Covid index - September 2020 - November 2020
1 Oct 2020: Health Secretary Matt Hancock announces stricter measures on social mixing for Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough
Restrictions include a ban on mixing between households in any indoor setting, such as pubs and restaurants
He says the measures across much of the north of England are hard, but that there are signs they are working
The growth in cases in England may be slowing since measures including the "rule of six" were introduced - study
MPs' report says "poor communication" with patients from NHS bodies in England has left many "in limbo"
It has emerged that the UK government was warned back in May that its loan scheme for small firms was at "high risk of fraud"
A row has erupted over a lockdown in the Spanish capital Madrid after a sharp rise in coronavirus cases
Madrid's regional government did not vote in favour of the restrictions and questions their legality
Gatherings of more than 1,000 people will be permitted in Switzerland as the government starts to ease restrictions
Global sports organisations are dialling in for a virtual summit to discuss ways to make sport more sustainable
2 Oct 2020: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for Covid-19
They are "both well", the White House says. "We will get through this TOGETHER!", the president tweeted
They received the results after one of the president's closest aides became infected
President Trump, 74, has been criticised for playing down the severity of the virus in the early stages and often spurning mask wearing and social distancing
The US has registered the world's highest number of confirmed cases and Covid-related deaths - nearly 208,000
Elsewhere, Scotland's first minister says an SNP MP who travelled by train from London to Scotland after testing positive should resign
More than 34 million cases have been confirmed globally with around 1.02 million deaths, Johns Hopkins University says
3 Oct 2020: Restrictions in Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough (SI2020/1074)
Self-isolation: apply to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Poland & Turkey (SI2020/1076)
President Trump is in hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus
The White House said the move was out of an "abundance of caution" and his doctor said he was "doing very well"
Ex-adviser Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager Bill Stepien and two Republican senators - Mike Lee and Thom Tillis - all test positive
Joe Biden, who debated the now Covid-positive US president on Tuesday, has tested negative
First Lady Melania Trump also has the virus and is recuperating at the White House
Trump, 74, has been criticised for playing down severity of virus and often spurning masks and social distancing
In other news, more than a third of the UK's population are now under heightened restrictions
Across the UK, students are self-isolating in their accommodation after outbreaks at university
770 confirmed cases at Northumbria University
More than 34 million cases have been confirmed globally with around 1.02 million deaths, Johns Hopkins University says
4 Oct 2020: President Trump, who remains in hospital after being diagnosed with Covid-19, says: "I'm doing well"
Earlier, doctors said he was responding well to treatment but the White House chief of staff then spoke of "critical" days ahead
Trump's doctor says he misspoke when he said the president had been diagnosed more than a day before he told the nation
Meanwhile the UK announced more than 10,000 new cases on Saturday - but the spike was partially blamed on a technical issue with counting
US First Lady Melania Trump is among a growing group of people around Mr Trump who also have the virus - she is recuperating at the White House
Boris Johnson has warned it may be "bumpy through to Christmas" and beyond as the UK deals with coronavirus.
5 Oct 2020: The hospitalised US president said he had been to "the real school" after testing positive for coronavirus last week
He has been treated with the steroid dexamethasone after oxygen level drops on Friday and Saturday, doctor says
They said the president was doing well and might be discharged back to the White House on Monday
President Trump stoked anger after being driven past his supporters outside the hospital on Sunday
In the UK, a technical glitch which meant nearly 16,000 cases went unreported has caused delays to its track and trace system
All bars in the French capital Paris will shut from Tuesday as the city's coronavirus alert is raised to maximum
There have now been more than 35.1m Covid-19 cases causing more than 1m deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
6 Oct 2020: US President Donald Trump is back in the White House after leaving hospital where he was being treated for coronavirus
Posing for pictures on the Truman balcony, he removed his mask and urged people not to be frightened by the disease
Questions remain about the seriousness of the president's illness after conflicting statements
Surgeons in England have warned there could be "tsunami" of cancelled NHS operations this winter
All bars in the French capital Paris will shut from Tuesday as the city's coronavirus alert is raised to maximum
More than 35.4 million cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed globally, with more than one million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
7 Oct 2020: Covid-19 patients are taking up more than 40% of intensive care beds in the Paris region, regional health officials say
France is seeing cases rise exponentially and other European countries such as Poland have registered record new infections
Scotland is set to announce new restrictions but this is not expected to be a second lockdown
Democrat Joe Biden says the next presidential debate on 15 October should not take place if the president still has Covid-19
Stephen Miller is the latest White House adviser to test positive, along with a top military official
More than 1 million people have died and 35.8 million people have caught Covid-19 around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University
8 Oct 2020: Covid-19 could spread uncontrollably in Germany amid a spike in daily cases, the country's leading health official warns
The health minister says the situation is "worrying", telling people not to become complacent
Covid-19 killed three times more people than flu and pneumonia in England and Wales in 2020, the Office for National Statistics says
Restrictions are to be further tightened in parts of England early next week, with the closure of bars and restaurants a possibility
In Scotland, leaders of the hospitality industry warn that tighter measures will "sound the death knell" for some businesses
Italy has made face masks compulsory in outdoor spaces as it fights a spike in cases
US vice-presidential candidates Mike Pence and Kamala Harris clashed fiercely over the government's response to the pandemic in their only debate
Nearly 37 million cases have been confirmed globally with more than 1.05 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
9 Oct 2020: Several European countries register record spikes in new daily cases; bars are shut in four more French cities
President Donald Trump is ready to return to public duties at the weekend, according to his doctor
UK output expanded by 2.1% in August, lower than expected and despite government help for restaurants
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce more help for UK jobs and businesses later
China is joining the international Covax scheme to get vaccines to developing countries
Nearly 37 million cases have been confirmed globally with more than 1.06 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
10 Oct 2020: Self-isolation: exempt Greek islands except Crete and Mykonos (SI2020/1094)
Dr Fauci said the unveiling of President Donald Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court was a "superspreader event"
Covid in Scotland: Bar workers dump leftover ice outside the Scottish Parliament in closure protest
Government prepares to bring in new restrictions in England to slow the spread of Covid
Coronavirus: Spain imposes state of emergency on Madrid
11 Oct 2020: Second national lockdown possible, says top UK scientist
Trump 'no longer a transmission risk to others'
UK: Student anger over 'junk' food parcels in isolation
Covid MP says virus 'makes you act out of character' (such as speaking in Commons and travelling on transport)
Brazil's coronavirus death toll passes 150,000
12 Oct 2020: England's deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam is leading UK government scientists briefing
PM due in Commons at 15:30; press conference at 18:00
Johnson is due to announce a new three-level alert system for England
The Liverpool City Region is expected to face the tightest curbs
On Sunday, 12,872 people in the UK were reported to have tested positive
Australian researchers say the virus responsible for Covid-19 can remain infectious on surfaces for 28 days
South Korea lowers Covid 19 social distancing guidelines to the lowest level as case numbers drop
There are more than 37 million confirmed cases globally with more than 1.07 million deaths
13 Oct 2020: The UK unemployment rate rose to 4.5% between June and August as the pandemic continued to hit jobs
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak says the government unfortunately cannot "save every job"
Scientific advisers called for a short lockdown in England last month, newly released documents show
Despite this, Boris has a muddled new system with 3 tiers that seem quite similar
Johnson & Johnson pauses its Covid vaccine trial to investigate why one participant in the study fell ill
A man in the US caught Covid twice, with the second infection becoming far more dangerous
US President Donald Trump returns to campaign trail less than two weeks after testing positive for coronavirus
There are more than 37.8 million confirmed cases globally with more than 1.08 million deaths
14 Oct 2020: Three-tier system introduced. Tier 3 was originally just Liverpool City Region. (SI2020/1103) (SI2020/1104) (SI2020/1105)
15 Oct 2020: London will have tougher restrictions from Saturday, including a ban on households mixing
A number of other areas of England (Essex) have been moved in to a higher alert level (level 2)
Discussions on further curbs in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are ongoing
The World Health Organization says rise of cases in European countries "raises great concern"
Officials in the US and Germany say the latest upsurge in infections is due to people not observing basic rules
France is awaiting details of how officials plan to enforce a new curfew and state of emergency
Restrictions are tightening across the continent - a partial lockdown has begun in the Netherlands
China has removed two senior officials in Qingdao - site of the latest outbreak
There are 38.4 million confirmed Covid-19 cases worldwide, with 1.09 million deaths
16 Oct 2020: Lancashire has agreed a deal to move into Tier 3 - the top level of England Covid restricstions - from Saturday
The "very high" alert level measures include pub closures and bans on household mixing indoors, in private gardens and most outdoor venues
However, gyms will not be forced to close, unlike in Liverpool - the other area in England in Tier 3
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government had "worked intensively with local leaders" to agree the move
Warnings - divisions between the government and local leaders in England are "very dangerous" and harming the ability to control the disease
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has defended the three-tier restrictions, saying they are necessary to avoid a "severe" national lockdown
Elsewhere, a flight carrying about 300 passengers from New Zealand to Australia under a new so-called "travel bubble" has landed in Sydney
Countries and regions across Europe are introducing tougher restrictions as coronavirus cases surge
Infections in England up 50% on last week, ONS survey says
17 Oct 2020: Lancashire raised to Tier 3 (SI2020/1131)
Essex & Greater London raised to Tier 2 (SI2020/1128)
Millions of people in England wake up to tighter Covid restrictions
London, York and Essex are among the places moving into the second highest category
Lancashire joins the Liverpool City Region in the highest alert category
Stalemate continues between Greater Manchester's leaders and central government over virus measures
A month-long night curfew begins in Paris and other French cities
Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has no symptoms and is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus
It is suspected he may have contracted the virus at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday
More than 39 million cases have been confirmed worldwide globally with more than 1.1 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
18 Oct 2020: Self-isolation: apply to Italy, San Marino & Vatican City (SI2020/1129)
Police get access to NHS Test and Trace self-isolation data
Row over rules 'not just about Greater Manchester'
Coronavirus drives shop closures to new record
Empty streets in France as curfew enforced
19 Oct 2020: A decision on a "short, sharp" national lockdown across Wales is expected to be announced
Talks continue over whether Greater Manchester will enter the highest level of Covid restrictions
The region's mayor, Andy Burnham, said he had a "constructive call" with the PM's team on Sunday
A further 16,982 people tested positive for the virus in the UK as of Sunday, with a further 67 deaths
The number of confirmed cases around the world has passed 40 million
Italy has announced a new raft of measures to tighten restrictions amid a surge in cases
In Australia, officials are easing tight restrictions in the state of Victoria after more than 100 days of lockdown
20 Oct 2020: Greater Manchester leaders are attempting to reach a deal with the government over additional restrictions
There have been 10 days of talks over moving to tier three restrictions for the population of 2.8m
Number of UK deaths with Covid on the certificate are up 38% in a week, ONS figures show
Coronavirus testing is offered at a UK airport for the first time for passengers to Hong Kong and Italy
The Republic of Ireland is moving to a new, very high, level of coronavirus restrictions
France has reported more than 2,000 people in intensive care - the first time since May
Argentina has become the fifth country in the world to record one million confirmed coronavirus cases
21 Oct 2020: South Yorkshire will move into tier three of England's coronavirus restrictions
Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley will come under the strictest level of rules from 00:01 on Saturday
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the offer of £60m to support Greater Manchester is "still on the table"
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and other local leaders want £65m to help the region, but the government is offering £60m
UK government borrowing hit £36.1bn in September as it continued spending to support the economy during the pandemic
A scientific study suggests factors including age, weight and gender (female) can increase the risk of "long Covid"
Brazil plans to use a Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine as part of a national immunisation programme, officials say
22 Oct 2020: UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to unveil new support for workers in parts of England under tier two restrictions
Spain records more than one million coronavirus cases - it is the first western European country to do so
The greater Covid risk for black and south Asian people in England is not explained by racism, says a scientist advising the government on the issue
Scotland's licensed trade faces a 'battle' to survive after restrictions were extended in the country, industry leaders say
BBC journalist Martin Bashir is seriously unwell with complications from coronavirus
Greater Manchester will enter tier three restrictions just after midnight
In the UK, 26,688 more coronavirus cases and 191 deaths were announced on Wednesday
23 Oct 2020: Greater Manchester raised to Tier 3 (SI2020/1154)
Tough new coronavirus restrictions come into force in Greater Manchester
A 17-day national lockdown described as a "firebreak" will begin in Wales at 6pm
The Scottish government is to publish details of a new five-tier alert system of restrictions
US President Donald Trump and his White House challenger Joe Biden clash over Covid in their final live TV debate
US regulators given full approval for the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat Covid-19 patients in hospitals
France is extending an overnight curfew to dozens more areas
Talks between the government and local leaders in Nottingham and Warrington over introducing tier three restrictions are taking place
A scheme to test sewage for Covid-19 is being extended to sites across the UK
24 Oct 2020: South Yorkshire raised to Tier 3.
Slough, Cheshire, Coventry & Stoke-on-Trent raised to Tier 2 (SI2020/1154)
School meals: Marcus Rashford 'proud' of community response to his campaign to get free meals for children during the half-term holiday.
NHS workers 'still recovering' as second wave looms
Shakespeare's Globe gets emergency arts funding
US cases reach record high amid new wave of infections, and deaths are starting to rise again
25 Oct 2020: Self-isolation: apply to Liechtenstein; exempt Crete and Mykonos, Canary Islands, Denmark & Maldives (SI2020/1161)
Wales' lockdown supermarket rules to be 'clarified' (only food etc, not clothes)
Wales national lockdown in new year 'likely', says minister
10.9% of those traced as contacts of someone with Covid-19 remained at home for the full quarantine period.
