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Coronavirus live news: UK chancellor ‘pushes PM to relax holiday rules’; mass testing amid China outbreak Coronavirus live news: UK chancellor ‘pushes PM to relax holiday rules’; Pfizer and Moderna raise price of Covid jabs for EU, reports say
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Latest updates: Rishi Sunak says restrictions ‘out of step’ with international rivals, according to media reports; China battling worst caseload in months Latest updates: Rishi Sunak says restrictions ‘out of step’ with international rivals, according to media reports; both vaccine makers raise cost of jabs
Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc have raised the prices of its Covid-19 vaccine in the latest European Union supply contracts, The Financial Times reported on Sunday.
The new price for the Pfizer shot was 19.50 euros (£16.64) against 15.50 euros (£13.22) previously, the newspaper said citing to the portions of the contracts seen.
The price of a Moderna vaccine was $25.50 (£18.33) a dose, the contracts show, up from 19 euros (£16.21) in the first procurement deal but lower than the previously agreed $28.50 (£20.49) because the order had grown, the report said, citing one official close to the matter.
Sky News Australia has been banned from uploading content to YouTube for seven days after violating its medical misinformation policies by posting numerous videos which denied the existence of Covid-19 or encouraged people to use hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin.Sky News Australia has been banned from uploading content to YouTube for seven days after violating its medical misinformation policies by posting numerous videos which denied the existence of Covid-19 or encouraged people to use hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin.
The ban was imposed by the digital giant on Thursday afternoon, the day after the Daily Telegraph ended Alan Jones’s regular column amid controversy about his Covid-19 commentary which included calling the New South Wales chief health officer Kerry Chant a village idiot on his Sky News program.The ban was imposed by the digital giant on Thursday afternoon, the day after the Daily Telegraph ended Alan Jones’s regular column amid controversy about his Covid-19 commentary which included calling the New South Wales chief health officer Kerry Chant a village idiot on his Sky News program.
News Corp told Guardian Australia the ending of Jones’s column did not mean the company does not support the “compelling” broadcaster.News Corp told Guardian Australia the ending of Jones’s column did not mean the company does not support the “compelling” broadcaster.
YouTube has not disclosed which Sky News program the videos were from but said there were “numerous” offending videos which have now been removed.YouTube has not disclosed which Sky News program the videos were from but said there were “numerous” offending videos which have now been removed.
The Sky News Australia YouTube channel, which has 1.85m subscribers, has been issued a strike and is temporarily suspended from uploading new videos or livestreams for one week.The Sky News Australia YouTube channel, which has 1.85m subscribers, has been issued a strike and is temporarily suspended from uploading new videos or livestreams for one week.
The ban will impact Sky News’s revenue stream from Google, which started after News Corp signed a historic multi-year partnership with Google in February under the media bargaining code.The ban will impact Sky News’s revenue stream from Google, which started after News Corp signed a historic multi-year partnership with Google in February under the media bargaining code.
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Conservative grandee Sir David Lidington, who was de facto deputy prime minister under Theresa May, said introducing domestic vaccine passports would set a “dangerous precedent”.Conservative grandee Sir David Lidington, who was de facto deputy prime minister under Theresa May, said introducing domestic vaccine passports would set a “dangerous precedent”.
The former MP told Times Radio:The former MP told Times Radio:
He added that he thought there were “better ways of persuading young people to take up the vaccine” than denying them entry to nightclubs.He added that he thought there were “better ways of persuading young people to take up the vaccine” than denying them entry to nightclubs.
Lidington, who stood down from the commons in 2019, continued:Lidington, who stood down from the commons in 2019, continued:
As cases of the Delta coronavirus variant have risen and vaccination rates slowed, several US businesses and institutions have announced they will now require vaccinations from employees.As cases of the Delta coronavirus variant have risen and vaccination rates slowed, several US businesses and institutions have announced they will now require vaccinations from employees.
Major companies like Walmart and Disney said this week all employees must be vaccinated, while Joe Biden said all federal employees must be vaccinated or face masking, testing and distancing requirements.Major companies like Walmart and Disney said this week all employees must be vaccinated, while Joe Biden said all federal employees must be vaccinated or face masking, testing and distancing requirements.
