This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/oct/15/coronavirus-live-uk-booster-shot-rollout-for-vulnerable-a-chaotic-failure-covid-pass-now-mandatory-for-all-workers-in-italy

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Covid live: prevalence in England at highest level since January; US set to partly lift travel restrictions Covid live: UK records 44,932 new cases and 145 deaths; US set to partly lift travel restrictions
(32 minutes later)
Covid infections in England increase to 1 in 60 people; White House set to lift travel restrictions for some fully vaccinated foreign nationals UK figures fall slightly compared to previous day; White House set to lift travel restrictions for some fully vaccinated foreign nationals
Ministers are facing questions about the Covid testing company linked to suspected wrong PCR results, as it emerged its sister company in the UK is being investigated over travel testing failures and a related US firm sent out used DNA test kits filled with other customers’ saliva.
Immensa Health Clinic is under scrutiny after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found at least 43,000 people may have been wrongly given a negative Covid test result, leading to the suspension of operations at its privately run laboratory in Wolverhampton.
It followed an investigation into reports of people receiving negative PCR test results after previously testing positive on a lateral flow device, many of them in the south-west and Wales.
Immensa was founded in May 2020 by Andrea Riposati, a former management consultant and owner of a DNA testing company, just three months before it was awarded a £119m PCR testing contract by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). He is the sole listed owner and board director.
Riposati is also the founder of Dante Labs, which is under investigation in the UK by the Competition and Markets Authority over its PCR travel tests.
The watchdog said it would look into concerns that Dante Labs may be treating customers unfairly by not delivering PCR tests or results on time or at all, failing to respond to complaints or provide proper customer service, refusing or delaying refunds when requested and using terms and conditions that may unfairly limit consumers’ rights.
The UK recorded a further 44,932 coronavirus cases and 145 new deaths from the virus today.
The data released by the government on Friday represents a slight decline when compared to yesterday’s figures.
On Thursday, there were 45,066 new infections registered, as well as 157 new deaths.
Australia’s capital Canberra has come out of lockdown with authorities reporting more than 99% of the population aged 12 and older having at least one dose of a Covid vaccine.Australia’s capital Canberra has come out of lockdown with authorities reporting more than 99% of the population aged 12 and older having at least one dose of a Covid vaccine.
Sydney came out of lockdown on Monday with only the 73.5% of the population aged 16 and older who were fully-vaccinated allowed to enjoy the new freedoms including going to restaurants, hairdressers and non-essential shopping. Sydney came out of lockdown on Monday, with only 73.5% of the population aged 16 and older who were fully vaccinated allowed to enjoy the new freedoms including going to restaurants, hairdressers and non-essential shopping.
But the new freedoms in Canberra from Friday apply to all because of the extraordinarily high vaccination rate, Reuters reported.But the new freedoms in Canberra from Friday apply to all because of the extraordinarily high vaccination rate, Reuters reported.
By Friday, 76% of the population aged 12 and older was fully vaccinated. By Friday, 76% of the population aged 12 and older were fully vaccinated.
New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully-vaccinated international travellers from 1 November in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, has announced it will end hotel quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international travellers from 1 November in a major relaxation in pandemic restrictions.
About one in 60 people in England had Covid-19 last week, according to estimates published on Friday.About one in 60 people in England had Covid-19 last week, according to estimates published on Friday.
The prevalence of infection was up for a third straight week, having been at about one in 70 the previous week, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).The prevalence of infection was up for a third straight week, having been at about one in 70 the previous week, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
At the peak of the second wave in early January, about one in 50 people were estimated to have coronavirus. The latest estimate of one in 60 equates to about 890,000 people.At the peak of the second wave in early January, about one in 50 people were estimated to have coronavirus. The latest estimate of one in 60 equates to about 890,000 people.
While the government has continued to insist it will rely on vaccines rather than lockdowns to navigate a difficult winter, some experts have expressed concern about the rise.While the government has continued to insist it will rely on vaccines rather than lockdowns to navigate a difficult winter, some experts have expressed concern about the rise.
Prevalence was highest once again in secondary school pupils, prompting Prof Christina Pagel, the director of UCL’s clinical operational research unit, to reiterate criticism of preparations for the return of children to schools. An estimated 8.1% of all secondary pupils were infected, up from 6.93% the previous week. Prevalence was highest once again in secondary school pupils, prompting Prof Christina Pagel, the director of University College London’s clinical operational research unit, to reiterate criticism of preparations for the return of children to schools. An estimated 8.1% of all secondary pupils were infected, up from 6.93% the previous week.
