libraries, community centres & places of worship (SI2020/839)
Face covering use expanded in England and Scotland including museums, places of worship and aquariums.
Other new settings in England include cinemas and funeral homes, and in Scotland banks and beauty salons.
Anyone now arriving in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland from Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas will have to quarantine for two weeks.
Quarantines were earlier re-imposed for passengers from Spain and Luxembourg.
More than 19 million confirmed cases in 188 countries. More than 700,000 people have lost their lives.
UK 12th in cases (after Spain). and 4th in deaths (after Mexico)
9 Aug 2020: Self-isolation: apply to Andorra, The Bahamas & Belgium (SI2020/841)
Redundancies rise fivefold as pandemic hits jobs
Brazil passes 100,000 deaths as outbreak shows no sign of easing
Fire at Covid facility in India kills at least 10
Masks made mandatory in parts of Paris as infections rise
Moral duty to get all children back in school - UK PM
10 Aug 2020: French police say face masks will be required at busy tourist sites and over 100 streets in Paris, as infections rise
Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres and play centres reopen in latest stage of lockdown easing in Wales
Australia records its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic, although new infections are falling
A BBC investigation reveals that some staff in Ghana's hospitals have been selling vital PPE for personal profit
The US has passed 5m cases, while Brazil has had more than 100,000 deaths linked to Covid-19
However, New Zealand has passed 100 days without a local infection, and plans to open a travel bubble with the Cook Islands
11 Aug 2020: Self-isolation: exempt Brunei & Malaysia (SI2020/841)
There have been more than 20m cases of Covid-19 around the world, and 736,000 deaths
More than 5m of those cases are in the US, with 3m in Brazil and 2m in India
The UK records its biggest quarterly drop in employment since 2009, as the pandemic hits the jobs market
Australia's remote Northern Territory says it will keep its borders closed to coronavirus-affected states until 2022
Scottish students return to classrooms for the first time since March
Donald Trump considers blocking US citizens suspected of having Covid-19 from entering the country, US media report
More than 10.5m meals have been claimed in the UK's "eat out to help out" scheme
12 Aug 2020: The UK has officially fallen into recession for the first time in 11 years due to the impact of the pandemic
The 20.4% fall in the second quarter is the largest reported by any major economy so far
Chancellor Rishi Sunak warns of a further wave of job losses, saying "hard times are here"
Fast rising case numbers are worrying governments in western Europe, who are warning people to take more precautions
France is reporting 2,000 new cases per day compared to 1,000 three weeks ago, the prime minister says
Spain, meanwhile, is in a "critical situation", with the worst infection rate in Europe, experts say
Russia's approval of an "effective" Covid-19 vaccine is met with scepticism internationally
13 Aug 2020: India registers more than 47,000 deaths, overtaking UK to become fourth-worst affected globally for fatalities
After more than 100 days infection-free, New Zealand city of Auckland, under lockdown, records 14 more cases
A-level results issued in England, Wales and Northern Ireland under controversial system due to coronavirus measures
Number of civilians killed in conflict falls during coronavirus, UK charity says
60% of North Korea's population facing food insecurity, worsened by coronavirus, US says
Globally, now nearly 20.6 million cases and over 749,000 deaths - latest Johns Hopkins University tally
14 Aug 2020: People coming to the UK from France and the Netherlands must quarantine for 14 days from Saturday
Travellers are rushing to get back to the UK before the measure comes into force at 04:00 BST
The UK quarantine measure also applies to people travelling from Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba
France says the UK decision will lead to "reciprocal measures"
New Zealand extends lockdown of its largest city Auckland by at least 12 days amid new cases
North Korea lifts a lockdown on a border city after what it said was an outbreak caused by a returning defector
UK case and death reporting suspended for a day while they change the calculation rules. Now deaths reported if Covid in last 28 days only.
15 Aug 2020: Self-isolation: apply to Aruba, France, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands & Turks and Caicos Islands (SI2020/866)
Close contact beauty salons open
Thousands of holidaymakers have rushed back to the UK from France in a bid to avoid quarantine measures imposed from 04:00 BST
Those arriving after this cut-off must undergo a 14-day isolation period on their return
The same rules apply to the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba
France reported 2,846 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours on Friday - the highest number since lockdown restrictions were eased
France says it will take "reciprocal measures" and the Netherlands has warned against all but essential travel to the UK
Russia launches production of a vaccine amid concerns speed could compromise safety
More than 764,000 people have died around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University data
Global cases top 21m, with 5.3m in the US, 3.2m in Brazil and 2.5m in India
16 Aug 2020: The WHO says 294,237 cases have been recorded in 24 hours
New Zealand's deputy prime minister calls for an election delay as Covid-19 reappears in the country
South Korea records its biggest outbreak of new cases in five months
The UK exams regulator reviews guidance on how to appeal against exam grades issued after public exams were cancelled
South Africa's president says infections appear to have peaked in the country
More than 21.4 million cases and over 771,000 deaths are registered globally - latest Johns Hopkins University tally
17 Aug 2020: Some 315 people connected to South Korea's Sarang Jeil Church test positive in the county's biggest outbreak for months
New Zealand's general election is postponed by a month because of a fresh Covid-19 outbreak
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under pressure to end row over A-Levels in England amid growing anger
Japan's economy - the world's third biggest - suffers the biggest contraction in modern history
The scaled-down Democratic party convention begins later in the US, largely held online
Globally more than 775,000 people have died and 21.6m cases have been reported, according to Johns Hopkins University
18 Aug 2020: Australian senators question officials over the Ruby Princess cruise ship scandal in March
The ship that docked in Sydney is linked to at least 900 infections and 28 deaths
A-level and GCSE students in England are to have their results for cancelled exams based on teacher assessments following a U-turn by the regulator
UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says he is "incredibly sorry for the distress" caused to pupils
Marks & Spencer is cutting 7,000 jobs over the next three months across its stores and management
The World Health Organization warns against complacency among lower-risk groups
Globally more than 774,000 people have died with Covid-19 and nearly 22m cases have been reported
19 Aug 2020: Australia says it has secured access to a promising coronavirus vaccine and will offer free doses
The country's PM Scott Morrison backtracks after saying the vaccine should be "as mandatory as you can possibly make it"
The vaccine, being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, is in advanced clinical trials
South Korea's capital Seoul closes museums, nightclubs and karaoke bars after cases spike
US stocks hit a new high after the coronavirus crash despite continuing worries about the economic impact
Ministers in England are under pressure to lift student medicine limits after the school exam grading system was changed
20 Aug 2020: Germany has reported its highest daily infection rate for the coronavirus since April
Spain and Italy also logged their highest daily figures in months on Wednesday and cases are rising steadily in France
Australian airline Qantas reports an annual loss of almost A$2bn (£1bn; $1.4bn) as it struggles with the impact of the pandemic
India has reported a record daily increase of 69,652 infections on Thursday, taking the total number of cases there to 2.84 million
South Korea tightens restrictions as the country sees a spike in new cases linked mostly to a church
More than 787,000 deaths have been recorded worldwide, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University
21 Aug 2020: South Korea sees 324 new cases of coronavirus, its highest single day total since March, with most cases traced to churches
US Democratic White House nominee Joe Biden attacks Donald Trump's coronavirus response, saying "he failed to protect us"
UK holidaymakers race to return home before quarantine rules kick in for Croatia, Austria and Trinidad and Tobago
A ban on landlords evicting tenants in England and Wales ends this weekend, sparking concern from homelessness charities
Australia's PM hails "a week of increased hope" after its lowest increase in cases in five weeks
22 Aug 2020: Self-isolation: apply to Austria, Croatia & Trinidad and Tobago; exempt Portugal (SI2020/890)
Facemask rules extended to clubs, conference centres, and casinos (SI2020/882)
India records more than 69,000 new cases, with its overall tally now close to three million
South Korea extends new coronavirus restrictions nationwide in an attempt to control a resurgence of the virus
UK tourists have been dashing home as new coronavirus travel rules kick in for Croatia, Austria, and Trinidad and Tobago
WHO head says the pandemic could be over within two years
The global death toll is just under 800,000, with close to 23 million registered cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University
More than 14 million people have recovered from the virus
23 Aug 2020: Public Health England publishes study suggesting the risk of outbreaks in schools is low
