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Coronavirus live: Russia sets new daily record for Covid deaths, Thailand ready to welcome back tourists Coronavirus live: Russia sets new daily record for Covid deaths, Thailand ready to welcome back tourists
(31 minutes later)
973 deaths in last 24 hours is new record for Russia; Thailand to drop mandatory quarantine for UK and US visitors973 deaths in last 24 hours is new record for Russia; Thailand to drop mandatory quarantine for UK and US visitors
A surge in Covid-19 conspiracy theories risks boosting antisemitism, hate crime campaigners have warned after the opening of an exhibition shedding light on interwar British fascism and its parallels today.
The Wiener Holocaust Library in London is staging the exhibition – focusing on the motivations and propaganda of British fascists and their European peers in the 1920s and 30s – out of concern about the recent growth of far-right ideas and populism in the UK and abroad.
David Rich, the director of policy at the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity providing security for the Jewish community, said the pandemic had resulted in people with antisemitic views taking central roles in the campaign against Covid vaccines and public health measures.“We’ve increasingly been seeing people not really attached to one particular ideology but who are part of this amorphous mass fuelled by conspiracy theories. An entry point to that has come with the pandemic and the anti-vaccination movement where the language is not explicitly anti-Jewish. It means that a lot of people are at risk of getting sucked in,” said Rich, who will be among speakers at events taking place as part of the exhibition.
Read more of Ben Quinn’s report here: Far-right Covid conspiracy theories fuelling antisemitism, warn UK experts
CNN have an interesting report this morning on the CEO of a rural Missouri hospital who says if they enforce a vaccine mandate on staff, he fears they will quit. The report says:CNN have an interesting report this morning on the CEO of a rural Missouri hospital who says if they enforce a vaccine mandate on staff, he fears they will quit. The report says:
Read more here: CNN – A Covid-19 vaccine mandate won’t force staff at this rural Missouri hospital to get the shot, CEO says. It will make them quitRead more here: CNN – A Covid-19 vaccine mandate won’t force staff at this rural Missouri hospital to get the shot, CEO says. It will make them quit
Spain marked its national day with a military parade in Madrid today, in a sign that the coronavirus crisis was easing. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez urged unity on social media after it appeared he was booed by some sections of the crowd.Spain marked its national day with a military parade in Madrid today, in a sign that the coronavirus crisis was easing. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez urged unity on social media after it appeared he was booed by some sections of the crowd.
Javier Barbancho reports for Reuters that 2,656 soldiers took part in a march past along with 115 military vehicles, while air force planes took part in a fly past, and events also featured a parachutist with a giant Spanish flag.Javier Barbancho reports for Reuters that 2,656 soldiers took part in a march past along with 115 military vehicles, while air force planes took part in a fly past, and events also featured a parachutist with a giant Spanish flag.
Last year, the parade was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions. This year, particpants wore face masks, and the military force on display was about half of that which marched in the 2019 pre-pandemic parade.Last year, the parade was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions. This year, particpants wore face masks, and the military force on display was about half of that which marched in the 2019 pre-pandemic parade.
Spain’s coronavirus incidence dropped below 50 cases per 100,000 people on 7 October, reaching the threshold considered “low risk” by the health ministry for the first time in over a year.Spain’s coronavirus incidence dropped below 50 cases per 100,000 people on 7 October, reaching the threshold considered “low risk” by the health ministry for the first time in over a year.
Russia has again recorded its highest daily deaths figure from Covid, with 973 fatalities in the last 24 hours. It is the third time a previous record has been breached in the last few days, albeit in small increments. There were 28,190 new cases recorded yesterday.Russia has again recorded its highest daily deaths figure from Covid, with 973 fatalities in the last 24 hours. It is the third time a previous record has been breached in the last few days, albeit in small increments. There were 28,190 new cases recorded yesterday.
Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide will die needlessly from Covid this autumn as wealthy nations prioritise booster shots for their own “highly protected” people instead of sharing doses, the head of the Oxford vaccine group has warned.Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide will die needlessly from Covid this autumn as wealthy nations prioritise booster shots for their own “highly protected” people instead of sharing doses, the head of the Oxford vaccine group has warned.
