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Coronavirus live news: UK records 1,295 more deaths and a further 41,346 cases; Japan's Covid second wave linked to rise in suicides Coronavirus live news: UK records 1,295 more deaths and a further 41,346 cases; Japan's Covid second wave linked to rise in suicides
(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
Brazil recorded 61,567 new coronavirus cases on Saturday and 1,050 further deaths, marking the fifth consecutive day with more than 1,000 fatalities, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.
The South American country has now registered 8,455,059 cases since the pandemic began, and the official death toll has risen to 209,296, according to ministry data.
It is the world’s third worst outbreak outside the US and India.
The Australian state of Victoria recorded another day of zero cases on Saturday.The Australian state of Victoria recorded another day of zero cases on Saturday.
Victoria has recorded its 11th consecutive day of zero locally acquired cases of Covid-19, out of just over 11,000 tests.Victoria has recorded its 11th consecutive day of zero locally acquired cases of Covid-19, out of just over 11,000 tests.
There were seven cases that were acquired overseas, including some of the players and staff arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open.There were seven cases that were acquired overseas, including some of the players and staff arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open.
You can read the latest on the Australian Open cases here.You can read the latest on the Australian Open cases here.
Portugal’s finance minister, Joao Leao, has tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced on Saturday.Portugal’s finance minister, Joao Leao, has tested positive for Covid-19, his office announced on Saturday.
The day before, he had attended a meeting in Lisbon with high-ranking EU representatives such as commission president Ursula von der Leyen.The day before, he had attended a meeting in Lisbon with high-ranking EU representatives such as commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
The 46-year-old minister has not reported symptoms.The 46-year-old minister has not reported symptoms.
Leao will continue his work at home in self-isolation.Leao will continue his work at home in self-isolation.
Slovakia is planning another large-scale testing and quarantine push to combat a serious rise in coronavirus infections, health minister Marek Krajci said on Saturday.Slovakia is planning another large-scale testing and quarantine push to combat a serious rise in coronavirus infections, health minister Marek Krajci said on Saturday.
The central European country with a population of 5.5 million has seen record numbers of new cases and hospitalisations since the turn of the year.The central European country with a population of 5.5 million has seen record numbers of new cases and hospitalisations since the turn of the year.
There were 3,055 people in hospital on Saturday despite some slowdown amid a partial national lockdown.There were 3,055 people in hospital on Saturday despite some slowdown amid a partial national lockdown.
“We want to do screening testing of our people, isolate those who spread the virus, their contacts and thus cut the number of infections by up to 50%,” Krajci said during a TV press briefing.“We want to do screening testing of our people, isolate those who spread the virus, their contacts and thus cut the number of infections by up to 50%,” Krajci said during a TV press briefing.
The government will finalise the details on Sunday. If the testing succeeds, Slovakia could ease some epidemic measures in early February, Krajci said.The government will finalise the details on Sunday. If the testing succeeds, Slovakia could ease some epidemic measures in early February, Krajci said.
Its colour-coded, six-level state of emergency is currently at black, the most serious.Its colour-coded, six-level state of emergency is currently at black, the most serious.
It took just six weeks for the world to report the most recent 500,000 deaths from Covid-19, after death rates began to rise sharply in November 2020 in both Europe and North America, CNN reports.It took just six weeks for the world to report the most recent 500,000 deaths from Covid-19, after death rates began to rise sharply in November 2020 in both Europe and North America, CNN reports.
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, it took the world more than six months to report the first 500,000 Covid-19 deaths.According to data from Johns Hopkins University, it took the world more than six months to report the first 500,000 Covid-19 deaths.
As of Saturday morning, the US reported 392,351 Covid-19 deaths in total, the highest toll globally.As of Saturday morning, the US reported 392,351 Covid-19 deaths in total, the highest toll globally.
Brazil has reported more than 200,000 deaths from Covid-19 so far, while India and Mexico have both reported more than 100,000 Covid-19 deaths to date.Brazil has reported more than 200,000 deaths from Covid-19 so far, while India and Mexico have both reported more than 100,000 Covid-19 deaths to date.
The average number of daily new deaths has remained at a pandemic-era high in both regions for over a month, according to the data.The average number of daily new deaths has remained at a pandemic-era high in both regions for over a month, according to the data.