Schools, universities, hospitals, financial services, tech companies, retailers, entertainment industries and local governments have announced similar policies.Schools, universities, hospitals, financial services, tech companies, retailers, entertainment industries and local governments have announced similar policies.
The efforts are supported by an opinion from the US Department of Justice, which says employers can require vaccines under emergency-use authorization.The efforts are supported by an opinion from the US Department of Justice, which says employers can require vaccines under emergency-use authorization.
“Overall, it’s legal to require vaccinations in the midst of an active, dangerous epidemic,” said Ross Silverman, professor of public health and law at the Indiana University.“Overall, it’s legal to require vaccinations in the midst of an active, dangerous epidemic,” said Ross Silverman, professor of public health and law at the Indiana University.
In France last week, President Emmanuel Macron said entrance to many public places would require a “health pass” showing proof of vaccination, prior infection or a negative test.In France last week, President Emmanuel Macron said entrance to many public places would require a “health pass” showing proof of vaccination, prior infection or a negative test.
The US government won’t mandate vaccines but states, cities and businesses can.The US government won’t mandate vaccines but states, cities and businesses can.
The US has a long history of requiring vaccines. In winter 1777, George Washington required smallpox inoculations for all soldiers fighting the British. In 1809, Massachusetts passed a law requiring proof of inoculation against smallpox.The US has a long history of requiring vaccines. In winter 1777, George Washington required smallpox inoculations for all soldiers fighting the British. In 1809, Massachusetts passed a law requiring proof of inoculation against smallpox.
Dr Ruth Faden, founder of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, said: “If we look at the history of the ability of human beings to control infectious diseases, it’s hard to imagine how we would have been able to accomplish what we’ve accomplished in the absence of mandates of one sort or the other.”Dr Ruth Faden, founder of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, said: “If we look at the history of the ability of human beings to control infectious diseases, it’s hard to imagine how we would have been able to accomplish what we’ve accomplished in the absence of mandates of one sort or the other.”
With measles and diphtheria, for example, “it was not merely the advent of the vaccine but the requirement that the vaccine be received … that made the difference.”With measles and diphtheria, for example, “it was not merely the advent of the vaccine but the requirement that the vaccine be received … that made the difference.”
Read more from Melody Schreiber here:Read more from Melody Schreiber here:
Hackers have attacked and shut down the IT systems of the company that manages Covid-19 vaccination appointments for the Lazio region surrounding Rome, the regional government said on Sunday.Hackers have attacked and shut down the IT systems of the company that manages Covid-19 vaccination appointments for the Lazio region surrounding Rome, the regional government said on Sunday.
“A powerful hacker attack on the region’s CED (database) is under way,” the region said in a Facebook posting.“A powerful hacker attack on the region’s CED (database) is under way,” the region said in a Facebook posting.
It said all systems had been deactivated, including those of the region’s health portal and vaccination network, and warned the inoculation programme could suffer a delay, Reuters reports.It said all systems had been deactivated, including those of the region’s health portal and vaccination network, and warned the inoculation programme could suffer a delay, Reuters reports.
Lazio region’s health manager Alessio D’Amato said:Lazio region’s health manager Alessio D’Amato said:
According to ANSA, Italy’s postal police and Rome prosecutors are looking into the matter and could open an investigation to find out who is behind the attack.According to ANSA, Italy’s postal police and Rome prosecutors are looking into the matter and could open an investigation to find out who is behind the attack.
Italy recently followed France in announcing that proof of vaccination or immunity from Covid-19 would become mandatory for an array of activities.Italy recently followed France in announcing that proof of vaccination or immunity from Covid-19 would become mandatory for an array of activities.
The move triggered a series of protests across the country against introduction of the so-called Green Pass which shows people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from Covid-19.The move triggered a series of protests across the country against introduction of the so-called Green Pass which shows people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from Covid-19.
In the UK, shadow cabinet member Luke Pollard said he was not convinced that the government’s incentives rollout, with companies offering discounted takeaways and taxi rides if they get a coronavirus jab, would work in encouraging the final 30% of young people to get vaccinated.In the UK, shadow cabinet member Luke Pollard said he was not convinced that the government’s incentives rollout, with companies offering discounted takeaways and taxi rides if they get a coronavirus jab, would work in encouraging the final 30% of young people to get vaccinated.
Speaking to LBC, Labour’s environment spokesman said:Speaking to LBC, Labour’s environment spokesman said:
Pollard said it should be remembered that young people were at the “very end of the queue to be vaccinated” and that the “vast majority” are “taking up the jabs, are trying to be vaccinated”, but called for young people to lead efforts to encourage their peers to take up the inoculation offer.Pollard said it should be remembered that young people were at the “very end of the queue to be vaccinated” and that the “vast majority” are “taking up the jabs, are trying to be vaccinated”, but called for young people to lead efforts to encourage their peers to take up the inoculation offer.
Ethics expert Professor Dominic Wilkinson, asked about the UK government’s intention to demand clubbers show proof of being double-jabbed to gain entry to night spots, told radio station LBC:Ethics expert Professor Dominic Wilkinson, asked about the UK government’s intention to demand clubbers show proof of being double-jabbed to gain entry to night spots, told radio station LBC:
Dominic Wilkinson, a professor of medical ethics, has said there is a “strong case” for vaccine passports in allowing the fully vaccinated in England to return to socialising “in a more normal way”.Dominic Wilkinson, a professor of medical ethics, has said there is a “strong case” for vaccine passports in allowing the fully vaccinated in England to return to socialising “in a more normal way”.
The Oxford University academic told LBC Radio:The Oxford University academic told LBC Radio:
Andrew Bridgen, one of 43 Conservative MPs in the UK to sign a declaration opposing vaccine passports, said Parliament should be recalled from its summer recess if ministers are “serious” about asking people to show proof of their vaccine status to gain entry to domestic venues and events.Andrew Bridgen, one of 43 Conservative MPs in the UK to sign a declaration opposing vaccine passports, said Parliament should be recalled from its summer recess if ministers are “serious” about asking people to show proof of their vaccine status to gain entry to domestic venues and events.
Speaking to LBC radio, the North West Leicestershire MP said:Speaking to LBC radio, the North West Leicestershire MP said:
Bridgen, who predicted a vote on vaccine passports in the Commons would result in an “embarrassing defeat” for Boris Johnson’s administration, added:Bridgen, who predicted a vote on vaccine passports in the Commons would result in an “embarrassing defeat” for Boris Johnson’s administration, added:
Thailand has extended tighter containment measures in the capital and high-risk provinces until the end of August, government sources said, to slow the spread of Covid-19 as the country deals with its biggest outbreak to date.Thailand has extended tighter containment measures in the capital and high-risk provinces until the end of August, government sources said, to slow the spread of Covid-19 as the country deals with its biggest outbreak to date.
The restrictions, including travel curbs, mall closures and curfews, will be expanded to 29 provinces from 13, the sources told Reuters.The restrictions, including travel curbs, mall closures and curfews, will be expanded to 29 provinces from 13, the sources told Reuters.
Restaurants in shopping malls will be allowed to open only for deliveries.Restaurants in shopping malls will be allowed to open only for deliveries.
Statistics suggest that very little seems to have changed since 19 July, when the government ended all restrictions on socialising in England.Statistics suggest that very little seems to have changed since 19 July, when the government ended all restrictions on socialising in England.
In London, people travelled less after so-called “freedom day” than during the weeks before, according to Transport for London figures. Elsewhere in the UK, where restrictions vary, there appeared little change in public transport activity. Restaurants and pubs saw a slight increase, but are still a long way off pre-pandemic levels.In London, people travelled less after so-called “freedom day” than during the weeks before, according to Transport for London figures. Elsewhere in the UK, where restrictions vary, there appeared little change in public transport activity. Restaurants and pubs saw a slight increase, but are still a long way off pre-pandemic levels.
CGA, the hospitality research agency, found that some people who had been happy to go out after the third lockdown ended in April had been put off by the fear of busy venues after 19 July.CGA, the hospitality research agency, found that some people who had been happy to go out after the third lockdown ended in April had been put off by the fear of busy venues after 19 July.
Over-35s were less confident about going to pubs, bars or restaurants. Only 53% of 35-to-54s felt confident, according to CGA’s latest Consumer Pulse survey – down by seven percentage points since May – and just 39% of over-55s, a fall of nine points.Over-35s were less confident about going to pubs, bars or restaurants. Only 53% of 35-to-54s felt confident, according to CGA’s latest Consumer Pulse survey – down by seven percentage points since May – and just 39% of over-55s, a fall of nine points.
Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director for UK and Ireland, said it was clear confidence remained “fragile as Covid-19 cases remain high, especially among older age groups”. “Businesses will need to make it easy for hesitant consumers to plan their visits in advance, check availability and be sure they will have sufficient space,” he said.Jonathan Jones, CGA’s managing director for UK and Ireland, said it was clear confidence remained “fragile as Covid-19 cases remain high, especially among older age groups”. “Businesses will need to make it easy for hesitant consumers to plan their visits in advance, check availability and be sure they will have sufficient space,” he said.
Gary Murphy had hoped that “freedom day” would be the salvation of his pub. But on Friday, after 13 years in charge of Ye Olde Mitre Inne in High Barnet, north London, Murphy handed back the keys.Gary Murphy had hoped that “freedom day” would be the salvation of his pub. But on Friday, after 13 years in charge of Ye Olde Mitre Inne in High Barnet, north London, Murphy handed back the keys.
“Recovery is going to take years,” he said. “Trade has gone up a bit, but it’s still a slog. It became very clear that there are still a number of people who don’t want to go out – they’re still scared of the virus.”“Recovery is going to take years,” he said. “Trade has gone up a bit, but it’s still a slog. It became very clear that there are still a number of people who don’t want to go out – they’re still scared of the virus.”
Murphy said he had decided to retire as a licensee because he did not believe the situation would change for at least a couple of years. “When we had inside restrictions we were operating at about 60% to 70%,” he said. “Since we opened fully, we’ve gone up to 80%, but that 20% is going to be really hard.Murphy said he had decided to retire as a licensee because he did not believe the situation would change for at least a couple of years. “When we had inside restrictions we were operating at about 60% to 70%,” he said. “Since we opened fully, we’ve gone up to 80%, but that 20% is going to be really hard.
“I know loads of people who used to be in here every day or every evening but will now only come in on Mondays when it’s really quiet.“I know loads of people who used to be in here every day or every evening but will now only come in on Mondays when it’s really quiet.
“There’s a huge difference to last summer when people hadn’t got used to having their own parties or building their own bars. This time it’s very clear that people’s habits have changed considerably.”“There’s a huge difference to last summer when people hadn’t got used to having their own parties or building their own bars. This time it’s very clear that people’s habits have changed considerably.”
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Russia reported 22,804 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, including 2,484 in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to 6,288,677.Russia reported 22,804 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, including 2,484 in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to 6,288,677.
The government coronavirus task force said 789 people had died of coronavirus-linked causes in the past 24 hours, pushing the national death toll to 159,352, Reuters reports.The government coronavirus task force said 789 people had died of coronavirus-linked causes in the past 24 hours, pushing the national death toll to 159,352, Reuters reports.
The federal statistics agency has kept a separate count and has said Russia recorded around 290,000 deaths related to Covid-19 from April 2020 to May 2021.The federal statistics agency has kept a separate count and has said Russia recorded around 290,000 deaths related to Covid-19 from April 2020 to May 2021.
Cheap taxi rides and discounts from the biggest takeaway companies are to be deployed by the government in a desperate effort to boost Covid vaccination rates among the young, amid growing legal and political pressure on Boris Johnson over the use of vaccine passports.Cheap taxi rides and discounts from the biggest takeaway companies are to be deployed by the government in a desperate effort to boost Covid vaccination rates among the young, amid growing legal and political pressure on Boris Johnson over the use of vaccine passports.
With figures inside the cabinet concerned about the plans already in place to enforce vaccine passports in some settings, the government’s focus has turned to using incentives to drive up vaccination rates over the summer to head off another Covid wave as offices, schools and universities reopen.With figures inside the cabinet concerned about the plans already in place to enforce vaccine passports in some settings, the government’s focus has turned to using incentives to drive up vaccination rates over the summer to head off another Covid wave as offices, schools and universities reopen.
Car-hailing companies Uber and Bolt, as well as delivery service Deliveroo, are all involved in plans to offer consumers discounts. Latest take-up figures suggest that 60% of 18- to 25-year-olds have received at least one jab, but ministers are concerned that demand from younger age groups is levelling off.Car-hailing companies Uber and Bolt, as well as delivery service Deliveroo, are all involved in plans to offer consumers discounts. Latest take-up figures suggest that 60% of 18- to 25-year-olds have received at least one jab, but ministers are concerned that demand from younger age groups is levelling off.
It comes as Johnson backed away from making full vaccination a condition for allowing students to live and be taught on their university campuses, amid Tory unrest.It comes as Johnson backed away from making full vaccination a condition for allowing students to live and be taught on their university campuses, amid Tory unrest.
The Observer has learned that the government was last week delivered a stark briefing from university lawyers, outlining a series of legal obstacles to the plan that would leave them open to a slew of cases, many of which could apply to other sectors should passports be considered in other areas.The Observer has learned that the government was last week delivered a stark briefing from university lawyers, outlining a series of legal obstacles to the plan that would leave them open to a slew of cases, many of which could apply to other sectors should passports be considered in other areas.
Johnson has already set out plans to make vaccine passports mandatory in some indoor venues such as nightclubs. However, companies are warning that they could face legal action should they implement “no jab, no job” policies.Johnson has already set out plans to make vaccine passports mandatory in some indoor venues such as nightclubs. However, companies are warning that they could face legal action should they implement “no jab, no job” policies.
Ministers have so far rejected calls to pay the young to have a vaccine, after US president Joe Biden called for $100 payments to be offered to the newly vaccinated in the United States. However, ministers are now working with popular cab-hailing and takeaway companies to introduce incentives, though the firms will not ask for or hold any health data.Ministers have so far rejected calls to pay the young to have a vaccine, after US president Joe Biden called for $100 payments to be offered to the newly vaccinated in the United States. However, ministers are now working with popular cab-hailing and takeaway companies to introduce incentives, though the firms will not ask for or hold any health data.
Under the scheme, Uber will offer discounted rides and meals on Uber Eats for young adults who get the jab. Bolt will offer free ride credit to vaccination centres. Other incentives being discussed could include vouchers or discount codes for people attending pop-up vaccine sites . Sajid Javid, the health secretary, called on the young to “go out and take advantage of the discounts” when they become available.Under the scheme, Uber will offer discounted rides and meals on Uber Eats for young adults who get the jab. Bolt will offer free ride credit to vaccination centres. Other incentives being discussed could include vouchers or discount codes for people attending pop-up vaccine sites . Sajid Javid, the health secretary, called on the young to “go out and take advantage of the discounts” when they become available.
Incentives are desperately being sought by ministers amid growing concern over attempts to force the young into being vaccinated. After universities were privately warned early last week that the use of vaccine certificates was an option being examined by the government, a detailed memo was delivered to the cabinet office warning that institutions risked breaching consumer law by effectively changing the terms of the contract handed to students who had already received an offer of a place in September. Lawyers also warned that legislation would need to be changed to allow universities to compel students to take a vaccine – a vote the government could struggle to win.Incentives are desperately being sought by ministers amid growing concern over attempts to force the young into being vaccinated. After universities were privately warned early last week that the use of vaccine certificates was an option being examined by the government, a detailed memo was delivered to the cabinet office warning that institutions risked breaching consumer law by effectively changing the terms of the contract handed to students who had already received an offer of a place in September. Lawyers also warned that legislation would need to be changed to allow universities to compel students to take a vaccine – a vote the government could struggle to win.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
Newly reported Covid-19 cases in Tokyo came in at 3,058 on Sunday, the metropolitan government announced, as infection spreads in the Olympic host city.Newly reported Covid-19 cases in Tokyo came in at 3,058 on Sunday, the metropolitan government announced, as infection spreads in the Olympic host city.
Cambodia will begin offering a booster shot against Covid-19, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese Covid-19 vaccines in an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country.Cambodia will begin offering a booster shot against Covid-19, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese Covid-19 vaccines in an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country.
Prime minister Hun Sen, launching the vaccination campaign for 12-17 years old, said on Sunday that the third dose will be offered to between 500,000 to one million frontline workers as a priority, Reuters reports.Prime minister Hun Sen, launching the vaccination campaign for 12-17 years old, said on Sunday that the third dose will be offered to between 500,000 to one million frontline workers as a priority, Reuters reports.
Hun Sen said in a speech which was broadcast on social media:Hun Sen said in a speech which was broadcast on social media:
Hun Sen also said the country will purchase more AstraZeneca vaccines through Covax for the booster shots and the recent U.S funded Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be used to vaccinate indigenous peoples in northeastern Cambodia.Hun Sen also said the country will purchase more AstraZeneca vaccines through Covax for the booster shots and the recent U.S funded Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be used to vaccinate indigenous peoples in northeastern Cambodia.
Cambodia has launched a lockdown in eight provinces bordering Thailand this week in a bid to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country.Cambodia has launched a lockdown in eight provinces bordering Thailand this week in a bid to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said this week that the Delta variant has been detected amongst migrants returning from Thailand through land borders and is now in the local community.The World Health Organization (WHO) said this week that the Delta variant has been detected amongst migrants returning from Thailand through land borders and is now in the local community.
Li Ailan, WHO Representative to Cambodia said in a statement:Li Ailan, WHO Representative to Cambodia said in a statement:
Cambodia managed to largely contain the virus for most of last year, but an outbreak first detected in late February has driven up total cases to 77,919, with 1,420 deaths.Cambodia managed to largely contain the virus for most of last year, but an outbreak first detected in late February has driven up total cases to 77,919, with 1,420 deaths.
Health authorities in China are battling to contain the country’s most widespread coronavirus outbreak in months and several Chinese cities have rolled out mass testing of millions of people and imposed fresh travel restrictions.Health authorities in China are battling to contain the country’s most widespread coronavirus outbreak in months and several Chinese cities have rolled out mass testing of millions of people and imposed fresh travel restrictions.
China reported 75 new coronavirus cases with 53 local transmissions, with a cluster linked to an eastern airport now reported to have spread to over 20 cities and more than a dozen provinces.China reported 75 new coronavirus cases with 53 local transmissions, with a cluster linked to an eastern airport now reported to have spread to over 20 cities and more than a dozen provinces.
The outbreak is geographically the largest to hit China in several months after the country’s successes in largely snuffing out the pandemic within its borders last year, AFP reports.The outbreak is geographically the largest to hit China in several months after the country’s successes in largely snuffing out the pandemic within its borders last year, AFP reports.
That record has been thrown into jeopardy after the fast-spreading Delta variant broke out at Nanjing airport in eastern Jiangsu province in July.That record has been thrown into jeopardy after the fast-spreading Delta variant broke out at Nanjing airport in eastern Jiangsu province in July.
Authorities have now conducted three rounds of testing on the city’s 9.2 million residents and placed hundreds of thousands under lockdown, in an effort to curb an outbreak Beijing has blamed on the highly-contagious Delta variant and the peak tourist season.Authorities have now conducted three rounds of testing on the city’s 9.2 million residents and placed hundreds of thousands under lockdown, in an effort to curb an outbreak Beijing has blamed on the highly-contagious Delta variant and the peak tourist season.
Officials are now scrambling to track people nationwide who recently travelled from Nanjing or Zhangjiajie, a tourist city in Hunan province which has locked down all 1.5 million residents and shut all tourist attractions.Officials are now scrambling to track people nationwide who recently travelled from Nanjing or Zhangjiajie, a tourist city in Hunan province which has locked down all 1.5 million residents and shut all tourist attractions.
Fresh cases were reported Sunday in Hainan island - another popular tourist destination - as well as Ningxia and Shandong provinces, authorities said.Fresh cases were reported Sunday in Hainan island - another popular tourist destination - as well as Ningxia and Shandong provinces, authorities said.
The country is also battling a separate rise in cases in the flood-ravaged city of Zhengzhou in Henan province after two cleaners at a hospital treating coronavirus patients coming from abroad tested positive.The country is also battling a separate rise in cases in the flood-ravaged city of Zhengzhou in Henan province after two cleaners at a hospital treating coronavirus patients coming from abroad tested positive.
27 locally transmitted cases have been detected, with authorities Sunday ordering mass testing of all 10 million residents. The head of the city’s health commission has also been sacked.27 locally transmitted cases have been detected, with authorities Sunday ordering mass testing of all 10 million residents. The head of the city’s health commission has also been sacked.
And after reports that some people sickened in the latest cluster were vaccinated, health officials have said this was “normal” and stressed the importance of vaccination alongside strict measures.And after reports that some people sickened in the latest cluster were vaccinated, health officials have said this was “normal” and stressed the importance of vaccination alongside strict measures.
Feng Zijian, virologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said:Feng Zijian, virologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said:
More than 1.6 billion vaccine doses have so far been administered nationwide as of Friday, Beijing’s National Health Commission (NHC) said. It does not provide figures on how many people have been fully vaccinated.More than 1.6 billion vaccine doses have so far been administered nationwide as of Friday, Beijing’s National Health Commission (NHC) said. It does not provide figures on how many people have been fully vaccinated.
Rishi Sunak has warned the prime minister that the UK’s travel restrictions are “out of step” with its international rivals as he pushes for holiday rules to be relaxed, according to reports.Rishi Sunak has warned the prime minister that the UK’s travel restrictions are “out of step” with its international rivals as he pushes for holiday rules to be relaxed, according to reports.
The Sunday Times reported that Rishi Sunak has written to Boris Johnson about the damage that the current border rules are doing to the country’s economy, particularly its tourism and hospitality sector.The Sunday Times reported that Rishi Sunak has written to Boris Johnson about the damage that the current border rules are doing to the country’s economy, particularly its tourism and hospitality sector.
He is said to be calling for Britain to take advantage of its successful vaccination programme by opening up further.He is said to be calling for Britain to take advantage of its successful vaccination programme by opening up further.
The No 11 Downing Street incumbent has reportedly told Johnson that the UK’s entry and exit rules are “out of step with our international competitors”.The No 11 Downing Street incumbent has reportedly told Johnson that the UK’s entry and exit rules are “out of step with our international competitors”.
The newspaper quotes a source, who it claims is familiar with the letter, as saying: “Rishi has called time on the travel restrictions.”The newspaper quotes a source, who it claims is familiar with the letter, as saying: “Rishi has called time on the travel restrictions.”
The report comes before ministers are due to meet next week to set the travel rules that will be in place for most of August.The report comes before ministers are due to meet next week to set the travel rules that will be in place for most of August.
Treasury sources did not deny Sunak had written to his Downing Street neighbour but said the communication was not related to next week’s review.Treasury sources did not deny Sunak had written to his Downing Street neighbour but said the communication was not related to next week’s review.
The UK government has faced criticism over changes to its border policy during the coronavirus pandemic, with France the latest to be irked after it was placed on a newly-created “amber-plus” list as part of the so-called traffic light system.The UK government has faced criticism over changes to its border policy during the coronavirus pandemic, with France the latest to be irked after it was placed on a newly-created “amber-plus” list as part of the so-called traffic light system.
The fresh designation, in response to suggestions of growing cases of the Beta variant that was first discovered in South Africa, saw the quarantine exemption for the fully vaccinated scrapped, meaning those returning from France had to quarantine for 10 days.The fresh designation, in response to suggestions of growing cases of the Beta variant that was first discovered in South Africa, saw the quarantine exemption for the fully vaccinated scrapped, meaning those returning from France had to quarantine for 10 days.