Children are more likely to be harmed by not returning to school than if they catch Covid-19, the UK's chief medical adviser says
But Labour leader warns the government's commitment to reopen schools is at risk because of exams chaos
South Korea reports its highest single-day rise in infections since early March as strict new measures come into force
India, which has the highest number of new infections in the world, records a total of more than three million cases
The global coronavirus death toll stands at 800,000 people worldwide
24 Aug 2020: New Zealand extends lockdown measures in its largest city, Auckland, as the PM calls 2020 a "frankly terrible year"
The US Food and Drug Administration gives emergency authorisation for the use of plasma to treat coronavirus patients
South Korea tightens social distancing requirements as daily new cases continue to rise
France and Italy record their highest numbers of daily cases since May
UK PM Boris Johnson says it is "vitally important" children go back to school
The world has had 23 million confirmed cases and more than 800,000 related deaths, Johns Hopkins University says
25 Aug 2020: Argentina registers a record 8,713 new cases and 381 deaths as Latin America struggles to contain the virus
A 48-hour lockdown is in force across the Gaza Strip after the first infections were recorded among the public
Secondary school pupils in Scotland will be required to wear face coverings in corridors and shared areas from Monday
Head teachers are calling for clarity on the use of face coverings in schools in England
Hundreds of thousands of young people receive vocational BTec qualifications after results were delayed
More than 23.6m cases of Covid-19 have been reported globally, and 813,000 deaths
26 Aug 2020: Countries across Europe have been looking at different measures to allow students and teachers to return safely
Pupils in England's secondary schools will have to wear masks in corridors in local lockdown areas
Spain is to use 2,000 soldiers trained in tracking to help areas identify people exposed to the virus
Cases in the US have been falling as a result of the adoption of face masks and lower testing rates, experts say
North Korea's Kim Jong-un has chaired a meeting to assess preparations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
Argentina reports a new record number of cases as the country prepares for the annual Tango World Championships
Germany has agreed to extend a scheme that tops up pay for workers affected by the pandemic by another year
27 Aug 2020: Rise in cases prompts French PM to speak of an 'undeniable surge'
South Korea registers 441 new infections - biggest one-day rise in cases
Low-paid workers in some parts of England to receive £13 a day for self-isolating
Centers for Disease Control says non-symptomatic people may not need testing in US
Remote tribe in India's Andamans archipelago records first cases of coronavirus
Internal China flights could recover fully by next month, travel data firm says
Australia's hard-hit Victoria sees lowest daily case rise since early July
More than 24m cases registered worldwide so far, and over 825,700 deaths - Johns Hopkins University
28 Aug 2020: Rules requiring Parisians to wear masks come into force as France reports 6,111 new cases - highest since peak of outbreak
In Spain, children as young as six will have to wear face coverings at school
Germans are told not to travel to high-risk countries and regions, as top state official says: "Corona is fully back in Germany"
UK government will encourage people to return to workplaces in a new campaign
New daily infections in the UK increased to 1,522 on Thursday - the highest since mid-June
US President Donald Trump pledges a vaccine before the end of the year, "or maybe even sooner"
About 24.5 million cases have officially been confirmed worldwide so far, with 831,000 deaths
29 Aug 2020: Self-isolation: apply to Czech Republic, Jamaica & Switzerland; exempt Cuba (SI2020/913)
Protesters gather in Berlin to voice opposition to coronavirus restrictions
In France, a further 7,379 cases were confirmed on Friday in an "exponential rise"
Leaked report for the UK government predicts 85,000 Covid deaths this winter in a worst case scenario
South Korea sees another day of triple-digit rises, with 308 new cases registered on Saturday
Children can carry coronavirus in their noses for up to three weeks, study from South Korea suggests
The Tour de France finally gets under way today, after a two-month delay
More than 24.7 million cases registered worldwide, over 837,000 deaths - Johns Hopkins University
30 Aug 2020: Number of coronavirus infections globally goes over 25m - Johns Hopkins University
More than 842,000 have died since the pandemic began
India set a new record for the biggest single-day rise, with more than 78,000 new cases
University students' return to campus could cause new wave of virus, UK teaching union warns
Children's life chances at risk if parents don't send them back to school, education secretary warns
German leaders condemn an attempt by 'anti-corona' protesters to storm the Reichstag
31 Aug 2020: "Eat Out to Help Out" ends
The US nears six million cases of coronavirus, nearly a quarter of the world's total
Schools across Auckland reopen as New Zealand's largest city emerges from lockdown
Victoria, the epicentre of Australia's recent outbreak, records 73 new cases - its lowest total since 3 July
The UK government's month-long Eat Out to Help Out scheme to boost restaurant trade ends
Labour calls for next year's GCSE and A Level exams in England to be delayed to make up for missed teaching
Global cases of coronavirus have surpassed 25 million with more than 846,000 deaths
Covid index - July 2020 - September 2020
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