“When are we going to say enough is enough and protect kids?” tweeted Pagel, who co-authored a piece in the Guardian last week that noted countries such as France and Germany were using extra measures as part of a “vaccine-plus strategy” designed to keep cases and deaths low.“When are we going to say enough is enough and protect kids?” tweeted Pagel, who co-authored a piece in the Guardian last week that noted countries such as France and Germany were using extra measures as part of a “vaccine-plus strategy” designed to keep cases and deaths low.
Cases have also increased among people in England over 50, who were among the first to receive vaccines and are now being given booster shots.Cases have also increased among people in England over 50, who were among the first to receive vaccines and are now being given booster shots.
Saudi Arabia will ease Covid curbs from 17 October in response to a sharp drop in daily infections, State News Agency said, quoting an interior ministry official.Saudi Arabia will ease Covid curbs from 17 October in response to a sharp drop in daily infections, State News Agency said, quoting an interior ministry official.
The government will lift social distancing measures and allow full-capacity attendance at the country’s two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, the agency added.The government will lift social distancing measures and allow full-capacity attendance at the country’s two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, the agency added.
The Philippines started vaccinating young people aged 12-17 against coronavirus on Friday in the hope that it will allow schools to safely reopen.The Philippines started vaccinating young people aged 12-17 against coronavirus on Friday in the hope that it will allow schools to safely reopen.
It follows many other countries in expanding its immunisation drive to minors and authorities have planned a pilot run of a return to face-to-face classes in up to 120 schools next month, Reuters reported.It follows many other countries in expanding its immunisation drive to minors and authorities have planned a pilot run of a return to face-to-face classes in up to 120 schools next month, Reuters reported.
The Philippines was among 17 countries globally where schools have been closed for the entirety of the pandemic, according to a September report by the United Nations children’s agency Unicef.The Philippines was among 17 countries globally where schools have been closed for the entirety of the pandemic, according to a September report by the United Nations children’s agency Unicef.
“For me, I’m looking forward to getting back to face-to-face classes in the future,” said Gyle Fernandez, 17, one of more than 1,000 children who received their vaccinations on Friday.“For me, I’m looking forward to getting back to face-to-face classes in the future,” said Gyle Fernandez, 17, one of more than 1,000 children who received their vaccinations on Friday.
The Philippines is prioritising 1.2 million children with existing health conditions and has approved two vaccine brands for minors.The Philippines is prioritising 1.2 million children with existing health conditions and has approved two vaccine brands for minors.
A Russian firm has started trials of the Betuvax-CoV-2 coronavirus vaccine, the second vaccine of its kind produced by a private Russian company.A Russian firm has started trials of the Betuvax-CoV-2 coronavirus vaccine, the second vaccine of its kind produced by a private Russian company.
The first and second phase trials, held by the Human Stem Cells Institute, will involve 170 people based in the cities of St Petersburg and Perm and are expected to run until September next year, TASS news agency reported.The first and second phase trials, held by the Human Stem Cells Institute, will involve 170 people based in the cities of St Petersburg and Perm and are expected to run until September next year, TASS news agency reported.
Biocad, another private company, began trials for its own vaccine against Covid last month, Interfax reported.Biocad, another private company, began trials for its own vaccine against Covid last month, Interfax reported.
Russia has so far approved vaccines developed by three state institutes, including the two-dose Sputnik V.Russia has so far approved vaccines developed by three state institutes, including the two-dose Sputnik V.
Russia was quick to roll out Sputnik V when the pandemic struck last year, but take-up has been slow, with many Russians citing distrust of the authorities and fear of new medical products.Russia was quick to roll out Sputnik V when the pandemic struck last year, but take-up has been slow, with many Russians citing distrust of the authorities and fear of new medical products.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 an influx of Covid cases, a hospital executive director said on Friday.Two of the three largest hospitals in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, stopped accepting non-urgent patients due to an 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.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.“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 the 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.Around 71% of Lithuanian adults have been fully vaccinated so far, close to the 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.
About 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.About 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.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 affected by pupil and staff absences, with nearly a third rating the impact as severe. Ninety-three 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.The survey also revealed that 95% of headteachers said teaching has been affected by pupil and staff absences, with nearly a third rating the impact as severe. Ninety-three 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:“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. Thirteen per cent of the 526 eligible schools reported seeing protesters outside their school.Barton also said an “additional difficulty” for schools was having to deal with anti-vaccination protesters. Thirteen per cent 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.“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.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.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.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.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: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.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.