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Coronavirus news live: rising numbers of pupils in England off with Covid; Latvia announces national lockdown Coronavirus news live: rising numbers of pupils in England off with Covid; Latvia announces national lockdown
(32 minutes later)
Latest updates: 209,000 children were not in school on 14 October; Latvia to lock down for a month amid surge in casesLatest updates: 209,000 children were not in school on 14 October; Latvia to lock down for a month amid surge in cases
Regulators in the US are expected to authorise mix and match coronavirus booster shots this week in a move that it is hoped will allow for greater flexibility.
The Moscow city government has ordered elderly people to stay at home for the next four months as Covid cases and deaths surge in Russia. The new rules will take effect from Monday
UK government minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan has defended the prime minister’s Christmas “childcare bubble” with a friend of Carrie Johnson’s, saying she has no doubt they followed the rules during a “really rough time”.
School assemblies across England are being cancelled in a bid to fight rising coronavirus infections, reports i. Among the affected local authorities, it reports, are Wiltshire council and Staffordshire county council.
Ireland will allow nightclubs to reopen for the first time since March 2020, but clubbers must wear face masks, while other going out restrictions are extended.
The number of pupils in England who are off school because of Covid has risen again, according to the fortnightly Department for Education attendance statistics.
The UK government has said it is “keeping a very close eye” on the AY4.2 coronavirus variant but insisted that there is no evidence that it spreads more easily than other variants.
The Duchess of Cambridge said the pandemic has had a “devastating impact” on addiction rates. Speaking at the Bafta headquarters in London, where she was launching the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, Kate said families and children are having to cope with addiction “in greater numbers than ever before”.
Coronavirus infections in Romania have hit a new daily high. According to government data, 574 people have died from Covid in the last day, a record for the country.
Latvia is to go into a nationwide lockdown, including a nightly curfew, for nearly a month in an attempt to slow Covid infections. From Thursday, a curfew will be imposed between 8pm and 5am, most shops will be shut, indoor and outdoor gatherings banned.
Regulators in the US are expected to authorise mix and match coronavirus booster shots this week in a move that it is hoped will allow for greater flexibility.
An announcement by the Food and Drug Administration is expected to be accompanied by authorisation for boosters of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, reports the Associated Press.
Booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine were authorised for many Americans last month.
The Moscow city government has ordered elderly people to stay at home for the next four months as Covid cases and deaths surge in Russia.The Moscow city government has ordered elderly people to stay at home for the next four months as Covid cases and deaths surge in Russia.
Businesses in the capital will also be required to have at least 30% of staff working from home, reports Reuters.Businesses in the capital will also be required to have at least 30% of staff working from home, reports Reuters.
The new rules, which will take effect from Monday, come as Russia reported 1,1015 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday - a single day record - and 33,740 new Covid infections. The new rules, which will take effect from Monday, come as Russia reported 1,1015 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday – a single day record – and 33,740 new Covid infections.
Government minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan has defended the British prime minister’s Christmas “childcare bubble” with a friend of Carrie Johnson’s, saying she has no doubt they followed the rules during a “really rough time”.Government minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan has defended the British prime minister’s Christmas “childcare bubble” with a friend of Carrie Johnson’s, saying she has no doubt they followed the rules during a “really rough time”.
Jessica Elgot reports:Jessica Elgot reports:
School assemblies across England are being cancelled in a bid to fight rising coronavirus infections, reports i.School assemblies across England are being cancelled in a bid to fight rising coronavirus infections, reports i.
Blaming the slow pace of the vaccine rollout among 12-15-year-olds, headteachers told the newspaper that staff absences were leaving them with no option but to cancel non-crucial activities. Blaming the slow pace of the vaccine rollout among 12- to 15-year-olds, headteachers told the newspaper that staff absences were leaving them with no option but to cancel non-crucial activities.
Among the affected local authorities, it reports, are Wiltshire council and Staffordshire county council.Among the affected local authorities, it reports, are Wiltshire council and Staffordshire county council.
More on the situation in Romania (see also 12:06), where one person has died from Covid every five minutes this month, from Reuters:More on the situation in Romania (see also 12:06), where one person has died from Covid every five minutes this month, from Reuters:
Ireland will allow nightclubs to reopen for the first time since March 2020, but clubbers must wear face masks, while other going out restrictions are extended, reports Reuters.Ireland will allow nightclubs to reopen for the first time since March 2020, but clubbers must wear face masks, while other going out restrictions are extended, reports Reuters.
The government had hoped to lift most restrictions this week, but will retain some protections amid rising infections.The government had hoped to lift most restrictions this week, but will retain some protections amid rising infections.
Social distancing and vaccine certificates will be extended for bars and restaurants until February.Social distancing and vaccine certificates will be extended for bars and restaurants until February.
Meanwhile, clubbers will be required to wear masks expect while eating, drinking and dancing.Meanwhile, clubbers will be required to wear masks expect while eating, drinking and dancing.
Theatres and music venues will only be allowed to open if audiences are fully seated.Theatres and music venues will only be allowed to open if audiences are fully seated.
