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Covid live: UK reports 38,520 cases and a further 181 deaths; Moderna backs booster jabs ahead of FDA hearing Covid live: UK reports 38,520 cases and a further 181 deaths; Moderna backs booster jabs ahead of FDA hearing
(33 minutes later)
UK cases fall back below 40,000 mark; Moderna says boosters reduce ‘breakthrough’ infectionsUK cases fall back below 40,000 mark; Moderna says boosters reduce ‘breakthrough’ infections
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has welcomed a cross-party report into the UK government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, PA reports.
The inquiry, led by two former Conservative ministers, found that the early handling of the pandemic was one of the worst public health failures in UK history.
Burnham, a former health secretary, said the report “validates” concerns raised in Greater Manchester over the past 18 months.
Singapore today reported 2,976 Covid cases, up from 2,263 on Monday and 11 deaths, up one from yesterday.Singapore today reported 2,976 Covid cases, up from 2,263 on Monday and 11 deaths, up one from yesterday.
The UK today reported 38,520 further cases of Covid-19, down from 40,224 yesterday. The number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test was 181, compared to 28 reported on the previous day, but fewer deaths are processed on weekends meaning figures are usually lower on Mondays.The UK today reported 38,520 further cases of Covid-19, down from 40,224 yesterday. The number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test was 181, compared to 28 reported on the previous day, but fewer deaths are processed on weekends meaning figures are usually lower on Mondays.
The UK’s health secretary has urged people to get their flu jab and Covid-19 booster shot to “give themselves and their loves ones the best possible protection in the months ahead”, reports PA Media.The UK’s health secretary has urged people to get their flu jab and Covid-19 booster shot to “give themselves and their loves ones the best possible protection in the months ahead”, reports PA Media.
Sajid Javid said he had “done his bit” after having his flu vaccination at a pharmacy in central London. It comes as the NHS rolls out its biggest ever flu jab campaign amid fears that if the viral infection is left unchecked this winter then thousands of lives could be lost.Sajid Javid said he had “done his bit” after having his flu vaccination at a pharmacy in central London. It comes as the NHS rolls out its biggest ever flu jab campaign amid fears that if the viral infection is left unchecked this winter then thousands of lives could be lost.
“I’ve done my bit by getting my flu vaccine, and it’s vital that all those who are eligible come forward for both their flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines, to give themselves and their loved ones the best possible protection in the months ahead,” said Javid.“I’ve done my bit by getting my flu vaccine, and it’s vital that all those who are eligible come forward for both their flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines, to give themselves and their loved ones the best possible protection in the months ahead,” said Javid.
Last winter, under Covid restrictions, there were very few hospital admissions for flu, but the health service is braced for a big surge in the coming months due to a lack of population immunity, people meeting more indoors, and cooler temperatures helping the virus spread.Last winter, under Covid restrictions, there were very few hospital admissions for flu, but the health service is braced for a big surge in the coming months due to a lack of population immunity, people meeting more indoors, and cooler temperatures helping the virus spread.
A report in the summer from the Academy of Medical Sciences assessed how the triple threat of coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) might affect the NHS this winter.A report in the summer from the Academy of Medical Sciences assessed how the triple threat of coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) might affect the NHS this winter.
It found that hospital admissions and deaths from flu and RSV could be more than double those seen in a normal year, leading to as many as 60,000 flu deaths and 40,000 children in hospital with RSV.It found that hospital admissions and deaths from flu and RSV could be more than double those seen in a normal year, leading to as many as 60,000 flu deaths and 40,000 children in hospital with RSV.
Free flu jabs are available for about 30 million frontline health and social care workers, people aged 50 and over, children up to school year 11, those who are pregnant and those at clinical risk.Free flu jabs are available for about 30 million frontline health and social care workers, people aged 50 and over, children up to school year 11, those who are pregnant and those at clinical risk.
Those not eligible can make an appointment for a paid-for dose at pharmacies.Those not eligible can make an appointment for a paid-for dose at pharmacies.
As mentioned earlier (at 13:33), two Wisconsin parents are taking legal action against their school districts for failing to protect their children.As mentioned earlier (at 13:33), two Wisconsin parents are taking legal action against their school districts for failing to protect their children.
Read the full story from Amanda Holpuch, my colleague at Guardian USRead the full story from Amanda Holpuch, my colleague at Guardian US
Russian president Vladimir Putin said today that Russia needed to speed up its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as the country recorded its highest single-day death toll since the start of the pandemic with 973 deaths. “Vaccination safeguards people from infection, from serious symptoms,” Putin told lawmakers. “We need to increase its pace.”Russian president Vladimir Putin said today that Russia needed to speed up its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as the country recorded its highest single-day death toll since the start of the pandemic with 973 deaths. “Vaccination safeguards people from infection, from serious symptoms,” Putin told lawmakers. “We need to increase its pace.”
Russia’s Health minister Mikhail Murashko told a televised government meeting that 1.1 million people were currently being treated for symptoms of Covid-19. Anna Popova, head of Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said Russian regions were stepping up efforts to enforce mask use in public spaces.Russia’s Health minister Mikhail Murashko told a televised government meeting that 1.1 million people were currently being treated for symptoms of Covid-19. Anna Popova, head of Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said Russian regions were stepping up efforts to enforce mask use in public spaces.
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.
Vaccine manufacture Moderna has released documentation ahead of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel later this week. The pharmaceutical company said that its data supports the public health benefit of a booster dose of its vaccine to restore immune response, while reducing the number of so-called “breakthrough” infections in fully-vaccinated adults.Vaccine manufacture Moderna has released documentation ahead of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel later this week. The pharmaceutical company said that its data supports the public health benefit of a booster dose of its vaccine to restore immune response, while reducing the number of so-called “breakthrough” infections in fully-vaccinated adults.
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 in the UK 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 in the UK 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.
Spain marked its national day with a military parade in Madrid today, in a sign that the coronavirus crisis was easing. While it was smaller than the 2019 event, and participants wore face masks, last year it was cancelled entirely.Spain marked its national day with a military parade in Madrid today, in a sign that the coronavirus crisis was easing. While it was smaller than the 2019 event, and participants wore face masks, last year it was cancelled entirely.
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.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.
Two families in Wisconsin in the US are taking legal action against local school boards for failing to take measure to prevent their children catching Covid.Two families in Wisconsin in the US are taking legal action against local school boards for failing to take measure to prevent their children catching Covid.
Also in the US, Fox News pundit Tucker Carlson has claimed the cancellation of thousands of flights by Southwest Airlines was “a direct consequence” of the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate for federal workers. Southwest is a private company, not subject to federal vaccine rules.Also in the US, Fox News pundit Tucker Carlson has claimed the cancellation of thousands of flights by Southwest Airlines was “a direct consequence” of the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate for federal workers. Southwest is a private company, not subject to federal vaccine rules.
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.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.
Cape Town-based Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines is leading a pilot project, backed by the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covax initiative, to adapt the Moderna’s vaccine so that it is more easily stored and transported in hotter climate conditions which have hampered the delivery of mRNA vaccines to some parts of Africa.Cape Town-based Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines is leading a pilot project, backed by the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covax initiative, to adapt the Moderna’s vaccine so that it is more easily stored and transported in hotter climate conditions which have hampered the delivery of mRNA vaccines to some parts of Africa.
Tucker Carlson has claimed the cancellation of thousands of flights by Southwest Airlines was “a direct consequence” of the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate for federal workers.Tucker Carlson has claimed the cancellation of thousands of flights by Southwest Airlines was “a direct consequence” of the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate for federal workers.
Southwest is a private company, not subject to federal vaccine rules.Southwest is a private company, not subject to federal vaccine rules.
On his primetime Fox News show on Monday night, Carlson also said a group of Florida air traffic controllers – who are subject to federal rules – “apparently” walked out on Friday to protest against Covid-19 rules, contributing to difficulties facing Southwest passengers.On his primetime Fox News show on Monday night, Carlson also said a group of Florida air traffic controllers – who are subject to federal rules – “apparently” walked out on Friday to protest against Covid-19 rules, contributing to difficulties facing Southwest passengers.
Local media has reported that the head of Jacksonville Aviation Authority rejected reports of a walkout.Local media has reported that the head of Jacksonville Aviation Authority rejected reports of a walkout.
Resistance to vaccines and other Covid-19 public health measures is strongest in Republican states, as politicians and media figures, Carlson prominent among them, seize on the issue. Carlson has also repeated conspiracy theories about negative health effects from vaccines. It is not known whether he is vaccinated himself.Resistance to vaccines and other Covid-19 public health measures is strongest in Republican states, as politicians and media figures, Carlson prominent among them, seize on the issue. Carlson has also repeated conspiracy theories about negative health effects from vaccines. It is not known whether he is vaccinated himself.
Read more of Martin Pengelly’s report here: Tucker Carlson blames Southwest flight disruption on Biden vaccine mandateRead more of Martin Pengelly’s report here: Tucker Carlson blames Southwest flight disruption on Biden vaccine mandate
In the US, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel will be meeting on Thursday and Friday to debate whether to approve extra doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Today Moderna has released some documentation ahead of that hearing.In the US, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel will be meeting on Thursday and Friday to debate whether to approve extra doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Today Moderna has released some documentation ahead of that hearing.
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the documents come out in favour of giving the extra shots. Moderna say the FDA should authorise booster doses in fully vaccinated older adults and high-risk individuals.Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the documents come out in favour of giving the extra shots. Moderna say the FDA should authorise booster doses in fully vaccinated older adults and high-risk individuals.
Reuters report that the company said its data supports the public health benefit of a booster dose of its vaccine to restore immune response, while reducing the number of so-called “breakthrough” infections in fully-vaccinated adults.Reuters report that the company said its data supports the public health benefit of a booster dose of its vaccine to restore immune response, while reducing the number of so-called “breakthrough” infections in fully-vaccinated adults.
Johnson & Johnson today has also cited data showing increased protection after a booster dose, which it said could be either administered as early as two months after the original dose of its vaccine.Johnson & Johnson today has also cited data showing increased protection after a booster dose, which it said could be either administered as early as two months after the original dose of its vaccine.
Russian president Vladimir Putin said today that Russia needed to speed up its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as the country recorded its highest single-day death toll since the start of the pandemic with 973 deaths.Russian president Vladimir Putin said today that Russia needed to speed up its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as the country recorded its highest single-day death toll since the start of the pandemic with 973 deaths.
Reuters report that speaking to newly elected lawmakers, Putin urged them to actively support efforts to have more of the population vaccinated.Reuters report that speaking to newly elected lawmakers, Putin urged them to actively support efforts to have more of the population vaccinated.
“Vaccination safeguards people from infection, from serious symptoms,” Putin told lawmakers. “We need to increase its pace.”“Vaccination safeguards people from infection, from serious symptoms,” Putin told lawmakers. “We need to increase its pace.”
Although Russia was quick off the blocks with its Sputnik V vaccine, take-up in Russia has been slow, with only around a third of the population having had at least one shot. A distrust of authorities is often cited as part of the reason for the low take-up rate.Although Russia was quick off the blocks with its Sputnik V vaccine, take-up in Russia has been slow, with only around a third of the population having had at least one shot. A distrust of authorities is often cited as part of the reason for the low take-up rate.
Just a little bit more from Reuters here on that situation in Russia. Health minister Mikhail Murashko has said “the main feature of the current wave is a rapid increase in the number of cases, as well as a large number of patients whose infection shows rapid progression over two or three days and require resuscitation”.Just a little bit more from Reuters here on that situation in Russia. Health minister Mikhail Murashko has said “the main feature of the current wave is a rapid increase in the number of cases, as well as a large number of patients whose infection shows rapid progression over two or three days and require resuscitation”.
He told a televised government meeting that 1.1 million people were being treated for symptoms of Covid-19.He told a televised government meeting that 1.1 million people were being treated for symptoms of Covid-19.
Anna Popova, head of Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said Russian regions were stepping up efforts to enforce mask use in public spaces.Anna Popova, head of Russia’s consumer health watchdog, said Russian regions were stepping up efforts to enforce mask use in public spaces.
We’ve been used to stories coming out of the US about legal action to try and prevent Covid mitigation measures. Governor Greg Abbott, for example, is attempting to bar vaccine mandates in his state, even as the Texas death toll approaches 70,000.We’ve been used to stories coming out of the US about legal action to try and prevent Covid mitigation measures. Governor Greg Abbott, for example, is attempting to bar vaccine mandates in his state, even as the Texas death toll approaches 70,000.
Today, Madeline Holcombe and Raja Razek at CNN have the opposite of that, with a report on some school parents who are taking legal action in Wisconsin over a failure to protect their children from getting infected. They write:Today, Madeline Holcombe and Raja Razek at CNN have the opposite of that, with a report on some school parents who are taking legal action in Wisconsin over a failure to protect their children from getting infected. They write:
A separate lawsuit by Shannon Jensen alleges that the Waukesha School District and others are “’knowing, needlessly, unreasonably and recklessly exposing the public’ to the virus by continuing to hold classes ‘without adequate Covid-19 mitigation.’”A separate lawsuit by Shannon Jensen alleges that the Waukesha School District and others are “’knowing, needlessly, unreasonably and recklessly exposing the public’ to the virus by continuing to hold classes ‘without adequate Covid-19 mitigation.’”
Read more here: CNN – Wisconsin parents file lawsuits against school districts over their children’s Covid-19 infectionsRead more here: CNN – Wisconsin parents file lawsuits against school districts over their children’s Covid-19 infections
In another pharmaceutical industry development, Cape Town-based Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines is leading a pilot project, backed by the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covax initiative, to tweak Moderna’s mRNA vaccine so that it better suits poorer countries in hot climates.In another pharmaceutical industry development, Cape Town-based Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines is leading a pilot project, backed by the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covax initiative, to tweak Moderna’s mRNA vaccine so that it better suits poorer countries in hot climates.
Agence France-Presse report that the aim would be to manufacture a tough, resilient vaccine that would not need to be stored all the time at ultra-cold temperatures – a difficult requirement in places where power cuts can be a problem and with significant remote populations.Agence France-Presse report that the aim would be to manufacture a tough, resilient vaccine that would not need to be stored all the time at ultra-cold temperatures – a difficult requirement in places where power cuts can be a problem and with significant remote populations.
More than 10 months after the world’s first Covid shot was administered and nearly two years into the pandemic itself, barely five percent of eligible Africans have been fully immunised. The problem has exposed the continent’s dependence on imported vaccines, and a lack of investment in manufacturing capabilities within the region itself.More than 10 months after the world’s first Covid shot was administered and nearly two years into the pandemic itself, barely five percent of eligible Africans have been fully immunised. The problem has exposed the continent’s dependence on imported vaccines, and a lack of investment in manufacturing capabilities within the region itself.
Twenty-two scientists are working on the project. AFP quotes Afrigen’s managing director, Petro Terreblanche, saying their new vaccine “will have a different stability and ]be] more suitable to be distributed at a temperature which is feasible for Africa.”Twenty-two scientists are working on the project. AFP quotes Afrigen’s managing director, Petro Terreblanche, saying their new vaccine “will have a different stability and ]be] more suitable to be distributed at a temperature which is feasible for Africa.”
The Afrigen team say they are “reverse-engineering” the vaccine in a first step to see how it works. “This is considered research and development, so there isn’t any infringement of intellectual property and in the process we learn how you make mRNA, to be able to produce it at a scale that would be useful for clinical trials,” said Afrigen’s technical director, Karen Fenner.The Afrigen team say they are “reverse-engineering” the vaccine in a first step to see how it works. “This is considered research and development, so there isn’t any infringement of intellectual property and in the process we learn how you make mRNA, to be able to produce it at a scale that would be useful for clinical trials,” said Afrigen’s technical director, Karen Fenner.