France reported 196 coronavirus deaths on Saturday, taking its cumulative death toll to 70,145, BFM TV reported, citing the public health authority.France reported 196 coronavirus deaths on Saturday, taking its cumulative death toll to 70,145, BFM TV reported, citing the public health authority.
Friday’s death toll had been 399.Friday’s death toll had been 399.
On Saturday 21,406 new cases were reported, slightly up from the 21,271 new infections that were recorded on Friday.On Saturday 21,406 new cases were reported, slightly up from the 21,271 new infections that were recorded on Friday.
Up to a million French children and teachers are to be tested for Covid-19 each month to curb the spread of the UK virus variant, the country’s health minister, Olivier Véran, said on Thursday.Up to a million French children and teachers are to be tested for Covid-19 each month to curb the spread of the UK virus variant, the country’s health minister, Olivier Véran, said on Thursday.
Children as young as six are to be tested.Children as young as six are to be tested.
The government is closely monitoring the variant, which is believed to be up to 70% more infectious, and decide whether to close schools “if the situation was to change and we had an increase in the share of the variant”, Véran said.The government is closely monitoring the variant, which is believed to be up to 70% more infectious, and decide whether to close schools “if the situation was to change and we had an increase in the share of the variant”, Véran said.
The Health Ministry said 413,046 people had been vaccinated, up from 389,000 on Friday.The Health Ministry said 413,046 people had been vaccinated, up from 389,000 on Friday.
Easing England’s restrictions before March would be a disaster in the battle against coronavirus and would risk putting the health system under enormous pressure if lifted prematurely, a leading epidemiologist has said.Easing England’s restrictions before March would be a disaster in the battle against coronavirus and would risk putting the health system under enormous pressure if lifted prematurely, a leading epidemiologist has said.
Prof John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said prime minister Boris Johnson would be very unwise to ease lockdown curbs before the majority of the public has received vaccinations.Prof John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said prime minister Boris Johnson would be very unwise to ease lockdown curbs before the majority of the public has received vaccinations.
The latest stay-at-home measures, which came into effect on 5 January in England and include schools being closed to all but vulnerable pupils and children of key workers, are due to be reviewed in the middle of February.The latest stay-at-home measures, which came into effect on 5 January in England and include schools being closed to all but vulnerable pupils and children of key workers, are due to be reviewed in the middle of February.
My colleague Yohannes Lowe has more.My colleague Yohannes Lowe has more.
Italy forecasts its debt to soar to a new post-war record level of 158.5% of gross domestic output (GDP) this year, surpassing the 155.6% goal it set in September, a government source told Reuters on Saturday.Italy forecasts its debt to soar to a new post-war record level of 158.5% of gross domestic output (GDP) this year, surpassing the 155.6% goal it set in September, a government source told Reuters on Saturday.
The new estimate reflects the impact of a stimulus package worth €32bn ($39bn) announced this week, which will drive the 2021 budget deficit to 8.8% of national output, up from a previous target of 7%.The new estimate reflects the impact of a stimulus package worth €32bn ($39bn) announced this week, which will drive the 2021 budget deficit to 8.8% of national output, up from a previous target of 7%.
The extra spending will be used to help the hard-pressed national health service, fund grants and furlough schemes to businesses forced to close due to coronavirus lockdowns, and provide cover for a postponement of tax payment deadlines.The extra spending will be used to help the hard-pressed national health service, fund grants and furlough schemes to businesses forced to close due to coronavirus lockdowns, and provide cover for a postponement of tax payment deadlines.
The government is due to update its debt and deficit targets in April.The government is due to update its debt and deficit targets in April.
Italy’s huge public debt is the second highest in the eurozone after that of Greece.Italy’s huge public debt is the second highest in the eurozone after that of Greece.
Despite the higher forecasts for 2021, however, the debt figure for 2020 is expected to come in lower than previously estimated, the source said, asking not to be named.Despite the higher forecasts for 2021, however, the debt figure for 2020 is expected to come in lower than previously estimated, the source said, asking not to be named.
Rome is now expecting the 2020 debt-to-GDP ratio to be 156.5%, below the official target set in September of 158%, which previously was the highest level since the second world war.Rome is now expecting the 2020 debt-to-GDP ratio to be 156.5%, below the official target set in September of 158%, which previously was the highest level since the second world war.
The 2020 deficit is estimated at between 10.5% and 10.8% of national output. The final deficit and debt figures for last year will be published by national statistics bureau IStat in March.The 2020 deficit is estimated at between 10.5% and 10.8% of national output. The final deficit and debt figures for last year will be published by national statistics bureau IStat in March.
