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Covid live news: EU pledges 200m more jabs to other countries; France health worker vaccine rule comes into effect Covid live: EU pledges 200m more jabs to other countries; Italy to make ‘Green Pass’ mandatory for private sector
(32 minutes later)
EU to share millions of jabs to speed up global immunisation; French health workers must now be vaccinated EU to share millions of jabs to speed up global immunisation; Italy set to make a vaccination pass mandatory for both public and private sector workers
Italy is to make a Covid-19 ‘Green Pass’ mandatory for public and private sector workers, a minister said on Wednesday, becoming the first European country to do so as it tries to accelerate vaccination rates and stamp out infections.
The pass, a digital or paper certificate showing someone has received at least one vaccine dose, tested negative or recently recovered from the virus, was originally conceived to ease travel among EU states.
But Italy was among a group of countries that also made it an internal requirement for people to access venues such as museums, gyms and indoor dining in restaurants, Reuters reports.
Regional affairs minister Mariastella Gelmini said on state radio that a cabinet meeting on Thursday would be “an important moment” in extending the obligatory use of the document.
Italy has also gradually extended use of the pass in the workplace, despite frictions over the issue in prime minister Mario Draghi’s national unity coalition. Gelmini said the government was now ready to go further.
She told RAI radio:
Italy has the second-highest Covid-19 death toll in Europe after Britain and the eighth-highest in the world. Around 73% of its 60-million-strong population have had at least one Covid shot, and 65% are fully vaccinated, figures broadly in line with most other European Union countries.
Thursday’s cabinet meeting may be a tense one. Right-wing leader Matteo Salvini, leader of the co-ruling League, has repeatedly resisted extending the use of the Green Pass, but his party is internally split on the issue.
It remains to be seen if the government will go as far as pre-announced by Gelmini, who is from Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative Forza Italia party.
Opponents of the Green Pass say it tramples on freedoms and is a back-door way of forcing people to vaccinate. Talk of making it mandatory for public sector workers alone had already triggered muted protests, which would probably be stronger if it were extended to private firms.
Several other European countries use the health pass for leisure activities and travel, but none has made it mandatory for all public or private sector workers.
A surge in coronavirus cases has pushed the healthcare system in the Canadian province of Alberta to the verge of collapse, as healthcare workers struggle against mounting exhaustion and a growing anti-vaccine movement in the region.A surge in coronavirus cases has pushed the healthcare system in the Canadian province of Alberta to the verge of collapse, as healthcare workers struggle against mounting exhaustion and a growing anti-vaccine movement in the region.
The province warned this week that its ICU capacity was strained, with more people requiring intensive care than any other point during the pandemic – nearly all of them unvaccinated.The province warned this week that its ICU capacity was strained, with more people requiring intensive care than any other point during the pandemic – nearly all of them unvaccinated.
“It’s not easy to go to work everyday and watch people in their 30s die,” an ICU nurse in Edmonton told the Guardian. “Having to help a family say goodbye and then going through the actions that are required at the end of someone’s life, is worse than anyone can imagine.”“It’s not easy to go to work everyday and watch people in their 30s die,” an ICU nurse in Edmonton told the Guardian. “Having to help a family say goodbye and then going through the actions that are required at the end of someone’s life, is worse than anyone can imagine.”
Alberta has long boasted of its loose coronavirus restrictions – including advertising the previous months as the “best summer ever” as it rolled back those few restrictions. It has also been the site of North America’s highest caseloads.Alberta has long boasted of its loose coronavirus restrictions – including advertising the previous months as the “best summer ever” as it rolled back those few restrictions. It has also been the site of North America’s highest caseloads.
In a province with a long history of skepticism towards government, the pandemic has become fertile ground for protests and anti-vaccine rhetoric, including from elected officials, firefighters and police officers. During the ongoing federal election, the People’s Party of Canada, a fringe rightwing party that has come out against public health measures has seen its largest support base in rural Alberta.In a province with a long history of skepticism towards government, the pandemic has become fertile ground for protests and anti-vaccine rhetoric, including from elected officials, firefighters and police officers. During the ongoing federal election, the People’s Party of Canada, a fringe rightwing party that has come out against public health measures has seen its largest support base in rural Alberta.
That skepticism towards masks and vaccines has come at a steep cost, say frontline workers.That skepticism towards masks and vaccines has come at a steep cost, say frontline workers.
On Monday, more than 60 infectious-disease doctors wrote a letter to premier Jason Kenney, warning of a catastrophic outcome if the province didn’t address the escalating caseload.On Monday, more than 60 infectious-disease doctors wrote a letter to premier Jason Kenney, warning of a catastrophic outcome if the province didn’t address the escalating caseload.
