County data released Saturday evening revealed 4,522 new cases; the average daily count over the last four days is 4,442. If the average remains higher than 4,000 on Sunday — which seems all but certain — the outdoor dining restriction is set to be reinstated for the first time since May. Source: L.A. County on brink of new restrictions with 4,500 coronavirus cases – Los Angeles Times

There is an ocean for each sea.

The European Union has called for $4.5 billion by the end of the year from the G20 to pay for COVID-19-fighting tools for poorer countries.

Absent from the discussion was US President Donald Trump, who departed the virtual summit to head for a Virginia golf course as vaccine discussions were underway. 

Source: G20 leaders pledge to fund fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in draft statement – ABC News

Source: England to end lockdown, shift to tiered COVID-19 restrictions | TheHill

With three words, Sweden’s King Carl Gustaf captured the panic engulfing his country as it backflips on a controversial herd immunity strategy and coronavirus case numbers explode.

On Instagram, he wrote, simply: “Hold on tight!”

The message is echoing around the Nordic breakaway nation which, up until now, has run a distinctly different race to its neighbours who locked down hard when the pandemic breached its borders.

It signals a complete reversal of a policy that allowed Swedes to govern themselves in the hopes that life could go on as normal.

Source: Covid-19: Sweden’s herd immunity strategy has failed, hospitals inundated – NZ Herald

Johnson is, however, still facing competing pressures from, on the one hand, Tory MPs concerned about the severity of a revamped tier system and, on the other, scientists who are increasingly warning that easing the rules over Christmas could lead to a devastating increase in cases.

Last night it emerged that the PM faces a rebellion from Tory MPs over another period under a tiered system that could leave him relying on Labour’s support to pass it through the Commons. It is understood 70 Tory MPs have signed a letter warning that they cannot support localised restrictions next month unless ministers can demonstrate they “will save more lives than they cost”.

The group, led by former chief whip Mark Harper and former Brexit minister Steve Baker, is demanding to see a full cost-benefit analysis of the restrictions.

“We are especially concerned about outside sport, the 10pm curfew, closure of non-essential retail, gyms and personal care businesses, restrictions on worship, care home visits, hospitality and the inclusion of children under 12 in the rule of 6,” they write. “In these areas, we need to be assured of the evidence of their effectiveness.”

Source: Boris Johnson under pressure as scientists back tight rules for Christmas | Coronavirus | The Guardian

U.S. Judge Beryl Howell found that Pack’s actions likely “violated and continue to violate [journalists’] First Amendment rights because, among other unconstitutional effects, they result in self-censorship and the chilling of First Amendment expression.”

“These current and unanticipated harms are sufficient to demonstrate irreparable harm,” Howell, an appointee of President Obama, added in her opinion.

Howell ordered Pack to stop any interference in VOA’s news coverage and editorial personnel matters.

Since Pack was confirmed in June, he’s fired and suspended multiple top executives, reassigned VOA’s top standards executive and investigated journalists for stories about the presidential campaign, NPR noted.

Specifically, VOA White House bureau chief Steve Herman was investigated over his social media activity, including tweets he “liked,” and two stories about the president.

Source: Judge rules US media agency CEO’s interference unconstitutional | TheHill

San Diego County health officials on Friday reported 1,091 new coronavirus cases, a single-day record, with county hospitals hitting 76% of total capacity.

The surge puts hospitals near the 80% level that could require reductions in the number of elective procedures they can perform, according to Friday’s report. County officials have said that 20% of capacity should be preserved to provide a buffer for treating any sudden surge in COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer, plans to meet with hospital representatives on Monday to “discuss the potential for additional action,” according to a county spokesperson.

In addition, 73% of the county’s intensive care beds were filled, according to the report.

Some hospitals are already nearing capacity. At Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, 90% of staffed beds are now occupied, about half of those by COVID-19 patients, officials said. Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista reported an 83% occupancy rate in its ICU, with nine of 20 beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.

Source: San Diego County reports record number of new COVID-19 cases – Los Angeles Times