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Coronavirus live news: Ireland daily reported deaths hit record high; Italy row over 'more jabs for rich areas' call Italy row over 'more jabs for rich areas' call – as it happened
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Ireland sees its highest number of deaths since pandemic began; Lombardy health chief suggests GDP should count towards number of jabs This blog is now closed. We’ve launched a new blog at the link below:
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A former army barracks in Kent, England being used to house asylum seekers has been locked down – preventing its 400 residents from leaving – after scores of people tested positive for coronavirus.A former army barracks in Kent, England being used to house asylum seekers has been locked down – preventing its 400 residents from leaving – after scores of people tested positive for coronavirus.
The private contractors who manage the site at Napier barracks near Folkestone on behalf of the Home Office have advised its residents the entire camp has been placed into isolation, with police officers enforcing the move.The private contractors who manage the site at Napier barracks near Folkestone on behalf of the Home Office have advised its residents the entire camp has been placed into isolation, with police officers enforcing the move.
Asylum seekers on the site said they had been keeping a tally of the number of positive cases of coronavirus and claimed about 100 had been returned. The Home Office would not comment on the numbers.Asylum seekers on the site said they had been keeping a tally of the number of positive cases of coronavirus and claimed about 100 had been returned. The Home Office would not comment on the numbers.
My colleague Jamie Grierson reports:My colleague Jamie Grierson reports:
German chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany may need to consider border crossing curbs if other European countries do not act to halt the spread of coronavirus and its new variants.German chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany may need to consider border crossing curbs if other European countries do not act to halt the spread of coronavirus and its new variants.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Brazil registered 62,094 new infections on Tuesday, a steep rise compared with the 23,671 new cases reported on Monday and Sunday’s 33,040 cases, though Brazil’s daily infection numbers have varied dramatically for months.Brazil registered 62,094 new infections on Tuesday, a steep rise compared with the 23,671 new cases reported on Monday and Sunday’s 33,040 cases, though Brazil’s daily infection numbers have varied dramatically for months.
The health ministry reported 1,192 new Covid-19 deaths, taking Brazil’s overall death toll to 211,491.The health ministry reported 1,192 new Covid-19 deaths, taking Brazil’s overall death toll to 211,491.
Only the US has more fatalities than Brazil globally, and Brazil has the world’s third highest number of infections after the US and India, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.Only the US has more fatalities than Brazil globally, and Brazil has the world’s third highest number of infections after the US and India, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Coronavirus cases in the Philippines reached 504,084 on Tuesday, with the country reporting 1,357 new infections, while the death toll edged closer to 10,000, CNN Philippines reported.Coronavirus cases in the Philippines reached 504,084 on Tuesday, with the country reporting 1,357 new infections, while the death toll edged closer to 10,000, CNN Philippines reported.
The Department of Health reported 69 new fatalities, raising the death toll to 9,978.The Department of Health reported 69 new fatalities, raising the death toll to 9,978.
Active cases are at 27,857, or 5.5% percent of the overall number of infections.Active cases are at 27,857, or 5.5% percent of the overall number of infections.
For the third consecutive day, Davao City led the areas with the highest number of new cases with 130. Rizal came next with 71, followed by Quezon City with 66, Pampanga with 54, and Benguet with 52.For the third consecutive day, Davao City led the areas with the highest number of new cases with 130. Rizal came next with 71, followed by Quezon City with 66, Pampanga with 54, and Benguet with 52.
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said on Tuesday that more people should work from home to help further reduce contacts that could spread coronavirus.The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said on Tuesday that more people should work from home to help further reduce contacts that could spread coronavirus.
The number of people currently working in the home office is well below the number of people doing so during the country’s first lockdown in March, Merkel said, according to Reuters.The number of people currently working in the home office is well below the number of people doing so during the country’s first lockdown in March, Merkel said, according to Reuters.
As we reported earlier, Germany decided to extend its national lockdown until 14 February today, with new rules making it mandatory to wear medical masks in shops and on public transport.As we reported earlier, Germany decided to extend its national lockdown until 14 February today, with new rules making it mandatory to wear medical masks in shops and on public transport.
Merkel said one of the reasons for the lockdown extension was that there are serious indications that new mutations of the virus are spreading more widely among children and adolescents than is the case with the previously known virus, Deutschlandfunk reports.Merkel said one of the reasons for the lockdown extension was that there are serious indications that new mutations of the virus are spreading more widely among children and adolescents than is the case with the previously known virus, Deutschlandfunk reports.
On Saturday, German MPs questioned Merkel on a number of policies, among other things on whether it was a good idea to hand out masks in pharmacies - and thus risk older people queueing up to collect them, Tagesschau reported.On Saturday, German MPs questioned Merkel on a number of policies, among other things on whether it was a good idea to hand out masks in pharmacies - and thus risk older people queueing up to collect them, Tagesschau reported.
“We have now decided in favor of this offer because it was what is feasible. And if so many people now want to take advantage of this offer, then maybe it was not that wrong,” Merkel said.“We have now decided in favor of this offer because it was what is feasible. And if so many people now want to take advantage of this offer, then maybe it was not that wrong,” Merkel said.
Health workers in northern Spain have deployed a mobile vaccination trailer that goes from village to village delivering shots to the elderly, in a bid to widen its vaccination programme and reach people beyond nursing homes.Health workers in northern Spain have deployed a mobile vaccination trailer that goes from village to village delivering shots to the elderly, in a bid to widen its vaccination programme and reach people beyond nursing homes.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The US has reported at least 400,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University as of Tuesday afternoon.The US has reported at least 400,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University as of Tuesday afternoon.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
Israel will extend its third national lockdown until at least 31 January, after the cabinet approved prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to leave the lockdown in place for another 10 days on Tuesday.Israel will extend its third national lockdown until at least 31 January, after the cabinet approved prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to leave the lockdown in place for another 10 days on Tuesday.
The cabinet also approved regulations that will require anyone entering Israel to present a negative coronavirus test, conducted 72 hours prior to arrival, Haaretz reports.The cabinet also approved regulations that will require anyone entering Israel to present a negative coronavirus test, conducted 72 hours prior to arrival, Haaretz reports.
The country currently has 82,652 active cases, and has recorded 4,080 deaths.The country currently has 82,652 active cases, and has recorded 4,080 deaths.
Cases in the West Bank stand at 5,230, and the death toll at 1,406. In Gaza there are 6,170 active cases and 493 people have died so far.Cases in the West Bank stand at 5,230, and the death toll at 1,406. In Gaza there are 6,170 active cases and 493 people have died so far.
Israel began its third lockdown in late December and tightened it in the second week of January, with officials saying at the time it would be lifted after two weeks if the daily caseload decreased sufficiently, AFP reports.Israel began its third lockdown in late December and tightened it in the second week of January, with officials saying at the time it would be lifted after two weeks if the daily caseload decreased sufficiently, AFP reports.
Since the rollout of vaccinations one month ago, Israel has vaccinated more than 2.2 million of its nine million inhabitants, health minister Yuli Edelstein said Tuesday.Since the rollout of vaccinations one month ago, Israel has vaccinated more than 2.2 million of its nine million inhabitants, health minister Yuli Edelstein said Tuesday.
The singer-songwriter Van Morrison will challenge the Northern Irish government in court over its “blanket ban” on live music in licensed venues arising from coronavirus restrictions, his lawyer said Tuesday.The singer-songwriter Van Morrison will challenge the Northern Irish government in court over its “blanket ban” on live music in licensed venues arising from coronavirus restrictions, his lawyer said Tuesday.
Solicitor Joe Rice told AFP the Northern Irish musician, who has released several protest songs against Covid-19 rules in recent months, will ask the High Court in Belfast to review the policy.Solicitor Joe Rice told AFP the Northern Irish musician, who has released several protest songs against Covid-19 rules in recent months, will ask the High Court in Belfast to review the policy.
“We will be seeking leave for judicial review to challenge the blanket ban on live music in licensed premises in Northern Ireland...,” Rice said.“We will be seeking leave for judicial review to challenge the blanket ban on live music in licensed premises in Northern Ireland...,” Rice said.
“We’re not aware of any credible scientific or medical evidence to justify this particular blanket ban... and we’re going to challenge this in the High Court.”“We’re not aware of any credible scientific or medical evidence to justify this particular blanket ban... and we’re going to challenge this in the High Court.”
