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Coronavirus live: testing at UK lab paused over thousands of possible false negatives; Covid pass mandatory for all workers in Italy Covid live: prevalence in England at highest level since January as testing at UK lab paused over false negatives
(32 minutes later)
Lab in Wolverhampton suspended amid fears of at least 43,000 faulty PCR results; Italy’s strict vaccine mandate is expected to bring fresh protests Covid infections in England increase to 1 in 60 people; Wolverhampton lab suspended amid fears of 43,000 faulty PCR results
Sri Lanka is vaccinating 18 and 19-year-olds against the coronavirus as it expands its inoculation programme to students.
After beginning with older people, Sri Lanka has now vaccinated 57% of its 22 million population, the Associated Press reported.
Vaccinations with the Pfizer shot began on Friday for about 24,000 people in the 18-19 age group in the capital Colombo and suburbs. Officials say jabs in Colombo will be completed within 21 days and they will start giving doses in other parts of the country next week.
Sri Lanka lifted a six-week lockdown on 1 October after Covid cases and related deaths declined. But schools remain closed, unessential trips outside the home are restricted, public gatherings are banned and there are restrictions on transport.
At the peak, Sri Lanka was counting 3,000 daily infections and more than 200 deaths. Daily cases are now below 1,000 and deaths under 100. The Indian Ocean island nation has reported more than 529,000 cases and 13,408 deaths.
In France, coronavirus tests are no longer free for unvaccinated adults unless they are prescribed by a doctor.
While tests remain free for vaccinated adults and all children under 18, adults who have not gotten their shots will have to pay 22-45 euros to get tested as of Friday.
The government introduced the change as a complement to the Covid passes that have been required in France since the summer, the Associated Press reported.
To get a pass, people need to show proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or recent recovery from the virus.
The passes are required to visit tourist sites, for hospital visits and on domestic train trips and flights. The pass requirement, announced in July, helped boost France’s vaccination rate.
Over 49 million people, or about 74% of the population, are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in France. Everyone age 12 and older are eligible for shots.
An estimated 43,000 people may have been given wrong negative PCR Covid test results, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said this morning.
My colleague Jamie Grierson has put together a helpful Q&A about how this error occurred and what it means for people - please see below.
The prevalence of Covid infections in England increased to around 1 in 60 people in the week ending 9 October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today.
It means it is now at the highest level since January.
The ONS said that prevalence of infections had risen for its third straight week, having been at 1 in 70 people in the previous week.
European Union (EU) countries have sent Covid drugs and equipment to treat patients in Romania, which is facing a surge in infections among unvaccinated people.
In the first ten days of October, one person has died from Covid every six minutes in the country, but vaccine scepticism remains high.
The European Commission said it had coordinated the shipment to Romania of 250 oxygen concentrators, crucial devices to boost the supply of medical oxygen which is needed to treat critically ill patients, Reuters reported.
Poland sent 50 of the 250 concentrators, while the remainder came from an EU stockpile. The EU has also coordinated the shipment of 5,200 vials of monoclonal antibodies from Italy to Romania, the Commission said in a press release. Monoclonal antibodies are an experimental treatment for Covid patients.
The EU will also ship eight additional oxygen concentrators and 15 ventilators from Denmark. Ventilators help seriously ill Covid patients to breathe.
Only about one third of Romania’s adult population has received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, according to EU public data.
In Denmark, health authorities will start inviting citizens to receive a third vaccination shot against Covid next week.
The health minister, Magnus Heunicke, said invitations will be sent out to everyone who received their second vaccination at least six-and-a-half months ago, Reuters reported.
The Nordic country began giving booster shots last month to residents at homes for elderly people and others at risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus.
Denmark lifted its last coronavirus restrictions in September after vaccinating a large proportion of its population.
South Africa will start vaccinating children between the ages of 12 and 17 next week using the Pfizer vaccine, the country’s health minister said today.South Africa will start vaccinating children between the ages of 12 and 17 next week using the Pfizer vaccine, the country’s health minister said today.
It comes as it looks to ramp up inoculations ahead of final year school exams, the Reuters news agency reported. It comes as it looks to ramp up inoculations ahead of final year school exams, Reuters reported.
“This service will start on the 20 October to allow the necessary preparations on the EVDS (electronic vaccination data system) registration system and also other logistical preparations,” health minister Joe Phaahla said.“This service will start on the 20 October to allow the necessary preparations on the EVDS (electronic vaccination data system) registration system and also other logistical preparations,” health minister Joe Phaahla said.
