28th August 2020 - Wilson James
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28th August 2020 o19
HIGHLIGHTS
Worldwide cases of COVID-19 have now surpassed 24 million, with deaths numbering 836,112 according
to Worldometer. 17,113,748 people have so far recovered from the virus.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has announced his resignation for health reasons. The nation’s longest serving
prime minister was said to have suffered for years with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
In a statement Mr Abe said "I made a judgement I should not continue my job as a prime minister, I
would like to sincerely apologise to the people of Japan for leaving my post with one year left in my term
of office, and amid the coronavirus woes, while various policies are still in the process of being
implemented."
President of the United States, Donald Trump, addressed the final night of Republican Nation Convention
yesterday, Thursday August 27th depicting his Democratic presidential election challenger, Joe Biden, as
"the destroyer of American greatness" and a “Trojan horse for Socialism.” Trump accepted the Republican
nomination stating "This election will decide whether we save the American dream, or whether we allow
a socialist agenda to demolish our cherished destiny…Your vote will decide whether we protect law-
abiding Americans, or whether we give free rein to violent anarchists, agitators and criminals who
threaten our citizens."
UK Transport secretary, Grant Shapps, advised UK workers today to return to the office as it was now safe
to go back to work. Working from home guidance by the government officially stopped on August 1st
however footfall in British cities is reported to be at only 17% of pre-lockdown numbers for the first 2
weeks of August. Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry,
has warned the UK's city centres will continue to be "ghost towns" without the return of workers to
offices.
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WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020COVID-19
TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES TOTAL DEATHS PATIENTS RECOVERED
24,654,886 836,112 17,113,748
28.08.2020 - Worldometer
Active COVID-19 Cases Global Map
(WHO, 2020)
COVID-19 – UK
The total confirmed UK COVID-19 cases as of August 28th is 330,368 with 41,477 deaths according to
GOV.UK.
On Thursday, the ONS reported that the number of daily cases of COVID-19 in the UK has risen to 1,522
in the last 24 hours, the greatest total since mid-June. However, experts suggest that spikes in a
relatively small number of regions, such as Birmingham and Northampton, are responsible for the high
tally. Increased testing across the country is also thought to have contributed.
In the UK military researchers have found that a product found in insect repellant kills the virus.
According to the research, repellant that contains a product called Citriodiol is effective in offering an
additional layer of protection against COVID-19. Soldiers have already been using the repellant due to
the fact that wearing it had no adverse effects. Citriodiol is made from the eucalyptus citriodora tree’s
leaves and twigs and has been found to be effective against other forms of coronaviruses, such as SARS.
The UK Government announced plans on Thursday August 27th to implement payments for people on low
incomes in areas with high rates of COVID-19, who need to self-isolate and can’t work from home.
Payments of up to £182 will commence as of September 1st Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced.
Eligible individuals (those currently receiving either Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit) who test
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WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020positive with the virus will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation. Other members of their
household, who have to self-isolate for 14 days, will be entitled to a payment of £182.
Payments will be provided within 48 hours of the eligible individual providing the necessary evidence.
Individuals will be asked to provide a notification from NHS Test and Trace and a bank statement. The
local authority can also check the NHS Test and Trace system to confirm the individual has been asked to
self-isolate. The local authority will put in place checks to prevent fraud and ensure compliance through
welfare check-ins, phone calls and employment checks.
The UK Government announced on Wednesday August 26th that face masks would be required to be
worn by pupils (year 7 and above) in schools across England from September 1st.
As of 04:00 on Saturday, travellers returning to the UK from the Czech Republic, Jamaica, and Switzerland
will be required to self-isolate for two weeks. The Department for Transport (DfT) advise UK tourists in
these countries to follow local guidelines and check the FCO travel advice pages online.
A new law has come into effect in Scotland as of Friday 28th August which will empower the police to
break up parties of more than 15 people in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. First Minister Nicola
Sturgeon said the law is a pre-emptive measure as it is anticipated more people will gather indoors as
colder weather approaches.
COVID-19- OTHER COUNTRIES
Brazil
Brazil is the world’s second-biggest hotspot in terms of both cases and deaths. The spread of infection has
somewhat stabilised over the last week indicating that transmissions are slowing down. Despite this, getting
the disease under control is likely to take months. The most affected area remains Sao Paulo, however Rio de
Janeiro and Ceara are two other noticeable hotspots.
