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Coronavirus live news: UK aviation industry warns of impact of travel corridor curbs; India begins world's largest vaccination drive Coronavirus live news: UK aviation industry warns of impact of travel corridor curbs; India begins world's largest vaccination drive
(32 minutes later)
Death toll reaches 2 million people; UK shuts travel corridors and requires negative tests to enter; German vaccine officials forced to guess who is eligible from namesDeath toll reaches 2 million people; UK shuts travel corridors and requires negative tests to enter; German vaccine officials forced to guess who is eligible from names
From today people in mainland Scotland may not leave or remain outside their homes for any other than essential purposes, as toughened lockdown restrictions came into force.
Working from home is the default position for all businesses through statutory guidance and services, with only those unable to do so allowed to continue going to their workplaces. Guidance previously issued to only allow essential work to be undertaken inside people’s homes has also been placed into law.
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, confirmed that police can challenge people for doing something considered not to be essential after they have left the house.
Entering businesses to purchase takeaway food and drinks has also been banned. Now, premises will need to operate using a hatch or counter at the door.
Drinking alcohol in public outdoors has also been banned.
India has begun one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination programmes, the first major developing country to roll out the vaccine and marking the beginning of an effort to immunise more than 1.3 billion people, writes Hannah Ellis-Petersen, the Guardian’s south Asia correspondent.India has begun one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination programmes, the first major developing country to roll out the vaccine and marking the beginning of an effort to immunise more than 1.3 billion people, writes Hannah Ellis-Petersen, the Guardian’s south Asia correspondent.
The first dose was administered to a health worker at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the capital, New Delhi, after the prime minister, Narendra Modi, kickstarted the campaign with a nationally televised speech.The first dose was administered to a health worker at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the capital, New Delhi, after the prime minister, Narendra Modi, kickstarted the campaign with a nationally televised speech.
“We are launching the world’s biggest vaccination drive and it shows the world our capability,” Modi said. He implored citizens to keep their guard up and not to believe any “rumours about the safety of the vaccines”.“We are launching the world’s biggest vaccination drive and it shows the world our capability,” Modi said. He implored citizens to keep their guard up and not to believe any “rumours about the safety of the vaccines”.
It is not clear if Modi, 70, has taken the vaccine himself, like other world leaders, as an example of the shot’s safety. His government has said politicians will not be considered priority groups in the first phase of the rollout.It is not clear if Modi, 70, has taken the vaccine himself, like other world leaders, as an example of the shot’s safety. His government has said politicians will not be considered priority groups in the first phase of the rollout.
Cafes and restaurants will reopen in Azerbaijan from the beginning of February, but other coronavirus restrictions will be extended until April, the government has said.Cafes and restaurants will reopen in Azerbaijan from the beginning of February, but other coronavirus restrictions will be extended until April, the government has said.
According to Reuters, Azerbaijan’s coronavirus measures were introduced in late March and have been extended several times, with borders closed as the number of new cases keeps rising.According to Reuters, Azerbaijan’s coronavirus measures were introduced in late March and have been extended several times, with borders closed as the number of new cases keeps rising.
Shopping malls will stay closed and the metro service in the capital Baku will remain suspended.Shopping malls will stay closed and the metro service in the capital Baku will remain suspended.
As of Saturday, the country of about 10 million people in the South Caucasus had registered 226,549 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and 2,983 deaths.As of Saturday, the country of about 10 million people in the South Caucasus had registered 226,549 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and 2,983 deaths.
A leading British epidemiologist has warned against the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in the UK at the end of February, warning it would be a “disaster” that would put “enormous pressure” on the NHS.A leading British epidemiologist has warned against the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in the UK at the end of February, warning it would be a “disaster” that would put “enormous pressure” on the NHS.
Prof John Edmunds, who works on the Government’s coronavirus response as part of the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:Prof John Edmunds, who works on the Government’s coronavirus response as part of the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
The UK airport industry has warned of devastating consequences from the country’s drastic tightening of border controls.The UK airport industry has warned of devastating consequences from the country’s drastic tightening of border controls.