Last month, South Africa’s health regulator approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children aged 12 and older, as the continent’s worst-hit nation in terms of deaths and overall infections emerges from its third wave of the pandemic.Last month, South Africa’s health regulator approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children aged 12 and older, as the continent’s worst-hit nation in terms of deaths and overall infections emerges from its third wave of the pandemic.
However, Phaahla said that on the advice of its vaccine advisory committee the government would only give teenagers a single shot of Pfizer’s normal two-shot regime due to concerns that it may affect the heart. However, Phaahla said that on the advice of its vaccine advisory committee the government would only give teenagers a single shot of Pfizer’s normal two-shot regime due to concerns it may affect the heart.
“The timing of the second dose will be informed by further information on this rarely observed side-effect which has no permanent risk,” Phaahla said of cases of transient myocarditis.“The timing of the second dose will be informed by further information on this rarely observed side-effect which has no permanent risk,” Phaahla said of cases of transient myocarditis.
The Welsh government has said about 4,000 Welsh residents may have been given inaccurate Covid test results.The Welsh government has said about 4,000 Welsh residents may have been given inaccurate Covid test results.
The health minister, Eluned Morgan, said the majority of these tests are believed to have been taken by people in the Gwent and Cwm Taf Morgannwg areas of south Wales. Morgan said:The health minister, Eluned Morgan, said the majority of these tests are believed to have been taken by people in the Gwent and Cwm Taf Morgannwg areas of south Wales. Morgan said:
She added:She added:
Morning all, Tom Ambrose here ready to bring you all the big Covid news from the UK and abroad throughout today.Morning all, Tom Ambrose here ready to bring you all the big Covid news from the UK and abroad throughout today.
Let’s start with some news coming in from Italy this morning. Protests have been taking place as one of the most stringent anti-coronavirus measures in Europe went into effect today.Let’s start with some news coming in from Italy this morning. Protests have been taking place as one of the most stringent anti-coronavirus measures in Europe went into effect today.
Italy is requiring all workers, from magistrates to maids, to show a health pass to get into their place of employment.Italy is requiring all workers, from magistrates to maids, to show a health pass to get into their place of employment.
Police were out in force this morning and schools planned to end classes early. Meanwhile, embassies issued warnings of possible violence amid concerns that anti-vaccination demonstrations could turn violent, as they did in Rome last weekend.Police were out in force this morning and schools planned to end classes early. Meanwhile, embassies issued warnings of possible violence amid concerns that anti-vaccination demonstrations could turn violent, as they did in Rome last weekend.
Protests by port workers in Genoa and Trieste threatened to affect commercial activities, but early reports suggested the ports were operational. Protesters shouted “Liberta” (Freedom) in a largely peaceful demonstration in Florence.Protests by port workers in Genoa and Trieste threatened to affect commercial activities, but early reports suggested the ports were operational. Protesters shouted “Liberta” (Freedom) in a largely peaceful demonstration in Florence.
The so-called “green pass” shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or of having recovered from Covid in the past six months. Italy already required them to access all sorts of indoor environments, including restaurants, museums, theatres, and long-distance trains.The so-called “green pass” shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or of having recovered from Covid in the past six months. Italy already required them to access all sorts of indoor environments, including restaurants, museums, theatres, and long-distance trains.
But the addition of the workplace requirement has sparked heated debate and opposition in a country that was a coronavirus hotspot early in the pandemic and where vaccination rates are among the highest in Europe.But the addition of the workplace requirement has sparked heated debate and opposition in a country that was a coronavirus hotspot early in the pandemic and where vaccination rates are among the highest in Europe.
At least 43,000 people may have been wrongly given a negative Covid test result, the UK Health Security Agency has said, as it announced the suspension of operations at a privately run lab in Wolverhampton. The move comes after an investigation into reports of people receiving negative PCR test results after they had previously tested positive on a lateral flow device.At least 43,000 people may have been wrongly given a negative Covid test result, the UK Health Security Agency has said, as it announced the suspension of operations at a privately run lab in Wolverhampton. The move comes after an investigation into reports of people receiving negative PCR test results after they had previously tested positive on a lateral flow device.
Dr Will Welfare, public health incident director at the UK Health Security Agency said: “There is no evidence of any faults with lateral flow or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided.”Dr Will Welfare, public health incident director at the UK Health Security Agency said: “There is no evidence of any faults with lateral flow or PCR test kits themselves and the public should remain confident in using them and in other laboratory services currently provided.”
Russia has again set a new record for the number of coronavirus-related deaths, with 999 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours. There was also a record number of new cases recorded – 32,196. This is only the second time that Russia has officially recorded more than 30,000 new cases in a single day.Russia has again set a new record for the number of coronavirus-related deaths, with 999 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours. There was also a record number of new cases recorded – 32,196. This is only the second time that Russia has officially recorded more than 30,000 new cases in a single day.
Australia’s outbound travel ban will be lifted from 1 November in a move triggered by New South Wales announcing an end to quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals.Australia’s outbound travel ban will be lifted from 1 November in a move triggered by New South Wales announcing an end to quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals.
Public health orders requiring New South Wales health workers, teachers and some construction workers to be vaccinated to keep working are valid, the NSW supreme court has ruled in Australia.Public health orders requiring New South Wales health workers, teachers and some construction workers to be vaccinated to keep working are valid, the NSW supreme court has ruled in Australia.
Hobart and southern Tasmania have been forced into a snap three-day lockdown after a coronavirus-infected New South Wales man allegedly entered the state illegally and escaped hotel quarantine.Hobart and southern Tasmania have been forced into a snap three-day lockdown after a coronavirus-infected New South Wales man allegedly entered the state illegally and escaped hotel quarantine.
South Korea said it would lift stringent anti-coronavirus curbs on social gatherings next week, as the country prepares to switch to a “living with Covid-19” strategy amid rising vaccination levels.South Korea said it would lift stringent anti-coronavirus curbs on social gatherings next week, as the country prepares to switch to a “living with Covid-19” strategy amid rising vaccination levels.
Israel is seeing a sharp drop in new infections and severe illness, aided by its use of vaccine boosters, vaccine passports and mask mandates, scientists and health officials said.Israel is seeing a sharp drop in new infections and severe illness, aided by its use of vaccine boosters, vaccine passports and mask mandates, scientists and health officials said.
Senior government science advisers from the UK, Europe and Canada have called on countries around the world to offer vaccination certificates to volunteers on Covid jab trials so they can travel internationally.Senior government science advisers from the UK, Europe and Canada have called on countries around the world to offer vaccination certificates to volunteers on Covid jab trials so they can travel internationally.
That’s it from me, Martin Belam, for this week. I’ll see you again on Monday. Tom Ambrose is waiting in the wings to take over. Stay safe and have a great weekend.That’s it from me, Martin Belam, for this week. I’ll see you again on Monday. Tom Ambrose is waiting in the wings to take over. Stay safe and have a great weekend.
There’s another quote here on the false negative PCR tests story. 43,000 people may have had incorrect results, which has led to a testing lab in Wolverhampton being suspended. The tests were mostly carried out in in south west England, although some were in the south east of England, and some in Wales.
Andrea Riposati, chief executive of Immensa Health Clinic, the laboratory involved said:
Earlier this week a parliamentary report described the country’s Covid response as “one of UK’s worst ever public health failures”.
Russia has again set a new record for the number of coronavirus-related deaths, with 999 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours. The previous record was set yesterday at 986. That had surpassed a record set the day before.
There was also a record number of new cases recorded – 32,196. This is only the second time that Russia has officially recorded more than 30,000 new cases in a single day.
Nurses around the US are getting burned out by the Covid-19 crisis and quitting, yet applications to nursing schools are rising, driven by what educators say are young people who see the global emergency as an opportunity and a challenge.
Among them is University of Connecticut sophomore Brianna Monte, a 19-year-old from Mahopac, New York, who had been considering majoring in education but decided on nursing after watching nurses care for her 84-year-grandmother, who was diagnosed last year with Covid-19 and also had cancer.
“They were switching out their protective gear in between every patient, running like crazy trying to make sure all of their patients were attended to,” she said.
“I had that moment of clarity that made me want to jump right in to healthcare and join the workers on the frontline.”
Nationally, enrolment in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing programs increased 5.6% in 2020 from the year before to just over 250,000 students, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Figures for the current 2021-22 school year won’t be available until January, but administrators say they have continued to see a surge in interest.
Read more here: Applications to US nursing schools rise as students want to ‘join the frontline’
Hobart and southern Tasmania have been forced into a snap three-day lockdown after a coronavirus-infected New South Wales man allegedly entered the state illegally and escaped hotel quarantine.
The Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein, announced a range of restrictions would be in force across a dozen local government areas from 6pm on Friday.
The lockdown was sparked by a 31-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at a home in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
He had earlier allegedly escaped from Hobart’s Travelodge facility. He has not co-operated with authorities and provided false information about his movements, the premier said.
“One of the things that we do not want to be in this state is either Sydney or Melbourne, who acted too late in both instances when dealing with Delta,” Gutwein told reporters.
Read more here: Hobart and southern Tasmania enter snap three-day Covid lockdown
Following up on that story at least 43,000 people in the UK may have had false negatives from PCR tests, PA Media are carrying this quote from Dr Will Welfare, who is public health incident director at the UK Health Security Agency. He said:
The tests in question were taken between 8 September and 12 October, mainly in the South West of England.
Public health orders requiring New South Wales health workers, teachers and some construction workers to be vaccinated to keep working are valid, the NSW supreme court has ruled in Australia.
The Sydney construction worker Al-Munir Kassam, Byron Bay aged care worker Natasha Henry and eight others had argued the public health orders should be overturned as they impinged on various rights, including a right to bodily integrity and a right to freedom of movement.
But Justice Robert Beech-Jones said arguing the health order impinged on rights was of little assistance when such abrogation was what the legislation set out to achieve.
When all was said and done, the public health orders in question restricted freedom of movement, he said.
“So far as the right to bodily integrity is concerned, it is not violated as the impugned orders do not authorise the involuntary vaccination of anyone,” he said.
“So far as the impairment of freedom of movement is concerned, the degree of impairment differs depending on whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated. Curtailing the free movement of persons, including their movement to and at work, are the very type of restrictions that the Public Health Act clearly authorises.”
Read more here: Mandatory vaccination for NSW essential workers is valid, court rules
There’s some chatter about how the UK government will verify lateral flow tests as the requirement for post-travel testing is reduced from a requirement to take a PCR test.
On the radio this morning the UK transport secretary, Grants Shapps, has dismissed claims that people will have to film themselves taking the test. On LBC he said:
A Covid testing lab in Wolverhampton has been suspended after it emerged around 43,000 people in the south-west of England may have been wrongly told their Covid test was negative because of errors at the lab.
In a statement, the UK health security agency said: “NHS test and trace have suspended testing operations provided by Immensa Health Clinic Ltd at its laboratory in Wolverhampton, following an investigation into reports of people receiving negative PCR test results after they have previously tested positive on a lateral flow device.
“While investigations are under way into the precise cause, NHS test and trace estimate that around 400,000 samples have been processed through the lab, the vast majority of which will have been negative results, but an estimated 43,000 people may have been given incorrect negative PCR test results between 8 September and 12 October, mostly in the south-west of England.
“This is an isolated incident attributed to one laboratory but all samples are now being redirected to other laboratories. The number of tests carried out at the Immensa laboratory are small in the context of the wider network and testing availability is unaffected around the country.
“NHS TT is contacting the people that could still be infectious to advise them to take another test. Close contacts who are symptomatic will also be advised to take a test in line with normal practice. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a PCR test. Those with a positive LFD test should get a follow up PCR test to confirm they have Covid-19.”
Australia’s outbound travel ban will be lifted from 1 November in a move triggered by New South Wales announcing an end to quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals.
On Friday, the prime minister, Scott Morrison, told reporters in Sydney that from November “we will be allowing Australians, permanent residents and citizens and their families, to leave Australia from wherever they live in Australia and return”.
Although vaccinated travellers will be able to arrive in New South Wales without quarantine, Morrison noted arrivals will still be capped in other states “because of the vaccination levels in those places”.
In response, Qantas has moved forward the resumption of international travel by two weeks, announcing it will operate up to five return flights a week from Sydney to London and up to four a week from Sydney to Los Angeles from 1 November.
Nevertheless, travellers leaving Australia will face uncertainty about which ports they can return to other than Sydney and when other states will follow NSW’s lead on quarantine-free travel. Victoria is the most likely to do so when the double-dose vaccination rate reaches 80% in early November.
Read more of Paul Karp’s report here: All Australians able to travel overseas from November, says Morrison as he lifts travel ban
UK transport minister Grant Shapps has been doing the media round this morning, and on Times Radio he was asked about the new policy of allowing travellers returning to England to take lateral flow tests instead of PCR tests. PA Media reports he said: