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Covid live: Germany to end quarantine pay for unvaccinated workers; no plans to relax France health pass restrictions Covid live: Germany to end quarantine pay for unvaccinated workers; no plans to relax France health pass restrictions
(32 minutes later)
Draft document suggests new Germany rules would come into force from 11 October; French government says coronavirus situation improvingDraft document suggests new Germany rules would come into force from 11 October; French government says coronavirus situation improving
England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has told MPs this afternoon that the Covid transmission rate is currently highest among children compared to all age groups.
He also said almost all 12- to 15-year-olds would get infected at some point. He said:
All children in that age group will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine after Whitty and his colleagues said last week that children would benefit from reduced disruption to their education.
Whitty said that the recommendation focused purely on the benefit to children aged between 12 and 15, and had not been made for political reasons or for the benefit of more vulnerable adults.
In Spain, the tourism group Globalia will speak to its unions to reach an alternative furlough agreement if the government fails to extend its Covid furlough programme.
Spain’s furlough scheme is set to end at the end of September and Globalia, which owns airline Air Europa, will propose furloughs “for organisational and productive reasons” to around 9,000 employees across the group.
It owns various companies, including Be Live Hotels and handling firm Groundforce, reports Reuters.
Earlier this week, airline Iberia - which recently bought Air Europa in a cut-price deal - also announced that it would propose a furlough to its employees, under similar conditions, should Spain’s force majeure government scheme not be prolonged.
Air travel to Spain has slowly begun to recover in recent months with 5 million international passengers arriving in August, according to official data released on Monday, soaring by 172% from a year ago, but less than half compared with pre-pandemic levels.
Earlier we brought you the news that Brazil’s health minister Marcelo Queiroga tested positive for the coronavirus in New York after president Jair Bolsonaro spoke at the UN general assembly on Tuesday.Earlier we brought you the news that Brazil’s health minister Marcelo Queiroga tested positive for the coronavirus in New York after president Jair Bolsonaro spoke at the UN general assembly on Tuesday.
Queiroga shook hands with UK prime minister Boris Johnson as part of a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the assembly. Here is the video of said handshake...Queiroga shook hands with UK prime minister Boris Johnson as part of a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the assembly. Here is the video of said handshake...
Other members of Brazil’s government in New York tested negative for the virus, a statement said.Other members of Brazil’s government in New York tested negative for the virus, a statement said.
Ukraine is planning to make coronavirus vaccinations mandatory for certain professions, including teachers and employees of state institutions and local governments,Ukraine is planning to make coronavirus vaccinations mandatory for certain professions, including teachers and employees of state institutions and local governments,
The country’s health minister Oleh Lyashko said on Wednesday that the new requirements would be brought in after a final decision by the ministry in coming days. He said:The country’s health minister Oleh Lyashko said on Wednesday that the new requirements would be brought in after a final decision by the ministry in coming days. He said:
It came as Ukraine begins tightening its lockdown restrictions from Thursday after a significant increase in the number of new Covid cases.It came as Ukraine begins tightening its lockdown restrictions from Thursday after a significant increase in the number of new Covid cases.
It has imposed a nationwide “yellow” code which restricts mass spectator events and imposes restrictions on venues such as gyms and cinemas.It has imposed a nationwide “yellow” code which restricts mass spectator events and imposes restrictions on venues such as gyms and cinemas.
Schools, universities and companies with fully vaccinated staff are allowed to work without restrictions.Schools, universities and companies with fully vaccinated staff are allowed to work without restrictions.
Meanwhile, in the United States, a medical professor who is opposed to mask and vaccine mandates and attacked concern over the pandemic as “Covid mania” has been named as Florida’s new surgeon general.Meanwhile, in the United States, a medical professor who is opposed to mask and vaccine mandates and attacked concern over the pandemic as “Covid mania” has been named as Florida’s new surgeon general.
Dr Joseph Ladapo, who likened the eating of fruit and vegetables to the benefits of vaccination, has been appointed to the role by Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Republican governor.Dr Joseph Ladapo, who likened the eating of fruit and vegetables to the benefits of vaccination, has been appointed to the role by Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Republican governor.
