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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
(32 minutes later)
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
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has not ruled out unemployment rising now the furlough scheme has ended. But he told Sky News this morning that the government is “throwing the kitchen sink” at helping people find new roles and learn new skills.The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has not ruled out unemployment rising now the furlough scheme has ended. But he told Sky News this morning that the government is “throwing the kitchen sink” at helping people find new roles and learn new skills.
When it was put to him that there might be “significant rises” in unemployment now the scheme has come to a close, he said: “I said right at the beginning of this crisis it wasn’t going to be possible for me, or quite frankly any chancellor, to save every single person’s job.When it was put to him that there might be “significant rises” in unemployment now the scheme has come to a close, he said: “I said right at the beginning of this crisis it wasn’t going to be possible for me, or quite frankly any chancellor, to save every single person’s job.
“But what I do know is that the interventions we put in place have made an enormous difference.”“But what I do know is that the interventions we put in place have made an enormous difference.”
The chancellor added: “I think the plan is working. Now of course some people have sadly lost their jobs and will lose their job.The chancellor added: “I think the plan is working. Now of course some people have sadly lost their jobs and will lose their job.
“But that’s why I want them to be reassured that we are throwing literally the kitchen sink at helping them get a new job, new skills, new opportunities and we know that’s been working over the past 12 to 18 months and that’s why we’re doing more of it today.”“But that’s why I want them to be reassured that we are throwing literally the kitchen sink at helping them get a new job, new skills, new opportunities and we know that’s been working over the past 12 to 18 months and that’s why we’re doing more of it today.”
European nations are diverging over plans for Covid booster shots, Reuters reports, with some moving ahead and giving the extra jabs even 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 even before the region’s drug watchdog rules on whether they are safe and effective.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is due to give its opinion on boosters later today – but Italy, France, Germany and Ireland are among those countries that have already started to administer booster shots.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is due to give its opinion on boosters later today – but Italy, France, Germany and Ireland are among those countries that have already started to administer booster shots.
The push towards boosters will further stir the ongoing debate over whether rich countries should give extra jabs while poorer nations still struggle to access supplies.The push towards boosters will further stir the ongoing debate over whether rich countries should give extra jabs while poorer nations still struggle to access supplies.
The World Health Organization has called on countries to delay boosters until more people around the world have been inoculated.The World Health Organization has called on countries to delay boosters until more people around the world have been inoculated.
One problem is the disparity in vaccination rates, with eastern Europe falling behind its neighbours.One problem is the disparity in vaccination rates, with eastern Europe falling behind its neighbours.
The EU’s infectious diseases centre warned last week that the region’s coverage of vaccines was still too low and there was a risk of a significant surge in cases, hospitalisations and deaths over the next six weeks.The EU’s infectious diseases centre warned last week that the region’s coverage of vaccines was still too low and there was a risk of a significant surge in cases, hospitalisations and deaths over the next six weeks.
Only 61% of the total EU population have been fully vaccinated, and only three countries – Malta, Portugal, Iceland – have vaccinated more than 75% of their total population, it said.Only 61% of the total EU population have been fully vaccinated, and only three countries – Malta, Portugal, Iceland – have vaccinated more than 75% of their total population, it said.
That compares with less than a quarter of the population in Bulgaria.That compares with less than a quarter of the population in Bulgaria.
If the EMA gives its backing for the Pfizer booster, the 27-member bloc will join the US, Britain and Israel, which have already received the green light to administer them.If the EMA gives its backing for the Pfizer booster, the 27-member bloc will join the US, Britain and Israel, which have already received the green light to administer them.
Those have relied on data from Israel where boosters are being offered to the whole population showing that more than 1.1 million people aged 60 and older received a booster dose of Pfizer, resulting in a decline in overall infections as well as severe illness from Covid-19 in that group.Those have relied on data from Israel where boosters are being offered to the whole population showing that more than 1.1 million people aged 60 and older received a booster dose of Pfizer, resulting in a decline in overall infections as well as severe illness from Covid-19 in that group.
Many vaccine experts say the data so far only suggest a need for boosters in older adults and people with compromised immune systems.Many vaccine experts say the data so far only suggest a need for boosters in older adults and people with compromised immune systems.
A decision by the EMA is expected today, although the regulator is unlikely to provide detailed guidance on who should receive a booster shot.A decision by the EMA is expected today, although the regulator is unlikely to provide detailed guidance on who should receive a booster shot.
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.
The city mayor, Bill de Blasio, has warned that unvaccinated employees will be placed on unpaid leave and not allowed to work, with plans for substitutes to cover them where needed.The city mayor, Bill de Blasio, has warned that unvaccinated employees will be placed on unpaid leave and not allowed to work, with plans for substitutes to cover them where needed.
De Blasio said 90% of Department of Education employees had received at least one vaccine dose, including 93% of teachers.De Blasio said 90% of Department of Education employees had received at least one vaccine dose, including 93% of teachers.
The vaccination mandate has been the subject of an ongoing legal battle It was supposed to go into effect last week but was delayed when a federal appeals court granted a temporary injunction. An appeals panel reversed that decision three days later.The vaccination mandate has been the subject of an ongoing legal battle It was supposed to go into effect last week but was delayed when a federal appeals court granted a temporary injunction. An appeals panel reversed that decision three days later.
Teachers and other school employees who had sued over the school vaccine mandate asked the US supreme court on Thursday for an emergency injunction blocking its implementation. The request was denied on Friday.Teachers and other school employees who had sued over the school vaccine mandate asked the US supreme court on Thursday for an emergency injunction blocking its implementation. The request was denied on Friday.
A similar mandate is set to go into effect in Los Angeles on 15 October, the Associated Press agency reports.A similar mandate is set to go into effect in Los Angeles on 15 October, the Associated Press agency reports.
Mark Cannizzaro, president of the Council of Schools Supervisors and Administrators, said that despite a surge in vaccinations last week, some principals can’t find enough staff to replace unvaccinated workers.Mark Cannizzaro, president of the Council of Schools Supervisors and Administrators, said that despite a surge in vaccinations last week, some principals can’t find enough staff to replace unvaccinated workers.
“While we’re thankful that the percentage of vaccinated staff has increased systemwide since the deadline was extended, there are still too many school leaders that have been unable to find qualified substitutes for Monday,” Cannizzaro said.“While we’re thankful that the percentage of vaccinated staff has increased systemwide since the deadline was extended, there are still too many school leaders that have been unable to find qualified substitutes for Monday,” Cannizzaro said.
Cody Miller, a 15-year-old sophomore at a high school in Manhattan, said teachers should all be vaccinated. “I think they should,” said the teen, who got vaccinated himself as soon as the Pfizer shot was approved for people 12 and up. “It’s so many kids, it’s a big environment, you know?”Cody Miller, a 15-year-old sophomore at a high school in Manhattan, said teachers should all be vaccinated. “I think they should,” said the teen, who got vaccinated himself as soon as the Pfizer shot was approved for people 12 and up. “It’s so many kids, it’s a big environment, you know?”
But Mally Diroche, a Bronx parent, had mixed feelings. “I kind of feel like that’s a decision they should be able to make on their own,” said the mother of three boys between three and 12. Diroche, 29, said she feels that masks and other precautions can check the virus’ spread within schools.But Mally Diroche, a Bronx parent, had mixed feelings. “I kind of feel like that’s a decision they should be able to make on their own,” said the mother of three boys between three and 12. Diroche, 29, said she feels that masks and other precautions can check the virus’ spread within schools.
Some educators have reservations about the mandate but are complying.Some educators have reservations about the mandate but are complying.
Maurice Jones, 46, a support staff member at a Manhattan middle school, said he got vaccinated months ago but he sympathises with co-workers who have not gotten the shots. “If they’ve got to get tested more they’ve got to get tested more,” Jones said. “I don’t think they should lose their job.”Maurice Jones, 46, a support staff member at a Manhattan middle school, said he got vaccinated months ago but he sympathises with co-workers who have not gotten the shots. “If they’ve got to get tested more they’ve got to get tested more,” Jones said. “I don’t think they should lose their job.”
In the UK, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, will today announce details of £500m in funding for the jobs market, part of efforts to help the economy recover from the pandemic.In the UK, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, will today announce details of £500m in funding for the jobs market, part of efforts to help the economy recover from the pandemic.
The funding comes after the end of the furlough scheme that supported the wages of 11.6 million people who couldn’t work during lockdown.The funding comes after the end of the furlough scheme that supported the wages of 11.6 million people who couldn’t work during lockdown.
Sunak will be outlining the plans at the Conservative party conference in Manchester.Sunak will be outlining the plans at the Conservative party conference in Manchester.
Good morning I’m Harriet Grant and I’ll be bringing you the Covid news from around the world this morning.Good morning I’m Harriet Grant and I’ll be bringing you the Covid news from around the world this morning.
The outbreak in Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has continued to ease.The outbreak in Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has continued to ease.
It recorded 623 cases on Monday, which is less than half the num,ber being racked up every day a month ago. The state is on course to come out of 15 weeks of lockdown in the coming week when it becomes 70% double-vaccinated.It recorded 623 cases on Monday, which is less than half the num,ber being racked up every day a month ago. The state is on course to come out of 15 weeks of lockdown in the coming week when it becomes 70% double-vaccinated.
However, the outbreak leaves a terrible legacy. One of my colleages, Rafqa Touma, has been speaking to one Sydney family torn apart by the virus.However, the outbreak leaves a terrible legacy. One of my colleages, Rafqa Touma, has been speaking to one Sydney family torn apart by the virus.
You can read her excellent report here:You can read her excellent report here:
India’s coronavirus death toll edged closer to 500,000 after another 180 deaths were recorded on Monday.India’s coronavirus death toll edged closer to 500,000 after another 180 deaths were recorded on Monday.
The toll is now 448,997, with more than 33 million cases.The toll is now 448,997, with more than 33 million cases.
However, the number of cases and deaths are far lower than the peaks of May and June.However, the number of cases and deaths are far lower than the peaks of May and June.
New Zealand is going to phase out its controversial policy of trying to eliminate the virus, prime minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.New Zealand is going to phase out its controversial policy of trying to eliminate the virus, prime minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.
The country has become the poster child for successful suppression of Covid-19 but even it has struggled to contain the Delta variant. Despite low numbers of cases by most international standards – the outbreak totals 1,314 – its largest city Auckland has been in lockdown for seven weeks.The country has become the poster child for successful suppression of Covid-19 but even it has struggled to contain the Delta variant. Despite low numbers of cases by most international standards – the outbreak totals 1,314 – its largest city Auckland has been in lockdown for seven weeks.
Ardern said the arrival of vaccines meant it could transition towards a new policy in three stages.Ardern said the arrival of vaccines meant it could transition towards a new policy in three stages.
“Vaccines will mean that in the future we can do things differently … but even then, our strategy remains: that while cases will continue, we want to control the virus, stamp out cases, and prevent hospitalisations, but with vaccines we have more options on how we do that,” Ardern said.“Vaccines will mean that in the future we can do things differently … but even then, our strategy remains: that while cases will continue, we want to control the virus, stamp out cases, and prevent hospitalisations, but with vaccines we have more options on how we do that,” Ardern said.
Full story here:Full story here:
A major change in the rules for international travel in and out of England came into force at 4am BST on Monday morning when the traffic-light system was replaced with a single red list of countries subject to the toughest restrictions.A major change in the rules for international travel in and out of England came into force at 4am BST on Monday morning when the traffic-light system was replaced with a single red list of countries subject to the toughest restrictions.
The previous green and amber countries have become the “rest of the world” or “non-red list”. There are also changes to the testing requirements when returning from a non-red-list country, if fully vaccinated.The previous green and amber countries have become the “rest of the world” or “non-red list”. There are also changes to the testing requirements when returning from a non-red-list country, if fully vaccinated.
From 4am, there was 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.From 4am, there was 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.
The new rules announced apply to England. The devolved administrations of Scotalnd, Wales and Northern Ireland are in charge of their own travel rules, but they have typically been mirroring Westminster’s approach.The new rules announced apply to England. The devolved administrations of Scotalnd, Wales and Northern Ireland are in charge of their own travel rules, but they have typically been mirroring Westminster’s approach.
The full story is here:The full story is here:
Morning/afternoon/good evening wherever you are. Thanks for joining me for live updates on the coronavirus pandelic.Morning/afternoon/good evening wherever you are. Thanks for joining me for live updates on the coronavirus pandelic.
The main developments in the past few hours are:The main developments in the past few hours are:
New rules for international travel in and out of England have come into force on Monday morning. The much-criticised traffic light system has been be replaced with a single red list of countries and tresting requirements for travel will be overhauled.New rules for international travel in and out of England have come into force on Monday morning. The much-criticised traffic light system has been be replaced with a single red list of countries and tresting requirements for travel will be overhauled.
New Zealand’s strategy of aiming to eliminate Covid-19 will be phased out. The policy has been controversial but prime minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that vaccines meant the country could transition away from it.New Zealand’s strategy of aiming to eliminate Covid-19 will be phased out. The policy has been controversial but prime minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that vaccines meant the country could transition away from it.
Australia’s Delta outbreak appears to have levelled off, with more than half the country in extended lockdowns and vaccination rates starting to approach national targets, ministers said on Monday.Australia’s Delta outbreak appears to have levelled off, with more than half the country in extended lockdowns and vaccination rates starting to approach national targets, ministers said on Monday.
India death toll from Covid edged closer to 500,000 after another 180 deaths were recorded on Monday. The toll is now 448,997, with more than 33 million cases.India death toll from Covid edged closer to 500,000 after another 180 deaths were recorded on Monday. The toll is now 448,997, with more than 33 million cases.
Doctors in the UK have urged all secondary school pupils to get vaccinated following the death last week of 15-year-old Jorja Halliday.Doctors in the UK have urged all secondary school pupils to get vaccinated following the death last week of 15-year-old Jorja Halliday.
Scientists in the UK have warned that the country may still have worse to come during the pandemic, as winter approaches. They fear that more people will begin socialising inside as the weather gets colder, which increases the chance of transmitting the virus, as workers also return to offices.Scientists in the UK have warned that the country may still have worse to come during the pandemic, as winter approaches. They fear that more people will begin socialising inside as the weather gets colder, which increases the chance of transmitting the virus, as workers also return to offices.