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W.H.O.: Europe Sees First Decline in Cases in Months; Tokyo Raises COVID Alert to Highest Level; Pfizer and BioNTech: COVID-19 Vaccine is 95 Percent; Effective; Australia Apologizes for Alleged War Crimes in Afghanistan; Stacey Abrams Credited for Mobilizing Black Voters in Georgia; Fighting to Keep Culture Alive During COVID-19. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired November 19, 2020 - 04:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[04:30:00]

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Europe's latest COVID lock down approach seems to be paying off. Some countries across the continent are seeing their first decline in cases in more than three months. The World Health Organization reports the region saw new cases drop by 10 percent during the past week after many countries tightened restrictions. But it's not all encouraging news, deaths are still climbing after the case spikes we saw weeks ago.

Melissa Bell joins us now from Paris with more. So Melissa, what is the latest on the situation across Europe?

MELISSA BELL, CNN PARIS CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rosemary, you're quite right to point out that all is not rosy and that even though those deaths continue to rise, their remains in some parts of Europe worry rising in terms of new cases, still with further restrictions no doubt necessary.

We've heard for instance that Switzerland has now reached practically its maximum capacity. All of its ICU beds are now taken, and they coped by cancelling operations for instance. Italy continues to see worrying figures, Poland, Romania as well. We know that countries like Sweden are now introducing fresh restrictions to try to bring their numbers down as well.

But yes, there is a sense that a corner has been turned in much of Europe, and that those countries that brought in their restrictions early and fairly strictly, and I'm thinking here of France and Belgium, are beginning to see drops across the board in terms of new cases, in terms of hospitalizations, in terms of the number of people in ICU.

In Germany which had also brought in that partial lock down, more than 2 1/2 weeks ago. There is a sense that more restrictions might be needed or further tightening of them. Angela Merkel certainly hoped to bring them in yesterday, failed to agree, which would get the right majority to get them through and will look again with the regional leader next week at what might need to be done. So still a sense that restrictions need to be kept tight but a sense

that they are beginning to work. As you mentioned, a 10 percent drop in new cases Europe wide is a significant development. Since we hadn't seen any kind of drop like that in three months.

And I think it important to understand that this time around, even if there is hope these restrictions are now beginning to bear their fruit, Rosemary, there is a sense also that there won't be a sort of lifting of restrictions as we saw at the end of the first wave and that the mistakes that were made then will be learned this time.

So the World Health Organization is warning that those vaccines as you mentioned a while ago, whilst they are welcome, will take many months to be enough to combat the pandemic and that instead countries are simply going to have to get used to more or less tight restrictions remaining in place to work alongside those vaccines until the pandemic can be brought under control -- Rosemary.

CHURCH: All right, Melissa Bell joining us live from Paris. Many thanks.

Well, Tokyo is raising it coronavirus alert to the highest level. The city's governor says new infections are increasing rapidly, and Tokyo's government just said Thursday's count shot up to 534. The biggest jump since the start of the pandemic.

CNN's Selina Wang joins us live now from Tokyo. Good to see you, Selina. So what's behind this increase in cases?

SELINA WANG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Great to be with you, Rosemary. Well, what's interesting is that even though we are seeing this alert level get raised to the highest one, this move is largely symbolic. Despite the fact that we are seeing cluster in offices and schools, and restaurant establishments.

What this alert level means is it is encouraging residents to stay inside, to proceed with more precautions but the government doesn't have any legal means here to enforce it. Which is why Japan has never had a strict lock down. And even though we are seeing Japan overall report record cases, more than 2,000 now a day, Japan is not moving with the state of emergency as they had declared over the spring. That allows local governments to urge residents to stay inside, but again, there is no legal enforcement there.

Now, Prime Minister Suga, has however, said that Japan is on, quote, maximum alert. He said, quote, experts pointed out the risk of infection through group dining. They advise to wear masks in conversation even at dining. Please dine quietly with a mask on. I will do it too from today.

Now like all governments, Japan is trying to walk this tight rope of balancing economic growth with suppression of COVID infections. And if you compare Japan to other countries in east Asia, Japan has taken a relatively relaxed approach to COVID-19.

[04:35:00] But despite that, Japan has managed to avoid the explosion of cases we've seen in other parts of the world like the U.S. and Western Europe.

At the same time, hospitals here in Japan have not yet been pushed to capacity. Total deaths are under 2,000, reported deaths, as well as confirmed infections are just over 120,000.

But I have spoken to infectious disease experts here who are very critical of what they see as the government's prioritization of boosting the economy, of juicing domestic tourism with the subsidies to encourage people to travel within the country. In fact, some experts blame this domestic tourism campaign, partially blame it for this new surge in cases -- Rosemary.

CHURCH: All right, Selina Wang joining us live from Tokyo, many thanks.

Well, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech say they will be applying on Friday for emergency use of their coronavirus vaccine in the U.S. Final results of the phase 3 trial show the drug is 95 percent effective even in older adults with no serious safety concerns.

CNN's Frederik Pleitgen spoke with BioNTech's CEO, who says initial distribution could begin in a matter of weeks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UGUR SAHIN, BIONTECH CEO: We might get an authorization or conditional approval already in 2020. Which might help us to start distribution of the first vaccine batches already in 2020. Our goal is to supply several hundred million of doses in the first four to five months in 2021. This will already have an impact beginning impact on the control of COVID-19.

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Are you confident that these vaccines are now, or the existence of these vaccines signal the beginning of the end of the pandemic?

SAHIN: I am confident that if everything goes well, and if we have a very organized vaccine supply that we could have a normal winter 2021. Normal summer and winter, 2021.

PLEITGEN: The data that you released today showed very good efficacy in older people. Because they are obviously some of the most vulnerable. Can you just walk us through how important that is?

SAHIN: Now, we see that we have an overall efficacy of 95 percent. And in elderly people, we have more than 94 percent. So that means there's no difference here. There's no difference between their age, different ages, and there's no difference between the ethnicities, which makes of course the pandemic supply and control very, very, very efficient.

(END VIDEOTAPE) CHURCH: Now, the challenge in distributing the vaccine is it needs to be stored at about 94 degrees below zero. But BioNTech says it's now working on a formula that would enable it to be shipped at room temperature. That is quite some progress there.

Well, in Australia, a long awaited military investigation has found evidence of unlawful killings by some special forces sent to Afghanistan. The report on suspected war crimes is forcing Australia's top general to apologize.

CNN's Ivan Watson is tracking the developments and joins me now live from Hong Kong. And this is shocking news. What are you finding, Ivan?

IVAN WATSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Australia's top military commander has apologized to the people of Afghanistan and apologized to Afghanistan's top military commander directly. This after this four-year inquiry came up with credible information as chief of Australian defense force Angus Campbell put it that 25 Australian special forces soldiers predominantly believed to be from the elite Special Air Service Regiment are responsible for the unlawful killings of some 39 people all described as civilians. Take a listen to what further General Campbell had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANGUS CAMPBELL, AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE FORCE CHIEF: Those alleged to have been unlawfully killed were all people under control, in lay terms, prisoners, farmers, or other civilians. This shameful record includes alleged instances in which new patrol members were coerced to shoot a prisoner in order to achieve that soldier's first kill. In an appalling practice known as blooding. Further to this, throw down weapons and radios were also reportedly planted to support claims that people killed were enemy killed in action.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[04:40:00]

WATSON (on camera): Now the defense chief says he is accepting all of the inquiries 143 recommendations which, for example, call on some 36 matters being handed over to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation, for reform of this elite SAS regiment, and for ordering the reviews of honors and awards that have been granted to the Australian military and revoking meritorious unit citations as well.

Now we've spoken with the head of Afghanistan Independence Human Rights Commission. She is welcoming this as a first step and is calling on the Australian government to provide compensation for the victims who have been identified in this voluminous report -- Rosemary.

CHURCH: All right, Ivan Watson bringing us that update from Hong Kong. Appreciate it.

And still to come on CNN. How Stacey Abrams mobilized black voters in Georgia, and how her efforts they give Democrats an edge in a U.S. Senate runoff election.

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CHURCH: The U.S. state of Georgia is the focal point of American election news today. Officials are expected to announce the results of the statewide recount in the coming hours.

President Donald Trump and his allies have accused Georgia of widespread voter fraud but Georgia's Secretary of State, a Republican, has repeatedly said there is no evidence of it. The order is expected to reaffirm Joe Biden's victory.

At the same time, control of the U.S. Senate hangs in the balance in Georgia. A runoff election in January will determine which party gains control. Incumbent Senator Republican David Perdue here on the right is facing a tough reelection fight with Democrat John Ossoff. Perdue told Fox News what's at stake.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

[04:45:00]

SEN. DAVID PERDUE (R-GA): I think President Trump has every right to demand that every legal vote be counted, and every illegal vote be removed, and that's what's at stake here. We're in the fight of our life here. We're the last line of defense in Georgia. That's what makes every vote count right now in this. If we win Georgia, we save America.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: A key to victory for both parties in Georgia is voter turnout. The Democrats believe they have an edge in January's runoff election, thanks to Stacey Abrams. The former gubernatorial candidate has spent two years ramping up voter registration in Georgia, especially among black Americans. CNN's Kyung Lah has our report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KYUNG LAH, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In Atlanta --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let's do it again.

LAH: -- the heart of where Democrats flip Georgia blue.

UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKERS: Let people that vote for you vote blue times two.

LAH: Jihan Gary helps get out the vote for January's crucial Senate runoff election.

JIHAN GARY, DEMOCRATIC VOTER: We can do it again.

LAH (on camera): Do you think you can do it again.

GARY: I think we can do it again. We're going to give -- I think we got a fighting chance. And I know the Republicans are mad as hell. But at the same time, it's a new day.

LAH (voice-over): She did not expect this just two years ago.

GARY: It was disrespectful. It was absolutely disrespectful.