A UK government minister has refused to apologise after a damning overnight report said delays to lockdown and releasing people with Covid back into care homes had caused unnecessary deaths at the start of the pandemic.A UK government minister has refused to apologise after a damning overnight report said delays to lockdown and releasing people with Covid back into care homes had caused unnecessary deaths at the start of the pandemic.
The landmark inquiry found Britain’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst public health failures in UK history, with ministers and scientists taking a “fatalistic” approach that exacerbated the death toll. “Groupthink”, evidence of British exceptionalism and a deliberately “slow and gradualist” approach meant the UK fared “significantly worse” than other countries, according to the 151-page Coronavirus: lessons learned to date report led by two former Conservative ministers.The landmark inquiry found Britain’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst public health failures in UK history, with ministers and scientists taking a “fatalistic” approach that exacerbated the death toll. “Groupthink”, evidence of British exceptionalism and a deliberately “slow and gradualist” approach meant the UK fared “significantly worse” than other countries, according to the 151-page Coronavirus: lessons learned to date report led by two former Conservative ministers.
People in Wales have had their first night out with new restrictions that require mandatory Covid checks to enter nightclubs and venues. Not everybody was impressed.People in Wales have had their first night out with new restrictions that require mandatory Covid checks to enter nightclubs and venues. Not everybody was impressed.
Thailand is set to reopen its borders to sun-seeking vaccinated tourists from November. Mandatory quarantine requirements will be dropped for visitors from the UK and US and alcohol will be allowed to be served at restaurants from 1 December.Thailand is set to reopen its borders to sun-seeking vaccinated tourists from November. Mandatory quarantine requirements will be dropped for visitors from the UK and US and alcohol will be allowed to be served at restaurants from 1 December.
Amazon says it will allow those in “corporate roles” to continue working remotely indefinitely as long as they can commute to the office “within a day’s notice” when necessary.Amazon says it will allow those in “corporate roles” to continue working remotely indefinitely as long as they can commute to the office “within a day’s notice” when necessary.
Japan’s ruling party has launched a manifesto for the 31 October election with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic. “We would like to show solid measures and appeal to the people, first, how to confront the coronavirus … and to bring peace of mind and hope to the people,” LDP policy chief Sanae Takaichi told a news conference.Japan’s ruling party has launched a manifesto for the 31 October election with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic. “We would like to show solid measures and appeal to the people, first, how to confront the coronavirus … and to bring peace of mind and hope to the people,” LDP policy chief Sanae Takaichi told a news conference.
Sydney has been experiencing a second day out of lockdown, with some retailers saying that Covid passes are “an annoying add-on.” Shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, gyms, hairdressers and stadiums now require people to show their vaccine certificates before entry to confirm they are fully vaccinated.Sydney has been experiencing a second day out of lockdown, with some retailers saying that Covid passes are “an annoying add-on.” Shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, gyms, hairdressers and stadiums now require people to show their vaccine certificates before entry to confirm they are fully vaccinated.
The tiny town of Merrigum in regional Victoria in Australia may lose its only post office because its operator has refused to be vaccinated for Covid-19, citing her “freedom of choice”.The tiny town of Merrigum in regional Victoria in Australia may lose its only post office because its operator has refused to be vaccinated for Covid-19, citing her “freedom of choice”.
Kevin Rawlinson has a UK politics live blog running for us today, which will undoubtedly be dominated by responses and fallout to the findings of that Covid inquiry. You can find that here.Kevin Rawlinson has a UK politics live blog running for us today, which will undoubtedly be dominated by responses and fallout to the findings of that Covid inquiry. You can find that here.
There’s a lot of UK Covid and politics news floating about today and you can follow that now as it develops with my colleague Kevin Rawlinson’s UK politics live blog. I’ll be carrying on here with global coronavirus news.There’s a lot of UK Covid and politics news floating about today and you can follow that now as it develops with my colleague Kevin Rawlinson’s UK politics live blog. I’ll be carrying on here with global coronavirus news.