The UK, is currently struggling with its third and deadliest wave, blamed on a new strain believed to be highly infectious.The UK, is currently struggling with its third and deadliest wave, blamed on a new strain believed to be highly infectious.
While part of the UK - the worst-affected country in Europe - health policy is a devloved matter for governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of which have imposed strict lockdown measures at various stages of the pandemic.While part of the UK - the worst-affected country in Europe - health policy is a devloved matter for governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of which have imposed strict lockdown measures at various stages of the pandemic.
AFP reports:AFP reports:
China’s Sinopharm Group and Pfizer Inc have requested approval for use of their Covid-19 vaccines in Peru as the Andean country grapples with a second wave of the coronavirus, Reuters reports.China’s Sinopharm Group and Pfizer Inc have requested approval for use of their Covid-19 vaccines in Peru as the Andean country grapples with a second wave of the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
Carmen Ponce, general director of state drug regulator Digemid, said that authorisation requests from other vaccine makers, such as AstraZeneca Plc and Russia’s Gamaleya, are expected in the next few days.Carmen Ponce, general director of state drug regulator Digemid, said that authorisation requests from other vaccine makers, such as AstraZeneca Plc and Russia’s Gamaleya, are expected in the next few days.
Coronavirus infections in Peru have climbed since the start of the year, to which the government responded by tightening restrictions and extending a nighttime curfew.Coronavirus infections in Peru have climbed since the start of the year, to which the government responded by tightening restrictions and extending a nighttime curfew.
The Peruvian government recently announced it made agreements with Sinopharm to secure 38 million doses of its vaccine and with AstraZeneca for 14 million doses.The Peruvian government recently announced it made agreements with Sinopharm to secure 38 million doses of its vaccine and with AstraZeneca for 14 million doses.
The arrival of a first batch of Sinopharm vaccine is expected by the end of January or early February, the government said.The arrival of a first batch of Sinopharm vaccine is expected by the end of January or early February, the government said.
Peru reported 3,893 new cases on Monday, taking its total to 1,068,802. The overall official death toll stands at 38,931.Peru reported 3,893 new cases on Monday, taking its total to 1,068,802. The overall official death toll stands at 38,931.
The Peruvian health minister, Pilar Mazzetti, has warned, amid rising infections, that the second wave could overwhelm Peru.The Peruvian health minister, Pilar Mazzetti, has warned, amid rising infections, that the second wave could overwhelm Peru.
Canada will not receive any Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine doses during the week of 25 January, due to delivery delays that have hit countries around the world.Canada will not receive any Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine doses during the week of 25 January, due to delivery delays that have hit countries around the world.
“We are now seeing that our entire expected shipment is deferred for next week, and then the numbers start to pick back up in the first weeks of February,” Major-General Dany Fortin, who is in charge of the country’s vaccine rollout, said on Tuesday, Global News reports.“We are now seeing that our entire expected shipment is deferred for next week, and then the numbers start to pick back up in the first weeks of February,” Major-General Dany Fortin, who is in charge of the country’s vaccine rollout, said on Tuesday, Global News reports.
All European countries are also to be temporarily affected by delivery delays, as Pfizer is ramping up its production capacity at one of its plants, a process that is affecting delivery, the company said last week.All European countries are also to be temporarily affected by delivery delays, as Pfizer is ramping up its production capacity at one of its plants, a process that is affecting delivery, the company said last week.
France reported 23,608 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Tuesday, up from 3,736 on Monday and Sunday’s 16,642 new recorded infections.France reported 23,608 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Tuesday, up from 3,736 on Monday and Sunday’s 16,642 new recorded infections.
A further 656 people were reported to have died from the virus in hospitals, compared with Monday’s 403 new fatalities.A further 656 people were reported to have died from the virus in hospitals, compared with Monday’s 403 new fatalities.
Hospitalisations in intensive care units were also on the rise, with the number of people in intensive care rising by 26 to 2,839 while the total number of patients hospitalised for the disease was down 52 over 24 hours at 25,567, Reuters reports.Hospitalisations in intensive care units were also on the rise, with the number of people in intensive care rising by 26 to 2,839 while the total number of patients hospitalised for the disease was down 52 over 24 hours at 25,567, Reuters reports.