“What we are looking for is to have a second-generation vaccine,” said Martin Friede of the WHO’s Initiative for Vaccine Research. “We have to start with a Moderna look-alike and be as close to Moderna as we can get,” he said. “It’s not a copy of Moderna.”“What we are looking for is to have a second-generation vaccine,” said Martin Friede of the WHO’s Initiative for Vaccine Research. “We have to start with a Moderna look-alike and be as close to Moderna as we can get,” he said. “It’s not a copy of Moderna.”
Moderna last week announced plans to build an mRNA facility in Africa with the capacity to manufacture up to 500m vaccines doses annually, but did not state where the factory will be located nor the start date.Moderna last week announced plans to build an mRNA facility in Africa with the capacity to manufacture up to 500m vaccines doses annually, but did not state where the factory will be located nor the start date.
I feel like we all know more about the global pharmaceutical industry now than we did when the pandemic started, and Reuters have news today that Johnson & Johnson has announced that their chief scientific officer will retire at the end of the year. Paul Stoffels spearheaded the development of the company’s single-shot Covid-19 vaccine.I feel like we all know more about the global pharmaceutical industry now than we did when the pandemic started, and Reuters have news today that Johnson & Johnson has announced that their chief scientific officer will retire at the end of the year. Paul Stoffels spearheaded the development of the company’s single-shot Covid-19 vaccine.
I mentioned earlier that Russia has yet again recorded a record number of Covid deaths in a 24 hour period – 973. The number has crept past the previous record several times in the last few days.I mentioned earlier that Russia has yet again recorded a record number of Covid deaths in a 24 hour period – 973. The number has crept past the previous record several times in the last few days.
Vladimir Isachenkov at Associated Press reports a bit more background on this today, reminding us that daily infections have also been hovering near all-time highs, with 28,190 new confirmed cases on Tuesday.Vladimir Isachenkov at Associated Press reports a bit more background on this today, reminding us that daily infections have also been hovering near all-time highs, with 28,190 new confirmed cases on Tuesday.
In total, Russia’s coronavirus task force has registered more than 7.8m confirmed cases and 218,345 deaths — the highest death toll in Europe. It is worth noting that the state statistics agency Rosstat also counts deaths where the virus wasn’t considered the main cause, and has reported a much higher total – about 418,000 deaths of people with Covid-19.In total, Russia’s coronavirus task force has registered more than 7.8m confirmed cases and 218,345 deaths — the highest death toll in Europe. It is worth noting that the state statistics agency Rosstat also counts deaths where the virus wasn’t considered the main cause, and has reported a much higher total – about 418,000 deaths of people with Covid-19.
The Russian government has blamed a sharp rise in infections and deaths that began last month on a slow vaccination rate. Only 47.8 million Russians, or almost 33% of its population, had received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine. About 29%, were fully vaccinated, the government said Friday.The Russian government has blamed a sharp rise in infections and deaths that began last month on a slow vaccination rate. Only 47.8 million Russians, or almost 33% of its population, had received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine. About 29%, were fully vaccinated, the government said Friday.
Despite the rapidly mounting coronavirus caseload and mortality, the Kremlin has ruled out a nationwide lockdown, delegating the power to make decisions on toughening coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities.Despite the rapidly mounting coronavirus caseload and mortality, the Kremlin has ruled out a nationwide lockdown, delegating the power to make decisions on toughening coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities.
Some Russian regions have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theatres, restaurants and other places to people who have been vaccinated, recently recovered from Covid or tested negative in the previous 72 hours. In Moscow, authorities have expanded free coronavirus tests in shopping malls, hoping it would help stem contagion.Some Russian regions have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theatres, restaurants and other places to people who have been vaccinated, recently recovered from Covid or tested negative in the previous 72 hours. In Moscow, authorities have expanded free coronavirus tests in shopping malls, hoping it would help stem contagion.
However, life remains largely normal in Moscow, St Petersburg and many other Russian cities, with businesses operating as usual and mask mandates loosely enforced.However, life remains largely normal in Moscow, St Petersburg and many other Russian cities, with businesses operating as usual and mask mandates loosely enforced.
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.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.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.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 expertsRead 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.