France today implemented a 6pm curfew intended to help stem the spread of infections.France today implemented a 6pm curfew intended to help stem the spread of infections.
Covid-19 has killed 70,000 people in France, the seventh highest death toll in the world, and the government is particularly worried by the more transmissible variant first detected in the UK, which now accounts for about 1% of new cases.Covid-19 has killed 70,000 people in France, the seventh highest death toll in the world, and the government is particularly worried by the more transmissible variant first detected in the UK, which now accounts for about 1% of new cases.
An already existing curfew was brought forward two hours to 6pm and runs until 6am.An already existing curfew was brought forward two hours to 6pm and runs until 6am.
In addition, from Monday, anyone travelling to France from outside the EU will have to show a negative Covid-19 test and self-isolate for a week upon arrival.In addition, from Monday, anyone travelling to France from outside the EU will have to show a negative Covid-19 test and self-isolate for a week upon arrival.
“These measures were necessary given the situation. While worsening, it remains relatively better than many countries around us, but I took them because the context, notably with the evolution of the virus, means we have to have utmost vigilance,” the prime minister, Jean Castex, said.“These measures were necessary given the situation. While worsening, it remains relatively better than many countries around us, but I took them because the context, notably with the evolution of the virus, means we have to have utmost vigilance,” the prime minister, Jean Castex, said.
The number of daily infections has hit a plateau of about 20,000, but the number of people entering hospitals and in particular intensive care units is still rising steadily.The number of daily infections has hit a plateau of about 20,000, but the number of people entering hospitals and in particular intensive care units is still rising steadily.
The French government has also been criticised for the slow pace of the vaccine rollout.The French government has also been criticised for the slow pace of the vaccine rollout.
Renaud Piarroux, an epidemiologist at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris, said the curfew would have little impact in curtailing the new variants, which he believed would predominate within six weeks.Renaud Piarroux, an epidemiologist at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris, said the curfew would have little impact in curtailing the new variants, which he believed would predominate within six weeks.
“We will have to make big efforts like the English and even the Germans. I think it’s best to toughen things up now rather than later,” he told BFM TV. “We have to anticipate. I think a new lockdown is inevitable.”“We will have to make big efforts like the English and even the Germans. I think it’s best to toughen things up now rather than later,” he told BFM TV. “We have to anticipate. I think a new lockdown is inevitable.”
The UK has given almost 3.6 million people a first dose of coronavirus vaccine so far, government statistics showed on Saturday.The UK has given almost 3.6 million people a first dose of coronavirus vaccine so far, government statistics showed on Saturday.
The country is aiming to have given first doses of Covid-19 vaccines to 15 million people in high-risk categories by mid-February.The country is aiming to have given first doses of Covid-19 vaccines to 15 million people in high-risk categories by mid-February.
In the UK, 447,261 people have so far received the second dose as well.In the UK, 447,261 people have so far received the second dose as well.
In England, 3,090,058 people got a first jab, and 424,327 a second.In England, 3,090,058 people got a first jab, and 424,327 a second.
Northern Ireland has so far administered 117,906 first doses, and 19,474 second doses.Northern Ireland has so far administered 117,906 first doses, and 19,474 second doses.
Scotland has given 224,840 first doses and 3,331 second doses, while in Wales 126,375 people received their first jab so far, and 129 a second.Scotland has given 224,840 first doses and 3,331 second doses, while in Wales 126,375 people received their first jab so far, and 129 a second.
Denmark has registered its first case of infection with a more transmissible coronavirus variant, first found in South Africa, known as B.1.351/501Y, the State Serum Institute said on Saturday.Denmark has registered its first case of infection with a more transmissible coronavirus variant, first found in South Africa, known as B.1.351/501Y, the State Serum Institute said on Saturday.
The new English virus variant Sars-CoV-2 cluster B117 is also spreading in Denmark, with 256 cases having been detected in the country so far. But the number is expected to be up to nine times larger, according to a new report from the Statens Serum Institut (SSI).The new English virus variant Sars-CoV-2 cluster B117 is also spreading in Denmark, with 256 cases having been detected in the country so far. But the number is expected to be up to nine times larger, according to a new report from the Statens Serum Institut (SSI).
Denmark extended a lockdown for three weeks on Wednesday in a bid to curtail the spread of the new variant from the UK, which authorities expect to be the dominant one by mid-February.Denmark extended a lockdown for three weeks on Wednesday in a bid to curtail the spread of the new variant from the UK, which authorities expect to be the dominant one by mid-February.
“The new virus will probably continue to spread, and it will mean that we must strengthen our infection prevention measures or maintain them for a longer period of time to keep the epidemic under control,” the SSI’s chief physician and acting professional director Tyra Grove Krause said.“The new virus will probably continue to spread, and it will mean that we must strengthen our infection prevention measures or maintain them for a longer period of time to keep the epidemic under control,” the SSI’s chief physician and acting professional director Tyra Grove Krause said.
The UK virus variant has been detected in a number of other European countries, including France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland.The UK virus variant has been detected in a number of other European countries, including France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland.
In most of the countries, the variant has primarily been found among travellers from the UK, which is likely because testing has been focused on UK arrivals.In most of the countries, the variant has primarily been found among travellers from the UK, which is likely because testing has been focused on UK arrivals.
“We are one of the countries that sequences the most samples,” Grove Krause said, according to the Danish Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists website.“We are one of the countries that sequences the most samples,” Grove Krause said, according to the Danish Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists website.
“Therefore, we can follow the development closely, but we are also working on setting up a new PCR test that can specifically detect one of the special changes that this virus has, so we can follow the development among all positive samples close to real time.”“Therefore, we can follow the development closely, but we are also working on setting up a new PCR test that can specifically detect one of the special changes that this virus has, so we can follow the development among all positive samples close to real time.”
Italy reported 475 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, against 477 the day before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose from 16,146 to 16,310.Italy reported 475 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, against 477 the day before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose from 16,146 to 16,310.
Italy has registered 81,800 Covid-19 deaths since the virus was first detected in the country last February, making it the second-highest toll in Europe and the sixth-highest in the world.Italy has registered 81,800 Covid-19 deaths since the virus was first detected in the country last February, making it the second-highest toll in Europe and the sixth-highest in the world.
The country has also reported 2.369 million cases to date, the health ministry said.The country has also reported 2.369 million cases to date, the health ministry said.
On Friday, the government issued a new decree extending curbs aimed at keeping a lid on infections.On Friday, the government issued a new decree extending curbs aimed at keeping a lid on infections.
Restrictions have been tightened to the maximum “red-zone” level in three of Italy’s 20 regions, including northern Lombardy around Milan, the country’s wealthiest and most populous area.Restrictions have been tightened to the maximum “red-zone” level in three of Italy’s 20 regions, including northern Lombardy around Milan, the country’s wealthiest and most populous area.
Italy is also suspending flights from Brazil, health minister Roberto Speranza said on Saturday, in response to a new coronavirus strain.Italy is also suspending flights from Brazil, health minister Roberto Speranza said on Saturday, in response to a new coronavirus strain.
Anyone who has transited Brazil in the last 14 days is also prohibited from entering Italy, he said on Facebook, while people arriving in Italy from Brazil will be required to take a test for the virus, Reuters reports.Anyone who has transited Brazil in the last 14 days is also prohibited from entering Italy, he said on Facebook, while people arriving in Italy from Brazil will be required to take a test for the virus, Reuters reports.
“It is critical for our scientists to study the new strain. In the meantime, we are taking a very cautious approach,” he said.“It is critical for our scientists to study the new strain. In the meantime, we are taking a very cautious approach,” he said.
The government of Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte is in trouble after former premier Matteo Renzi took his party out of the ruling coalition on Wednesday.The government of Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte is in trouble after former premier Matteo Renzi took his party out of the ruling coalition on Wednesday.
Renzi had previously threatened to quit the coalition, had criticised Conte’s plans for spending €200bn (£177bn) in EU coronavirus aid, and was reprotedly not a fan of Conte’s frequent use of decrees instead of turning to parliament since the pandemic started.Renzi had previously threatened to quit the coalition, had criticised Conte’s plans for spending €200bn (£177bn) in EU coronavirus aid, and was reprotedly not a fan of Conte’s frequent use of decrees instead of turning to parliament since the pandemic started.
The UK government said a further 1,295 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Saturday, bringing the official UK total to 88,590.The UK government said a further 1,295 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Saturday, bringing the official UK total to 88,590.
It is the third-highest daily death toll from coronavirus in the UK, but the number of new infections dropped to its lowest level this year.It is the third-highest daily death toll from coronavirus in the UK, but the number of new infections dropped to its lowest level this year.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 104,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK, the PA reports.Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 104,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK, the PA reports.
The government also said that, as of 9am on Saturday, there had been a further 41,346 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.The government also said that, as of 9am on Saturday, there had been a further 41,346 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK.
It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 3,357,361.It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 3,357,361.
As of Saturday, 5.3% of the UK population have been vaccinated with a first of two required doses.As of Saturday, 5.3% of the UK population have been vaccinated with a first of two required doses.
Hello, I’m taking over from my colleague Damien Gayle. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have relevant updates or tips to flag, you can reach me on Twitter @JedySays and via email.Hello, I’m taking over from my colleague Damien Gayle. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have relevant updates or tips to flag, you can reach me on Twitter @JedySays and via email.
Here are the most-important coronavirus-related developments from around the world from our coverage so far today:Here are the most-important coronavirus-related developments from around the world from our coverage so far today:
India has begun one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination programmes, the first major developing country to rollout the vaccine and marking the beginning of an effort to immunise more than 1.3 billion people. The first dose was administered to a health worker at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the capital, New Delhi.India has begun one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 vaccination programmes, the first major developing country to rollout the vaccine and marking the beginning of an effort to immunise more than 1.3 billion people. The first dose was administered to a health worker at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the capital, New Delhi.
Suicides rose in Japan in the second wave of the country’s Covid pandemic, particularly among women and children, despite having fallen in the first wave, a survey has found. The July to October suicide rate was up 16% on the same period a year earlier, according to a study by researchers at Hong Kong University and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology.Suicides rose in Japan in the second wave of the country’s Covid pandemic, particularly among women and children, despite having fallen in the first wave, a survey has found. The July to October suicide rate was up 16% on the same period a year earlier, according to a study by researchers at Hong Kong University and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology.
Keir Starmer has suggested he would back further Covid curbs, saying “the tougher the restrictions now the quicker we get the virus back under control”. Answering questions following a speech to the Fabian Society, the Labour leader said he was “still worried” by the number of infections despite signs they are falling.Keir Starmer has suggested he would back further Covid curbs, saying “the tougher the restrictions now the quicker we get the virus back under control”. Answering questions following a speech to the Fabian Society, the Labour leader said he was “still worried” by the number of infections despite signs they are falling.
Another coronavirus variant is likely to be in the UK already despite the imposition of a travel ban from affected countries. Prof John Edmunds, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he would find it unusual if the second of two new variants from Brazil was not already present, although it has not yet been detected.Another coronavirus variant is likely to be in the UK already despite the imposition of a travel ban from affected countries. Prof John Edmunds, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he would find it unusual if the second of two new variants from Brazil was not already present, although it has not yet been detected.
Nearly three-quarters of black people in the UK have said they are unlikely to consent to Covid-19 vaccination, a survey has found. Women, younger people and those with lower levels of education were less willing, but hesitancy was particularly high among people from black groups, where 72% said they were unlikely or very unlikely to be vaccinated.Nearly three-quarters of black people in the UK have said they are unlikely to consent to Covid-19 vaccination, a survey has found. Women, younger people and those with lower levels of education were less willing, but hesitancy was particularly high among people from black groups, where 72% said they were unlikely or very unlikely to be vaccinated.
Adverse reactions to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine may have contributed to the deaths of some frail and elderly patients in Norway, the country’s medicines agency has said. In a statement published on Friday, the Norwegian medicines agency said it had recorded 23 deaths “associated with Covid-19 vaccination.”Adverse reactions to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine may have contributed to the deaths of some frail and elderly patients in Norway, the country’s medicines agency has said. In a statement published on Friday, the Norwegian medicines agency said it had recorded 23 deaths “associated with Covid-19 vaccination.”
From today people in mainland Scotland may not leave or remain outside their homes for any other than essential purposes, as toughened lockdown restrictions come into force. Nicola Sturgeon, confirmed that police can challenge people for doing something considered not to be essential after they have left the house.From today people in mainland Scotland may not leave or remain outside their homes for any other than essential purposes, as toughened lockdown restrictions come into force. Nicola Sturgeon, confirmed that police can challenge people for doing something considered not to be essential after they have left the house.