LAH: Gary, like so many other black voters were angry with what happened to then Gubernatorial Candidate Stacey Abrams.

(on camera): Did it discouraged you when she lost in 2018. How did it affect you?

GARY: I was pissed.

LAH (voice-over): The Democrat lost the race by 55,000 votes, one marred by allegations of voter suppression mainly among black voters.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you going to go back out and vote January 5th?

LAH: Abrams's loss set a wildfire under the grassroots movement she helped build for years. A movement that now turns to the two Senate runoff seats.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Senator David Perdue and Jon Ossoff, Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock.

LAH: Democrats Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock are running against Republican incumbent Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. Races that will determine control of the U.S. Senate.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We want to make sure that you are registered to vote.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have two Senate seats in the state.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you planning on voting for the runoff election?

LAH: This is Georgia STAND-UP one of several voting rights groups in the state. In the run up to November, it and other grassroots groups that had worked with Abrams hit the pavement hard, registering new voters, motivating black turnout, and help flip Georgia for the Democrats in the presidential race for the first time in two decades.

DEBORAH SCOTT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GEORGIA STAND-UP: I was surprised it took so long, but I wasn't surprised that it would happen. And I won't be surprised if it happens in January.

LAH: Deborah Scott has been in this fight for nearly 20 years.

SCOTT: We also have vote today.

LAH: When it comes to Georgia's voting rights, it's black women leading the charge.

SCOTT: Black women leading organizations and organizing and canvassing and phone banking and organizing youth and organizing churches and organizing in every pocket of Georgia.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're going to print your name and you sign it here.

LAH: At the senior center, every worker helping these residents fill out absentee ballot applications is a black woman.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Strong women is behind the Democratic Party.

HELEN BUTLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE PEOPLE'S AGENDA: It's women that are really driving this ground game.

LAH (on camera): So do you think that black women are the ones who flipped the state of Georgia?

BUTLER: We are the highest demographic in turnout of any other besides our white. So, I would say, yes, we do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Kyung Lah with that report.

And still to come, art in the time of COVID, we will look at the price London's West End is paying to keep culture alive during this pandemic.

[04:50:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Police in New Zealand have unveiled a new feature on their uniforms designed specifically for Muslim women. It is a specially made hijab designed in part by one their constables, Zinah Ali. She was also the first member of the department to wear the new garment that you see here. She says having the police branded hijab means Muslim women who may not have considered policing in the past can do so now.

Well, chances are it will be a long time before we feel safe enough to sit in a darkened room next to a bunch of strangers. Movie theaters, stage productions, the ballet are all trying to figure out how to survive in a post pandemic world. Here's CNN's Anna Stewart.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNA STEWART, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The Royal Ballet had a spring in their step. After months of preparation, they performed for their first live audience in early November.

KEVIN O'HARE, DIRECTOR, THE ROYAL BALLET: It was amazing. It was amazing. It was such a feeling, you know, for everybody in the whole house. Everybody worked so hard to get us to this point. And so it was very bittersweet that it was our opening night but also our closing night.

STEWART: The next day marked the start of England's second national lockdown. This time, the show will still go on, at least online.

(on camera): Tell me why you made this decision. Because surely you could have followed the company.

O'HARE: Yes, we could have, but I mean, it's just so important for them to do what they're trained to do, and to be in the studios and rehearsing together, and performing. It's their job. It's their life. They need to be here training, and we need to be performing for the public.

STEWART (voice-over): We caught a dress rehearsal. The final state of preparation before their livestream performance.

Behind the scenes, dancers have spent months training in bubbled pairs. Classes have been socially distanced, and they're tested twice a week.

Outside, London's West End is empty. Its gilded theaters boarded up. Most theaters never reopened between lockdowns.

FIONA ALLAN, RESIDENT, U.K. THEATRE: There's a huge appetite for just a cultural experience. But we have no time frame here as to when we think we might be able to return to being viable businesses.

[04:55:00]

And by viable businesses, I mean able to operate without social distancing.

STEWART: The U.K. government has a $2 billion arts recovery fund in place, a mix of loans and grants for struggling venues, on top of the renewed furlough scheme. It's propping up venues of all sizes across the U.K., although not all have received money yet.

O'HARE: The thing that I'm really most concerned about is the freelance workers, you know, because we rely on those amazing artists that come in and design ballets, lighting designers, you know, choreographers. That is the real worry, because they have slipped the net.

STEWART: More help may be needed for this sector. When the Royal Opera House can fling open its doors once again, less than half the usual audience size will walk through them due to social distancing. It's financially unsustainable, a high price for keeping culture alive during COVID.

Anna Stewart, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Everyone still trying to figure this out.

And Kazakhstan's Aktau Lake now has an island of vivid color. These bright pink flamingos stopped by during their seasonal migration and were captured on camera by a local nature lover. An official from the nature reserve where the lake is located say they will fly to Iran or southern Kazakhstan when the weather gets cooler. Beautiful. We'll leave you with that.

Thanks for your company. I'm Rosemary Church, "EARLY START" is coming up next. You're watching CNN. Have yourselves a great day.

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