Responding to the announcement that all travel corridors will be suspended, Karen Dee, Airport Operators Association chief executive, said:Responding to the announcement that all travel corridors will be suspended, Karen Dee, Airport Operators Association chief executive, said:
This morning the same coronavirus-related story is leading nearly all the UK national papers this morning.This morning the same coronavirus-related story is leading nearly all the UK national papers this morning.
The Saturday print editions of the Guardian, the Times and the Telegraph all lead with the news of the UK drastically tightening its border controls. As Peter Walker, one of our political correspondents, writes:The Saturday print editions of the Guardian, the Times and the Telegraph all lead with the news of the UK drastically tightening its border controls. As Peter Walker, one of our political correspondents, writes:
The same story also leads the Express, but its mid-market rival the Daily Mail leads with something about the royal family.The same story also leads the Express, but its mid-market rival the Daily Mail leads with something about the royal family.
India today began one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination programmes, the first major developing country to roll out the vaccine and marking the beginning of an effort to immunise over 1.3bn people.India today began one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination programmes, the first major developing country to roll out the vaccine and marking the beginning of an effort to immunise over 1.3bn people.
The first dose was administered to a health worker at All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences in the capital New Delhi, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarted the campaign with a nationally televised speech.The first dose was administered to a health worker at All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences in the capital New Delhi, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi kickstarted the campaign with a nationally televised speech.
“We are launching the world’s biggest vaccination drive and it shows the world our capability,” Modi said.“We are launching the world’s biggest vaccination drive and it shows the world our capability,” Modi said.
India has registered over 10.5 million cases, the second highest in the world and 151,000 deaths. The government has been preparing for the vaccine rollout for weeks and over the past few days vaccine shipments were sent to over 3,000 sites set up for injections.India has registered over 10.5 million cases, the second highest in the world and 151,000 deaths. The government has been preparing for the vaccine rollout for weeks and over the past few days vaccine shipments were sent to over 3,000 sites set up for injections.
Russia on Saturday reported 24,092 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, including 4,674 in Moscow, Reuters reports.Russia on Saturday reported 24,092 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, including 4,674 in Moscow, Reuters reports.
The latest update takes the country’s national tally to 3,544,623, the world’s fourth largest.The latest update takes the country’s national tally to 3,544,623, the world’s fourth largest.
Authorities also confirmed 590 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 65,085.Authorities also confirmed 590 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 65,085.
Good morning world, Damien Gayle here on another cold, wet morning in London, where the news is as grim as the weather.Good morning world, Damien Gayle here on another cold, wet morning in London, where the news is as grim as the weather.
As usual, I’ll be keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus-related news from the UK and around the world today. If you have any comments, tips or suggestions for coverage then feel free to drop me a line, either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.As usual, I’ll be keeping you updated with the latest coronavirus-related news from the UK and around the world today. If you have any comments, tips or suggestions for coverage then feel free to drop me a line, either via email to damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via Twitter direct message to @damiengayle.
And with that, I might leave you in the capable hands of Damien Gayle who will take you through the rest of the morning’s news.And with that, I might leave you in the capable hands of Damien Gayle who will take you through the rest of the morning’s news.
Advisers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) have raised fresh concerns over Covid vaccine uptake among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities (BAME) as research showed up to 72% of black people [in the UK] said they were unlikely to have the jab.Advisers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) have raised fresh concerns over Covid vaccine uptake among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities (BAME) as research showed up to 72% of black people [in the UK] said they were unlikely to have the jab.
Historical issues of unethical healthcare research, and structural and institutional racism and discrimination, are key reasons for lower levels of trust in the vaccination programme, a report from Sage said.Historical issues of unethical healthcare research, and structural and institutional racism and discrimination, are key reasons for lower levels of trust in the vaccination programme, a report from Sage said.
The figures come from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which conducts annual interviews to gain a long-term perspective on British people’s lives.The figures come from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, which conducts annual interviews to gain a long-term perspective on British people’s lives.
In late November, the researchers contacted 12,035 participants to investigate the prevalence of coronavirus vaccine hesitancy in the UK, and whether certain subgroups were more likely to be affected by it.In late November, the researchers contacted 12,035 participants to investigate the prevalence of coronavirus vaccine hesitancy in the UK, and whether certain subgroups were more likely to be affected by it.