Mr DeSantis himself has railed against restrictions placed upon day-to-day life to dampen the Covid pandemic and has sought to block funding for schools in the state that have attempted to make students wear masks to stop the spread of the virus that has killed more than 675,000 people in the US since the pandemic began.Mr DeSantis himself has railed against restrictions placed upon day-to-day life to dampen the Covid pandemic and has sought to block funding for schools in the state that have attempted to make students wear masks to stop the spread of the virus that has killed more than 675,000 people in the US since the pandemic began.
Ladapo is a Harvard-trained doctor who was until recently a researcher at UCLA. His new position for the state government will come alongside a new position he has accepted at the University of Florida College of Medicine.Ladapo is a Harvard-trained doctor who was until recently a researcher at UCLA. His new position for the state government will come alongside a new position he has accepted at the University of Florida College of Medicine.
At a press conference on Tuesday to mark his appointment, Lapado said he would “reject fear” in his dealing with the pandemic. He added:At a press conference on Tuesday to mark his appointment, Lapado said he would “reject fear” in his dealing with the pandemic. He added:
Global Covid cases have fallen in the past week, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed.Global Covid cases have fallen in the past week, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed.
There were 3.6 million new cases reported around the world last week, down from 4 million new infections the previous week.There were 3.6 million new cases reported around the world last week, down from 4 million new infections the previous week.
The drop marks the first significant fall in cases for more than two months. Most pertinently, cases fell across every world region, the Associated Press reported.The drop marks the first significant fall in cases for more than two months. Most pertinently, cases fell across every world region, the Associated Press reported.
In the WHO’s latest update on the pandemic released on Tuesday, it said there were major decreases in cases in two regions, specifically a 22% fall in the Middle East and a 16% drop in Southeast Asia.In the WHO’s latest update on the pandemic released on Tuesday, it said there were major decreases in cases in two regions, specifically a 22% fall in the Middle East and a 16% drop in Southeast Asia.
The UN health agency said there were just under 60,000 deaths in the past week, marking 7% decline, while Southeast Asia reported a 30% decrease in Covid deaths.The UN health agency said there were just under 60,000 deaths in the past week, marking 7% decline, while Southeast Asia reported a 30% decrease in Covid deaths.
The most coronavirus cases were seen in renowned hotspots US, India, Britain, Turkey and the Philippines.The most coronavirus cases were seen in renowned hotspots US, India, Britain, Turkey and the Philippines.
WHO also said the faster-spreading Delta variant has now been seen in 185 countries and exists in every part of the world.WHO also said the faster-spreading Delta variant has now been seen in 185 countries and exists in every part of the world.
Health authorities in Germany are planning new rules under which unvaccinated workers would not receive compensation for lost pay if coronavirus measures forced them to quarantine.Health authorities in Germany are planning new rules under which unvaccinated workers would not receive compensation for lost pay if coronavirus measures forced them to quarantine.
In a draft document seen by the Reuters news agency, it showed the rules would come into force from October 11 at the latest.In a draft document seen by the Reuters news agency, it showed the rules would come into force from October 11 at the latest.
While the rules would affect people who test positive for the virus, they would also include those returning from trips to countries designated “high risk” for Covid, including Britain, Turkey and parts of France.While the rules would affect people who test positive for the virus, they would also include those returning from trips to countries designated “high risk” for Covid, including Britain, Turkey and parts of France.
In Germany, critics have claimed the rules would be equivalent to a mandate for Covid vaccinations because many workers cannot afford to stay at home without pay.In Germany, critics have claimed the rules would be equivalent to a mandate for Covid vaccinations because many workers cannot afford to stay at home without pay.
Laws regulating data privacy are especially tough in Germany because of its history of Nazi and Communist state surveillance of citizens. Employers usually have no right to ask staff for information about their health issues.Laws regulating data privacy are especially tough in Germany because of its history of Nazi and Communist state surveillance of citizens. Employers usually have no right to ask staff for information about their health issues.
Like many other European countries, vaccinations are not compulsory in Germany but authorities have been taking measures that make it increasingly inconvenient to be unvaccinated. But the country’s health minister Jens Spahn said the proposed rules were a matter of fairness, adding:Like many other European countries, vaccinations are not compulsory in Germany but authorities have been taking measures that make it increasingly inconvenient to be unvaccinated. But the country’s health minister Jens Spahn said the proposed rules were a matter of fairness, adding:
The number of cycling trips made by women in England rose by more than 50% in 2020, official statistics have shown, as the quieter roads of lockdown seemingly helped to tempt a demographic known to be more wary of traffic danger on to their bikes.The number of cycling trips made by women in England rose by more than 50% in 2020, official statistics have shown, as the quieter roads of lockdown seemingly helped to tempt a demographic known to be more wary of traffic danger on to their bikes.
While for men there was a 12% overall rise in the average number of cycle “stages” – rides that formed part of a greater journey – made by each person in 2020 compared with the year before, for women the increase was 56%, Department for Transport (DfT) statistics show.While for men there was a 12% overall rise in the average number of cycle “stages” – rides that formed part of a greater journey – made by each person in 2020 compared with the year before, for women the increase was 56%, Department for Transport (DfT) statistics show.
Overall, men still cycled more on average over the year, as has long been the case. However, while in 2019 men cycled almost three times as many stages as women, in 2020 this fell to twice as many.Overall, men still cycled more on average over the year, as has long been the case. However, while in 2019 men cycled almost three times as many stages as women, in 2020 this fell to twice as many.
A DfT report introducing the figures notes that studies have shown women are consistently more likely than men to believe that roads are too dangerous to cycle on, and that amid the lockdown of 2020, motor vehicle traffic was 21% lower across England compared with the year before.A DfT report introducing the figures notes that studies have shown women are consistently more likely than men to believe that roads are too dangerous to cycle on, and that amid the lockdown of 2020, motor vehicle traffic was 21% lower across England compared with the year before.
In Australia, police in Melbourne have again fired non-lethal rounds and teargas at anti-Covid lockdown protesters to end an almost three-hour standoff at the city’s war memorial during a third straight day of demonstrations.In Australia, police in Melbourne have again fired non-lethal rounds and teargas at anti-Covid lockdown protesters to end an almost three-hour standoff at the city’s war memorial during a third straight day of demonstrations.
More than 200 people were arrested. Two officers were injured by bottles thrown at them and one was hospitalised with chest pains, Victoria police said. Earlier, up to 400 protesters had camped on the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance, lighting flares and throwing bottles, batteries, tap handles and golf balls at police.More than 200 people were arrested. Two officers were injured by bottles thrown at them and one was hospitalised with chest pains, Victoria police said. Earlier, up to 400 protesters had camped on the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance, lighting flares and throwing bottles, batteries, tap handles and golf balls at police.
The protests that have seized Australia’s second-largest city for days had their genesis with members of the powerful Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), who were resisting a government mandate for compulsory coronavirus vaccinations for workers on building sites.The protests that have seized Australia’s second-largest city for days had their genesis with members of the powerful Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), who were resisting a government mandate for compulsory coronavirus vaccinations for workers on building sites.
But the initial rally appears to have since been hijacked by far-right extremists, allegedly including neo-Nazis and anti-vaccination groups, who have organised via Telegram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Comments circulating on social media channels, seen by the Guardian, are explicitly racist, antisemitic, and include conspiracy theorist tropes.But the initial rally appears to have since been hijacked by far-right extremists, allegedly including neo-Nazis and anti-vaccination groups, who have organised via Telegram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Comments circulating on social media channels, seen by the Guardian, are explicitly racist, antisemitic, and include conspiracy theorist tropes.
France has no plans at this stage to relax its health pass restrictions set up to deal with a fourth wave of Covid infections.France has no plans at this stage to relax its health pass restrictions set up to deal with a fourth wave of Covid infections.
The remarks were made by French government spokesman Gabriel Attal on Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported.The remarks were made by French government spokesman Gabriel Attal on Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported.
Attal also told a news conference after a cabinet meeting that the coronavirus health situation was improving in France.Attal also told a news conference after a cabinet meeting that the coronavirus health situation was improving in France.
Amnesty International has accused six pharmaceutical companies that have developed Covid vaccines of fuelling a global human rights crisis, citing their refusal to sufficiently waive intellectual property rights, share vaccine technology and boost global vaccine supply.Amnesty International has accused six pharmaceutical companies that have developed Covid vaccines of fuelling a global human rights crisis, citing their refusal to sufficiently waive intellectual property rights, share vaccine technology and boost global vaccine supply.
After assessing the performance of six Covid vaccine developers – Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax – Amnesty International claims that all are failing to uphold their own human rights commitments and warns they should not be putting profit before the lives of people in the world’s poorest countries.After assessing the performance of six Covid vaccine developers – Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Novavax – Amnesty International claims that all are failing to uphold their own human rights commitments and warns they should not be putting profit before the lives of people in the world’s poorest countries.
Less than 1% of the almost 6bn doses of Covid vaccine administered worldwide have gone to low-income countries, with almost 80% delivered to wealthy countries. Despite calls to ensure a fair global vaccine supply, some companies have continued to disproportionally distribute vaccines to wealthy countries, according to Amnesty’s report, published today.Less than 1% of the almost 6bn doses of Covid vaccine administered worldwide have gone to low-income countries, with almost 80% delivered to wealthy countries. Despite calls to ensure a fair global vaccine supply, some companies have continued to disproportionally distribute vaccines to wealthy countries, according to Amnesty’s report, published today.
Agnès Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International, said:Agnès Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International, said:
Hello, I’m Tom Ambrose and will be keeping you updated on the day’s breaking Covid headlines throughout the afternoon.Hello, I’m Tom Ambrose and will be keeping you updated on the day’s breaking Covid headlines throughout the afternoon.
We start with the news that the Joe Biden is reportedly set to announce that the US is doubling its purchase of Pfizer’s coronavirus shots.We start with the news that the Joe Biden is reportedly set to announce that the US is doubling its purchase of Pfizer’s coronavirus shots.
It is to share with the world up to 1bn doses as he works towards vaccinating 70% of the global population within the next year. The Associated Press reports:It is to share with the world up to 1bn doses as he works towards vaccinating 70% of the global population within the next year. The Associated Press reports:
At least 160m shots supplied by the US have been distributed to more than 100 countries, representing more donations than the rest of the world combined.At least 160m shots supplied by the US have been distributed to more than 100 countries, representing more donations than the rest of the world combined.
The UK has announced plans for a “vaccine swap” with South Korea. The UK will send over 1m doses of its Pfizer/BioNTech stockpile to South Korea in the coming weeks as the country attempts to fully vaccinate 70% of its population by the end of October.The UK has announced plans for a “vaccine swap” with South Korea. The UK will send over 1m doses of its Pfizer/BioNTech stockpile to South Korea in the coming weeks as the country attempts to fully vaccinate 70% of its population by the end of October.
Brazil’s health minister Marcelo Queiroga shook hands with maskless British prime minister Boris Johnson at the UN before testing positive for Covid. Marcelo Queiroga, who sat close to Johnson and the UK foreign secretary Liz Truss on Monday during their meeting with Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro, confirmed his positive test on Twitter alongside a picture of himself wearing a mask. He was also filmed shaking hands with Johnson.Brazil’s health minister Marcelo Queiroga shook hands with maskless British prime minister Boris Johnson at the UN before testing positive for Covid. Marcelo Queiroga, who sat close to Johnson and the UK foreign secretary Liz Truss on Monday during their meeting with Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro, confirmed his positive test on Twitter alongside a picture of himself wearing a mask. He was also filmed shaking hands with Johnson.
A no-fly zone has been declared over Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, amid a third day of anti-lockdown protests. Police asked the aviation authority to declare the no-fly zone for operational and safety reasons.A no-fly zone has been declared over Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, amid a third day of anti-lockdown protests. Police asked the aviation authority to declare the no-fly zone for operational and safety reasons.
Australia’s tourism minister said the country is on track to reopen its borders “by Christmas at the latest”. Dan Tehan said on Wednesday during a National Press Club of Australia talk: “I do empathise with the Australians who have been denied the opportunity to travel overseas this year.”Australia’s tourism minister said the country is on track to reopen its borders “by Christmas at the latest”. Dan Tehan said on Wednesday during a National Press Club of Australia talk: “I do empathise with the Australians who have been denied the opportunity to travel overseas this year.”
The UK environment secretary George Eustice says the UK will pay “tens of millions” to support a CO2 producer as the country struggles with the ongoing energy crisis. He said it is going to cost the UK “many millions, possibly tens of millions” over the next three weeks.The UK environment secretary George Eustice says the UK will pay “tens of millions” to support a CO2 producer as the country struggles with the ongoing energy crisis. He said it is going to cost the UK “many millions, possibly tens of millions” over the next three weeks.
That’s it from me for today. Handing over now to my colleague Tom Ambrose. Thanks for reading!That’s it from me for today. Handing over now to my colleague Tom Ambrose. Thanks for reading!