LIVE | Covid-19: WHO calls for action against rising 'pandemic fatigue'

WHO calls for action against rising 'pandemic fatigue'

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned European countries on Tuesday about "pandemic fatigue" which it says threatens the continent's ability to tackle the coronavirus.

"Although fatigue is measured in different ways, and levels vary per country, it is now estimated to have reached over 60 percent in some cases," WHO Europe director Dr Hans Kluge said.

He said this is based on "aggregated survey data from countries across the region.

"Citizens have made "huge sacrifices" over the last eight months to try and contain the coronavirus, he said in a statement.

"In such circumstances it is easy and natural to feel apathetic and demotivated, to experience fatigue."

Kluge called on European authorities to listen to the public and work with them in "new and innovative ways" to reinvigorate the fight against Covid-19, which is on the increase throughout Europe.

- AFP

Trump says he may be 'immune' to Covid-19 after hospital stay, steroid treatment used for severe cases

 - President Donald Trump received treatment for Covid-19 at Walter Reed Medical Centre over the weekend, returning to the White House on Monday evening. 

 - Upon his return, Trump baselessly suggested he might be "immune" to Covid-19. 

 - After being diagnosed with Covid-19 last week, Trump was hospitalised and administered supplemental oxygen, an experimental antibody cocktail, and a steroid generally used for severe cases on the virus.

 - Trump is still infected with the virus. There's no evidence he's immune.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 35.27 million, death toll at 1 038 062

More than 35.27 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 038 062 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

Coronavirus morning recap: Test gone wrong, social media, and keeping safe while shopping

Woman suffers brain fluid leak after having nasal test for Covid-19, could social media use increase depression and secondary trauma; and hand sanitisers vs wipes.

LATEST SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

A 40-year-old US woman who underwent a Covid-19 nasal swab test experienced more than just an uncomfortable itch and tickle; the swab procedure ended up rupturing the lining at the base of her skull, causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak from her nose and putting her at risk of brain infection.

The case was reported in the medical journal, JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery this week.

The doctors wrote that the patient had a rare undiagnosed condition, and that the test she received may have been carried out improperly, causing the rupture. This means that health risks associated with nasal swab tests remain very low.

The patient had a compulsory Covid-19 test ahead of an elective hernia surgery.

Shortly afterwards, she started noticing clear fluid coming out of one nostril, and subsequently developed headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, metallic taste and photophobia (aversion to light), the case report reads.

New York closes schools in virus-hit areas over second wave fears

New York will temporarily close schools in nine neighbourhoods experiencing an uptick in coronavirus infections, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday, highlighting the difficulty of keeping children in classrooms during the pandemic.

The public and private schools are in areas of Brooklyn and Queens, where the rate of positive cases has been above the 3% threshold for more than seven days.

New York – America's largest school district with 1.1 million students – is the only major city in the United States offering in-person classes this fall.

Many cities, such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami, opted instead for online classes.

The issue of reopening schools has become politicised ahead of the November elections, with Republican President Donald Trump insisting schools reopen, regardless of infection rates.

The closures take effect on Tuesday, bringing forward by a day the date proposed by New York City mayor Bill de Blasio.

 - AFP

US President Donald Trump said he will leave the US military hospital where he was being treated for Covid-19 later on Monday, adding that he felt "really good."

"I will be leaving the great Walter Reed Medical Center today at 18:30. Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!" he said on Twitter.

Covid-19 wrap: New supercomputer to help virus fight, Europe braces for second wave

France reported nearly 17 000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday alone, the highest daily number since the country began widespread testing.

The shuttering of bars and cafes - seen by many as the essence of Parisian life - were "braking measures because the epidemic is moving too fast," Paris police chief Didier Lallemant told journalists, adding that restaurants will remain open provided they respect new safety measures.

'The economy will surprise us' - Zimbabwe finance minister says Covid-19 won't hit economy as hard

Zimbabwe's finance minister said on Monday the economy would not be as severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as initially feared and foreign currency inflows had shown resilience.

The southern African nation was already grappling with runaway inflation, shortages of medicine in hospitals and strikes by public workers before the novel coronavirus arrived in March.

"I am more bullish again even during this Covid-19 moment, I think the economy will surprise us on the upside," finance minister Mthuli Ncube said during an online media conference.

White House chief of staff says Trump could be discharged, downplays infection risk from drive-by

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows doubled down on a notion floated by President Donald Trump's doctors yesterday that the president could be discharged from the hospital as early as today.

"We are still optimistic that he will be able to return to the White House later today, with his medical professionals making that determination later today," Meadows said in an interview on "Fox & Friends."

Melania Trump reportedly refused to leave Covid-19 isolation for fear of infecting Secret Service agents

First lady Melania Trump did not come out of Covid-19 isolation in the White House to visit President Donald Trump in the hospital because she was concerned about potentially infecting the Secret Service agents on her security detail, NBC News reported, citing an unnamed White House official.

"She has Covid," the official told the outlet, in explaining why she did not make the trip on Saturday.

City of Cape Town concerned Covid-19 vigilance is taking a backseat 

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department is reporting an increase in incidents of non-adherence to Covid-19 protocols, Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, has said.

In a statement on Monday, Badroodien said: "Our Environmental Health Practitioners are particularly concerned about the number of people who are going about their business in public without masks, as well as crowd management in shops, malls and other public amenities."

Badroodien added that Cape Town had "worked very hard to overcome the peak of the pandemic so that we could start focusing on rebuilding lives, communities and the economy".

"All of this hard work will be undermined if we drop our collective guard," said Badroodien.

"Increased vigilance is crucial – we cannot afford to lose focus."

On Sunday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases is  681 289, the total number of deaths is 16 976 and the total number of recoveries is 614 781.

OPINION | Covid-19 has increased hunger in SA: So what works best to improve access to food?

South Africa’s expansion of social grants during lockdown was a good move - new evidence shows such cash transfers are effective in reducing food insecurity. But the country may need more of these and may also have to increase their amounts write Solange Durão, Michelle Galloway and Vundli Ramokolo.

Although South Africa experienced food insecurity even before the Covid-19 lockdown - 11%  of South Africans (about 6.5 million people) suffered from hunger - this increased significantly over the last five months as a result of measures implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases cross 35.13m, New Zealand beats 'virus again' and Paris on maximum alert

Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world.

More than 35.13 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 035 670 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

PLUS:

New Zealand PM says 'we beat the virus again';

Restaurants to stay open, but Paris goes on maximum virus alert

Covid infections seem to have gotten milder over time, research shows — perhaps because of masks

Scientists have cleared up many mysteries surrounding the coronavirus, but one question still inspires debate: Does a person's viral load, the amount of the virus in their body, determine how sick they get?

Common sense suggests the answer should be yes, higher viral loads produce a more severe outcome. But the coronavirus hasn't always neatly followed that rule. 

Trump, who is highly contagious, left hospital to pay a 'surprise visit' to cheering 'fans'

US president Donald Trump made a surprise departure from Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on Sunday evening, during which he was shown driving by cheering crowds of supporters.

SA’s business travel rules: Your test is good for 14 days, and you can beg at the border

Business people seeking entry into South Africa will get special treatment at borders, home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed, beyond not being subjected to South Africa's red list.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 35.11 million, death toll at 1 035 247

More than 35.11 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 035 247 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

Coronavirus research recap: How the common cold could offer protection, and severe Covid in men

How the common cold could potentially protect you against Covid-19; and more evidence shows why Covid mortality rate is higher in men.

SA's Covid-19 fatalities rise to 16 976

South Africa's Covid-19 death toll has increased by 38, taking the total number of fatalities to 16 976 on Sunday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced in a statement.

"Regrettably, we report 38 more Covid-19 related deaths: 37 from Gauteng, 1 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 16 976."

The cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 681 289.

Recoveries now stand at 614 781, which translates to a recovery rate of 90%.

#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 04 October .

Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Start using this privacy preserving app today. Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/bQirKIxrjg

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) October 4, 2020

President Donald Trump's condition is improving as he is being treated for Covid-19 at a military hospital, and he could return to the White House as early as Monday, where his treatment would continue, the doctors leading his treatment said on Sunday.

Doctors provided Trump supplemental oxygen twice during his battle with the lung disease, on Thursday and Friday, and have also given him dexamethasone, they told reporters the day after a series of contradictory messages from the White House caused widespread confusion about Trump's condition.

Dexamethasone is shown in studies to improve survival for patients hospitalized with critical Covid-19 who need extra oxygen. But it should not be given in mild cases since it can limit the body's own ability to combat the virus, according to guidelines from the Infectious Disease Society of America.

"The fact of the matter is that he's doing really well," Dr. Sean P. Conley told reporters at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where Trump has been receiving treatment since Friday.

British PM Boris Johnson, who had Covid-19, says he's sure Trump will be fine

LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he was sure US President Donald Trump, who has Covid-19, would be fine and was receiving the best possible care.

"I'm sure that President Trump is going to be fine. He's got the best possible care... He just needs, I mean, the most important thing to do is to follow his doctors' advice, he's got superb medical advice," Johnson said during an interview on BBC television.

Johnson tested positive for Covid-19 in late March and was hospitalised for a week, including three nights in intensive care. He said he was fully recovered and was not suffering from so-called "long Covid" symptoms.

 - REUTERS

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 34.84 million, death toll at 1 030 629

More than 34.84 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 030 629 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

GLOBAL NEWS WRAP

The latest on the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic around the world.

Britain reports sharp increase in daily new coronavirus cases

LONDON – Britain reported 12 872 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, almost double the number from a day earlier, with the government blaming the jump on a reporting delay and saying the numbers in coming days would include additional cases.

The government's website said a technical issue had delayed publishing a number of new Covid-19 cases.

"This means the total reported over the coming days will include some additional cases from the period between 24 September and 1 October, increasing the number of cases reported," it said.

 - REUTERS  

Mexico reports 4 863 new coronavirus cases, 388 more deaths - health ministry

MEXICO CITY – Mexico's confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 757 953 on Saturday, according to the health ministry, with a total reported death toll of 78 880.

Authorities reported 4 863 new cases and 388 deaths, but the true figures are likely significantly higher due to limited testing.

 - REUTERS  

Brazil registers 599 new coronavirus deaths

SAO PAULO – Brazil on Saturday registered 599 new coronavirus deaths and 26 310 new confirmed cases, the health ministry said.

Brazil now has a total of 145 987 dead due to the coronavirus and 4 906 833 confirmed cases.

 - REUTERS  

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 2 279 to 299 237 - RKI

BERLIN – The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 2 279 to 299 237, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday.

The reported death toll rose by 2 to 9 529, the tally showed.

 - REUTERS  

Russia's new coronavirus cases top 10 000 for first time since mid-May

MOSCOW – Russia reported 10 499 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the highest number of daily infections since 15 May, when the outbreak was at its peak and lockdowns were in place.

Russia's coronavirus crisis centre said that 107 coronavirus deaths had been confirmed in the last 24 hours, which took the official national death toll to 21 358.

 - REUTERS  

Indonesia's coronavirus cases top 300 000

JAKARTA – Indonesia on Sunday reported 3 992 new coronavirus cases, the lowest daily increase in six days, taking its total number of infections to 303 498, health ministry data showed.

The coronavirus-related death toll rose by 96 to 11 151.

 - REUTERS  

Poland's total number of coronavirus cases exceeds 100 000

WARSAW – Poland's total number of coronavirus cases passed the 100 000 mark on Sunday, according to the health ministry's Twitter account, as infection rates surge in the country which has reported daily records three times in the past week.

While Poland's total number of cases remains well below that in many western European virus hotspots, reaching 100 000 illustrates how the spread of Covid-19 has accelerated in a country which avoided the worst of the first wave and where in July the prime minister played down risks ahead of an election.

The country of 38 million has now reported a total of 100 074 cases of the coronavirus and 2 630 deaths.

On Sunday it reported 1 934 new daily cases and 26 deaths, after performing over 25 900 tests.

Poland quickly introduced strict lockdown measures during the early stages of the pandemic, but the ruling nationalist party Law and Justice (PiS) have said they want to avoid another economically damaging lockdown by introducing targeted measures in the worst affected places.

 - REUTERS

Germany formally cleared for travel to SA – and Emirates is still flying in too

 - Germans are formally cleared for visa-free travel to South Africa, Germany's ambassador to SA announced.

 - Unconfirmed reports of cancellations notwithstanding, Emirates flights into SA still seem to be going ahead.

 - Airlines have privately expressed concerns about SA's red-list system, and are worried about how crew may be treated in the event of a coronavirus case aboard their flights.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 34.77 million, death toll at 1 029 669

More than 34.77 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 029 669 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

Australia's Covid-19 hotspot cases inch up, but officials optimistic

MELBOURNE – New daily coronavirus infections in Australia's hotspot of Victoria climbed back to double digits on Sunday with 12 cases recorded, but authorities said the state is on track to be able to ease its social distancing restrictions in coming weeks.

The dozen new coronavirus cases follow eight infections reported on Saturday and single-digit numbers for most of the past week.

Melbourne, Victoria's capital, has been under a strict lockdown for nearly three months. Retail and restaurants operate only on take away or delivery orders only, while people can exercise or socialise outdoors for a maximum of two hours a day and must wear masks in public places.

Most restrictions will be eased when the average number of new daily cases over a two-week window falls below five. The 14-day rolling case average for Melbourne has been going steadily down and it is now at 11.9.

"We are so, so close," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised briefing. "If we continue these numbers, continue this trend, we are ready to take that step. All things being equal, that will be just a couple of weeks."

Australia has had just over 27,000 infections, according to health ministry data.

 - REUTERS

Solomon Islands record first coronavirus case

Honiara – The Solomon Islands announced they have lost the battle to stay free of the coronavirus, leaving just nine small, remote territories that have not reported a single case.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told the Pacific island nation in a televised address that a student who recently arrived from the Philippines on a repatriation flight carrying 96 passengers had returned a positive test.

"It pains me to say that we have lost our Covid-19-free status despite our collective effort to prevent the pandemic from entering our country," Sogavare said on Saturday.

He urged the population of 600 000 in the archipelago to remain calm and said contact tracing and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus had been activated and there was no need for a lockdown.

The student, who tested negative three times in the Philippines before boarding the flight, was found positive in a routine test on return to the capital Honiara and is now in isolation.

Eighteen other students who tested positive remain in quarantine in Manila.

Since the Solomons borders were closed in March, more than 400 students have been stuck in the Philippines, which has been hard hit by the virus.

Under pressure from parents, Solomons officials arranged three repatriation flights with the first arriving last Tuesday.

Despite confirming its first case of Covid-19, Sogavare said the government would continue working to bring the remaining students home.

Only the small and remote island nations and territories of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are believed to be still free of the virus.

 - AFP

Coronavirus science | Week in review: Neurological effects, diabetes, and faulty genes

Recap of the latest coronavirus research and science: The silent third wave of Covid-19 might be Parkinson's; evidence on Covid and diabetes; and the role of faulty genes.

LATEST SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

The neurological effects of Covid-19 have been well documented, but some scientists are raising concerns about its potential influence on the future development of neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease.

This hypothesis was explored in a recent paper published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, where researchers theorised that Covid-19's neurological symptoms could be a precursor to diseases like Parkinson's.

For example, the coronavirus symptom of losing one's sense of taste and smell also appears in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This symptom is probably underestimated due to a reliance on self-reporting from patients.

It could mark a "third wave" of the pandemic that healthcare systems around the world should prepare for.

Trump releases new video to say he's in hospital so 'things work out' after Covid-19 diagnosis

US President Donald Trump said he's being hospitalised for further monitoring and treatment for COVID-19 to "make sure things work out."

 "I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support," Trump said in a video posted to Twitter. "I'm going to Walter Reed Hospital: I think I'm doing very well, but we're going to make sure that things work out. The First Lady is doing very well, so thank you very much, I appreciate it, I will never forget it, thank you."