You can read Linda Gedde’s full story below:You can read Linda Gedde’s full story below:
Soothing organ music will be played as people over 80 receive Covid jabs in what must be the UK’s most spectacular and historic vaccination centre – Salisbury Cathedral.Soothing organ music will be played as people over 80 receive Covid jabs in what must be the UK’s most spectacular and historic vaccination centre – Salisbury Cathedral.
Local GPs have invited a group of patients to be vaccinated in the 800-year-old building and the cathedral has organised a programme of music, which will be played on its 19th-century Father Willis organ.Local GPs have invited a group of patients to be vaccinated in the 800-year-old building and the cathedral has organised a programme of music, which will be played on its 19th-century Father Willis organ.
The Very Rev Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said the cathedral was delighted to be helping. “We are proud to be playing our part in the life-saving vaccination programme, which offers real hope in these difficult times,” he said.The Very Rev Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said the cathedral was delighted to be helping. “We are proud to be playing our part in the life-saving vaccination programme, which offers real hope in these difficult times,” he said.
“Staff of our local NHS and their patients will receive a warm welcome to their cathedral, and we assure them of our constant prayer.”“Staff of our local NHS and their patients will receive a warm welcome to their cathedral, and we assure them of our constant prayer.”
You can read Steven Morris’s full story below:You can read Steven Morris’s full story below:
China on Saturday finished building a 1,500-room hospital for Covid-19 patients in five days to fight a surge in infections in a city south of Beijing, state media reported.China on Saturday finished building a 1,500-room hospital for Covid-19 patients in five days to fight a surge in infections in a city south of Beijing, state media reported.
The hospital is one of six with a total of 6,500 rooms being built in Nangong in Hebei province, the Xinhua news agency said. All are due to be completed within the next week.The hospital is one of six with a total of 6,500 rooms being built in Nangong in Hebei province, the Xinhua news agency said. All are due to be completed within the next week.
China, which largely contained the spread of the coronavirus, has suffered hundreds of infections this month in Nangong and the Hebei provincial capital of Shijiazhuang, south-west of the Chinese capital.China, which largely contained the spread of the coronavirus, has suffered hundreds of infections this month in Nangong and the Hebei provincial capital of Shijiazhuang, south-west of the Chinese capital.
A similar program of rapid hospital construction was launched by the ruling Communist party at the start of the outbreak last year to set up isolation hospitals in Wuhan, the central city where the virus was first detected in late 2019.A similar program of rapid hospital construction was launched by the ruling Communist party at the start of the outbreak last year to set up isolation hospitals in Wuhan, the central city where the virus was first detected in late 2019.
Nationwide, the National Health Commission reported 130 new confirmed cases – 90 of those in Hebei – in the 24 hours through midnight Friday. There were 645 cases, two of them acquired abroad, being treated in Nangong and Shijiazhuang, according to Xinhua.Nationwide, the National Health Commission reported 130 new confirmed cases – 90 of those in Hebei – in the 24 hours through midnight Friday. There were 645 cases, two of them acquired abroad, being treated in Nangong and Shijiazhuang, according to Xinhua.
In Shijiazhuang, authorities have finished construction of one-third of the rooms in a planned 3,000-room coronavirus facility, state TV said on Saturday.In Shijiazhuang, authorities have finished construction of one-third of the rooms in a planned 3,000-room coronavirus facility, state TV said on Saturday.
More than 10 million people in Shijiazhuang underwent virus tests by late Friday, Xinhua said, citing a deputy mayor, Meng Xianghong. It said 247 locally transmitted cases were found.More than 10 million people in Shijiazhuang underwent virus tests by late Friday, Xinhua said, citing a deputy mayor, Meng Xianghong. It said 247 locally transmitted cases were found.
Tennis Australia has released a statement on the two Covid-19 cases that were discovered on a charter flight carrying tennis players and staff to Melbourne for the Australian Open.Tennis Australia has released a statement on the two Covid-19 cases that were discovered on a charter flight carrying tennis players and staff to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
It confirmed that a total of 24 players will be forced to isolate for 14 days from their arrival. Originally they would have been allowed out of their rooms for five hours a day to train for the upcoming matches.It confirmed that a total of 24 players will be forced to isolate for 14 days from their arrival. Originally they would have been allowed out of their rooms for five hours a day to train for the upcoming matches.
