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Coronavirus live news: UK chancellor ‘pushes PM to relax holiday rules’; Pfizer and Moderna raise price of Covid jabs for EU, reports say Coronavirus live news: Fauci rules out new US lockdowns; Pfizer and Moderna raise price of Covid jabs for EU, reports say
(32 minutes later)
Latest updates: Rishi Sunak says restrictions ‘out of step’ with international rivals, according to media reports; both vaccine makers raise cost of jabs Latest updates: US chief medical adviser says US won’t return to lockdowns despite rising Delta threat; both vaccine makers raise cost of jabs
In the UK, Labour shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon accused the government of being “in chaos over their border policy” following reports the Chancellor has written to Boris Johnson to call for travel restrictions to be eased.
McMcahon said:
I’m back covering the liveblog for the next hour. Do get in touch if you think I’ve missed anything. My email address is nicola.slawson@theguardian.com.
“I don’t think we’re going to see lockdowns,” said Fauci, who is Chief Medical Avisor to US President Biden.
“I think we have enough of the percentage of people in the country – not enough to crush the outbreak – but I believe enough to not allow us to get into the situation we were in last winter.”
Although Fauci does not think the United States will need to shut down again as it did last year, he warned on ABC that “things are going to get worse” as the Delta variant continues to spread.
An internal report compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the Delta variant spreads much faster, is more likely to infect the vaccinated, and could potentially trigger more severe illness in the unvaccinated compared with all other known variants.
Fauci added: “We have 100 million people in this country who are eligible to be vaccinated who are not getting vaccinated.”
US President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci has told ABC News he does not expect the United States will be returning to lockdowns, despite the growing risks of Covid-19 infections posed by the Delta variant.US President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci has told ABC News he does not expect the United States will be returning to lockdowns, despite the growing risks of Covid-19 infections posed by the Delta variant.
In Italy and France, vaccine passport proposals have prompted thousands to take to the streets – clashing with police in some places – to show their opposition to plans that would require vaccination cards for normal social activities such as dining indoors at restaurants, visiting museums, and cheering in sports stadiums.In Italy and France, vaccine passport proposals have prompted thousands to take to the streets – clashing with police in some places – to show their opposition to plans that would require vaccination cards for normal social activities such as dining indoors at restaurants, visiting museums, and cheering in sports stadiums.
Protests continued in both countries this weekend, with thousands demonstrating in Paris and other French cities on Saturday, while Italy saw marches in Rome, Milan and Naples for a second consecutive week.Protests continued in both countries this weekend, with thousands demonstrating in Paris and other French cities on Saturday, while Italy saw marches in Rome, Milan and Naples for a second consecutive week.
See below for the full story:See below for the full story:
Alex Mistlin here covering Nicola’s lunch break.Alex Mistlin here covering Nicola’s lunch break.
Spotted a mistake? Feel free to get in touch with tips at alex.mistlin@theguardian.comSpotted a mistake? Feel free to get in touch with tips at alex.mistlin@theguardian.com
Several hundred Israelis have demonstrated in Tel Aviv against new coronavirus restrictions and vaccination as positive cases and hospitalisations rise to levels not seen in months.Several hundred Israelis have demonstrated in Tel Aviv against new coronavirus restrictions and vaccination as positive cases and hospitalisations rise to levels not seen in months.
The health ministry reported on Saturday that 2,435 new Covid cases had been recorded the day before – the highest number since March – driven by the more contagious Delta variant.The health ministry reported on Saturday that 2,435 new Covid cases had been recorded the day before – the highest number since March – driven by the more contagious Delta variant.
There were 326 hospitalisations, the highest since April, although well below the January peak when more than 2,000 people were being hospitalised daily.There were 326 hospitalisations, the highest since April, although well below the January peak when more than 2,000 people were being hospitalised daily.
Israel has in recent days rolled out a booster vaccine shot for older citizens, reimposed mask requirements indoors and restored “green pass” restrictions requiring vaccine certificates for entering enclosed spaces such as gyms, restaurants and hotels.Israel has in recent days rolled out a booster vaccine shot for older citizens, reimposed mask requirements indoors and restored “green pass” restrictions requiring vaccine certificates for entering enclosed spaces such as gyms, restaurants and hotels.
The rise in infections is a step back after Israel’s world-leading vaccine campaign drove down new Covid-19 cases from 10,000 a day to fewer than 100.The rise in infections is a step back after Israel’s world-leading vaccine campaign drove down new Covid-19 cases from 10,000 a day to fewer than 100.
Protesters on Saturday flew a banner that read “There’s no pandemic, it’s a con”. They held up placards denouncing coronavirus vaccines, with one poster linking vaccines to the Nazis.Protesters on Saturday flew a banner that read “There’s no pandemic, it’s a con”. They held up placards denouncing coronavirus vaccines, with one poster linking vaccines to the Nazis.
Read more here:Read more here:
Boris Johnson is facing a renewed backlash within his party over the “threat” of domestic vaccine passports, with demands for MPs to be recalled from their holidays to debate the proposal.Boris Johnson is facing a renewed backlash within his party over the “threat” of domestic vaccine passports, with demands for MPs to be recalled from their holidays to debate the proposal.
Andrew Bridgen, one of 43 Conservative MPs 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 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.
The call means cross-party backing is emerging for the Commons to return before September, PA news reports.The call means cross-party backing is emerging for the Commons to return before September, PA news reports.
Last week, the Liberal Democrats, said a change rolled out to the NHS app, allowing users to prove they had been double-jabbed to access domestic settings - as well as for international travel - warranted a recall.Last week, the Liberal Democrats, said a change rolled out to the NHS app, allowing users to prove they had been double-jabbed to access domestic settings - as well as for international travel - warranted a recall.
Conservative grandee Sir David Lidington, who was de facto deputy prime minister under Theresa May, added his voice to growing numbers in the Tory Party who are concerned about the prospect of vaccine passports, which are being used in some European countries, including Denmark and France.Conservative grandee Sir David Lidington, who was de facto deputy prime minister under Theresa May, added his voice to growing numbers in the Tory Party who are concerned about the prospect of vaccine passports, which are being used in some European countries, including Denmark and France.
The former cabinet minister told Times Radio that introducing a “Government certificate of approval” to access certain events would set a “dangerous precedent”.The former cabinet minister told Times Radio that introducing a “Government certificate of approval” to access certain events would set a “dangerous precedent”.
The prime minister has announced that he intends to change the rules in September so that only those who are fully vaccinated can attend nightclubs, in a move designed to increase the take-up of vaccination among young people.The prime minister has announced that he intends to change the rules in September so that only those who are fully vaccinated can attend nightclubs, in a move designed to increase the take-up of vaccination among young people.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), about two-thirds of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose.According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), about two-thirds of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose.
The nightclub stipulations would be stricter than the coronavirus status certificates used at some mass events in recent months, with clubbers not allowed to use proof of a negative Covid-19 test or evidence of having had the virus to gain entry.The nightclub stipulations would be stricter than the coronavirus status certificates used at some mass events in recent months, with clubbers not allowed to use proof of a negative Covid-19 test or evidence of having had the virus to gain entry.
But Johnson was warned by one of his backbenchers that he faced an “embarrassing defeat” if he put the “authoritarian” proposal to a vote in the Commons.But Johnson was warned by one of his backbenchers that he faced an “embarrassing defeat” if he put the “authoritarian” proposal to a vote in the Commons.
North West Leicestershire MP, Bridgen, told LBC:North West Leicestershire MP, Bridgen, told LBC:
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.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 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.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.
Read more here:Read more here:
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: