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Covid live: prevalence in England at highest level since January as testing at UK lab paused over false negatives Covid live: prevalence in England at highest level since January as testing at UK lab paused over false negatives
(32 minutes later)
Covid infections in England increase to 1 in 60 people; Wolverhampton lab suspended amid fears of 43,000 faulty PCR resultsCovid infections in England increase to 1 in 60 people; Wolverhampton lab suspended amid fears of 43,000 faulty PCR results
England’s Covid weekly reproduction “R” number was estimated between 0.9 and 1.1, the UK Health Security Agency said on Friday, with the estimated daily growth rate also unchanged.
An R number between 0.9 and 1.1 means that for every 10 people infected, they will on average infect between 9 and 11 other people, Reuters reported.
The daily growth of infections was estimated between -1% and +2%, also unchanged.
In the US, the White House is set to announce later today that it will lift travel restrictions for fully vaccinated foreign nationals from more than 30 countries.
It will take effect from 8 November at land borders and for air travel, a White House official said. Curbs on non-essential travellers have been in place since March 2020 to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reported.
The White House announced on 20 September that the United States would lift restrictions on such air travelers from 33 countries including China, India, Brazil and most of Europe in early November.
It did not give a precise date.
Two of the three largest hospitals in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius stopped accepting non-urgent patients due to influx of Covid cases, a hospital executive director said on Friday.
Several regional hospitals around Vilnius were also full, said Jolita Jakutiene, executive director of the city’s largest hospital, during a televised press conference. Most of the Covid patients were not vaccinated, and were above the age of 30, she added.
“The situation is critical. The COVID-19 patients numbers are rising every day”, the head of the city municipality’s health department, Viktorija Turauskyte, told Reuters.
Around 71% of Lithuanian adults have been fully vaccinated so far, close to European Union average of 74%, EU health figures showed. The country has reported the worst infection numbers in the EU in the fortnight up to Sunday, with 864 new cases per 10,000 people.
Some 60% of schools in England will fail to host Covid vaccinations by the government’s target date later this month, according to a survey of headteachers that reveals the virus is continuing to “cause educational havoc” with staff and student absences.
A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders found that only two out of every five secondary schools will have had a visit from vaccination teams by the October half-term break.
The survey also revealed that 95% of headteachers said teaching has been impacted by pupil and staff absences, with nearly a third rating the impact as severe. Some 93 school leaders reported pupil absences of 10% or higher, while 63 schools said 10% or more of their staff were absent for Covid-related seasons.
“It is extremely frustrating that the vaccination programme which offers some hope of salvation is apparently beset with delays and is running behind schedule,” said Geoff Barton, the ASCL’s general secretary. He added:
Barton also said an “additional difficulty” for schools was having to deal with anti-vaccination protesters. Some 13% of the 526 eligible schools reported seeing protesters outside their school.
“This is at best incredibly unhelpful, and at worst very distressing, and we appeal to those concerned to see sense and stop this nonsense,” Barton added.
The Department for Education has said that in schools that have been visited, uptake rates were around 35% of pupils.
Rishi Sunak is set to confirm that the “pause” on UK public sector pay that affected 2.6 million teachers, police and civil servants will be lifted in April, as the economy bounces back from Covid.
The chancellor imposed the freeze last November and it came into force in April. At the time, he said it was unfair for public sector workers to get a rise while many of their private sector counterparts were being furloughed or losing their jobs.
With wages in many sectors rising, and the prime minister using his party conference speech to highlight the prospects for a “high-wage economy”, Treasury sources said that argument no longer applied.
However, each Whitehall department will have to fund any pay increases from within its own budget, and TUC analysis shows that many public sector workers have seen their pay fall significantly in real terms after years of tight settlements. The TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady, said:
Recent polling carried out for the TUC by YouGov found that 27% of public sector workers said the government’s pay policy had made them more likely to quit.
European Union (EU) agencies are launching a year-long operation to crack down on fraud targeting the bloc’s multibillion-euro Covid pandemic recovery fund, EU police agency Europol announced today.European Union (EU) agencies are launching a year-long operation to crack down on fraud targeting the bloc’s multibillion-euro Covid pandemic recovery fund, EU police agency Europol announced today.
Operation Sentinel will coordinate the fight against fraud, tax evasion, excise fraud, corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation and money laundering and and boost the exchange of information and intelligence. The Associated Press reported:Operation Sentinel will coordinate the fight against fraud, tax evasion, excise fraud, corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation and money laundering and and boost the exchange of information and intelligence. The Associated Press reported:
In a statement, Europol said:In a statement, Europol said:
Europol’s executive director Catherine de Bolle said that criminal threats to pandemic recovery funds are “a direct threat to the financial well-being of the European Union and its people. Operation Sentinel will strengthen our joint response to fraud and protect the reconstruction of our communities.”Europol’s executive director Catherine de Bolle said that criminal threats to pandemic recovery funds are “a direct threat to the financial well-being of the European Union and its people. Operation Sentinel will strengthen our joint response to fraud and protect the reconstruction of our communities.”
In the United States, people in Washington state will need to either provide proof of Covid vaccination or a negative test to attend large events from 15 November.In the United States, people in Washington state will need to either provide proof of Covid vaccination or a negative test to attend large events from 15 November.
The order announced by Governor Jay Inslee applies to indoor events with 1,000 or more attendees and outdoor events that have more than 10,000 attendees.The order announced by Governor Jay Inslee applies to indoor events with 1,000 or more attendees and outdoor events that have more than 10,000 attendees.
Events will be required to verify full vaccination status or a negative test within the last 72 hours for all attendees age 12 or older.Events will be required to verify full vaccination status or a negative test within the last 72 hours for all attendees age 12 or older.
The governor’s office said the requirement applied to ticketed or registered events like conventions, concerts, sporting events and fairs.The governor’s office said the requirement applied to ticketed or registered events like conventions, concerts, sporting events and fairs.
Religious services or events that are held on K-12 school grounds are exempt from the order.Religious services or events that are held on K-12 school grounds are exempt from the order.
South Korea will partially ease Covid restrictions in its capital Seoul next week, it has been reported.South Korea will partially ease Covid restrictions in its capital Seoul next week, it has been reported.
The deputy health minister, Lee Ki-il, said the limit on private social gatherings in the greater Seoul area would be expanded to eight people if at least four of the participants are fully vaccinated and that the rules will be employed regardless of the time of day.The deputy health minister, Lee Ki-il, said the limit on private social gatherings in the greater Seoul area would be expanded to eight people if at least four of the participants are fully vaccinated and that the rules will be employed regardless of the time of day.
Seoul and the nearby metropolitan areas have been under the country’s strongest social distancing measures short of a lockdown since July, which limited gatherings to six people after 6pm if at least four were fully vaccinated.Seoul and the nearby metropolitan areas have been under the country’s strongest social distancing measures short of a lockdown since July, which limited gatherings to six people after 6pm if at least four were fully vaccinated.
Gatherings between people who aren’t fully vaccinated had been capped to two but Lee said that would be expanded to four starting on Monday, Associated Press reported.Gatherings between people who aren’t fully vaccinated had been capped to two but Lee said that would be expanded to four starting on Monday, Associated Press reported.
Lee said professional sports teams in the region would be able to sell 30% of the seats in outdoor venues and 20% of the seats in indoor venues to fans who are fully vaccinated.Lee said professional sports teams in the region would be able to sell 30% of the seats in outdoor venues and 20% of the seats in indoor venues to fans who are fully vaccinated.
The country confirmed 1,684 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, its 101st day of over 1,000, with most of the infections reported in the capital area. About 62% of a population of more than 51 million have been fully vaccinated.The country confirmed 1,684 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, its 101st day of over 1,000, with most of the infections reported in the capital area. About 62% of a population of more than 51 million have been fully vaccinated.
Sri Lanka is vaccinating 18- and 19-year-olds against the coronavirus as it expands its inoculation programme to students.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, Associated Press reported.After beginning with older people, Sri Lanka has now vaccinated 57% of its 22 million population, 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 about one in 60 people in the week ending 9 October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today.The prevalence of Covid infections in England increased to about one 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.It means it is now at the highest level since January.
The ONS said prevalence of infections had risen for the third straight week, having been at one in 70 people the previous week.The ONS said prevalence of infections had risen for the third straight week, having been at one in 70 people 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.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 10 days of October, one person has died from Covid every six minutes in the country, but vaccine scepticism remains high.In the first 10 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.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.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.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 have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, according to EU public data.Only about one third of Romania’s adult population have 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.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 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.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.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, Reuters 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 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.