The first day of the open is 8 February, 23 days away.The first day of the open is 8 February, 23 days away.
Neither of two people who tested positive are players.Neither of two people who tested positive are players.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 18,678 to 2,019,636 on Saturday, according to the Robert Koch Institute.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 18,678 to 2,019,636 on Saturday, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
The reported death toll rose by 980 to 45,974, the tally showed.The reported death toll rose by 980 to 45,974, the tally showed.
China will donate one million doses of its Sinovac coronavirus vaccine to Cambodia, the kingdom’s premier, Hun Sen, has said, thanking “friend” Beijing for its generosity, AFP reports.China will donate one million doses of its Sinovac coronavirus vaccine to Cambodia, the kingdom’s premier, Hun Sen, has said, thanking “friend” Beijing for its generosity, AFP reports.
Cambodia has long been a staunch ally of Beijing, receiving billions of dollars in soft loans and investment from China.Cambodia has long been a staunch ally of Beijing, receiving billions of dollars in soft loans and investment from China.
While many countries reacted early in the pandemic by closing their borders to Chinese travellers, Hun Sen refused, and even travelled to Beijing to meet with leader Xi Jinping in a show of solidarity.While many countries reacted early in the pandemic by closing their borders to Chinese travellers, Hun Sen refused, and even travelled to Beijing to meet with leader Xi Jinping in a show of solidarity.
The premier announced late Friday that China has offered to donate shots made by the firm Sinovac.The premier announced late Friday that China has offered to donate shots made by the firm Sinovac.
“Friend China is helping us with one million doses,” Hun Sun said in an audio message on his official Facebook page, adding that the doses will vaccinate 500,000 people.“Friend China is helping us with one million doses,” Hun Sun said in an audio message on his official Facebook page, adding that the doses will vaccinate 500,000 people.
The first people to get the jab would include frontline health workers, teachers, soldiers, the premier’s bodyguards, and officials around the king, he said.The first people to get the jab would include frontline health workers, teachers, soldiers, the premier’s bodyguards, and officials around the king, he said.
Sinovac’s CoronaVac was rolled out in Turkey on Friday, after tests there showed it to be 91.25% effective.Sinovac’s CoronaVac was rolled out in Turkey on Friday, after tests there showed it to be 91.25% effective.
But more robust trials in Brazil demonstrated an efficacy rate of around 50% – much lower than the vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca.But more robust trials in Brazil demonstrated an efficacy rate of around 50% – much lower than the vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
A third trial in Indonesia – where authorities this week kicked off a mass vaccination drive with CoronaVac shots – showed an efficacy of 65.3%.A third trial in Indonesia – where authorities this week kicked off a mass vaccination drive with CoronaVac shots – showed an efficacy of 65.3%.
Cambodia has appeared to do well in the pandemic so far, registering just 436 cases, though experts say the low numbers are likely due to a lack of testing.Cambodia has appeared to do well in the pandemic so far, registering just 436 cases, though experts say the low numbers are likely due to a lack of testing.
Beijing has also offered to help another nation in the region, with the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, promising this week to provide 300,000 doses to Myanmar.Beijing has also offered to help another nation in the region, with the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, promising this week to provide 300,000 doses to Myanmar.
Thank you, Michael, Matilda Boseley here now, and NSW Health has just added another potential exposure site in Sydney to their list.Thank you, Michael, Matilda Boseley here now, and NSW Health has just added another potential exposure site in Sydney to their list.
Anyone who visited the Wentworthville Medical and Dental Clinic in western Sydney between 11.30am and 1.15pm on Friday 15 January is now considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.Anyone who visited the Wentworthville Medical and Dental Clinic in western Sydney between 11.30am and 1.15pm on Friday 15 January is now considered a close contact and must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.
This comes after someone recently diagnosed visited the clinic while potentially infectious.This comes after someone recently diagnosed visited the clinic while potentially infectious.
The health department says this warning is for the dental, physio and imaging waiting room only.The health department says this warning is for the dental, physio and imaging waiting room only.
That’s all from me today. I leave you in the very capable hands of Matilda Boseley.That’s all from me today. I leave you in the very capable hands of Matilda Boseley.