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Covid live news: Alberta facing ‘crisis of the unvaccinated’; China has vaccinated 1bn people Covid live news: Alberta facing ‘crisis of the unvaccinated’; China has vaccinated 1bn people
(32 minutes later)
Warnings Alberta facing collapse of healthcare system; Figures for people aged 16 to 24 in UK take in those who have been infected or vaccinated; more than 70% of China’s population now fully vaccinatedWarnings Alberta facing collapse of healthcare system; Figures for people aged 16 to 24 in UK take in those who have been infected or vaccinated; more than 70% of China’s population now fully vaccinated
More than one in five UK adults under 40 have still not received a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, figures show.
Latest estimates for the percentage of 18 to 39-year-olds who are unvaccinated range from 21% in Scotland to 25% in Northern Ireland, with 22% in England and 23% in Wales.
In total, 4.2 million adults under 40 have yet to have their first dose, according to figures for vaccinations delivered up to September 15. This includes nearly 2.7 million people aged 18 to 29.
First doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been available for everyone aged 18 and over since the end of June.
The figures have been published by the UK’s four health agencies, PA news reports. They suggest there is still a large minority of young adults reluctant to have the vaccine, despite a host of initiatives to encourage take-up, including publicity campaigns, pop-up vaccination centres and discounts from businesses.
Large cities in England continue to be areas with particularly high levels of unvaccinated young adults. Birmingham has the highest estimated percentage of unjabbed 18 to 29-year-olds (50.3%), according to analysis by the PA news agency.
The next highest is Coventry (48.8%), followed by the London borough of Islington (45.8%), Liverpool (45.7%) and Nottingham (44.0%).
The Italian government has approved a decree making it obligatory for all public and private sector workers either to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from infection, a government source said on Thursday.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting and is due to come into force on 15 October.
The move is aimed at persuading people to get inoculated and blunt contagion in one of the countries worst-hit by the virus.
Alberta’s premier has announced sweeping new restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus, admitting the Canadian province was gripped by a “crisis of the unvaccinated”.Alberta’s premier has announced sweeping new restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus, admitting the Canadian province was gripped by a “crisis of the unvaccinated”.
The new measures marked a major reversal from Jason Kenney’s hands-off approach to the pandemic previously, and come amid warnings from frontline medical workers that the province’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.The new measures marked a major reversal from Jason Kenney’s hands-off approach to the pandemic previously, and come amid warnings from frontline medical workers that the province’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
Kenney admitted as much when he outlined the province’s new restrictions, telling the public that Alberta may run out of intensive-care beds and staff to care for ICU patients within 10 days.Kenney admitted as much when he outlined the province’s new restrictions, telling the public that Alberta may run out of intensive-care beds and staff to care for ICU patients within 10 days.
Alberta currently has the worst coronavirus outbreak in Canada.Alberta currently has the worst coronavirus outbreak in Canada.
Kenney, whose government consists of moderate and far-right conservatives, has previously resisted vaccine passport systems, citing privacy concerns. But on Wednesday evening, he admitted he had little choice.Kenney, whose government consists of moderate and far-right conservatives, has previously resisted vaccine passport systems, citing privacy concerns. But on Wednesday evening, he admitted he had little choice.
He said:He said:
Beginning late this month, Albertans must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test for restaurants, bars and indoor organized events. Businesses that choose not to ask for vaccination status will have a separate, more strict set of regulations they must follow. For example, if restaurants opt out of the vaccine passport system, they must close their indoor dining rooms and limit outdoor service to tables of six people, all of whom must be from the same household.Beginning late this month, Albertans must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test for restaurants, bars and indoor organized events. Businesses that choose not to ask for vaccination status will have a separate, more strict set of regulations they must follow. For example, if restaurants opt out of the vaccine passport system, they must close their indoor dining rooms and limit outdoor service to tables of six people, all of whom must be from the same household.
Kenney said:Kenney said:
Read more here:Read more here:
Following the decision by the US president, Joe Biden, to introduce a vaccine mandate for millions of workers, and the UK’s decision to row back on its push to require vaccine passports for nightclubs and other crowded events, where does the issue of insisting on vaccination stand globally?Following the decision by the US president, Joe Biden, to introduce a vaccine mandate for millions of workers, and the UK’s decision to row back on its push to require vaccine passports for nightclubs and other crowded events, where does the issue of insisting on vaccination stand globally?
My colleague Peter Beaumont has the answers:My colleague Peter Beaumont has the answers:
Italy reported 67 coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose to 5,117 from 4,830.Italy reported 67 coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose to 5,117 from 4,830.
Italy has registered 130,167 deaths linked to Covid-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the eighth-highest in the world. The country has reported 4.62m cases to date.Italy has registered 130,167 deaths linked to Covid-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the eighth-highest in the world. The country has reported 4.62m cases to date.
Patients in hospital with the virus – not including those in intensive care – stood at 4,018 on Thursday, down from 4,128 a day earlier.Patients in hospital with the virus – not including those in intensive care – stood at 4,018 on Thursday, down from 4,128 a day earlier.
There were 30 new admissions to intensive care units, down from 32 on Wednesday. The total number of intensive care patients fell to 531 from a previous 540.There were 30 new admissions to intensive care units, down from 32 on Wednesday. The total number of intensive care patients fell to 531 from a previous 540.
In the past day 306,267 tests for Covid-19 were carried out, compared with a previous 317,666, the health ministry said.In the past day 306,267 tests for Covid-19 were carried out, compared with a previous 317,666, the health ministry said.
Singapore’s health ministry reported 910 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, the highest since May last year.Singapore’s health ministry reported 910 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, the highest since May last year.
A recent rise in cases after the relaxation of some measures has prompted Singapore to pause on further reopening.A recent rise in cases after the relaxation of some measures has prompted Singapore to pause on further reopening.
More than 80% of its population has been vaccinated against the virus, Reuters reports.More than 80% of its population has been vaccinated against the virus, Reuters reports.
Alberta in Canada may run out of intensive-care beds and staff to care for ICU patients within 10 days, said the province’s premier, Jason Kenney, as he declared a state of public health emergency.Alberta in Canada may run out of intensive-care beds and staff to care for ICU patients within 10 days, said the province’s premier, Jason Kenney, as he declared a state of public health emergency.
To try to tackle the surge in cases, Alberta is introducing a number of restrictions including banning indoor private social gatherings for unvaccinated people over 12; limiting indoor gatherings for those who are vaccinated; requiring all staff and most students to wear masks in school and ordering people to work from home, the Globe and Mail reports.To try to tackle the surge in cases, Alberta is introducing a number of restrictions including banning indoor private social gatherings for unvaccinated people over 12; limiting indoor gatherings for those who are vaccinated; requiring all staff and most students to wear masks in school and ordering people to work from home, the Globe and Mail reports.
In a press conference, Kenney said the government made a mistake when it decided over the summer to treat Covid-19 as an “endemic” illness like the flu.In a press conference, Kenney said the government made a mistake when it decided over the summer to treat Covid-19 as an “endemic” illness like the flu.
He said:He said:
On Wednesday, my colleague Leyland Cecco reported on the situation in Alberta, which you can read here:On Wednesday, my colleague Leyland Cecco reported on the situation in Alberta, which you can read here:
An overhaul of the rules for international travel to England is expected to be announced on Friday, the PA Media agency understands.An overhaul of the rules for international travel to England is expected to be announced on Friday, the PA Media agency understands.
It has been reported that the green and amber lists will be merged to form one category of low-risk countries, while the number of destinations on the red list will be reduced.It has been reported that the green and amber lists will be merged to form one category of low-risk countries, while the number of destinations on the red list will be reduced.
There is also speculation that fully vaccinated arrivals will no longer need to take a pre-departure lateral flow test or a post-arrival PCR test. This would save travellers about £100 per trip.There is also speculation that fully vaccinated arrivals will no longer need to take a pre-departure lateral flow test or a post-arrival PCR test. This would save travellers about £100 per trip.
Currently, travellers who have not had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine must take one PCR test and are not required to self-isolate after arriving from a green list destination.Currently, travellers who have not had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine must take one PCR test and are not required to self-isolate after arriving from a green list destination.
According to reports, they could be required to quarantine at home and be required to take two tests when arriving from a low-risk location under the new system.According to reports, they could be required to quarantine at home and be required to take two tests when arriving from a low-risk location under the new system.
The changes would come into force ahead of the October half-term break.The changes would come into force ahead of the October half-term break.
The transport secretary Grant Shapps’ expected announcement on Friday will only apply to England, but recently the devolved administrations have implemented rule changes for travel announced in Westminster.The transport secretary Grant Shapps’ expected announcement on Friday will only apply to England, but recently the devolved administrations have implemented rule changes for travel announced in Westminster.
It is anticipated that people arriving from red list countries will continue to be required to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel, at a cost of £2,285 for solo travellers.It is anticipated that people arriving from red list countries will continue to be required to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel, at a cost of £2,285 for solo travellers.
There are currently 62 countries on that list, but this is expected to be reduced.There are currently 62 countries on that list, but this is expected to be reduced.
The travel sector has been desperate for the testing and quarantine rules for international travel to be relaxed. Heathrow said this week it had gone from being Europe’s busiest airport in 2019 to No 10 on the list, behind rivals in cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt.The travel sector has been desperate for the testing and quarantine rules for international travel to be relaxed. Heathrow said this week it had gone from being Europe’s busiest airport in 2019 to No 10 on the list, behind rivals in cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt.
Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said his main rival in Monday’s election had adopted a lax approach to fighting Covid and shown weak leadership, Reuters reports.
Opinion polls show Trudeau’s Liberals are tied with the right-of-center Conservatives of Erin O’Toole and look set to fall well short in their bid to win a parliamentary majority.
Trudeau noted that O’Toole had praised Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s decision earlier in the year to quickly lift public health restrictions in his western province, prompting cases to soar.
Kenney on Wednesday apologised for mishandling the pandemic, saying he would introduce vaccine passports.
“The choices that leaders make in a crisis matter ... just a few days ago Mr O’Toole was still applauding Mr Kenney for his management of the pandemic,” Trudeau told reporters in Montreal.
“That’s not the leadership we need in Ottawa to end this pandemic for good,” added Trudeau, who backs mandatory Covid jabs.
How to handle coronavirus has become a political challenge for O’Toole. He favours inoculations but says he prefers rapid testing rather than vaccination mandates.
The Conservatives could also see support leak to the rightwing People’s party of Canada (PPC), which is feeding into public anger over vaccinations and lockdowns.
In a tweet, the PPC leader, Maxime Bernier, hit out at Kenney over his vaccine passport announcement. Bernier said he would go to the province “to join Albertans in their fight against this despot”.
Trudeau triggered the election two years ahead of time, seeking to benefit from his handling of the pandemic, but the Liberals could not shrug off voter fatigue.
Ireland is to donate 1m doses to Covax, the global vaccine-sharing scheme.
Announcing the move, Ireland’s minister for health, Stephen Donnelly, said:
Iran’s new government has approved a vaccine developed by US firm Johnson & Johnson, Reuters reports citing a senior official.
The announcement came eight months after the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, banned imports of vaccines made by the United States and Britain – though Iran has since accepted vaccines developed by western firms but manufactured elsewhere.
President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration is under public pressure to broaden its sources of vaccines as infections mount in the deadliest wave it has seen.
“The Johnson & Johnson single-dose corona vaccine has been approved,” the head of Iran’s food and drug administration, Mohammad Reza Shanehsaz, was quoted as saying by Iranian media.
He did not say where the vaccine would be produced or refer to the ban.
In January, Khamenei banned the government from importing Covid vaccines from the US and Britain, saying both countries were “untrustworthy”. He later said the ban was on vaccines made in those countries.
On Thursday, Shanehsaz said Russia’s single-component Sputnik Light vaccine had also been approved. “Fortunately, the basket of the corona vaccines registered in Iran has become very diverse and large,” he added.
Iran is trying to speed up vaccinations by using imported doses – including Sputnik V, India’s Covaxin made by Bharat Biotech, and the British-developed Oxford/AstraZeneca shot produced by Russia’s R-Pharm group and AstraZeneca-SKBio in South Korea. Iran also uses its own COVIran Barekat shot.
The health ministry says 13 million out of a population of 83 million have been fully inoculated.
The ministry on Thursday reported 18,021 new infections in the past 24 hours, bringing total cases to 5,378,408 in Iran, the worst-hit country in the Middle East. Deaths rose by 453 to 116,072.
Vaccinations are estimated to have directly averted about 230,800 hospital admissions in England, according to new figures.
Some 178,900 admissions have been prevented among those aged 65 years and over, with a further 51,900 among people aged 45 to 64, PA Media reports.
The estimates, which have been calculated by Public Health England and Cambridge University, cover the period up to 5 September.
A total of 89% of all people aged 16 and over in England have now received one dose of vaccine, while 81% are fully vaccinated.Vaccine take-up continues to be lower among younger age groups, however.
Some 83% of 30 to 39-year-olds in England have now had one jab, along with just 73% of people aged 18 to 29. Estimates for the number of deaths prevented by vaccinations in England are unchanged at 112,300.
Separate figures from Public Health England show the rate of new cases of Covid-19 is falling in all regions.
North-east England has the highest rate, with 369.6 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to 12 September, down from 385.7.
London has the lowest rate at 211.7, down from 250.9. Case rates are also falling in most age groups, except for five to nine-year-olds, where they have jumped from 347.1 to 382.0 cases per 100,000 people.
The highest rate is among 10 to 19-year-olds, with a rate of 597.4 in the seven days to 12 September, down from 696.2. The lowest rate is among people aged 80 and over, at 105.1, down from 118.7.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said there were still high levels of infection in the community.
The NHS officially launched its booster campaign on Thursday, in which millions of eligible people will be offered a Pfizer vaccine, or in some cases a half-dose of Moderna.
Scotland has reported a further 26 deaths from Covid. This is just below Wednesday’s total of 30, but above the previous seven-day average of 14.
Thursday’s figures for new cases in Scotland are not yet available.
In Northern Ireland, 1,071 new cases and five new deaths were reported.
In the US, the Biden administration has said vaccine boosters will be available starting next week, but there are still many hurdles to overcome before that becomes possible.
Last month, the president and his pandemic response team said booster shots would be made available to those who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines starting the week of 20 September. Health experts are recommending that Americans receive a booster shot eight months after their second vaccine dose.
However, now it seems that only Pfizer shots will be ready by the administration’s target date, and there has been international criticism of the proposal, given how many people in the world have not yet received their first dose.
Our US politics live blog has more:
France has suspended 3,000 health workers without pay for refusing the Covid vaccine.
The health minister, Olivier Véran, said the staff had been notified in writing before the government-imposed deadline to have at least one dose.
Véran said “several dozen” had resigned rather than have the vaccine, but with an estimated 2.7 million health workers in France, “continued healthcare is assured”, he said.
In July the president, Emmanuel Macron, told staff at hospitals, retirement and care homes as well as those in the fire service they had until 15 September to be partially or fully vaccinated.
The French health authority, Santé Publique, estimates fewer than 12% of hospital staff and about 6% of doctors in private practice have not been vaccinated.
Currently just under 47 million French people aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated, representing 81.4% of the population; 86.1% have received at least one jab.
Véran told RTL radio:
Read the full story here:
The UK faces “two backlogs” after the Covid pandemic, the health secretary has said.
Sajid Javid told an event in Blackpool that one backlog was the NHS waiting lists, which have risen to a record 5.5 million people, but the second is “a social backlog in mental health and public health”.
He said:
Spain will give a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to nursing home residents, organ transplant recipients and other vulnerable groups, the health ministry said on Thursday.
Cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiotherapy and people with health conditions that require immunosuppressive treatment would also be eligible for a booster dose, the ministry said.