“Our healthcare system is truly on the precipice of collapse,” the physicians wrote. “Hospitals and ICUs across the province are under enormous strain and have reached a point where it is unclear if, or for how much longer, we can provide safe care for Albertans.”“Our healthcare system is truly on the precipice of collapse,” the physicians wrote. “Hospitals and ICUs across the province are under enormous strain and have reached a point where it is unclear if, or for how much longer, we can provide safe care for Albertans.”
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
As Covid-19 swept through India last year, there was one state that was always seen to stand out in its handling of the pandemic.As Covid-19 swept through India last year, there was one state that was always seen to stand out in its handling of the pandemic.
The “Kerala model” became a byword for success in containing the virus, named after a series of measures introduced early on by the south Indian state, including rigorous and focused testing, containment, community support and contact tracing. The state boasted the lowest death toll from the virus and Kerala’s now-ousted health minister, KK Shailaja, became known as the “Covid slayer” and was named Vogue India’s woman of the year.The “Kerala model” became a byword for success in containing the virus, named after a series of measures introduced early on by the south Indian state, including rigorous and focused testing, containment, community support and contact tracing. The state boasted the lowest death toll from the virus and Kerala’s now-ousted health minister, KK Shailaja, became known as the “Covid slayer” and was named Vogue India’s woman of the year.
Yet as India’s nationwide Covid cases have fallen to record lows after the devastating second wave in April, Kerala’s cases have consistently remained high since mid-May. Last week, the state accounted for almost 70% of India’s new Covid-19 cases and the state’s positivity rate continues to hover at about 17%.Yet as India’s nationwide Covid cases have fallen to record lows after the devastating second wave in April, Kerala’s cases have consistently remained high since mid-May. Last week, the state accounted for almost 70% of India’s new Covid-19 cases and the state’s positivity rate continues to hover at about 17%.
“Almost 68% of total cases in the last week were from Kerala. We’re still witnessing the second surge, it’s not over,” said national health secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, last week.“Almost 68% of total cases in the last week were from Kerala. We’re still witnessing the second surge, it’s not over,” said national health secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, last week.
While there are signs that cases in Kerala are finally tailing off – new cases have now fallen by 13%, the first significant drop in weeks – questions have remained over how why the state has remained a hub of the virus. Kerala’s high cases also have been heavily politicised, with figures from the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) recently accusing the Communist-run Kerala state government of having a “model of mismanagement” for the pandemic.While there are signs that cases in Kerala are finally tailing off – new cases have now fallen by 13%, the first significant drop in weeks – questions have remained over how why the state has remained a hub of the virus. Kerala’s high cases also have been heavily politicised, with figures from the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) recently accusing the Communist-run Kerala state government of having a “model of mismanagement” for the pandemic.
Read more here:Read more here:
The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
Republican lawmakers in over half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News. A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health.Republican lawmakers in over half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News. A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health.
The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.
Singapore has reported its highest one-day Covid case total in more than a year, with 837 cases recorded on Tuesday. In response to the growing outbreak, the government has paused reopening plans and reimposed some restrictions.Singapore has reported its highest one-day Covid case total in more than a year, with 837 cases recorded on Tuesday. In response to the growing outbreak, the government has paused reopening plans and reimposed some restrictions.
The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response, David Nabarro, has praised the UK’s approach of “learning to live with the virus” but criticised the government for giving booster shots and doses to 12- to 15-year-olds.The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response, David Nabarro, has praised the UK’s approach of “learning to live with the virus” but criticised the government for giving booster shots and doses to 12- to 15-year-olds.
The European Union is donating an additional 200m vaccine doses to other countries in a bid to speed up global immunisation. EU chief executive Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to add to the 250m doses already promised with a further 200m doses by the middle of next year.The European Union is donating an additional 200m vaccine doses to other countries in a bid to speed up global immunisation. EU chief executive Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to add to the 250m doses already promised with a further 200m doses by the middle of next year.
The US is pushing for global leaders to support a target to get 70% of the world’s population vaccinated against Covid by 2022 in a bid to end the pandemic, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.The US is pushing for global leaders to support a target to get 70% of the world’s population vaccinated against Covid by 2022 in a bid to end the pandemic, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
The UK health secretary Sajid Javid has said that people in the public eye should be “very careful with their language” after Nicki Minaj drew widespread condemnation for spreading Covid misinformation on Twitter.The UK health secretary Sajid Javid has said that people in the public eye should be “very careful with their language” after Nicki Minaj drew widespread condemnation for spreading Covid misinformation on Twitter.
Javid has said there are “no risk-free decisions” as he defended the government’s “sensible” autumn and winter plan. Asked why the government has not immediately introduced its more restrictive “plan B” amid warnings of a surge in hospitalisations, he told Sky News that although it is “right for the government to reassure people we have a plan”, vaccines are the “first line of defence”.Javid has said there are “no risk-free decisions” as he defended the government’s “sensible” autumn and winter plan. Asked why the government has not immediately introduced its more restrictive “plan B” amid warnings of a surge in hospitalisations, he told Sky News that although it is “right for the government to reassure people we have a plan”, vaccines are the “first line of defence”.
