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| Coronavirus live: UK booster shot rollout for vulnerable a ‘chaotic failure’; Covid pass now mandatory for all workers in Italy | Coronavirus live: UK booster shot rollout for vulnerable a ‘chaotic failure’; Covid pass now mandatory for all workers in Italy |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| The programme giving booster shots to immunocompromised is floundering, UK charities warn; Italy’s strict vaccine mandate is expected to bring fresh protests and staff shortages | The programme giving booster shots to immunocompromised is floundering, UK charities warn; Italy’s strict vaccine mandate is expected to bring fresh protests and staff shortages |
| 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: | |
| 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. |
| The UK has led the way in granting vaccine certificates to trial participants, but many countries have failed to follow suit and refuse to admit people unless they have had two doses of Covid vaccine that has already gone through trials and been approved by regulators. | The UK has led the way in granting vaccine certificates to trial participants, but many countries have failed to follow suit and refuse to admit people unless they have had two doses of Covid vaccine that has already gone through trials and been approved by regulators. |
| The situation means many tens of thousands of people globally who enrolled in clinical trials to assess Covid vaccines, or combinations of different shots, cannot travel abroad unless they get an additional round of approved jabs. | The situation means many tens of thousands of people globally who enrolled in clinical trials to assess Covid vaccines, or combinations of different shots, cannot travel abroad unless they get an additional round of approved jabs. |
| In an open letter to governments around the world, 14 senior advisers, including England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, and the UK’s chief scientist, Sir Patrick Vallance, warn that preventing trial volunteers from travelling was “unfair” and had led some participants to drop out of trials and seek extra vaccinations. | |
| “Vaccine clinical trial volunteers have given their time freely to help others, and clinical trials are the way in which the world can understand which vaccines work and are safe,” the letter states. “There is a moral and ethical obligation to treat volunteers in a way that feels fair to them and to the wider public. It is the right thing to do.” | “Vaccine clinical trial volunteers have given their time freely to help others, and clinical trials are the way in which the world can understand which vaccines work and are safe,” the letter states. “There is a moral and ethical obligation to treat volunteers in a way that feels fair to them and to the wider public. It is the right thing to do.” |
| Read more of our science editor Ian Samples’s report: Volunteers on Covid jab trials should get travel certificates, say top scientists | Read more of our science editor Ian Samples’s report: Volunteers on Covid jab trials should get travel certificates, say top scientists |
| Associated Press has a report today looking at global supply problems with the delivery of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine. | |
| It reports that Venezuela ordered 10m doses in December 2020 but has only received slightly less than 4 million. Argentina got its first shipment on 25 December, but it is still waiting for many of the 20m it purchased. Iran has received only about 1.3m doses from Russia out of 60m doses it had been promised. | |
| One complication with the Sputnik V vaccine is that the second dose is different to the first, and the two are not interchangeable. | One complication with the Sputnik V vaccine is that the second dose is different to the first, and the two are not interchangeable. |
| Iran’s deputy health minister, Alireza Raisi, last month urged those who received the first dose of Sputnik V to get a second shot of AstraZeneca, instead citing the “uncertainty” of when the Russian vaccine will be delivered. | |
| The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolls and markets the vaccine abroad and has production contracts with 25 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, told the AP that it “is in full compliance of the Sputnik V supply contracts, including of the second component, after a successful production ramp-up in August and September”. | |
| For a while Sputnik V was “the only game in town”, said Judy Twigg, a professor specialising in global health at Virginia Commonwealth University, but she added that Russia’s window of opportunity “to really stake a claim as the saviour” in the pandemic is gone. “Russia squandered that opportunity,” said Twigg. | |
| “I think in some cases, it’s actually left Russia’s reputation in Iran, Guatemala, Argentina, maybe Mexico, perhaps even a little worse off than it would have been if it had done nothing, or if it had waited and made more fulfillable promises from the very beginning, because people are disappointed.” | “I think in some cases, it’s actually left Russia’s reputation in Iran, Guatemala, Argentina, maybe Mexico, perhaps even a little worse off than it would have been if it had done nothing, or if it had waited and made more fulfillable promises from the very beginning, because people are disappointed.” |
