August 3 coronavirus news

By Joshua Berlinger, Brad Lendon, Amy Woodyatt, Ed Upright, Meg Wagner, Melissa Macaya and Mike Hayes, CNN

Updated 12:09 a.m. ET, August 4, 2020
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11:42 p.m. ET, August 2, 2020

Philippine capital to reimpose tightened coronavirus restrictions as countrywide cases surpass 100,000

From CNN's Isaac Yee

In this photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte meets members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on July 30.
In this photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte meets members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on July 30. Robinson Ninal Jr./Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division/AP

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced Sunday he would reimpose tightened coronavirus restrictions on the capital city of Manila as the number of confirmed infections in the country passed 100,000.

The new restrictions, dubbed the “modified enhanced community quarantine,” will be imposed on Manila and the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan starting at midnight Tuesday. The rules state that people younger than 21, those who are older than 60, those with health risks and pregnant women are required to remain in their residences. The only exceptions are for people to buy essentials and go to work, according to CNN affiliate CNN Philippines.

Duterte’s decision comes after at least 80 medical associations signed a letter urging the President to tighten restrictions. “We are exhausted, both physically and mentally. Most of us are already getting infected with COVID-19,” said Philippine College of Physicians President Mario Panaligan in an August 1 open letter, according to CNN Philippines.

Duterte also approved the hiring of 10,000 medical professionals and the calling to active duty and enlistment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assist the current health care workforce, said Henry Roque, presidential spokesperson, in a statement Monday morning.

The Philippines reported 5,032 new cases Sunday, bringing the nationwide total to 103,185, according to the Department of Health. The country has 2,059 confirmed deaths.

12:06 a.m. ET, August 3, 2020

Double lung transplant recipient sends Covid-19 related message: "This is not a hoax. The virus is real."

From CNN's Deanna Hackney

After being on a ventilator for six weeks due to Covid-19, Mayra Ramirez, 28, was so sick she needed a double lung transplant. 

The Illinois woman went to the emergency room with Covid-19 symptoms April 26. Her condition became increasingly dire, she suffered irreversible damage to her lungs and she spent more than six weeks on a ventilator. 

On June 5, she received a double lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. After a lengthy recovery, she is finally resting at home. 

Ramirez and the surgeon who performed the operation, Dr. Ankit Bharat, shared their experience with CNN's Ana Cabrera.

This is not a hoax. This virus is real. It happened to me. It can happen to them," Ramirez said Sunday.

Watch:

11:17 p.m. ET, August 2, 2020

Brazil surpasses 94,000 coronavirus deaths as Latin America region tops 200,000 total deaths

From journalist Rodrigo Pedroso in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil's Health Ministry reported 541 new Covid-19 deaths Sunday, bringing the country's total to 94,104.

Latin America and the Caribbean surpassed 200,000 total deaths from the virus, with Brazil holding the highest number of deaths and accounting for nearly half the region's total.

The Brazilian Health Ministry also reported 25,800 newly confirmed cases, bringing the total number of cases in Brazil to 2,733,677. 

Last week, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and another two ministers in President Jair Bolsonaro's government tested positive for Covid-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, eight high-ranking officials have been infected by the novel coronavirus. That includes the President, the first lady and six ministers. President Bolsonaro has since recovered and tested negative for the virus.

11:17 p.m. ET, August 2, 2020

Los Angeles County Health Department investigating after reports of a private indoor party at a bar

From CNN's Kyung Lah and Kim Berryman

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health told CNN in an emailed statement Sunday that it is investigating reports of a private indoor party.

Dozens of patrons reportedly went to the Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood on Friday. Lisa Strangis, spokeswoman for 1933 Group, which owns the Sassafrass Saloon, said the owners had rented out the bar to someone who wanted to “honor a group of first responders.” While she said she was unwilling to name the first responder agency, Strangis said the renters paid for the space and 1933 Group employees worked the event.

We are investigating reports of a private indoor party and remind all businesses that have been ordered to close indoor operations that there are no exceptions. This is exactly the situation that puts our entire community at unnecessary risk,” the health department's statement read.

CNN was tipped off to the Friday night event by a source with direct knowledge of the party. The source was told it would involve 100 to 150 law enforcement personnel at Sassafras Saloon.

On July 13, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new round of statewide restrictions as California’s Covid-19 cases spiked. The restrictions halted all indoor dining and closed down bars unless they serve food. The state allows outdoor dining at restaurants.