Twenty four tennis players arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open will be forced to isolate for 14 days from their arrival, after two Covid-19 cases that were discovered on a charter flight carrying tennis players and staff. The first day of the open is 8 February, 23 days away. Neither of two people who tested positive are players.Twenty four tennis players arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open will be forced to isolate for 14 days from their arrival, after two Covid-19 cases that were discovered on a charter flight carrying tennis players and staff. The first day of the open is 8 February, 23 days away. Neither of two people who tested positive are players.
China has pledged to donate half a million Covid-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines, according to officials in Manila.China has pledged to donate half a million Covid-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines, according to officials in Manila.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is scrambling to lock in supplies of Covid-19 vaccines for the country’s 110 million people, after being criticised for being too slow off the mark in the global race to procure the drugs, according to the French state-backed news agency AFP.President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration is scrambling to lock in supplies of Covid-19 vaccines for the country’s 110 million people, after being criticised for being too slow off the mark in the global race to procure the drugs, according to the French state-backed news agency AFP.
Among other deals, the Philippines has already agreed to buy 25 million doses of Chinese company Sinovac’s Coronavac, despite the jab not having been approved by regulators in China.Among other deals, the Philippines has already agreed to buy 25 million doses of Chinese company Sinovac’s Coronavac, despite the jab not having been approved by regulators in China.
It is not clear which vaccine China will donate, and whether the donation is part of that earlier deal; the Chinese embassy in Manila did not respond to AFP’s request for comment.It is not clear which vaccine China will donate, and whether the donation is part of that earlier deal; the Chinese embassy in Manila did not respond to AFP’s request for comment.
China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told his counterpart of the intended donation when he was in Manila on Saturday, the Philippines foreign ministry said.China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, told his counterpart of the intended donation when he was in Manila on Saturday, the Philippines foreign ministry said.
As many as 5,000 health and social care staff were expected to take part in a mass coronavirus vaccination exercise today in Glasgow, Scotland.As many as 5,000 health and social care staff were expected to take part in a mass coronavirus vaccination exercise today in Glasgow, Scotland.
The vaccination rollout for frontline healthcare workers was being carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde at the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) building, that was converted for use as the emergency Louisa Jordan hospital during the pandemic.The vaccination rollout for frontline healthcare workers was being carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde at the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) building, that was converted for use as the emergency Louisa Jordan hospital during the pandemic.
Up to 500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were due to be administered each hour from 8.45am to 7.30pm, according to PA Media.Up to 500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were due to be administered each hour from 8.45am to 7.30pm, according to PA Media.
It comes as Scotland recorded 1,753 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours and 78 deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 28 days. The number of new infections is 407 below the 2,160 announced on Friday but the number of people who have died is 17 higher.It comes as Scotland recorded 1,753 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours and 78 deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 28 days. The number of new infections is 407 below the 2,160 announced on Friday but the number of people who have died is 17 higher.
As of Friday evening, 1,863 people were in hospital across the country with recently confirmed Covid-19, up by three. There were also 145 patients in intensive care, an increase of four.As of Friday evening, 1,863 people were in hospital across the country with recently confirmed Covid-19, up by three. There were also 145 patients in intensive care, an increase of four.
Commenting on the vaccine rollout in Glasgow, the health secretary, Jeane Freeman, said:Commenting on the vaccine rollout in Glasgow, the health secretary, Jeane Freeman, said:
Another coronavirus variant is likely to be in the UK already despite the imposition of a travel ban from affected countries, a leading epidemiologist has said.Another coronavirus variant is likely to be in the UK already despite the imposition of a travel ban from affected countries, a leading epidemiologist has said.
Prof John Edmunds, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he would find it unusual if the second of two new variants from Brazil was not already present, although it has not yet been detected.Prof John Edmunds, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he would find it unusual if the second of two new variants from Brazil was not already present, although it has not yet been detected.
The first variant has a small number of mutations, and eight cases have been confirmed in the UK, but this is not the “variant of concern”, leading virologist Prof Wendy Barclay said on Friday.The first variant has a small number of mutations, and eight cases have been confirmed in the UK, but this is not the “variant of concern”, leading virologist Prof Wendy Barclay said on Friday.
The second, which has been detected in Manaus and in travellers arriving in Japan, and is thought to be more infectious, has not been detected in the UK so far.The second, which has been detected in Manaus and in travellers arriving in Japan, and is thought to be more infectious, has not been detected in the UK so far.