That’s it from me for now. Handing over to my colleague Nicola. Thanks for reading.That’s it from me for now. Handing over to my colleague Nicola. Thanks for reading.
The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”.The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”.
Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
She also announced a new donation of a further 200m vaccine doses by the middle of next year to non-EU countries (see 08:38).She also announced a new donation of a further 200m vaccine doses by the middle of next year to non-EU countries (see 08:38).
But she said she is also concerned by the varying vaccination rates with the EU, reports Reuters.But she said she is also concerned by the varying vaccination rates with the EU, reports Reuters.
She said there will be a rebound in 19 EU economies to their pre-pandemic size this year with others to follow next year. But she warned that the coming year will be “another test of character” for the EU.She said there will be a rebound in 19 EU economies to their pre-pandemic size this year with others to follow next year. But she warned that the coming year will be “another test of character” for the EU.
Republican lawmakers in more than half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News.Republican lawmakers in more than half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News.
A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health. In three additional states longstanding public health powers have been removed by other means.A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health. In three additional states longstanding public health powers have been removed by other means.
It also found that in all 50 states legislators have proposed bills to curb public health powers.It also found that in all 50 states legislators have proposed bills to curb public health powers.
In Arkansas, mask mandates were banned except for in private businesses or state-run health care settings and branded “a burden on the public peace, health and safety of the citizens of this state”. In Idaho, county commissioners can veto countywide public health orders.In Arkansas, mask mandates were banned except for in private businesses or state-run health care settings and branded “a burden on the public peace, health and safety of the citizens of this state”. In Idaho, county commissioners can veto countywide public health orders.
President Joe Biden last week announced vaccination mandates and other coronavirus measures and said he was forced to do so in part by this kind of legislation.President Joe Biden last week announced vaccination mandates and other coronavirus measures and said he was forced to do so in part by this kind of legislation.
He said:He said:
The director general of the World Health Organization has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.The director general of the World Health Organization has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.
Speaking at an Invest Africa debate, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday: “The distribution of vaccines has been terribly unfair.” Adding that many African countries are still without sufficient access and that less than 2% of the world’s vaccines have been distributed to the continent.Speaking at an Invest Africa debate, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday: “The distribution of vaccines has been terribly unfair.” Adding that many African countries are still without sufficient access and that less than 2% of the world’s vaccines have been distributed to the continent.
He said the WHO aims to support African countries to reach 40% vaccination by the end of the year.He said the WHO aims to support African countries to reach 40% vaccination by the end of the year.
He said:He said:
He called on businesses to do everything they can to fight the pandemic, to support building industry for vaccines and other medical products in Africa and to seek support for building stronger health systems in the continent.He called on businesses to do everything they can to fight the pandemic, to support building industry for vaccines and other medical products in Africa and to seek support for building stronger health systems in the continent.
He added:He added:
Dr Tedros said the impact of Covid-19 goes far beyond the virus and has “taken a heavy toll on lives and livelihoods”. He added that inflation is “rampant”, millions have lost their jobs and that tourism has slowed, factors which are having a “destabilising impact on the economic stability and security of our continent and prospects for its young people.”Dr Tedros said the impact of Covid-19 goes far beyond the virus and has “taken a heavy toll on lives and livelihoods”. He added that inflation is “rampant”, millions have lost their jobs and that tourism has slowed, factors which are having a “destabilising impact on the economic stability and security of our continent and prospects for its young people.”
Although he said cases in Africa have been declining for several weeks, “the pandemic is not over yet” and that “no country can afford to let down its guard”.Although he said cases in Africa have been declining for several weeks, “the pandemic is not over yet” and that “no country can afford to let down its guard”.
Global coronavirus news will continue here. For UK politics and coronavirus news, please follow Andrew Sparrow’s liveblog which is now up and running:Global coronavirus news will continue here. For UK politics and coronavirus news, please follow Andrew Sparrow’s liveblog which is now up and running:
One in 500 Americans have died from coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, reports CNN.One in 500 Americans have died from coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, reports CNN.
The broadcaster cites Johns Hopkins University data reporting that so far 663,913 people in the US have died and US Census Bureau data calculating the US populating at 331.4 million.The broadcaster cites Johns Hopkins University data reporting that so far 663,913 people in the US have died and US Census Bureau data calculating the US populating at 331.4 million.
Russia has reported 18,841 new coronavirus cases and 792 deaths in the past 24 hours.Russia has reported 18,841 new coronavirus cases and 792 deaths in the past 24 hours.
Cases in Singapore are soaring, writes Helen Sullivan:Cases in Singapore are soaring, writes Helen Sullivan: