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Coronavirus live news: new rules for travel in England; New Zealand to phase out elimination strategy Coronavirus live news: new rules for travel in England; New Zealand to phase out elimination strategy
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England’s traffic light system for international travel replaced by one red list; Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will ‘transition’ towards new policyEngland’s traffic light system for international travel replaced by one red list; Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will ‘transition’ towards new policy
Japan’s new prime minister, Fumio Kishida, on Monday called a parliamentary election for 31 October and vowed to bolster the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, shortly after being formally confirmed by lawmakers in the top job, Reuters reports.
Kishida, a 64-year-old former foreign minister with an image as a consensus builder, earlier unveiled a cabinet line-up dominated by allies of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and ex-finance minister Taro Aso.
While Kishida may enjoy a honeymoon period usually afforded new governments by the electorate, political analysts said he probably didn’t want to lose time, given risks posed by the pandemic, and that he first needed to rally his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for the forthcoming election.
His decision to call an election came as a surprise, even though one has to take place by 28 November, as the term of this parliament was due to expire on 21 October. Parliament will now be dissolved on 14 October.
Kishida said he would consider Covid-19 relief payouts, adding he had also instructed ministers overseeing the pandemic response to come up with policies on vaccinations, to strengthen the medical system and to expand testing to help reopen the economy.
He told reporters:
New coronavirus cases in Tokyo on Monday totalled 87, the lowest since 2 November last year.
Kishida’s predecessor Yoshihide Suga enjoyed support ratings of about 70% soon after taking office a year ago, but came under heavy fire over his handling of the pandemic.
Following Suga’s decision to make way for a new face, Kishida beat three contenders for the LDP leadership last week, paving the way for parliament to formally elect him premier on Monday.
Kishida’s cabinet features allies of Abe, Japan’s longest-serving premier, who quit last year citing ill health as his dream of another term faded.
Of the 20 posts, 13 were filled by people with no prior cabinet experience, in line with Kishida’s pledge to promote fresh faces, but many heavyweight jobs went to allies of Abe or of outgoing finance minister Aso.
“He won the election with the support of Abe and Aso, so now it’s time for him to return the favour, it’s not the time for him to cut them off,” said political analyst Atsuo Ito.
One of those closest to Abe, former economy minister Akira Amari, became the ruling party’s powerful secretary-general.
Amari, who has promised a big extra budget after the election, told reporters on Monday it would need to include steps to ameliorate social divisions and Covid-19.
Popular African singers Angelique Kidjo and Davido on Monday called on G20 leaders scheduled to meet later this month to urgently donate coronavirus vaccines to the continent, AFP reports.
In an open letter published by Unicef, a group of influencers warned that only 4% of the continent’s population are fully vaccinated while some wealthy countries have already met or exceeded 70%.
It reads:
Popular Beninese singer and activist Angelique Kidjo said:
Covid-19 deaths are declining almost everywhere except in Africa, where they are rising, the group said.
Nigeria’s Afrobeat popstar David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, also issued a special video message urging vaccine equity. He said:
Other influential Nigerians in business and entertainment joined the call, including musician Femi Kuti and businessman Tony Elumelu.
Around 57 million vaccine doses have been donated so far to Africa by governments and private firms, about three-quarters of the total 77.5 million pledged, according to Unicef.
Thailand’s government is in talks with Merck & Co to buy 200,000 courses of its experimental antiviral pill for Covid treatment, the latest Asian nation to scramble for supplies of the drug after lagging behind western countries for vaccines.Thailand’s government is in talks with Merck & Co to buy 200,000 courses of its experimental antiviral pill for Covid treatment, the latest Asian nation to scramble for supplies of the drug after lagging behind western countries for vaccines.
Somsak Akksilp, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, told Reuters that Thailand is currently working on a purchasing agreement for the antiviral drug, known as molnupiravir. Somsak Akksilp, the director general of the Department of Medical Services, told Reuters that Thailand is currently working on a purchasing agreement for the antiviral drug molnupiravir.
South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia said they are also in talks to buy the potential treatment, while the Philippines, which is running a trial on the pill, said it hopes its domestic study would allow access to the treatment. South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia said they were also in talks to buy the potential treatment, while the Philippines, which is running a trial with the pill, said it hopes its domestic study would allow access to the treatment.
They all declined to provide details on purchase negotiations. They all declined to provide details of purchase negotiations.
The rush to order the drug comes after data from interim clinical trials released on Friday indicated it could reduce by around 50% the chance of hospitalisation or death for patients at risk of severe disease from Covid. The rush to order the drug comes after data from interim clinical trials released on Friday indicated it could reduce by about 50% the chance of hospitalisation or death for patients at risk of severe disease from Covid.
The molnupiravir pills, designed to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus, would be the first oral antiviral medication for Covid.The molnupiravir pills, designed to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus, would be the first oral antiviral medication for Covid.
Many Asian countries want to lock in supplies early after they were hit by tight supplies in their vaccine rollouts this year, putting them behind wealthier countries which bought hundreds of millions of doses. Many Asian countries want to lock in supplies early after they were hit by tight supplies in their vaccine rollouts this year, putting them behind wealthier countries that bought hundreds of millions of doses.
“We are now working on a purchasing agreement with Merck that is expected to be completed by this week ... we have pre-booked 200,000 courses,” Somsak said. He added the pills could arrive as soon as December, though the deal would be subject to the pills’ approval by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Thai regulator. “We are now working on a purchasing agreement with Merck that is expected to be completed by this week ... We have pre-booked 200,000 courses,” Somsak said. He added that the pills could arrive as soon as December, though the deal would be subject to the pills’ approval by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Thai regulator.
Representatives at Merck’s Thailand office were not immediately reachable.Representatives at Merck’s Thailand office were not immediately reachable.
Daily confirmed Covid cases in Thailand fell below 10,000 on Monday for the first time since mid-July. The country has administered 55.5 million doses of Covid vaccines so far, fully inoculating about 31% of the population. The number of daily confirmed Covid cases in Thailand fell below 10,000 on Monday for the first time since mid-July. The country has administered 55.5m doses of Covid vaccines so far, fully inoculating about 31% of the population.
Merck has said it expects to produce 10 million courses of the treatment by the end of 2021. It has a US government contract to supply 1.7 million courses of molnupiravir at a price of $700 per course. Merck has said it expects to produce 10m courses of the treatment by the end of 2021. It has a US government contract to supply 1.7m courses of molnupiravir at a price of $700 (£515) per course.
The company has said it plans a tiered pricing approach based on country income criteria.The company has said it plans a tiered pricing approach based on country income criteria.
In the Philippines, the health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a regular news conference on Monday: “We see we can have more access to this medicine because we have this clinical trial counterpart.” In the Philippines, the health undersecretary, Maria Rosario Vergeire, told a regular news conference on Monday: “We see we can have more access to this medicine because we have this clinical trial counterpart.”
A spokesman for the European Commission said Brussels may launch a joint procurement of the therapy for the bloc, a similar strategy used to buy Covid vaccines, but there was no particular information on Merck’s drug. A spokesperson for the European Commission said Brussels might launch a joint procurement of the therapy for the bloc, a similar strategy used to buy Covid vaccines, but there was no particular information on Merck’s drug.
A German health ministry spokesperson said the government monitors the development of new therapies, but declined to comment on whether Germany plans to order Merck’s pill. A German health ministry spokesperson said the government monitored the development of new therapies, but declined to comment on whether Germany planned to order Merck’s pill.
Senegal logged only two new daily Covid infections on Monday, the lowest number since the pandemic reached the country and two months after the rate of new cases hovered at record highs, the health ministry said.Senegal logged only two new daily Covid infections on Monday, the lowest number since the pandemic reached the country and two months after the rate of new cases hovered at record highs, the health ministry said.
“Two cases were recorded today, the lowest ever recorded,” said health ministry spokesperson Ngone Ngom. “They were in the past seven, 10 cases, but from the top of my head I think this is the lowest.” “Two cases were recorded today, the lowest ever recorded,” said the health ministry spokesperson Ngone Ngom. “They were, in the past, seven, 10 cases, but from the top of my head I think this is the lowest.”
While the number of Covid cases has been relatively low in Senegal compared with elsewhere, the country is emerging from its deadliest wave yet - some 20,000 of its total 73,800 cases and 250 of its 1,860 deaths were recorded in July alone. While the number of Covid cases has been relatively low in Senegal compared with elsewhere, the country is emerging from its deadliest wave yet - about 20,000 of its total 73,800 cases and 250 of its 1,860 deaths were recorded in July alone.
The country of around 17 million people is pressing ahead with vaccinations, but still has a long way to go. The country of approximately 17 million people is pressing ahead with vaccinations, but still has a long way to go.
Vaccinations have more than doubled since the start of July, with the country having administered since then around 730,000 of its total 1.25 million doses used so far. But it remains a far cry from the World Health Organization’s target vaccination rate of 40%. Vaccinations have more than doubled since the start of July, with the country having administered since then about 730,000 of its total 1.25m doses used so far. However, it remains a far cry from the World Health Organization’s target vaccination rate of 40%.
Indonesia will reopen the resort island of Bali to some international travellers next week, a senior minister said, after the pandemic starved the holiday hotspot of one of its primary sources of income, AFP reports.Indonesia will reopen the resort island of Bali to some international travellers next week, a senior minister said, after the pandemic starved the holiday hotspot of one of its primary sources of income, AFP reports.
The island’s Ngurah Rai airport will be open to international travellers from South Korea, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, and New Zealand as of 14 October, the maritime and investment minister, Luhut Panjaitan, told a press conference.The island’s Ngurah Rai airport will be open to international travellers from South Korea, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, and New Zealand as of 14 October, the maritime and investment minister, Luhut Panjaitan, told a press conference.
The partial reopening, however, does not include Australia - a key source of tourists before the pandemic.The partial reopening, however, does not include Australia - a key source of tourists before the pandemic.
“Ngurah Rai airport in Bali will open internationally on 14 October 2021 as long as it meets the provisions and requirements regarding quarantine, Covid-19 tests, and the readiness of the taskforce,” Panjaitan said.“Ngurah Rai airport in Bali will open internationally on 14 October 2021 as long as it meets the provisions and requirements regarding quarantine, Covid-19 tests, and the readiness of the taskforce,” Panjaitan said.
He did not elaborate on whether tourists would be eligible to visit the island or if only those with a residence permit could come.He did not elaborate on whether tourists would be eligible to visit the island or if only those with a residence permit could come.
All international travellers will be required to have proof of hotel booked for a quarantine of at least eight days at their own expense, but it remains unclear what other restrictions may apply beyond that.All international travellers will be required to have proof of hotel booked for a quarantine of at least eight days at their own expense, but it remains unclear what other restrictions may apply beyond that.
Indonesia’s hospitals were overwhelmed by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus and in mid-July it recorded over 56,000 new Covid cases in just one day.Indonesia’s hospitals were overwhelmed by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus and in mid-July it recorded over 56,000 new Covid cases in just one day.
The government announced emergency restrictions in the hardest-hit area, shutting down non-essential businesses and limiting people’s movement.The government announced emergency restrictions in the hardest-hit area, shutting down non-essential businesses and limiting people’s movement.
Bali’s tourism-dependent economy was also badly affected by the pandemic as millions of visitors disappeared from the island.Bali’s tourism-dependent economy was also badly affected by the pandemic as millions of visitors disappeared from the island.
But case numbers are now falling as the government ramps up vaccinations, with the country reporting 922 new Covid cases and 88 deaths on Monday.But case numbers are now falling as the government ramps up vaccinations, with the country reporting 922 new Covid cases and 88 deaths on Monday.
Authorities have begun a steady easing of restrictions as the country sees a decrease in daily confirmed Covid infections and deaths, including in Bali.Authorities have begun a steady easing of restrictions as the country sees a decrease in daily confirmed Covid infections and deaths, including in Bali.
Malls, movie theatres and offices in most cities have begun to reopen at reduced capacity and some schools have begun partial offline learning.Malls, movie theatres and offices in most cities have begun to reopen at reduced capacity and some schools have begun partial offline learning.
Thailand rolled out Covid vaccines to high school students for the first time on Monday, as it seeks to boost its immunisation rate ahead of a planned school reopening next month.Thailand rolled out Covid vaccines to high school students for the first time on Monday, as it seeks to boost its immunisation rate ahead of a planned school reopening next month.
About 88% of high school students aged 12-18 in the capital, Bangkok, had signed up for the vaccine, city authorities said. Nationwide, 3.6 million of more than 5 million eligible students have registered, according to official figures.About 88% of high school students aged 12-18 in the capital, Bangkok, had signed up for the vaccine, city authorities said. Nationwide, 3.6 million of more than 5 million eligible students have registered, according to official figures.
Puwarit Chinnaburanasophon, 16, told Reuters:Puwarit Chinnaburanasophon, 16, told Reuters:
Thailand has vaccinated about 31% of its more than 66 million people and has eased many restrictions in Bangkok, where infection numbers have recently declined.Thailand has vaccinated about 31% of its more than 66 million people and has eased many restrictions in Bangkok, where infection numbers have recently declined.
It is in a rush to boost that inoculation rate so it can safely welcome back foreign visitors following 18 months of restrictions that contributed to the collapse of its vital tourism sector.It is in a rush to boost that inoculation rate so it can safely welcome back foreign visitors following 18 months of restrictions that contributed to the collapse of its vital tourism sector.
Following several other countries, Thailand will administer the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in schools.Following several other countries, Thailand will administer the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in schools.
Bangkok’s governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, hopes the required two doses can be completed by the end of October. “We have high hopes that by that time, the new cases will slow down, so students can return to school again,” he said.Bangkok’s governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, hopes the required two doses can be completed by the end of October. “We have high hopes that by that time, the new cases will slow down, so students can return to school again,” he said.
A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts, AFP reports.A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts, AFP reports.
“The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8 percent in 2021 – up from 8.0% forecasted in March – followed by a 4.7% rise in 2022,” up from 4% previously, the global trade body said.“The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8 percent in 2021 – up from 8.0% forecasted in March – followed by a 4.7% rise in 2022,” up from 4% previously, the global trade body said.
The strong annual growth rate for merchandise trade in 2021 is mainly due to the collapse in 2020, when trade bottomed out in the second quarter.The strong annual growth rate for merchandise trade in 2021 is mainly due to the collapse in 2020, when trade bottomed out in the second quarter.
The rate of growth is expected to moderate as merchandise trade returns to the long-term trend it was on before the Covid-19 crisis.The rate of growth is expected to moderate as merchandise trade returns to the long-term trend it was on before the Covid-19 crisis.
Supply-side issues such as semiconductor scarcity and port backlogs may strain supply chains, but are unlikely to have large impacts on global aggregates, WTO experts said.Supply-side issues such as semiconductor scarcity and port backlogs may strain supply chains, but are unlikely to have large impacts on global aggregates, WTO experts said.
They said the biggest downside risks came from the pandemic itself.They said the biggest downside risks came from the pandemic itself.
“Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery,” said the WTO director general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.“Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery,” said the WTO director general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
While regions with access to Covid jabs and sufficient fiscal space were recovering strongly, poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations were lagging behind, she said.While regions with access to Covid jabs and sufficient fiscal space were recovering strongly, poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations were lagging behind, she said.
The WTO’s 12th ministerial conference is to be held in Geneva from 30 November to 3 December.The WTO’s 12th ministerial conference is to be held in Geneva from 30 November to 3 December.
Okonjo-Iweala has said that one of her main objectives is to push long-blocked trade talks on fishery subsidies across the finish line.Okonjo-Iweala has said that one of her main objectives is to push long-blocked trade talks on fishery subsidies across the finish line.
The Nigerian former finance and foreign minister started her four-year term at the WTO helm in March. She dismissed as “fake news” the reports that she was threatening to resign if no progress was made on major logjams at the global trade body.The Nigerian former finance and foreign minister started her four-year term at the WTO helm in March. She dismissed as “fake news” the reports that she was threatening to resign if no progress was made on major logjams at the global trade body.
The US has seen a dramatic drop in the number of Covid cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks, a trend that epidemiologists see as an encouraging sign that the country’s wave of the Delta variant has peaked.The US has seen a dramatic drop in the number of Covid cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks, a trend that epidemiologists see as an encouraging sign that the country’s wave of the Delta variant has peaked.
The seven-day average of daily new cases in the US dropped from about 151,000 on 14 September to about 106,000 on 29 September, a 29% fall, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The seven-day average of daily new cases in the US dropped from about 151,000 on 14 September to about 106,000 on 29 September, a 29% fall, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of people admitted to hospital with Covid, after some intensive care units were filled to capacity at the peak of the Delta surge, has followed a similar downward trajectory in recent weeks.The number of people admitted to hospital with Covid, after some intensive care units were filled to capacity at the peak of the Delta surge, has followed a similar downward trajectory in recent weeks.
However, while those experts said they did not expect another surge as big as previous ones during the pandemic, they emphasised that the virus remained a significant threat because of the large number of people who have not been vaccinated and the risk of a new variant, possibly even emerging from the unvaccinated population.However, while those experts said they did not expect another surge as big as previous ones during the pandemic, they emphasised that the virus remained a significant threat because of the large number of people who have not been vaccinated and the risk of a new variant, possibly even emerging from the unvaccinated population.
“Will the next surges be as big as this current one? It’s not likely, but it’s possible,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.“Will the next surges be as big as this current one? It’s not likely, but it’s possible,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
The number of vaccinations in the US has slowed at a rate below many of its industrialised peers where the vaccine is widely available. Reasons vary, but include a mix of rightwing and religious opposition and scepticism, fears over safety, and concerns from communities of colour wary of previous racist treatment by American healthcare institutions.The number of vaccinations in the US has slowed at a rate below many of its industrialised peers where the vaccine is widely available. Reasons vary, but include a mix of rightwing and religious opposition and scepticism, fears over safety, and concerns from communities of colour wary of previous racist treatment by American healthcare institutions.
The downward trend in the number of cases can be attributed to increased immunity in the US population because of vaccination or natural infection and because of behaviour change, such as people again wearing masks and avoiding travel or the large gatherings that they participated in before the recent surge, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.The downward trend in the number of cases can be attributed to increased immunity in the US population because of vaccination or natural infection and because of behaviour change, such as people again wearing masks and avoiding travel or the large gatherings that they participated in before the recent surge, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.
The full story is here:The full story is here:
Johnson & Johnson is planning to ask US federal regulators this week to authorise a booster shot of its Covid vaccine, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing officials familiar with the company’s plans.Johnson & Johnson is planning to ask US federal regulators this week to authorise a booster shot of its Covid vaccine, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing officials familiar with the company’s plans.
While scientists are divided over the need for booster shots when so many people in the US and other countries remain unvaccinated, the Biden administration announced the push for an extra dose in August as part of an effort to shore up protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant.While scientists are divided over the need for booster shots when so many people in the US and other countries remain unvaccinated, the Biden administration announced the push for an extra dose in August as part of an effort to shore up protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week scheduled a 15 October meeting of its expert advisory committee to discuss whether to grant emergency use authorisation for a booster shot of J&J’s vaccine.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week scheduled a 15 October meeting of its expert advisory committee to discuss whether to grant emergency use authorisation for a booster shot of J&J’s vaccine.
More than 15 million Americans have received J&J’s vaccine, which is administered as a single dose, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.More than 15 million Americans have received J&J’s vaccine, which is administered as a single dose, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The healthcare conglomerate last month said an additional second shot of its vaccine given about two months after the first increased its effectiveness to 94%, compared with 70% protection after the single dose.The healthcare conglomerate last month said an additional second shot of its vaccine given about two months after the first increased its effectiveness to 94%, compared with 70% protection after the single dose.
J&J declined to comment on the New York Times report and pointed to its press release dated 21 September, saying the company had submitted available data to the US health regulator and intended to submit the data to other regulators.J&J declined to comment on the New York Times report and pointed to its press release dated 21 September, saying the company had submitted available data to the US health regulator and intended to submit the data to other regulators.
The FDA has already authorised a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab for those aged 65 and over, people at high risk of severe disease, and others who are regularly exposed to the virus.The FDA has already authorised a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab for those aged 65 and over, people at high risk of severe disease, and others who are regularly exposed to the virus.
Moderna also submitted its application seeking authorisation for a booster shot of its two-dose vaccine last month, and the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee panel will hold a meeting on 14 October to discuss the additional dose.Moderna also submitted its application seeking authorisation for a booster shot of its two-dose vaccine last month, and the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee panel will hold a meeting on 14 October to discuss the additional dose.
More detail on the overhaul of England’s Covid-19 rules governing international travel, which came into force at 4am on Monday, replacing the traffic-light system, from my colleague Nazia Parveen.More detail on the overhaul of England’s Covid-19 rules governing international travel, which came into force at 4am on Monday, replacing the traffic-light system, from my colleague Nazia Parveen.
A single red list of countries remains, with the previous green and amber countries now classified as the “rest of the world” or “non-red list”. There have also been changes to the testing requirements when returning from a non-red-list country, if fully vaccinated.A single red list of countries remains, with the previous green and amber countries now classified as the “rest of the world” or “non-red list”. There have also been changes to the testing requirements when returning from a non-red-list country, if fully vaccinated.
There is no longer a requirement for fully vaccinated travellers to take a test in the three days before their return from a non-red-list country.There is no longer a requirement for fully vaccinated travellers to take a test in the three days before their return from a non-red-list country.
In addition, from the end of October, they will no longer be required to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival in England or Scotland; instead they will need to take a lateral flow test. If the lateral flow test is positive, they will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test at no additional cost.In addition, from the end of October, they will no longer be required to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival in England or Scotland; instead they will need to take a lateral flow test. If the lateral flow test is positive, they will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test at no additional cost.
For those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, there are currently no changes to the testing or quarantine requirements. This means if they arrive in the UK from any non-red-list country, they will still need to take a pre-departure test, a PCR test on day two and day eight, and quarantine at home for 10 days. If they are arriving in England, they still have the option to use the test-to-release scheme on day five.For those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, there are currently no changes to the testing or quarantine requirements. This means if they arrive in the UK from any non-red-list country, they will still need to take a pre-departure test, a PCR test on day two and day eight, and quarantine at home for 10 days. If they are arriving in England, they still have the option to use the test-to-release scheme on day five.
Requirements for arrivals in the UK from red-list countries remain the same: a pre-departure test and the pre-booking of a mandatory 11-night quarantine hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on day two and day eight, whatever the traveller’s vaccination status.Requirements for arrivals in the UK from red-list countries remain the same: a pre-departure test and the pre-booking of a mandatory 11-night quarantine hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on day two and day eight, whatever the traveller’s vaccination status.
All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status and the country they are travelling from, will still need to complete a passenger locator form any time in the 48 hours before they arrive in the UK.All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status and the country they are travelling from, will still need to complete a passenger locator form any time in the 48 hours before they arrive in the UK.
More changes to travel rules are expected to be announced on Thursday.More changes to travel rules are expected to be announced on Thursday.
Vaccinations have made people more confident to sit in enclosed spaces without masks, the UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has said, prompting scientists to warn that such messages risk complacency, and that mask use is vital in limiting the spread of Covid.Vaccinations have made people more confident to sit in enclosed spaces without masks, the UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has said, prompting scientists to warn that such messages risk complacency, and that mask use is vital in limiting the spread of Covid.
Some scientists said it was important that the messaging on masks was not undermined. Dr Deepti Gurdasani, an epidemiologist at Queen Mary University of London, said it was clearly established that people who were vaccinated could get infected and transmit Covid, and should wear masks in crowded places.Some scientists said it was important that the messaging on masks was not undermined. Dr Deepti Gurdasani, an epidemiologist at Queen Mary University of London, said it was clearly established that people who were vaccinated could get infected and transmit Covid, and should wear masks in crowded places.
Trish Greenhalgh, a GP and professor of primary care health at the University of Oxford, said that while Covid vaccines had been a “game-changer” for the pandemic, vaccinated people should still wear masks at indoor events.Trish Greenhalgh, a GP and professor of primary care health at the University of Oxford, said that while Covid vaccines had been a “game-changer” for the pandemic, vaccinated people should still wear masks at indoor events.
She urged people to take a “belt and braces” approach, adding:She urged people to take a “belt and braces” approach, adding:
Here’s a summary of the Covid news from this morning:Here’s a summary of the Covid news from this morning:
More than half of the midwives currently working in the UK are considering leaving their jobs, according to a new survey of its members by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). Midwives say they are being driven out of the NHS by understaffing linked in part to Covid stresses on the system.More than half of the midwives currently working in the UK are considering leaving their jobs, according to a new survey of its members by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). Midwives say they are being driven out of the NHS by understaffing linked in part to Covid stresses on the system.
Parents in the UK think their child’s behaviour is worse now than before the pandemic, a survey suggests.Parents in the UK think their child’s behaviour is worse now than before the pandemic, a survey suggests.
From today, all British arrivals to India will have to spend 10 days in quarantine, even if they are double-jabbed. They will also have to take a test within 72 hours of travelling to India, along with another test on arrival and a third one eight days later.From today, all British arrivals to India will have to spend 10 days in quarantine, even if they are double-jabbed. They will also have to take a test within 72 hours of travelling to India, along with another test on arrival and a third one eight days later.