Amazon sales of some masks, pulse oximeters skyrocket in the US after Trump gets Covid

Amazon's sales of certain thermometers, disinfecting wipes, and masks soared in America on Friday, after US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for Covid-19. 

Amazon's sales of Femometer's medical oral thermometer spiked 248%, reaching 1,933 units sold on Friday up from 556 on Thursday, according to Jungle Scout data shared with Business Insider.

Coronavirus morning recap: Blocked pain signals, and upsetting pandemic-induced dreams

The effect of the virus on pain receptors; and the pandemic is causing anxious, upsetting dreams in many people, especially women.

Trump experiencing mild coronavirus symptoms, says White House official - reports

President Donald Trump is experiencing "mild symptoms" of Covid-19 after revealing that he and his wife had tested positive, a White House official said on Friday according to the Associated Press and the New York Times.

Two people familiar with his condition told the Times they were coldlike symptoms.

President Donald Trump has tested positive for Covid-19.

His age, weight, and sex put him in groups more likely to be hospitalized or get a severe case of the illness.

First Lady Melania Trump, who also tested positive for the virus, tweeted early Friday morning that they are "feeling good."

Coronavirus morning recap: Covid has worsened inequality, and schools see significant drop in cases

SA's nationwide lockdown has deepened inequality, researchers say; and schools have seen a decline in Covid-19 cases.

Germany, but not Austria or Switzerland! Tourism companies wants SA’s travel red list explained

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has called for an urgent meeting with government to explain how South Africa’s travel red list was compiled, after the country's first international tourists touched down in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“We are pleased that international borders are finally reopening so that the tourism sector can get back to work, contribute to the economy and save jobs. This is what we have been lobbying for fervently for many months,” says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO TBCSA.  

Dodgy Gauteng Covid-19 tenders: We want the money back, Makhura warns corrupt officials

Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Thursday vowed that action would be taken against every corrupt official involved in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as those who allowed it to happen.

Makhura on Wednesday placed the head of the provincial health department, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.

Makhura's office said he was acting on the recommendations of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), following the presentation of an update report on 22 September 2020.

Covid-19 wrap | Serbia to review death rate, India court orders airlines to refund lockdown bookings

More than 33.95 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 011 257 have died, according to a Reuters tally. 

'You cannot lock down everybody' Madrid tells Spanish government in Covid spat 

You cannot lock down everybody," the chief of the Madrid region said on Thursday, pushing back against the Spanish government's plan to confine the capital city to tackle a surge in Covid-19 cases.

White House will not accept $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package -Mnuchin             

Treasury Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday the Trump administration would not accept Democrats' proposal for a $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package, and indicated he wanted a deal closer to $1.5 trillion.

‘Our choices will determine what’s to come’, says SA medical expert on potential second wave

Despite South Africa moving to alert Level 1 lockdown in September, and being the country with the 10th highest recovery rate (90%) in the world, experts are warning that there is still the potential of a second wave of Covid-19 infections – but that a behaviour change can avert it from happening.

Hours after travel ban is lifted, first flight from Europe lands in Joburg

South Africa's borders were opened for international leisure travellers at midnight.

Flight LH 572 from Frankfurt landed at OR Tambo International airport on Thursday morning, just hours after the ban was lifted. 

While Lufthansa conducted repatriation flights during the six-month lockdown in South Africa, this is the first flight aimed at business and leisure travellers. 

School readiness briefing summary:  

Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Thursday launched the Education countdown to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams which begin on 5 November.  

She said that exam venues have been audited as the department prepares for the largest ever NSC exams.  

Matric pupils have been at school since June and Motshekga reported that overall, attendance for all grades was between 80% and 90%.

She encouraged parents to return all children to school.  

There are interventions to ensure that pupils remain engaged with the academic programme despite rotational educational days and the minister highlighted reading as a key strategy to keep children learning.  

Motshekga said that non-contact sports at schools could resume, but added that the department would soon gazette which specific sports could commence as stakeholder engagement continued.  

The school feeding system saw a significant uptick as more pupils returned to school and the department also fed children during lockdown when schooling was suspended, added Motshekga.  

Schools will reopen on 25 January 2021.  

- Compiled by Duncan Alfreds