In December, France introduced a night curfew between 8pm and 6am, which was further tightened last week and now mandates that everyone must be at home from 6pm. Shops and businesses must also close by then.In December, France introduced a night curfew between 8pm and 6am, which was further tightened last week and now mandates that everyone must be at home from 6pm. Shops and businesses must also close by then.
Schools remain open amid extra testing for staff and pupils.Schools remain open amid extra testing for staff and pupils.
Ireland has reported 93 Covid-19 fatalities on Tuesday, also the highest number of daily deaths since the start of pandemic.Ireland has reported 93 Covid-19 fatalities on Tuesday, also the highest number of daily deaths since the start of pandemic.
The first peak in daily deaths was reached on 20 April last year, when Ireland recorded 77 deaths in a single day.The first peak in daily deaths was reached on 20 April last year, when Ireland recorded 77 deaths in a single day.
The Irish health ministry said of the deaths reported on Tuesday, three occurred in December and 89 in January. There is one death where the date of death is still under investigation, it said.The Irish health ministry said of the deaths reported on Tuesday, three occurred in December and 89 in January. There is one death where the date of death is still under investigation, it said.
The median age of those who died was 82 years and the age range was 41-99 years.The median age of those who died was 82 years and the age range was 41-99 years.
The ministry tweeted:The ministry tweeted:
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Ireland’s health service is potentially facing the most challenging week in its history as the number of Covid-19 patients in need of intensive care treatment has risen dramatically since the end of December.Ireland’s health service is potentially facing the most challenging week in its history as the number of Covid-19 patients in need of intensive care treatment has risen dramatically since the end of December.
The UK has reported the highest number of daily deaths since the pandemic started, as new data showed one in eight people are likely to have had the virus in England. The PA reports:The UK has reported the highest number of daily deaths since the pandemic started, as new data showed one in eight people are likely to have had the virus in England. The PA reports:
My name is Jedidajah Otte and I’ll be bringing you the latest developments on the pandemic over the next few hours. As ever, do feel free to flag pertinent updates or share tips with me, you can contact me on Twitter @JedySays or via email.My name is Jedidajah Otte and I’ll be bringing you the latest developments on the pandemic over the next few hours. As ever, do feel free to flag pertinent updates or share tips with me, you can contact me on Twitter @JedySays or via email.
I won’t always have time to respond individually, but everything is read and tips and pointers are much appreciated.I won’t always have time to respond individually, but everything is read and tips and pointers are much appreciated.
The Covid pandemic has exposed how underfunded and powerless the World Health Organization is to carry out the tasks the world expects of it, an independent expert panel has said (see 5.43pm).The Covid pandemic has exposed how underfunded and powerless the World Health Organization is to carry out the tasks the world expects of it, an independent expert panel has said (see 5.43pm).
Germany is extending its national lockdown until 14 February, with new rules making it mandatory to wear medical masks in shops and on public transport (see 2.39pm).Germany is extending its national lockdown until 14 February, with new rules making it mandatory to wear medical masks in shops and on public transport (see 2.39pm).
The eastern Spanish region of Valencia is to shut down all bars and restaurants “for a limited time” in a bid to slow the third wave of the coronavirus (see 2.14pm).The eastern Spanish region of Valencia is to shut down all bars and restaurants “for a limited time” in a bid to slow the third wave of the coronavirus (see 2.14pm).
The EU’s member states will agree by the end of the month on the form of a common vaccination certificate but there are no plans to give travel rights to holders of such documents, the European commission has said (see 3.57pm).The EU’s member states will agree by the end of the month on the form of a common vaccination certificate but there are no plans to give travel rights to holders of such documents, the European commission has said (see 3.57pm).
However, Emirates and Etihad, two of the middle east’s biggest airlines, said they would be among the first companies to test an application that allows pre-travel verification of coronavirus tests and vaccinations. The United Arab Emirates carriers have partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to be among “the first airlines” worldwide to trial the IATA Travel Pass, both airlines said in separate statements (see 3.31pm).However, Emirates and Etihad, two of the middle east’s biggest airlines, said they would be among the first companies to test an application that allows pre-travel verification of coronavirus tests and vaccinations. The United Arab Emirates carriers have partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to be among “the first airlines” worldwide to trial the IATA Travel Pass, both airlines said in separate statements (see 3.31pm).
The embattled Dutch government has said it needs to strengthen lockdown measures “as soon as possible” to rein in the spread of the coronavirus amid fears about more transmissible variants. Health minister Hugo de Jonge said in a letter to parliament that the government would announce extra measures tomorrow afternoon (see 4.29pm).The embattled Dutch government has said it needs to strengthen lockdown measures “as soon as possible” to rein in the spread of the coronavirus amid fears about more transmissible variants. Health minister Hugo de Jonge said in a letter to parliament that the government would announce extra measures tomorrow afternoon (see 4.29pm).
Denmark has announced it would include homeless people among those given priority for Covid-19 vaccines. According to social services, Denmark has about 6,500 homeless people, and the decision follows calls from charities and officials who have pointed to an increased risk of transmission among the homeless (see 5.18pm). It also announced it would extend lockdown measures.Denmark has announced it would include homeless people among those given priority for Covid-19 vaccines. According to social services, Denmark has about 6,500 homeless people, and the decision follows calls from charities and officials who have pointed to an increased risk of transmission among the homeless (see 5.18pm). It also announced it would extend lockdown measures.
The Amazonian city of Manaus in Brazil has begun administering Covid vaccines as the rainforest’s biggest city’s health system struggles desperately amid an increase in infections and dwindling oxygen supplies (see 4.46pm).The Amazonian city of Manaus in Brazil has begun administering Covid vaccines as the rainforest’s biggest city’s health system struggles desperately amid an increase in infections and dwindling oxygen supplies (see 4.46pm).
Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned that his government would prosecute anyone who shares false information about coronavirus vaccines in social or mass media (see 1.55pm). It came after the government was accused of acting too slowly to inoculate the country’s population (see 11:59am) and criticised the country’s coronavirus vaccine strategy as being too reliant on a company owned by the Thai king.Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha warned that his government would prosecute anyone who shares false information about coronavirus vaccines in social or mass media (see 1.55pm). It came after the government was accused of acting too slowly to inoculate the country’s population (see 11:59am) and criticised the country’s coronavirus vaccine strategy as being too reliant on a company owned by the Thai king.
I’ll now hand over to my wonderful colleague Jedidajah Otte to see you through the next few hours. Thanks for reading, and all the best.I’ll now hand over to my wonderful colleague Jedidajah Otte to see you through the next few hours. Thanks for reading, and all the best.
Israel’s coronavirus tsar has warned that a single dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine may be providing less protection than originally hoped, as the country reported a record 10,000 new Covid infections on Monday.Israel’s coronavirus tsar has warned that a single dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine may be providing less protection than originally hoped, as the country reported a record 10,000 new Covid infections on Monday.
In remarks reported by Army Radio, Nachman Ash said a single dose appeared “less effective than we had thought”, and also lower than Pfizer had suggested.In remarks reported by Army Radio, Nachman Ash said a single dose appeared “less effective than we had thought”, and also lower than Pfizer had suggested.
By contrast, those who had received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine had a six- to 12-fold increase in antibodies, according to data released by Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer on Monday.By contrast, those who had received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine had a six- to 12-fold increase in antibodies, according to data released by Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer on Monday.
The issue of some vaccines being less effective after a single dose rather than two is well known, as well as the fact that protection is not immediate. While the first dose can take several weeks to promote an effective antibody response, the second dose can trigger different responses, supercharging the protection.The issue of some vaccines being less effective after a single dose rather than two is well known, as well as the fact that protection is not immediate. While the first dose can take several weeks to promote an effective antibody response, the second dose can trigger different responses, supercharging the protection.
Pfizer itself says a single dose of its vaccine is about 52% effective. Some countries such as the UK have delayed administering their second doses to try to maximise the number of people given a first dose.Pfizer itself says a single dose of its vaccine is about 52% effective. Some countries such as the UK have delayed administering their second doses to try to maximise the number of people given a first dose.