China
In China key workers have reportedly been receiving experimental COVID-19 vaccines since July, according to
a statement made by Zheng Zhongwei, of China’s National Health Commission. Among those that have
received the ‘emergency’ vaccine are medical workers, border officials and food market workers.
Colombia
The number of deaths has peaked in Colombia where the virus has reached approximately 552,000 infections
and more than 17,000 deaths. On September 1st, the country’s five months of COVID-19 lockdown will
reportedly end, although some restrictions, predominantly on gatherings and events, will continue to be
enforced.
Germany
The German government has extended its job support scheme until the end of 2021. The scheme allows
employers to keep workers on with a reduced number of hours as well as prolonging bridging loans for small
and medium-sized companies. Germany’s economy has weathered the economic downturn better than many
other countries, with a downturn of 9.7 percent, compared to the 20.4 percent drop seen in the UK, the 13.8
percent drop seen in France or the 18.5 percent drop seen in Spain.
Italy
In Italy, the rise in reported cases prompted the Italian authorities to order the closure of nightclubs, dance
halls and other outdoor venues where people dance, such as beaches and hotels. The majority of the new
cases has reportedly been connected to these venues. Although Italy is reporting a resurgence in infections,
4
WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020the country's health minister, Roberto Speranza, recently announced that a new total lockdown is unlikely to
be reintroduced in the near term. Phase one of a clinical trial of an Italian-developed COVID-19 vaccine began
on Monday, August 24th. The vaccine has been developed by biotech company ReiThera in collaboration with
a team of scientists at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INMI) of Rome's Spallanzani Hospital.
India
India reported at least 60,000 daily cases of the virus in the eight days up to Wednesday, August 26th, while
also recording the highest single-day caseload consistently since August 14th. Health experts are concerned
that India’s outbreak may be far worse than official figures suggest due to the government’s decision to
implement cheaper, faster tests, which are less accurate amid a ramping up in screening. The rapid antigen
tests have meant that authorities have been able to increase testing levels five-fold in the past two months,
however, they are far less accurate, particularly in the early stages of infection, and often falsely clear many
who are infected. Moreover, scientists in Hyderabad said that samples taken from wastewater indicated
around 600,000 people, representing 8 per cent of the city, had caught the virus – roughly six times greater
than the official figure for the entire Telangana state.
Iraq
Infections in Iraq continue to accelerate with the country reporting more than 3,000 new cases per day in
recent weeks, taking the nation’s total to over 210,000 with just under 7,000 deaths. On Tuesday, August 25th,
the country’s health ministry warned of a possible second wave that could begin in October while it also
indicating it was preparing a seasonal flu vaccine that will be made available to all citizens. Meanwhile, Iraq’s
Deputy Speaker of parliament has become the latest political figure to contract the virus, following the death
of Iraqi politician Ghida Kambash last month who contracted the virus.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has reportedly signed a deal to secure supplies of Russia’s supposed COVID-19 vaccine, called
‘Sputnik V’, pending successful clinical trials. As part of the deal, Kazakhstan will initially procure more than 2
million doses of the drug, with the potential to increase volume to 5 million doses. The Kazakh government
has hinted that the vaccine will first be made available to at-risk citizens free of charge.
Lebanon
The health situation in Lebanon is dire following the explosion in Beirut on August 4th. In a statement issued by
the supreme defence council, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab was cited as saying, “The number of cases
is increasing greatly, and if this continues we will lose control of this epidemic,” Despite the government
imposing a partial lockdown from August 21st which includes an enforced night-time curfew, essential daily
activities and the of clearing rubble, carrying out building repairs and handing out aid in affected
neighbourhoods of Beirut, are allowed. Furthermore, many merchants and business owners across the
country have begun to defy the restrictions amid a worsening economic crisis that has pushed more than half
of the population below the poverty line.
Morocco
In Morocco, the country’s king has warned of the potential for a new lockdown following a rise in the
number of new cases in the country since the beginning of August. While the rise has steadied just under
1,500 King Mohammed VI said on Thursday, August 20th, that the country could return to a complete
lockdown despite the severe economic repercussions. These calls came after a jump in infections in
Marrakech, which has resulted in the health services becoming strained and seen medical staff protest.