The tiny town of Merrigum in regional Victoria in Australia may lose its only post office because its operator has refused to be vaccinated for Covid-19, citing her “freedom of choice”.The tiny town of Merrigum in regional Victoria in Australia may lose its only post office because its operator has refused to be vaccinated for Covid-19, citing her “freedom of choice”.
Angela Spedding has operated the Merrigum post office and newsagent for more than six years.Angela Spedding has operated the Merrigum post office and newsagent for more than six years.
On Tuesday, in a post on social media, Spedding said she had been told by Australia Post that the post office would have to close if she had not booked in to receive a vaccine by the end of the working week, and she would also have to cease delivering mail.On Tuesday, in a post on social media, Spedding said she had been told by Australia Post that the post office would have to close if she had not booked in to receive a vaccine by the end of the working week, and she would also have to cease delivering mail.
Australia Post denied Spedding had been told to close the office, but said she had advised them it would close from Thursday after discussions about her compliance with state health orders.Australia Post denied Spedding had been told to close the office, but said she had advised them it would close from Thursday after discussions about her compliance with state health orders.
Read more of Caitlin Cassidy’s report here: Tiny Victorian town could lose its only post office as operator refuses Covid vaccineRead more of Caitlin Cassidy’s report here: Tiny Victorian town could lose its only post office as operator refuses Covid vaccine
It is only a marginal increase on last week’s record figures, but today Russia has again recorded its highest every daily deaths figure from Covid, with 973 fatalities in the last 24 hours.It is only a marginal increase on last week’s record figures, but today Russia has again recorded its highest every daily deaths figure from Covid, with 973 fatalities in the last 24 hours.
Reuters report that the new case numbers have dropped slightly, to 28,190 as opposed to 29,409 yesterday, however they’ve been running at a consistent level of around 28,000-29,000 for days.Reuters report that the new case numbers have dropped slightly, to 28,190 as opposed to 29,409 yesterday, however they’ve been running at a consistent level of around 28,000-29,000 for days.
Here’s my colleague Alexandra Topping summing up those media appearances from Stephen Barclay this morning: Cabinet minister refuses to apologise after report on UK Covid responseHere’s my colleague Alexandra Topping summing up those media appearances from Stephen Barclay this morning: Cabinet minister refuses to apologise after report on UK Covid response
A cabinet minister has refused to apologise to the families who lost loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic after a damning report from MPs on the government’s response found that tens of thousands of lives were lost because of a delay to the first lockdown.A cabinet minister has refused to apologise to the families who lost loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic after a damning report from MPs on the government’s response found that tens of thousands of lives were lost because of a delay to the first lockdown.
Stephen Barclay, the minister for the Cabinet Office, insisted the government “did take decisions to move quickly” despite the inquiry finding that Britain’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst public health failures in UK history, with ministers and scientists taking a “fatalistic” approach that exacerbated the death toll.Stephen Barclay, the minister for the Cabinet Office, insisted the government “did take decisions to move quickly” despite the inquiry finding that Britain’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic was one of the worst public health failures in UK history, with ministers and scientists taking a “fatalistic” approach that exacerbated the death toll.
On Sky News on Tuesday, Barclay was repeatedly asked to apologise to the families who lost loved ones, but pointedly refused to do so. Asked about the inquiry, he said he had “not had a chance to read it”.On Sky News on Tuesday, Barclay was repeatedly asked to apologise to the families who lost loved ones, but pointedly refused to do so. Asked about the inquiry, he said he had “not had a chance to read it”.
Barclay said: “Of course there are going to be lessons to learn, that’s why we’ve committed to an inquiry, but the government took decisions at the time based on the scientific advice it received, but those scientists themselves were operating in a very new environment.”Barclay said: “Of course there are going to be lessons to learn, that’s why we’ve committed to an inquiry, but the government took decisions at the time based on the scientific advice it received, but those scientists themselves were operating in a very new environment.”
He added: “We protected the NHS, we got the vaccine deployed at pace, but we accept where there are lessons to be learned, we’re keen to do so.”He added: “We protected the NHS, we got the vaccine deployed at pace, but we accept where there are lessons to be learned, we’re keen to do so.”
According to the 151-page Coronavirus: lessons learned to date report, led by two former Conservative ministers, the crisis exposed “major deficiencies in the machinery of government”.According to the 151-page Coronavirus: lessons learned to date report, led by two former Conservative ministers, the crisis exposed “major deficiencies in the machinery of government”.
Read more of Alexandra Topping’s report here: Cabinet minister refuses to apologise after report on UK Covid responseRead more of Alexandra Topping’s report here: Cabinet minister refuses to apologise after report on UK Covid response
There was an extra thing for the hundreds of young people waiting in the queue outside Pryzm nightclub in Cardiff to worry about.There was an extra thing for the hundreds of young people waiting in the queue outside Pryzm nightclub in Cardiff to worry about.
As usual, they needed to show ID, undergo a search and make sure they still had their phone, keys and friends with them – but for the first time they also had to produce a Covid pass, showing they were fully vaccinated or had tested negative.As usual, they needed to show ID, undergo a search and make sure they still had their phone, keys and friends with them – but for the first time they also had to produce a Covid pass, showing they were fully vaccinated or had tested negative.
“It’s a bit of a pain, to be honest,” said 19-year-old Kelyse, a fashion marketing student who had a ticket for the club, but not a Covid pass and was trying to work out if it was worth the bother of going home, doing a lateral flow test and paying for another taxi to return. “Students like to be spontaneous,” she said. “This slows you down.”“It’s a bit of a pain, to be honest,” said 19-year-old Kelyse, a fashion marketing student who had a ticket for the club, but not a Covid pass and was trying to work out if it was worth the bother of going home, doing a lateral flow test and paying for another taxi to return. “Students like to be spontaneous,” she said. “This slows you down.”
Her friend, Elvia, 22, also a student, had a Covid pass but not a ticket. If they had to go home, she would probably lose her chance of getting in. “It’s another thing to remember – keys, phone, ticket, ID, Covid pass,” she said.Her friend, Elvia, 22, also a student, had a Covid pass but not a ticket. If they had to go home, she would probably lose her chance of getting in. “It’s another thing to remember – keys, phone, ticket, ID, Covid pass,” she said.
Read more of Steven Morris’ report here: No Covid pass, no entry – Cardiff clubbers divided on new Welsh rulesRead more of Steven Morris’ report here: No Covid pass, no entry – Cardiff clubbers divided on new Welsh rules
You can see here that Sky News’ Kay Burley was somewhat unimpressed that minister Steve Barclay on her show this morning hadn’t actually read the report he was there to discuss.You can see here that Sky News’ Kay Burley was somewhat unimpressed that minister Steve Barclay on her show this morning hadn’t actually read the report he was there to discuss.
On the business side of things this morning, John Lewis has revealed the items it sold more of – and less of – during the pandemic. Zoe Wood reports:On the business side of things this morning, John Lewis has revealed the items it sold more of – and less of – during the pandemic. Zoe Wood reports:
The John Lewis retail report, which identifies the key shopping trends of the past 12 months, reveals shoppers “couldn’t get enough of slippers”, with sales up 13%. Even with feet hidden from view on Zoom, Britons were not content with bog-standard slip-ons. John Lewis now sells more than 200 styles of slippers, having increased the size of its range by a fifth to include designer brands and the latest trends, which this winter included sheepskin slingbacks and glamorous bejewelled faux fur. The bestselling pair were sheepskin-lined mules from Ugg that cost £80.The John Lewis retail report, which identifies the key shopping trends of the past 12 months, reveals shoppers “couldn’t get enough of slippers”, with sales up 13%. Even with feet hidden from view on Zoom, Britons were not content with bog-standard slip-ons. John Lewis now sells more than 200 styles of slippers, having increased the size of its range by a fifth to include designer brands and the latest trends, which this winter included sheepskin slingbacks and glamorous bejewelled faux fur. The bestselling pair were sheepskin-lined mules from Ugg that cost £80.
As social lives were put on hold and more people worked from home, the going out look was ditched in favour of cosy comfort. Demand for pyjamas and dressing gowns rocketed while the casualties included neck ties (down 75%), briefcases, makeup bags and thongs, which had been enjoying a revival.As social lives were put on hold and more people worked from home, the going out look was ditched in favour of cosy comfort. Demand for pyjamas and dressing gowns rocketed while the casualties included neck ties (down 75%), briefcases, makeup bags and thongs, which had been enjoying a revival.
Read more here: Slippers up, ties down: John Lewis reveals its Covid winners and losersRead more here: Slippers up, ties down: John Lewis reveals its Covid winners and losers
The logistical challenges of having to check vaccine certificates for customers was dawning on businesses in Sydney as they experienced their second day out of lockdown.The logistical challenges of having to check vaccine certificates for customers was dawning on businesses in Sydney as they experienced their second day out of lockdown.
In the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta, one of the 12 areas of concern during the peak of the latest outbreak, retailers were using a combination of carefully placed barriers, security and rotating staff to check on customers before they enter.In the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta, one of the 12 areas of concern during the peak of the latest outbreak, retailers were using a combination of carefully placed barriers, security and rotating staff to check on customers before they enter.
“It’s an annoying add-on,” admitted Sheida, a manager at a fashion retailer in Parramatta, who did not want her full name used. “I feel worse for the customers than the businesses, it’s such a hassle having to pull out your certificate in each store, as well as checking in.”“It’s an annoying add-on,” admitted Sheida, a manager at a fashion retailer in Parramatta, who did not want her full name used. “I feel worse for the customers than the businesses, it’s such a hassle having to pull out your certificate in each store, as well as checking in.”
Sheida is one of the thousands of workers who have seen their job description change since greater Sydney emerged from lockdown on Monday for the vaccinated.Sheida is one of the thousands of workers who have seen their job description change since greater Sydney emerged from lockdown on Monday for the vaccinated.
Shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, gyms, hairdressers and stadiums now require people to show their vaccine certificates before entry, to confirm they are fully vaccinated.Shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, gyms, hairdressers and stadiums now require people to show their vaccine certificates before entry, to confirm they are fully vaccinated.
Residents over 16 who are unvaccinated or cannot produce proof of their status are legally banned from those venues.Residents over 16 who are unvaccinated or cannot produce proof of their status are legally banned from those venues.
Read more of Mostafa Rachwani’s report here: ‘A bit annoying’ – Sydney businesses praise customers but admit vaccine checks can be tryingRead more of Mostafa Rachwani’s report here: ‘A bit annoying’ – Sydney businesses praise customers but admit vaccine checks can be trying
Also doing the media round in the UK this morning is Conservative MP Greg Clark, who chairs the Commons science and technology committee who compiled and published the report dominating the headlines. [You can read it in full here, by the way].Also doing the media round in the UK this morning is Conservative MP Greg Clark, who chairs the Commons science and technology committee who compiled and published the report dominating the headlines. [You can read it in full here, by the way].
He told the BBC this morning that the UK wasn’t the only country to make mistakes. PA Media has this quote from his appearance:He told the BBC this morning that the UK wasn’t the only country to make mistakes. PA Media has this quote from his appearance:
I’m not entirely convinced everybody’s recall will be that there was a consensus and “everyone agreed that this was the right thing to do”. It might be worth refreshing your memory with this timeline of how and when the UK went into lockdown: Covid timeline – the weeks leading up to first UK lockdownI’m not entirely convinced everybody’s recall will be that there was a consensus and “everyone agreed that this was the right thing to do”. It might be worth refreshing your memory with this timeline of how and when the UK went into lockdown: Covid timeline – the weeks leading up to first UK lockdown
It is also worth noting that a one point the UK government began claiming that the UK had, in fact, entered lockdown on 16 March when Matt Hancock said in parliament that “all unnecessary social contact should cease”, and not 23 March when the prime minister said “people ‘must’ stay at home and certain businesses must close”.It is also worth noting that a one point the UK government began claiming that the UK had, in fact, entered lockdown on 16 March when Matt Hancock said in parliament that “all unnecessary social contact should cease”, and not 23 March when the prime minister said “people ‘must’ stay at home and certain businesses must close”.
