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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 news: EU pledges 200m more jabs to other countries; France health worker vaccine rule comes into effect
(32 minutes later)
EU to share millions of jabs to speed up global immunisation; French health workers must now be vaccinatedEU to share millions of jabs to speed up global immunisation; French health workers must now be vaccinated
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.
“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.
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.
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.”
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:
West Virginia was once one of the leading US states in rolling out Covid-19 vaccinations, writes Melody Schreiber. Now it is one of the least vaccinated, with the fastest-growing rate of infections in the country.
The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response 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.
He also warned the government must be ready to move quickly from plan a to plan b if infections surge.
David Nabarro told Sky News:
He added:
The UK health secretary has said there will not be a “single trigger” for bringing in more stringent Covid measures, known as plan B, but that the government is reviewing the situation “daily”.
Sajid Javid told BBC Radio 4’s Today that together with the NHS the government will be watching “a number of measures” including hospitalisations, pressure on A&E, ambulance services and staffing levels
He added: “On a daily basis we are working on those, reviewing that with the NHS. At the same time we’re looking at how we can improve capacity and how we can do further measures that will provide protection.”
Asked why Conservative MPs are not setting an example by wearing masks, he said coronavirus protection is about “not just one particular measure”.
He also suggested that many MPs will not wear masks at Conservative party conference next month and said he does not think vaccine passports will be necessary for the mass gathering.
He said: “I’m sure many of them will wear masks … but many also will be vaccinated, many also will be taking tests.”
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, reports Reuters.
“Our first and most urgent priority is to speed up global vaccination,” she told the European parliament in Strasbourg.
“We have already committed to share 250m doses of vaccine. I can announce today that our mission will add a new donation of another 200m doses until 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 US document addressed to attendees of a virtual summit planned for the sidelines of the UN general assembly, seen by Reuters, countries with “relevant capabilities” are asked to donate an additional billion vaccine doses and speed up delivery of the 2bn already promised.
The White House deputy press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, has confirmed the 70% vaccination target, but did not give further details. The New York Times reports that summit invitations to world leaders were sent last week.
The document reportedly calls for richer countries to ensure at least $3bn to be made available this year and $7bn next year to fund vaccine readiness and to target vaccine hesitancy. Other targets include making sure that at least one in 1,000 people are tested each week before the end of this year.
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 rapper attracted criticism from Prof Chris Whitty on Tuesday after claiming on Twitter that her cousin’s friend was made impotent by the Covid vaccine.
Javid told Sky News: “I don’t want to draw attention to such ridiculous tweets.” But he added that people in the public eye should be “very careful with their language”.
The UK health secretary, Sajid 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”.
He added: “This is all working and has allowed us to make the gains we have in the last few months and return almost to normal.”
While Javid said “we’ve got to remain cautious”, he insisted the government has got a “good plan A”.
“What we’ve announced is well thought through and it is the act of a responsible government to say this is out plan … but just in case things don’t go this way we have to have another plan,” he added.
He said there is going to be “the biggest flu vaccination programme this country has ever seen” and that he wants to increase vaccine uptake.
When asked why they are not adopting the more stringent plan b measures after Sage warned there could be 2,000-7,000 Covid hospitalisations a day in England next month unless the government urgently implements a “basket of measures”, he said “there is no risk-free decision”.
He insisted that the government has “made huge progress” since the start of the year and comparing now and this time last year he said “the big difference, this is huge, are the vaccines”.
He refused to identify specific numbers that would lead to the adoption of plan b but said a new variant would be of “significant concern” and that they would be monitoring factors including hospitalisations and pressures on A&E and the workforce.
Even in a normal winter without Covid he said it can get “very tough” for hospitals. But he said: “Like anyone else, as we remove measures, I want them to be irreversible”
Asked why he and other cabinet members were not wearing masks in a photo he defended not taking such precautious with his colleagues, saying “they’re not strangers”. But he admitted that “of course people are influenced by others”.
Hi, I’m looking after the global coronavirus blog for the next few hours. Please get in touch with any tips or suggestions: miranda.bryant@guardian.co.uk
The French government faces a standoff with tens of thousands of health workers and carers Wednesday over a new rule requiring them to receive a Covid-19 vaccine or face suspension without pay, AFP reports.