Cabinet minister defends refusal to extend free school meals holiday scheme
26 Oct 2020: Health Secretary Matt Hancock defends NHS Test and Trace system
He says the UK government would rule 'nothing out' when asked about a fourth tier of curbs
He says local councils should ensure disadvantaged school children do not go hungry in holidays during pandemic
Younger people more than twice as likely as older workers to lose their job in pandemic, BBC research finds
High Street pharmacy Boots to offer test that can provide a result in 12 minutes for £120
Tough new coronavirus restrictions being introduced in Spain and Italy
Senior aide to President Trump says the US is 'not going to control the pandemic'
27 Oct 2020: Warrington raised to Tier 3 (SI2020/1176)
More than 50 Tory MPs seek "clear road map" out of lockdown curbs in northern England
Warrington is latest part of England to move into the top tier of Covid-19 measures
Covid-19 was involved in 761 (or 6%) of the deaths registered in the UK in the week of 16 October, latest ONS figures show
This figure is up sharply (60%) on the week before, but still far below the peak reached in April
Levels of protective antibodies in people wane "quite rapidly" after coronavirus infection, according to researchers
Covid-19 has "thrived" among black, Asian and ethnic minority communities due to structural race discrimination, a Labour report says
There have been more than 1.16 million virus deaths worldwide and more than 43.5 million cases, according to Johns Hopkins University data
Russia steps up restrictions as infections surge
Riots in Turin, Italy, about restrictions
Officials in Belgium have warned that the country might be put into a second lockdown
Slovakia is to begin testing its entire population from this weekend
Czech Republic has introduced a night-time curfew
28 Oct 2020: Coronavirus restrictions should be the same across all four UK nations this Christmas, say the Lib Dems and Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey says the UK government should take action now "so Christmas isn't cancelled"
Environment Secretary says government wants Christmas "close to normal" but "too early to say" what rules will be then
Young and ethnic minority workers were more likely to be made unemployed post-furlough, according to new report
Police in Scotland are breaking up hundreds of house parties every week despite the ongoing ban on home visits, data obtained by the BBC shows
The UK government announced 22,885 confirmed cases on Tuesday, and a further 367 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 45,365
Across the globe there have been more than 44 million coronavirus cases and more than 1.1 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data
Ireland last week moved to highest level of restrictions - a ban on social gatherings indoors or in gardens - aim to reopen before Christmas
Italy shut cinemas, restaurants, bars and gyms this week, with protests following in some cities
29 Oct 2020: A study by Imperial College London suggests nearly 100,000 people are catching Covid-19 every day in England
The authors say current measures to curb infections are not sufficient and "something has to change"
In Wales, the exams regulator is recommending GCSEs be scrapped in favour of assessments next summer
People in Scotland will find out later which level of the new five-tier system of rules their council area will be in from Monday
The UK reported a further 24,701 cases on Wednesday, and a further 310 deaths, bringing the total death toll to 45,675
France and Germany are both reinstating some form of national lockdown, as Europe confronts a surge in cases and deaths
Globally there have been more than 44.4 million coronavirus cases and more than 1.1 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
30 Oct 2020: Nottinghamshire raised to Tier 3 (SI2020/1183)
More than 11 million people - 19.6% of the population - will be living under England's tightest restrictions - tier three - from Monday
Nottinghamshire has now moved into the top tier of Covid-19 restrictions after an overall rise in infection rates
West Yorkshire will move into tier three measures from Monday
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab defends localised measures - he says the government is "striving to avoid" a "blanket approach"
Infection rates are rising rapidly, with an estimated 100,000 people a day catching the virus
North East of England at "critical point" in virus fight, say heads of seven local authorities in the region
Germany and France reintroduce strict measures amid dire warnings for winter
UK's latest daily figures show 23,065 further positive cases and 280 more deaths as of Thursday
31 Oct 2020: Various areas raised to Tier 2 (SI2020/1189) (SI2020/1192)
PM 'considering national lockdown next week'
'Millions face hardship' as government support ends Furlough scheme)
UK-wide Christmas rules meeting 'expected'
Lockdown means witches' coven 'can't meet'
Covid spreading faster in England than 'worst-case scenario', documents show
US sees record-high daily Covid numbers as election nears (again)
Slovakia holds national test (everyone to be tested) but president calls for rethink
Covid index - September 2020 - November 2020
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