South Africa
South Africa has, by far, the most confirmed cases, accounting for just over half of the African continent’s total
number of confirmed cases. The number of daily new confirmed cases in the past week in the country of
nearly 60 million people is less than 4,000. Despite these positive numbers, there have been allegations of
corruption amongst the public officials involved in the ordering and accruing of coronavirus supplies. There
are also concerns stating that the total number of deaths, which officially stands at just over 13,000, could be
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WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020much higher than actually reported. According to researchers in the country, between May 6th and August
18th, the country has recorded almost 40,000 excess deaths, which is more than double the country’s average.
South Korea
In South Korea, the government has stepped up social distancing measures amid a recent increase in daily
infections, as officials warned the country is on the brink of a nationwide outbreak and that “hospital beds
are quickly filling up and the medical system is nearing its limits”. On August 24th, authorities in Seoul
mandated the wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor public spaces and closed all schools until at
least September 11th as hundreds of students and teachers had been infected in the past two weeks.
While the debate surrounding the efficiency of face masks continues around the world, a recent outbreak
linked to a café in Seoul provided some strong anecdotal evidence to support their mandatory use. Earlier this
month an infected woman visited a popular coffee shop chain in the capital, resulting in 27 patrons later
testing positive for the virus. However, the four employees that were wearing face masks were not infected.
Spain
In Spain, the country’s health emergency chief, Fernando Simón, has recently warned that “things are not
going well” and if steps are not taken to address the issue, the country “will end up with many in hospital,
many in intensive care and many deaths”. Data indicates that Madrid continues to be the focal point of the
health emergency. Over the past week, the capital has reported approximately 15,000 new infections.
The Philippines
The Philippines has reported a recent uptick in cases with the country’s health ministry on August 26th
reporting an additional 5,277 new coronavirus cases, marking the highest tally in the past 12 days, as well as
99 deaths. Total cases in the country stood at over 200,000 as of 26 August, of which more than 60 percent
had been detected in the past month. The increase in cases coincides with the ending of a strict lockdown in
the capital, Manila, on August 18th.
United States of America
In a bid to relaunch Costa Rica tourism industry, authorities announced that the borders will be reopening on
September 1st to residents of six US states with low infection rates. This includes New York, New Jersey, New
Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut. Travellers will have to present a negative COVID-19 test result
within 48 hours of travel.
Elsewhere in the US are concerns over autumn and a possible surge in the already high numbers of cases in
the country. The country has over 5.7 million total confirmed cases as of August 27th, which is just shy of a
quarter of the world’s total confirmed case numbers. The number of confirmed cases is also nearly twice as
much as seen in all of Europe.
The US is currently seeing over 40,000 new cases per day, down from the over 68,000 average seen in July.
With schools set to restart and an upcoming election, it is unlikely that the situation will be resolved quickly.
Uganda
Uganda has reported an increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. This includes a reported 318
cases in one day on August 22nd. Despite this spike, however, the daily increase in cases continues to remain
below 100 on most days. The government has publicly stated that they are “not interested” in another
lockdown due to the impact this has on people’s lives. Despite the recent rise in cases, the country of 42
million people has only just surpassed 2,500 confirmed cases, a low number for the country’s population.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, city authorities have stated they are facing a severe water shortage. According to reports, the
water levels in dams supplying Harare have “drastically” dropped since the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic. As a result of the water shortage, as well as a failure to import water chemicals, some areas of
Harare are now without water. While efforts are being made to deliver water to poor neighbourhoods, social
distancing is slowing down operations. Additionally, while there continues to be water availability at
boreholes, these are becoming overcrowded and present a risk of spreading the virus.
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WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020Useful Information Sources
UK wide – Public Health England
Scotland – Scottish Government
Northern Ireland – NISRA
COVID-19 deaths in England & Wales – ONS
COVID-19 Statistics – Worldometer – Johns Hopkins University
WORLD NEWS
Australia
Three people have been killed by falling trees in a severe storm that hit the state of Victoria. Strong gusts of
up to 158 km/h (100mph) were recorded, cutting power to almost 100,000 homes and contaminating drinking
water in some suburbs. The victims were a 59-year-old man, 36-year-old woman, and a four-year-old boy.
Belarus
Riot police in Minsk dispersed anti-government protesters demanding the resignation of Belarus President
Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday night August 26th. The protest in the capital city marks the 19th day of
consecutive demonstrations since the disputed early-August election. Local media reported dozens of people
were detained on Wednesday August 26th. On the same day Noble prize winning author Svetlana Alexievich
was summoned by an investigation committee on charges of undermining national security. President
Lukashenko has still refused to speak with opposition members.
China
On Sunday morning, Chinese authorities intercepted a vessel off the coast of Guangdong, near Hong Kong,
and arrested at least 10 people believed to be fleeing to Taiwan to seek political asylum. The South China
Morning Post reported that Hong Kong activist Andy Li was on board the vessel and was arrested on suspicion
of “unlawfully crossing the border.” A number of activists have recently been arrested in Hong Kong following
a controversial national security law that was passed in June, which criminalised acts of secession, subversion,
terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. The bill has been widely criticised in Hong Kong and
internationally over fears that Beijing will use it to crack down on political opponents and pro-democracy
activists.
Egypt
Following a recent Senate election, Egyptian authorities have threatened to take over 50 million people to trial
for failing to cast a vote. Only 14% of eligible voters took part in the recent election. According to the law,
Egyptian people can be fined up to $32 (£24) for not voting, however, sources suggest it is unlikely the
government would pursue such a large-scale endeavour.
India
Amnesty International have accused police in Delhi of committing “serious human rights violations” and abuse
during religiously-motivated riots in the capital earlier this year. Religious tension between Hindus and
Muslims came to a boiling point in February over a controversial citizenship bill, sparking the riots which left
over 40 people dead. According to Amnesty’s report, Muslims were worst affected by the violence, which was
7
WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020allegedly exacerbated by police brutality and complicity. Delhi police are yet to respond to the allegations, but
had denied any wrongdoing when investigated by the BBC earlier in the year.
Mali
Deposed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has been released from detention and is safely back at home,
according to Mali’s coup leaders. He was ousted last week during a military takeover following protests over
corruption, mismanagement of the economy, and disputed elections; as well as jihadist activity in the north.
His release had been demanded by Mali’s neighbouring countries as well as international organisations like
the African Union. It is not yet confirmed whether the former president is under house arrest.
New Zealand
The gunman who murdered 51 people and injured 40 more in two mosques in Christchurch last year has been
sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, a first in the country’s judicial history. The 29-year-old
Australian plead guilty to 51 charges of murder, 40 of attempted murder, and one of engaging in a terrorist
act. Prior to the attack, he posted a 74-page “manifesto” online detailing his plans to target New Zealand’s
Muslim community in order to “further the social, cultural, political, and racial divide.” Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern said the historic sentencing would ensure he is never again given a platform to influence others, saying
“Today I hope is the last where we have any cause to hear or utter the name of the terrorist.”
United States
Thousands of people in cities across the United States have gathered this week to protest the police shooting
of a Black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin last weekend. Jacob Blake, 29, was shot seven times in the back during
an altercation with police. The incident was filmed by a neighbour, who said he decided to start recording
after allegedly witnessing three Kenosha Police officers punching and tasering Mr Blake. Then, the footage
shows Mr Blake open the door to his car and lean inside, at which point one of the officers opened fire. Mr
Blake’s lawyers issued a statement saying he had been trying to “de-escalate a domestic incident” at the time.
His condition is reported as stable, although he is currently paralysed below the waist and it is unknown if he
will be able to walk again.
Wisconsin’s attorney general, Josh Kaul, has since named the officer as Rusten Sheskey and said all officers
involved have been placed on administrative leave while a full investigation is carried out. Mr Kaul also said
that following the incident Mr Blake admitted to being in possession of a knife, which was recovered from his
vehicle. No other weapons were discovered.
The shooting has reinvigorated the nationwide protests against racism and police brutality and unfortunately
sparked further incidents of violence. A 17-year-old has been arrested for fatally shooting two people and
injuring one more during demonstrations in Kenosha on Tuesday. The suspect, Kyle Rittenhouse, was then
arrested on Wednesday and later charged with two counts of homicide and one of attempted homicide, as
well as possession of a dangerous weapon and “recklessly” endangering public safety. Mr Rittenhouse
reportedly told journalists it was “his job” to protect buildings in Kenosha from the protests. Details are still
emerging, but posts on Mr Rittenhouse’s social media suggest he has a longstanding fascination with policing
and an interest in firearms, with images of himself practicing target shooting despite being below the legal age
to do so. He has also posted on TikTok and Instagram about his support for President Donald Trump and his
candidacy in the upcoming election, which a spokesperson for Mr Trump denounced as having “nothing to do
with our campaign.”
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WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020INSIGHTS
Our Risk Advisory Service regularly publish articles and advisories covering a myriad of subjects. These
publications can be found within our Insights section on our Risk Advisory Service website.
CAN FACEMASKS INCREASE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19?
Across the world, facemasks are very quickly being made mandatory on transport, in shops and in public spaces
in a bid to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and a potential second wave of the virus. Wearing a mask or
face covering appears to be an effective way of reducing the risk of spreading the virus, especially when it is not
possible to observe one of two meters distance from other people. Medical journal The Lancet has found that
the risk of passing on the virus when wearing a mask is only 3% compared to 17% when not wearing one.
The widespread enforcement of masks now means that many people are now investing in fashionable masks in
a bid to integrate them into their daily life, while others are taking the term ‘face covering’ in a more literal
sense by covering their mouth and nose with either an item of clothing or a singular piece of fabric, but
concerns have arisen regarding the effectiveness of different types of face coverings. A recent investigation by
Duke University in North Carolina looked at the effectiveness of 14 different types of facemask from medical
grade masks worn by heath processionals, to neck fleeces and knitted masks. The study looked at the dispersal
of moisture droplets from a person’s breath whilst wearing the mask compared to a control measurement
when their mouth was not covered. What the researchers found was that the neck fleece increased droplet
transmission by 110%.
So, what is the most effective type of mask? Although results vary from study to study, the most effective mask
is the respirator mask which decreases both the likelihood of transmitting the virus as well as reducing the risk
of contracting the virus. However, due to their effectiveness, they are in high demand and many masks have
been reserved for the use of health workers. The next most effective is the commonly seen surgical mask and
although there is no evidence to suggest that the mask will protect the wearer from catching the virus, it will
effectively prevent the spread of the virus. However, as with the respirator masks, these are still in high demand
by the health service and if we experience a second wave, supplies will need to be reserved for health workers.
The public is widely being asked to use ‘face coverings’ with a general principle that the tighter the weave of the
fabric, and the more layers to the mask, the more effective it will be at preventing the spread of the virus. To
maintain the effectiveness of face coverings, they must fit the face tightly and with minimal gaps and be
washed after each use at a temperature above 60 degrees.
PHISHING, SMISHING AND SPOOFING: WHAT ARE THEY?
Phishing and smishing are fraudulent attempts by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information or data, such
as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising them as a seemingly trustworthy email or text
message. Typically carried out by email spoofing, instant messaging, and text messaging (specifically called
smishing), all direct users to enter exploitable information at a fake website which matches the look and feel of
the legitimate site.
An example of smishing would be messages received from HMRC via text advising of a tax rebate and
requesting you click on a link and input your bank details to receive the funds. Other examples can be where
you are contacted via text by an unknown number purporting to be a friend in trouble needing cash. When you
ask to verify the friend they direct you to a link showing your last photo taken together which of course is
9
WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020fraudulent.
Smishing has become more prominent of late as people are more likely to be suspicious of emails and more
inclined to believe a text message, particularly if they think it is from a trusted source. If an attacker combines
this with spoofing, smishing texts can appear as though coming from your bank and your phone will
automatically group them with any real texts you've already received from that institution, making them
seem more legitimate.
Vigilance is key to avoid falling foul of these scams. Stay sharp and aware of unusual text messages, call to
confirm the legitimacy of the request, be wary of attachments, regularly change passwords and always report
attempts.
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WORLD NEWS REPORT/RAS/28th August 2020COVID19@wilsonjames.co.uk / riskadvisory@wilsonjames.co.uk @WJltd @WJ_Ltd www.linkedin.com/company/wilson-james
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