| Yesterday, Russia set new records for daily new Covid cases and daily Covid-related deaths, with the official number of new cases rising above 30,000 for the first time. We normally get updated figures around 9.30am UK time. The Moscow Times reported yesterday on the situation in Russia, saying: | |
| Politico’s Playbook newsletter today suggests that “it is going to be worth watching the numbers closely over the coming days” on coronavirus in the UK. They write: | Politico’s Playbook newsletter today suggests that “it is going to be worth watching the numbers closely over the coming days” on coronavirus in the UK. They write: |
| Every measure on the UK dashboard – cases, deaths, patients admitted – is up in the latest set of official data. There were over 45,000 new cases yesterday, which was the highest number of new cases since July. The UK is already an outlier in having much higher case numbers than the rest of western Europe. | |
| Schools and businesses in Victoria, Australia, fear they will be short-staffed when the state reopens, as the Covid vaccine mandate kicks in for 1.2 million authorised workers. | Schools and businesses in Victoria, Australia, fear they will be short-staffed when the state reopens, as the Covid vaccine mandate kicks in for 1.2 million authorised workers. |
| From Friday, essential workers in Victoria must have had at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, or be booked in for it by 22 October. | From Friday, essential workers in Victoria must have had at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, or be booked in for it by 22 October. |
| The mandate took effect as the state recorded 2,170 cases and six deaths on Friday, a day after setting another national record for daily case numbers. | The mandate took effect as the state recorded 2,170 cases and six deaths on Friday, a day after setting another national record for daily case numbers. |
| Workers refusing to comply with the mandate can be fined up to $20,000 (£10,800) while businesses face penalties of up to $100,000 (£54,260). | Workers refusing to comply with the mandate can be fined up to $20,000 (£10,800) while businesses face penalties of up to $100,000 (£54,260). |
| The vaccine mandate covers everyone who is currently allowed to work outside the home, including cleaners, allied health professionals and even pool maintenance operators. | The vaccine mandate covers everyone who is currently allowed to work outside the home, including cleaners, allied health professionals and even pool maintenance operators. |
| Some teachers were concerned their schools would be left short-staffed as hesitant teachers weigh up their options or those opposed to the vaccine walk out of their jobs. | Some teachers were concerned their schools would be left short-staffed as hesitant teachers weigh up their options or those opposed to the vaccine walk out of their jobs. |
| Read more of Cait Kelly’s report: Victoria Covid update – vaccine mandate takes effect as state records 2,170 cases | Read more of Cait Kelly’s report: Victoria Covid update – vaccine mandate takes effect as state records 2,170 cases |
| Members of the public in the UK have been urged to book for further testing after some PCR tests at a government-run site resulted in false negatives. | Members of the public in the UK have been urged to book for further testing after some PCR tests at a government-run site resulted in false negatives. |
| West Berkshire council said in a statement that some of the tests at the Newbury Showground testing site, operated by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), “have had results sent out that may have incorrectly shown as negative for Covid-19”. | West Berkshire council said in a statement that some of the tests at the Newbury Showground testing site, operated by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), “have had results sent out that may have incorrectly shown as negative for Covid-19”. |
| “After receiving reports from local residents in recent weeks that there were concerns about the accuracy of test results from the site, we passed these concerns onto the DHSC for further investigation,” the statement added. | “After receiving reports from local residents in recent weeks that there were concerns about the accuracy of test results from the site, we passed these concerns onto the DHSC for further investigation,” the statement added. |
| “The DHSC has now confirmed that a number of sites nationally may have been affected by this issue, including the one at Newbury Showground.” | “The DHSC has now confirmed that a number of sites nationally may have been affected by this issue, including the one at Newbury Showground.” |
| PA Media reports that those who received a negative result for a PCR test from 3-12 October, as well as their close contacts, were “strongly” encouraged by the local authority to take another test. | PA Media reports that those who received a negative result for a PCR test from 3-12 October, as well as their close contacts, were “strongly” encouraged by the local authority to take another test. |
| Councillor Graham Bridgman said: “Testing continues to remain important as we learn to live with Covid and anyone who has symptoms, or who has been in contact with someone who tests positive, should book a PCR test straightaway. We also strongly encourage the public to do twice weekly lateral flow testing.” | Councillor Graham Bridgman said: “Testing continues to remain important as we learn to live with Covid and anyone who has symptoms, or who has been in contact with someone who tests positive, should book a PCR test straightaway. We also strongly encourage the public to do twice weekly lateral flow testing.” |
| Good morning, it is Martin Belam here in London taking over from Samantha Lock. It is transport minister Grant Shapps doing the media round in the UK today. I’ll bring you any Covid-related lines from his appearances shortly. | Good morning, it is Martin Belam here in London taking over from Samantha Lock. It is transport minister Grant Shapps doing the media round in the UK today. I’ll bring you any Covid-related lines from his appearances shortly. |
| South Korea said on Friday 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 on Friday 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. |
| From Monday, the government will allow gatherings of up to four unvaccinated people, and ease operating-hour restrictions imposed on venues like restaurants, cafes and cinemas, prime minister Kim Boo-kyum said. | From Monday, the government will allow gatherings of up to four unvaccinated people, and ease operating-hour restrictions imposed on venues like restaurants, cafes and cinemas, prime minister Kim Boo-kyum said. |
| The relaxation will also allow outdoor sports events to take place in front of crowds, rather than behind closed doors as at present, if 30% of all spectators are fully vaccinated, Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, told a briefing. | The relaxation will also allow outdoor sports events to take place in front of crowds, rather than behind closed doors as at present, if 30% of all spectators are fully vaccinated, Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, told a briefing. |
| 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. |
| The country is four months into one of its worst Covid-19 outbreaks. Since peaking in early September, daily infections have fallen more than 80%, with severe cases nearly halved, Reuters reports. | The country is four months into one of its worst Covid-19 outbreaks. Since peaking in early September, daily infections have fallen more than 80%, with severe cases nearly halved, Reuters reports. |
| “Day by day we are breaking the Delta wave,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday, crediting government policy for “close, smart and flexible management allowing life alongside coronavirus.” | “Day by day we are breaking the Delta wave,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday, crediting government policy for “close, smart and flexible management allowing life alongside coronavirus.” |
| Since administration of boosters, mostly unvaccinated, often younger, people are bearing the brunt of serious illness. They make up about 75% of hospitalised patients in severe condition, while those vaccinated with two or three shots account for a quarter of such cases. | Since administration of boosters, mostly unvaccinated, often younger, people are bearing the brunt of serious illness. They make up about 75% of hospitalised patients in severe condition, while those vaccinated with two or three shots account for a quarter of such cases. |
| Rather than imposing new lockdown measures, the government opted for a ‘Living with Covid’ strategy and bet on a third booster dose of the Pfizer Inc (PFE.N)/BioNTech vaccine for people age 12 and up, mandated face coverings and enforced use of a ‘Green Pass’ - proof of vaccination, recovery from the illness or a negative test for the virus - at restaurants and other venues, even for children. | Rather than imposing new lockdown measures, the government opted for a ‘Living with Covid’ strategy and bet on a third booster dose of the Pfizer Inc (PFE.N)/BioNTech vaccine for people age 12 and up, mandated face coverings and enforced use of a ‘Green Pass’ - proof of vaccination, recovery from the illness or a negative test for the virus - at restaurants and other venues, even for children. |
| So far, the strategy has kept schools and the economy open. | So far, the strategy has kept schools and the economy open. |
| Thanks for joining us for all the key developments surrounding the evolving Covid-19 crisis. | Thanks for joining us for all the key developments surrounding the evolving Covid-19 crisis. |
| Australia made a surprise announcement earlier today that the state of NSW, home to the nation’s most populous city of Sydney, would be ending mandatory quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international arrivals from 1 November. | Australia made a surprise announcement earlier today that the state of NSW, home to the nation’s most populous city of Sydney, would be ending mandatory quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international arrivals from 1 November. |
| However, the specifics remain a little unclear with the state’s premier promising hotel quarantine for returning Australians and tourists “will be a thing of the past,’ declaring Sydney would soon be “open for business” for double vaccinated people around the world. | However, the specifics remain a little unclear with the state’s premier promising hotel quarantine for returning Australians and tourists “will be a thing of the past,’ declaring Sydney would soon be “open for business” for double vaccinated people around the world. |
| Prime minister Scott Morrison later clarified that the border would only be opening for Australian residents, citizens and their immediate families. Still, it is welcome news for the some 40,000 Australians still stuck overseas. | Prime minister Scott Morrison later clarified that the border would only be opening for Australian residents, citizens and their immediate families. Still, it is welcome news for the some 40,000 Australians still stuck overseas. |
| Meanwhile, a group of British charities have taken aim at the UK’s booster jab programme. Surveys by Blood Cancer UK and Kidney Care UK found that for both groups of patients, between 55% and 60% had yet to be invited to get a third injection, seen as particularly vital for conditions which affect people’s immune systems, as they are generally less protected by two jabs. | Meanwhile, a group of British charities have taken aim at the UK’s booster jab programme. Surveys by Blood Cancer UK and Kidney Care UK found that for both groups of patients, between 55% and 60% had yet to be invited to get a third injection, seen as particularly vital for conditions which affect people’s immune systems, as they are generally less protected by two jabs. |
| FDA experts endorse Moderna vaccine booster shot. An independent group of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended a booster shot of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for high-risk groups and people older than 65. | FDA experts endorse Moderna vaccine booster shot. An independent group of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended a booster shot of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for high-risk groups and people older than 65. |
| Latvian president Egils Levits has contracted Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated, his chief of staff said. The Baltic country reported a new record for daily coronavirus cases. | Latvian president Egils Levits has contracted Covid-19 despite being fully vaccinated, his chief of staff said. The Baltic country reported a new record for daily coronavirus cases. |
| Lateral flow tests to replace PCR tests for vaccinated travellers to England. Fully vaccinated international passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper and quicker lateral flow test from 24 October instead of the PCR version, the government has announced. | Lateral flow tests to replace PCR tests for vaccinated travellers to England. Fully vaccinated international passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper and quicker lateral flow test from 24 October instead of the PCR version, the government has announced. |
| The UK recorded a further 45,066 Covid cases. It is the highest daily figure since mid-July. The official data also confirmed a further 157 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid as of Thursday, bringing the UK total to 138,237. | The UK recorded a further 45,066 Covid cases. It is the highest daily figure since mid-July. The official data also confirmed a further 157 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid as of Thursday, bringing the UK total to 138,237. |
| Only one in seven Covid cases in Africa are being detected, meaning the continent’s estimated infection level may be 59 million people, according to a new study by the World Health Organization. | Only one in seven Covid cases in Africa are being detected, meaning the continent’s estimated infection level may be 59 million people, according to a new study by the World Health Organization. |
| Italy braced for unrest as Covid pass becomes mandatory for all workers. The strictest vaccine mandate in Europe is set to take effect on Friday and is expected to bring fresh protests and leave some industries struggling with staff shortages. | Italy braced for unrest as Covid pass becomes mandatory for all workers. The strictest vaccine mandate in Europe is set to take effect on Friday and is expected to bring fresh protests and leave some industries struggling with staff shortages. |
| Indigenous people infected with Covid Delta strain at twice the rate of other Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been infected at twice the rate of non-Indigenous Australians during the country’s deadly third coronavirus wave, a senior Indigenous health leader says. | Indigenous people infected with Covid Delta strain at twice the rate of other Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been infected at twice the rate of non-Indigenous Australians during the country’s deadly third coronavirus wave, a senior Indigenous health leader says. |