US coronavirus cases increased by 49,299 on Friday, a 0.7 percent increase that compares with a 0.6 percent daily average over the previous week. It was the second-highest number of new infections on a single day in the last two weeks. Another 932 people died of Covid-19.
Confirmed cases nationwide since the start of the pandemic rose to more than 6.7 million, while deaths nationwide approached 200,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University and Bloomberg.
California’s latest numbers climbed above the 14-day averages for both new cases and deaths, according to the health department’s website. The state reported 4,304 new coronavirus cases, versus the 14-day average of 3,350. The number of deaths increased by 100, compared with a 91 average. There have been 14,912 fatalities in all.
Florida reported the most new cases and the highest positive-test rate among residents since September 10, according to a state Department of Health report that reflects data received through Friday. Test positivity increased to 4.5 percent from 4.1 percent a day earlier.
Cases, including people diagnosed with Covid-19 who don’t reside in Florida, increased by 3,573 to 681,233. Virus-related deaths among residents declined for the second consecutive day to 67, bringing the total to 13,287.
Global update:
UK cases exceed 4,000 for second day
The UK reported 4,422 more cases on Saturday, the second consecutive day with the most new infections since May 8. Another 27 people died within 28 days of testing positive.
UK cases have surged in the last two weeks, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to warn that tighter restrictions on public life may be needed.
The country is facing a “perfect storm” after easing controls over the summer, former government adviser Neil Ferguson told the BBC on Saturday. The government needs to resume some nationwide measures “sooner rather than later” to prevent a new surge leading to more deaths, said Ferguson, an Imperial College London professor whose modeling led to the UK lockdown in March.
Meanwhile, the UK will introduce fines of as much as 10,000 pounds ($12,917) for those violating self-isolation rules, local media reported, as the government steps up efforts to contain the latest surge in coronavirus cases.
The Telegraph reported that fines for those who refuse to self-isolate after being asked to do so start at 1,000 pounds and can go up to 10,000 pounds for repeat offenders. Police will be ordered to patrol areas with the highest infection to make sure people are complying with the new laws, the paper reported.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also considering several proposals to ease the latest surge. Under consideration is a three-week national shutdown of pubs, bars and restaurants, The Telegraph said. Johnson is also considering raising the 100 pound fine for breaking the rule of six to as much as 1,000 pounds for first-time offenders. Announcement of new curbs could come as early as Tuesday.
Cathay flight suspension after infections found
Cathay Pacific said in a statement that five passengers from India who were on a Cathay Dragon flight between Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on Sept. 18 tested positive for Covid-19, even after they submitted negative nucleic acid tests before their trip. The passengers were earlier on an India Express flight.
Hong Kong authorities will bar passenger flights from Kuala Lumpur that are operated by the airline for two weeks, leading Cathay Dragon to suspend the service until Oct. 3, according to the statement.
South Korea cases decline
The country reported 82 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, below 100 for the first time since August 12. Total infections reached 22,975. Yonhap reported earlier that the government will announce whether it will maintain Level 2 distancing rules for regions outside the bigger Seoul area at 4:30 p.m. Sunday local time.
Brazil cases steady
Brazil reported 33,057 cases, a 0.7 percent rise in line with the average daily increase in the previous seven days. Total cases are 4,528,240. The nation reported 739 more deaths, for a total of 136,532.
France hits another record since lockdown
France’s daily coronavirus cases surged to the highest since the national lockdown ended in May. Another 13,498 cases were reported on Saturday, the second straight day over 13,000.
The higher numbers reflect to some degree increased testing, now five times the level performed in May to over one million a week. But the pace of infections is at its highest since the start of the outbreak, based on rolling 7-day data that smooths out reporting spikes.
Authorities have been calling on the population to step up social distancing measures as the number of clusters has been increasing in past weeks, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire became on Friday the country’s most senior official to become infected.
Italy deaths return to July level
Italy reported 24 new coronavirus deaths on Saturday, more than doubling the 10 recorded the day before to levels not seen since July.
While new cases declined by almost 300 to 1,638, the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care at hospitals rose by seven to 215, according to health authorities. That compares with a peak of more than 4,000 ICU patients in April.
Saudi Arabia has 28 more deaths, Kuwait cases rise
Saudi Arabia recorded 551 new Covid-19 cases and 28 deaths on Saturday, the health ministry said. Kuwait had 521 new infections and one death.