Starting on Wednesday, hospital staff, ambulance drivers, retirement home workers, private doctors, fire service members and people caring for the elderly or infirm in their homes – 2.7 million people in total – must be able to prove they have had at least one shot of a vaccine.
President Emmanuel Macron issued the ultimatum two months ago, but tens of thousands of carers remain unvaccinated.
One of France’s biggest public sector unions, the hardline CGT, has warned of a “health catastrophe” if the government suspends large numbers of health workers and bars private-sector doctors from practising.
Defiant health workers have joined opponents of a new coronavirus “health pass” required for entry to restaurants, cafes and museums at weekly protests held across France in the past two months.
On Tuesday, a few hundred people attended a union-led demonstration outside the health ministry in Paris.
Idaho’s public health officials say crisis standards of care are imminent for the state’s most populated region as hospitals continue to be overrun with unvaccinated coronavirus patients, AP reports. The south-western and southern Idaho regions that include Boise and Twin Falls may get official authorisation to begin rationing health care – a step intended to ensure the patients most likely to survive are given access to scarce resources like intensive care unit beds – any day now, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare director Dave Jeppesen said Tuesday.“We continue to set new records each week,” said Jeppesen about coronavirus hospitalizations. “We do not see a peak in sight.”Hospitals in the northern half of the state were given permission to begin rationing care last week, when Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene was forced to begin treating some patients in a field hospital set up in a conference centre instead of regular hospital rooms.“Nearly all the metrics we track are trending in the wrong direction,” when it comes to coronavirus, deputy state epidemiologist Dr Kathryn Turner said.On 11 September, the state had more than 600 patients hospitalised with Covid, far beyond last winter’s peak when 466 people were hospitalised. Coronavirus patients in intensive care units and on ventilators are also setting record highs in the state. The vast majority of them – more than 91% – are not vaccinated against coronavirus.
Hello and welcome to today’s live coronavirus coverage.
The French government faces a standoff with tens of thousands of health workers and carers on Wednesday over a new rule requiring them to receive a Covid-19 vaccine or face suspension without pay.
Starting on Wednesday, hospital staff, ambulance drivers, retirement home workers, private doctors, fire service members and people caring for the elderly or infirm in their homes – 2.7 million people in total – must be able to prove they have had at least one shot of a vaccine.
Meanwhile, Idaho’s public health officials say crisis standards of care are imminent for the state’s most populated region as hospitals continue to be overrun with unvaccinated coronavirus patients.
More on these stories shortly. In the meantime here are the other key recent developments:
The WHO warned that Africa has been left behind the rest of the world because of vaccine inequality, with its head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying rich countries and pharmaceuticals have held up efforts to fairly distribute vaccines.
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, is self-isolating after cases of coronavirus were detected among close contacts. The Kremlin has said that he will no longer travel to Tajikistan this week as planned for regional security meetings and will instead do them by video conference. He will self-isolate for “a certain period”, the Kremlin said.
Turkey reported its highest number of cases since May and a near-record 276 deaths.
A WHO official said the vaccine hub established in South Africa may need a year to replicate the Moderna vaccine, as talks with the company on sharing information have not progressed.
Mauritius is battling an explosion of coronavirus cases. Hospitals are overwhelmed, ventilators in short supply and cemeteries are running out of space.
The UK vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi, has said he is hopeful that the over-50s booster campaign will be the “last piece of the jigsaw” for ending lockdowns, as the government announced its winter plan for dealing with the coronavirus. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said it hoped the boosters would top up immunity. MRNA vaccines are being recommended, regardless of which vaccine was originally administered.
Sierra Leone has ended a curfew in place since early July after infections dropped to single figures over the past few weeks.
A Republican governor in the US, Kim Reynolds, has said she will appeal a temporary order by a federal judge allowing schools in Iowa to make face masks mandatory amid coronavirus. Meanwhile, in Florida, governor Ron DeSantis has threatened to fine cities and counties that force employees to get coronavirus vaccines.