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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
(31 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
Russia will test a nasal spray form of its Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 among adult volunteers, according to a state document published on Tuesday,
It comes after the country recorded its highest single-day death toll since the start of the pandemic, with 973 deaths.
Reuters reports:
Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has been appointed a special representative to the United Nations, tasked with helping African countries recover from Covid-19, PA reports.
He said he was “honoured” to have been given the role, adding on Twitter: “I’ll be working with the UN, the UN Economic Commissions for Africa to help African economic recovery from the pandemic and promote sustainable development.”
It comes four months after he resigned from his Cabinet role for breaking social distancing rules by kissing and embracing an aide in his office.
According to the UN, African countries face paying more than 300 billion to recover from the pandemic.
The under secretary-general of the UN, Vera Songwe, said Mr Hancock’s “success” in handling the UK’s pandemic response is a testament to the strengths he will bring to the role.
New York state cannot impose a Covid-19 vaccine mandate on healthcare workers without allowing for religious exemption requests, a US judge has ruled.New York state cannot impose a Covid-19 vaccine mandate on healthcare workers without allowing for religious exemption requests, a US judge has ruled.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Bereaved families have called for the UK Covid public inquiry to be accelerated and for ministers to apologise after a damning report by MPs on the handling of the pandemic, Robert Booth, Peter Walker and Steven Morris report.Bereaved families have called for the UK Covid public inquiry to be accelerated and for ministers to apologise after a damning report by MPs on the handling of the pandemic, Robert Booth, Peter Walker and Steven Morris report.
Dr Cathy Gardner, whose father died from coronavirus after his care home was infected by the discharge of untested patients in March 2020, said the government must appoint a chair for the planned inquiry now rather than by Christmas as Boris Johnson has promised.Dr Cathy Gardner, whose father died from coronavirus after his care home was infected by the discharge of untested patients in March 2020, said the government must appoint a chair for the planned inquiry now rather than by Christmas as Boris Johnson has promised.
The Royal College of Nursing also called for a faster start to the inquiry, while Keir Starmer and the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group said ministers must say sorry for their handling of the crisis.The Royal College of Nursing also called for a faster start to the inquiry, while Keir Starmer and the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group said ministers must say sorry for their handling of the crisis.
Lobby Akinnola, a spokesperson for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said:Lobby Akinnola, a spokesperson for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said:
Stephen Reicher, a member of the Sage subcommittee advising on behavioural science, has responded to a cross-party report into the UK Government’s response to the Covid pandemic in a lengthy Twitter thread.Stephen Reicher, a member of the Sage subcommittee advising on behavioural science, has responded to a cross-party report into the UK Government’s response to the Covid pandemic in a lengthy Twitter thread.
The report suggested early failings resulted from apparent groupthink among scientists and ministers which led to “fatalism”.The report suggested early failings resulted from apparent groupthink among scientists and ministers which led to “fatalism”.
Reicher references a piece previously written in the Guardian, warning that the term groupthink “misunderstands the issues and lets the Government off the hook”.Reicher references a piece previously written in the Guardian, warning that the term groupthink “misunderstands the issues and lets the Government off the hook”.
He argues that the failings were not inevitable, as the underlying ideology that led to them could have been challenged.He argues that the failings were not inevitable, as the underlying ideology that led to them could have been challenged.
France has reported 5,880 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours.France has reported 5,880 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours.
This compares with 38,520 further cases in the UK over the same period.This compares with 38,520 further cases in the UK over the same period.
The latest figures show 73% of local authorities in the UK saw a week-on-week rise in cases rates of Covid-19, PA reports.The latest figures show 73% of local authorities in the UK saw a week-on-week rise in cases rates of Covid-19, PA reports.
Of the 377 local areas in the UK, 276 have seen a week-on-week rise in rates and 101 have seen a fall.Of the 377 local areas in the UK, 276 have seen a week-on-week rise in rates and 101 have seen a fall.
The figures, for the seven days to 8 October, are based on the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in either a lab-reported or rapid lateral flow test, by specimen date.The figures, for the seven days to 8 October, are based on the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in either a lab-reported or rapid lateral flow test, by specimen date.
The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.The rate is expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people.
Trafford in Greater Manchester has the highest rate, with 2,009 new cases in the seven days to October 8 - the equivalent of 845.6 per 100,000 people. Trafford in Greater Manchester has the highest rate, with 2,009 new cases in the seven days to 8 October - the equivalent of 845.6 per 100,000 people.
This is up sharply from 531.2 in the seven days to October 1. This is up sharply from 531.2 in the seven days to 1 October.
Torfaen has the highest rate in Wales (712.8), Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon has the highest rate in Northern Ireland (529.8), and Stirling has the highest rate in Scotland (460.2).Torfaen has the highest rate in Wales (712.8), Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon has the highest rate in Northern Ireland (529.8), and Stirling has the highest rate in Scotland (460.2).
The emergency support provided by central banks and finance ministries during the Covid-19 pandemic has fuelled speculation, leaving the world vulnerable to another financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund has warned.The emergency support provided by central banks and finance ministries during the Covid-19 pandemic has fuelled speculation, leaving the world vulnerable to another financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund has warned.
Policymakers were faced with a “challenging” trade-off between continuing to support economic activity while preventing unintended consequences and medium-term financial stability risks, the IMF said in its half-yearly Global Financial Stability Review (GFSR).Policymakers were faced with a “challenging” trade-off between continuing to support economic activity while preventing unintended consequences and medium-term financial stability risks, the IMF said in its half-yearly Global Financial Stability Review (GFSR).
Noting that share prices appeared to be overvalued and house prices had risen rapidly in many countries, the Washington-based body said investors were becoming increasingly concerned about the economic outlook amid rising virus infections and greater uncertainty about the strength of the recovery, particularly in emerging markets.Noting that share prices appeared to be overvalued and house prices had risen rapidly in many countries, the Washington-based body said investors were becoming increasingly concerned about the economic outlook amid rising virus infections and greater uncertainty about the strength of the recovery, particularly in emerging markets.
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.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.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.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.