Portugal, Hungary, French Polynesia and Reunion on England’s quarantine list; fifth day in a row UK records over 2,000 infections; France reports 8,500 new cases
- Central Europe faces worse second wave after avoiding worst of first
- UK looks to Belgium for Covid inspiration despite infections rise
- Trump admits playing down virus as total deaths exceed 900,000
- AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine still possible this year
6.06pm BST
Mexico has signed an agreement to buy 32million doses of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, with the intention of beginning distribution in November, according to reports.
The vaccine, the first to be approved anywhere in the world, has been in use in Russia since August. It was greeted with scepticism by some observers, who pointed out that it was approved despite not having completed phase three safety trials.
We have agreed to deliver the large batch of Sputnik V vaccine to Mexico which will help 25% of the Mexican population to receive access to the safe and effective vaccine.
5.50pm BST
Tougher coronavirus restrictions are to be imposed in Portugal ahead of the start of the school year, including halving the size of permitted gatherings and new curbs on drinking.
Ministers decided on new rules to come into force from Tuesday, including limiting gatherings to 10 people rather than 20 previously – a cap already in force in the capital Lisbon since late June, according to the French state-funded news agency AFP.
More Stories
Why learning about pain can help – an old study worth revisiting
KHN on the Air This Week
When the Court Speaks, What Will It Say About the ACA?