You can re-litigate that row from last year here: Full Fact – When did lockdown begin in the UK?You can re-litigate that row from last year here: Full Fact – When did lockdown begin in the UK?
The UK has lost its place as Europe’s vaccine leader in recent months as countries such as France, Italy and Spain have leapfrogged it in terms of the share of people who are fully vaccinated.The UK has lost its place as Europe’s vaccine leader in recent months as countries such as France, Italy and Spain have leapfrogged it in terms of the share of people who are fully vaccinated.
Throughout September, the UK was vaccinating an average of 1,461 people per million a day, much lower than the 3,925 being jabbed in Italy, 3,694 in France, 3,280 in Spain and 2,305 in Germany.Throughout September, the UK was vaccinating an average of 1,461 people per million a day, much lower than the 3,925 being jabbed in Italy, 3,694 in France, 3,280 in Spain and 2,305 in Germany.
The UK’s rate of vaccination was the fastest in Europe until the end of April, according to data from Our World in Data. But the subsequent slow down in the UK’s vaccine rollout meant it lost its place as Europe’s leader in vaccination coverage in July.The UK’s rate of vaccination was the fastest in Europe until the end of April, according to data from Our World in Data. But the subsequent slow down in the UK’s vaccine rollout meant it lost its place as Europe’s leader in vaccination coverage in July.
Ten months after the first coronavirus jab in the UK was administered to 90-year-old Margaret Keenan at University hospital Coventry, the UK’s vaccine coverage has stalled in recent weeks and stands at about 86% of those who are eligible for a jab.Ten months after the first coronavirus jab in the UK was administered to 90-year-old Margaret Keenan at University hospital Coventry, the UK’s vaccine coverage has stalled in recent weeks and stands at about 86% of those who are eligible for a jab.
Figures suggest this is largely due to slow uptake among younger people.Figures suggest this is largely due to slow uptake among younger people.
Read more of Niamh McIntyre and Ashley Kirk’s explainer here: Why has the UK’s vaccination rate slowed down?Read more of Niamh McIntyre and Ashley Kirk’s explainer here: Why has the UK’s vaccination rate slowed down?
I’ve been a little bit preoccupied with news out of the UK so far this morning in the wake of a damning report into the government’s handling of the initial stages of the Covid crisis. Here’s some developments in Japan though, via Reuters, where the country faces an election on 31 October.I’ve been a little bit preoccupied with news out of the UK so far this morning in the wake of a damning report into the government’s handling of the initial stages of the Covid crisis. Here’s some developments in Japan though, via Reuters, where the country faces an election on 31 October.
Ju-min Park writes for the news agency that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP) unveiled its manifesto today with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic. The party’s leader, prime minister Fumio Kishida, is just a week into the job.Ju-min Park writes for the news agency that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP) unveiled its manifesto today with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic. The party’s leader, prime minister Fumio Kishida, is just a week into the job.
“We would like to show solid measures and appeal to the people, first, how to confront the coronavirus … and to bring peace of mind and hope to the people,” LDP policy chief Sanae Takaichi told a news conference.“We would like to show solid measures and appeal to the people, first, how to confront the coronavirus … and to bring peace of mind and hope to the people,” LDP policy chief Sanae Takaichi told a news conference.
The coronavirus situation in Japan has improved, with the smallest number of new cases recorded on Monday since the middle of last year.The coronavirus situation in Japan has improved, with the smallest number of new cases recorded on Monday since the middle of last year.
But Kishida told parliament earlier today that the government would continue to plan for a worst-case coronavirus scenario.But Kishida told parliament earlier today that the government would continue to plan for a worst-case coronavirus scenario.