Israel is going a step further than most other countries in its mandatory vaccination campaign: citizens will now need a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they want the “green pass” that will allow entry to restaurants, gyms and many other venues.Israel is going a step further than most other countries in its mandatory vaccination campaign: citizens will now need a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they want the “green pass” that will allow entry to restaurants, gyms and many other venues.
All 12- to 15-year-olds in Wales will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of the October half-term, the Welsh health minister has said.All 12- to 15-year-olds in Wales will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of the October half-term, the Welsh health minister has said.
The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced more funding for job creation to boost the economy following the end of Covid furlough payments.The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced more funding for job creation to boost the economy following the end of Covid furlough payments.
European nations are diverging over plans for Covid booster shots, Reuters reports, with some moving ahead and giving the extra jabs even before the region’s drug watchdog rules on whether they are safe and effective.European nations are diverging over plans for Covid booster shots, Reuters reports, with some moving ahead and giving the extra jabs even before the region’s drug watchdog rules on whether they are safe and effective.
Teachers in New York are supposed to be fully vaccinated against Covid as of today, one of the first such mandates for educators in the US.Teachers in New York are supposed to be fully vaccinated against Covid as of today, one of the first such mandates for educators in the US.
Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell and I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell and I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
More than half of the midwives currently working in the UK are considering leaving their jobs, according to a new survey by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). Midwives say they are being driven out of the NHS by understaffing linked in part to Covid stresses on the system. Many are worried that a lack of staff and support means they can’t deliver safe care to women.More than half of the midwives currently working in the UK are considering leaving their jobs, according to a new survey by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). Midwives say they are being driven out of the NHS by understaffing linked in part to Covid stresses on the system. Many are worried that a lack of staff and support means they can’t deliver safe care to women.
The RCM is warning of a “midwife exodus” as it publishes the results of its annual member experiences of work survey. More than half of midwives surveyed said they were considering leaving their job as a midwife, with 57% saying they would leave the NHS in the next year.The RCM is warning of a “midwife exodus” as it publishes the results of its annual member experiences of work survey. More than half of midwives surveyed said they were considering leaving their job as a midwife, with 57% saying they would leave the NHS in the next year.
The RCM described as “alarming” the finding that the highest level of dissatisfaction among those surveyed came from midwives who had only worked for five years or less in the NHS.The RCM described as “alarming” the finding that the highest level of dissatisfaction among those surveyed came from midwives who had only worked for five years or less in the NHS.
They warned that burnout among midwives and all maternity staff was higher than ever, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen an increase in sickness absence adding to a pre-existing shortage of 2,000 midwives in England alone.They warned that burnout among midwives and all maternity staff was higher than ever, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen an increase in sickness absence adding to a pre-existing shortage of 2,000 midwives in England alone.
The RCM’s general secretary and chief executive, Gill Walton, said;The RCM’s general secretary and chief executive, Gill Walton, said;
“What these numbers suggest is a midwife exodus, which will leave already struggling services on their knees. Quite rightly, there is a strong focus on improving maternity safety, but there is a risk that the government is ignoring the essential ingredient to that: having the right staff, in the right place.”“What these numbers suggest is a midwife exodus, which will leave already struggling services on their knees. Quite rightly, there is a strong focus on improving maternity safety, but there is a risk that the government is ignoring the essential ingredient to that: having the right staff, in the right place.”
A report published by NHS Digital in July revealed the number of NHS midwives working in England in May had fallen by almost 300 in just two months. That was the fastest fall for those two months for any of the years listed in the NHS report, which goes back 20 years, says the RCM.A report published by NHS Digital in July revealed the number of NHS midwives working in England in May had fallen by almost 300 in just two months. That was the fastest fall for those two months for any of the years listed in the NHS report, which goes back 20 years, says the RCM.
Parents in the UK think their child’s behaviour is worse now than before the pandemic, a survey suggests.Parents in the UK think their child’s behaviour is worse now than before the pandemic, a survey suggests.
Parents were more likely to say their child was gaming excessively and refusing to do homework compared with before Covid-19, according to a report by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be.Parents were more likely to say their child was gaming excessively and refusing to do homework compared with before Covid-19, according to a report by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be.
About half of the 900 parents surveyed said they felt isolated during the pandemic and a similar number felt overwhelmed or anxious about parenting.About half of the 900 parents surveyed said they felt isolated during the pandemic and a similar number felt overwhelmed or anxious about parenting.
Overall, 18% of parents said they think their child’s behaviour is worse now than before the pandemic.Overall, 18% of parents said they think their child’s behaviour is worse now than before the pandemic.
The most common concerning behaviours cited by parents included children spending too much time gaming (20%), feeling anxious (18%), having meltdowns (17%) and having trouble sleeping (17%).The most common concerning behaviours cited by parents included children spending too much time gaming (20%), feeling anxious (18%), having meltdowns (17%) and having trouble sleeping (17%).
Catherine Roche, the chief executive of Place2Be, said: “We all want the best for our children, but being a parent can be really tough, and this has been exacerbated over the past year and a half by the pandemic.Catherine Roche, the chief executive of Place2Be, said: “We all want the best for our children, but being a parent can be really tough, and this has been exacerbated over the past year and a half by the pandemic.
“Through our frontline work in schools, we’ve spoken with countless parents and carers who have seen changes in their children’s behaviour and are worried about the impact on them.”“Through our frontline work in schools, we’ve spoken with countless parents and carers who have seen changes in their children’s behaviour and are worried about the impact on them.”
The findings come as the charity is launching Parenting Smart, an online resource with practical advice for parents and carers of primary age children.The findings come as the charity is launching Parenting Smart, an online resource with practical advice for parents and carers of primary age children.
As the UK changes the rules on travel in and out of the country, some other nations are still wary of British visitors. From today, all British arrivals to India will have to spend 10 days in quarantine even if they are double-jabbed. They will also have to take a test within 72 hours of travelling to India, along with another test on arrival and a third one eight days later.As the UK changes the rules on travel in and out of the country, some other nations are still wary of British visitors. From today, all British arrivals to India will have to spend 10 days in quarantine even if they are double-jabbed. They will also have to take a test within 72 hours of travelling to India, along with another test on arrival and a third one eight days later.
The ministry of health and family welfare said it had been introduced “considering the trajectory of Covid-19 cases” in the UK and the “presence of all four variants of concern”.The ministry of health and family welfare said it had been introduced “considering the trajectory of Covid-19 cases” in the UK and the “presence of all four variants of concern”.
Israel is going a step further than most other countries in its mandatory vaccination campaign – citizens will now need a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they want the “green pass” that will allow entry to restaurants, gyms and many other venues.Israel is going a step further than most other countries in its mandatory vaccination campaign – citizens will now need a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they want the “green pass” that will allow entry to restaurants, gyms and many other venues.
Reuters reports that from tomorrow, store owners or event organisers will have to scan a customer’s digital barcode before allowing entry. There will be some exemptions, such as museums and libraries.Reuters reports that from tomorrow, store owners or event organisers will have to scan a customer’s digital barcode before allowing entry. There will be some exemptions, such as museums and libraries.
The new green pass is being issued to those who received three shots or recently recovered from Covid-19, replacing a previous system that required just two shots. It raises the bar for what the government considers full immunisation.The new green pass is being issued to those who received three shots or recently recovered from Covid-19, replacing a previous system that required just two shots. It raises the bar for what the government considers full immunisation.
Israel was an early adopter of Pfizer/BioNtech booster shots – administering them to members of risk groups in July and by the end of August to anyone above the age of 12. Its campaign is being watched closely by other countries.Israel was an early adopter of Pfizer/BioNtech booster shots – administering them to members of risk groups in July and by the end of August to anyone above the age of 12. Its campaign is being watched closely by other countries.
About 37% of Israel’s 9.4 million population has received a booster shot. The number of Covid-19 patients hospitalised in serious condition has been dropping in recent days, as has the number of confirmed daily cases, which fell to below 4,000 after topping 10,000 last month.About 37% of Israel’s 9.4 million population has received a booster shot. The number of Covid-19 patients hospitalised in serious condition has been dropping in recent days, as has the number of confirmed daily cases, which fell to below 4,000 after topping 10,000 last month.
All 12- to 15-year-olds in Wales will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of the October half-term, the Welsh health minister has said.All 12- to 15-year-olds in Wales will be offered a Covid vaccine by the end of the October half-term, the Welsh health minister has said.
The BBC reports that the rollout is due to gather pace this week with all health boards providing jabs, mostly at mass vaccination centres and others in schools.The BBC reports that the rollout is due to gather pace this week with all health boards providing jabs, mostly at mass vaccination centres and others in schools.
Some of the most vulnerable children have already received the vaccine.Some of the most vulnerable children have already received the vaccine.