Children aged 12-15 will be able to use the national booking service to arrange their Covid vaccines, the UK health secretary has said.Children aged 12-15 will be able to use the national booking service to arrange their Covid vaccines, the UK health secretary has said.
Sajid Javid told MPs that the government is “ramping up” its vaccination programme.Sajid Javid told MPs that the government is “ramping up” its vaccination programme.
He added:He added:
Here’s more from Nicola Davis on the new offshoot of the Delta variant, AY.4.2:Here’s more from Nicola Davis on the new offshoot of the Delta variant, AY.4.2:
The number of pupils in England who are off school because of Covid has risen again, according to the fortnightly Department for Education attendance statistics, which have just been published.The number of pupils in England who are off school because of Covid has risen again, according to the fortnightly Department for Education attendance statistics, which have just been published.
The data shows that 209,000 children were not in school on October 14 for Covid-related reasons, up from 204,000 when figures last came out. Of those, 111,000 were confirmed Covid-positive, an increase of 9000 pupils.The data shows that 209,000 children were not in school on October 14 for Covid-related reasons, up from 204,000 when figures last came out. Of those, 111,000 were confirmed Covid-positive, an increase of 9000 pupils.
Overall, the proportion of pupils attending school went up marginally over the past fortnight, up from 89.5% on September 30 to 90%, though Covid-related absence in state funding schools edged up from 2.5% to 2.6%.Overall, the proportion of pupils attending school went up marginally over the past fortnight, up from 89.5% on September 30 to 90%, though Covid-related absence in state funding schools edged up from 2.5% to 2.6%.
The figures are the third batch of fortnightly statistics to be published since schools in England reopened for the autumn term with significant reduced mitigation measures and ministers will be hoping the sharp rise in infection and absence rates is beginning to ease.The figures are the third batch of fortnightly statistics to be published since schools in England reopened for the autumn term with significant reduced mitigation measures and ministers will be hoping the sharp rise in infection and absence rates is beginning to ease.
A fortnight ago, the number off school for Covid-related jumped by 66% – 204,000 compared with 122,000 two weeks earlier.A fortnight ago, the number off school for Covid-related jumped by 66% – 204,000 compared with 122,000 two weeks earlier.
James Bowen, director of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “We currently have record Covid-related absence in schools. The government cannot just sit back and accept the growing numbers of cases amongst school-age children.James Bowen, director of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “We currently have record Covid-related absence in schools. The government cannot just sit back and accept the growing numbers of cases amongst school-age children.
“We also know that staff are being affected too and that many schools are struggling to stay open with increasing numbers of teachers and support staff testing positive. We now have record numbers off with a confirmed case of Covid and it is clear that more needs to be done to control the spread.”“We also know that staff are being affected too and that many schools are struggling to stay open with increasing numbers of teachers and support staff testing positive. We now have record numbers off with a confirmed case of Covid and it is clear that more needs to be done to control the spread.”
The latest data is published as concern mounts about the government’s faltering vaccination programme for 12- to 15-year-olds, which has been hit by high Covid rates, low levels of consent and bureaucratic problems delivering vaccines in schools.The latest data is published as concern mounts about the government’s faltering vaccination programme for 12- to 15-year-olds, which has been hit by high Covid rates, low levels of consent and bureaucratic problems delivering vaccines in schools.
According to analysis by the Press Association, the rate of vaccine uptake is as low as 5% in some areas, while only 15 local authorities in England have managed to give a first jab to at least a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds.According to analysis by the Press Association, the rate of vaccine uptake is as low as 5% in some areas, while only 15 local authorities in England have managed to give a first jab to at least a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds.
Rising numbers of children in England took time out of school due to Covid-19 over the last fortnight, government figures show.Rising numbers of children in England took time out of school due to Covid-19 over the last fortnight, government figures show.
The department for education estimates that 2.6% of all pupils (approximately 209,000 children) did not go to school due to coronavirus-related reasons on Thursday last week. It marked a rise on September 30, when the equivalent figure was 2.5% (or around 204,000 children).The department for education estimates that 2.6% of all pupils (approximately 209,000 children) did not go to school due to coronavirus-related reasons on Thursday last week. It marked a rise on September 30, when the equivalent figure was 2.5% (or around 204,000 children).
The UK government has said it is “keeping a very close eye” on the AY4.2 coronavirus variant but insisted that there is no evidence that it spreads more easily than other variants, reports the Press Association.The UK government has said it is “keeping a very close eye” on the AY4.2 coronavirus variant but insisted that there is no evidence that it spreads more easily than other variants, reports the Press Association.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said:The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said:
Coronavirus has so far killed at least 4,902,638 people globally since the start of the outbreak in China in December 2019, according to analysis by AFP.Coronavirus has so far killed at least 4,902,638 people globally since the start of the outbreak in China in December 2019, according to analysis by AFP.
At least 241,039,700 cases have been registered, the news agency reports, the vast majority of whom have recovered. But some have continued to experience symptoms weeks or months later.At least 241,039,700 cases have been registered, the news agency reports, the vast majority of whom have recovered. But some have continued to experience symptoms weeks or months later.
The World Health Organization estimates that the overall death toll could be two or three times higher than official figures, AFP reports.The World Health Organization estimates that the overall death toll could be two or three times higher than official figures, AFP reports.
The Duchess of Cambridge said the pandemic has had a “devastating impact” on addiction rates.The Duchess of Cambridge said the pandemic has had a “devastating impact” on addiction rates.
Speaking at the Bafta headquarters in London, where she was launching the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, Kate said families and children are having to cope with addiction “in greater numbers than ever before”.Speaking at the Bafta headquarters in London, where she was launching the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, Kate said families and children are having to cope with addiction “in greater numbers than ever before”.
She added:She added:
Coronavirus infections in Romania have hit a new daily high, reports Reuters.Coronavirus infections in Romania have hit a new daily high, reports Reuters.
According to government data, 574 people have died from Covid in the last day, a record for the country.According to government data, 574 people have died from Covid in the last day, a record for the country.
Latvia is to go into a nationwide lockdown, including a nightly curfew, for nearly a month in an attempt to slow Covid infections.Latvia is to go into a nationwide lockdown, including a nightly curfew, for nearly a month in an attempt to slow Covid infections.
From Thursday, a curfew will be imposed between 8pm and 5am, most shops will be shut, indoor and outdoor gatherings banned.From Thursday, a curfew will be imposed between 8pm and 5am, most shops will be shut, indoor and outdoor gatherings banned.
Following an emergency meeting late on Monday, prime minister Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš said the lockdown, which will last until 15 November, said the dramatic measures are needed as the virus continues to quickly spread and hospital wards fill up, reports the Associated Press.Following an emergency meeting late on Monday, prime minister Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš said the lockdown, which will last until 15 November, said the dramatic measures are needed as the virus continues to quickly spread and hospital wards fill up, reports the Associated Press.
With just over half of the population vaccinated, Latvia has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the European Union.With just over half of the population vaccinated, Latvia has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the European Union.
Karins conceded that the government had failed to encourage enough people to get vaccinated. “There are many people, too many people, who are not vaccinated,” Kariņš reportedly said, according to the Latvian public broadcaster LSM.Karins conceded that the government had failed to encourage enough people to get vaccinated. “There are many people, too many people, who are not vaccinated,” Kariņš reportedly said, according to the Latvian public broadcaster LSM.
To date, Latvia, which has a population of 1.9 million, has recorded 190,000 cases and nearly 2,900 deaths. The country’s incidence rate per 100,000 is 864, one of the highest in the world.To date, Latvia, which has a population of 1.9 million, has recorded 190,000 cases and nearly 2,900 deaths. The country’s incidence rate per 100,000 is 864, one of the highest in the world.
Health minister Daniels Pavļuts said:Health minister Daniels Pavļuts said:
Governments’ debt from the Covid-19 crisis will be overshadowed by pension and health costs in the coming years, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).Governments’ debt from the Covid-19 crisis will be overshadowed by pension and health costs in the coming years, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
In an analysis of the economic outlook to 2060, the report found that governments will increasingly face costs from ageing populations and public services. These will have to be paid in addition to the considerable debts caused by the pandemic, which will take decades to pay off, reports Reuters.In an analysis of the economic outlook to 2060, the report found that governments will increasingly face costs from ageing populations and public services. These will have to be paid in addition to the considerable debts caused by the pandemic, which will take decades to pay off, reports Reuters.
Budget deficits in many of the 38 wealthiest OECD countries have reached record levels as a result of the pandemic as they tried to support economies during lockdowns.Budget deficits in many of the 38 wealthiest OECD countries have reached record levels as a result of the pandemic as they tried to support economies during lockdowns.
The report said that if historically low interest rates continue, most OECD countries could cover the extra pressure on their budgets by adding to debt.The report said that if historically low interest rates continue, most OECD countries could cover the extra pressure on their budgets by adding to debt.
It said the biggest strain on public finances was in Slovakia, followed by Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic.It said the biggest strain on public finances was in Slovakia, followed by Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Hi, I’m looking after the liveblog for the next few hours. Please get in touch with any tips or suggestions: miranda.bryant@guardian.co.ukHi, I’m looking after the liveblog for the next few hours. Please get in touch with any tips or suggestions: miranda.bryant@guardian.co.uk
Russia has again reported a record daily number of coronavirus-related deaths amid a surge in Covid cases and deaths across the east of Europe. Russia’s Covid taskforce reported 1,015 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest single-day toll since the start of the pandemic, as well as 33,740 new infections in the past 24 hours.Russia has again reported a record daily number of coronavirus-related deaths amid a surge in Covid cases and deaths across the east of Europe. Russia’s Covid taskforce reported 1,015 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest single-day toll since the start of the pandemic, as well as 33,740 new infections in the past 24 hours.
In Ukraine, the health ministry says that the country has registered a record daily high of 538 coronavirus-related deaths over the past 24 hours. The previous high of 481 deaths was on 7 April.In Ukraine, the health ministry says that the country has registered a record daily high of 538 coronavirus-related deaths over the past 24 hours. The previous high of 481 deaths was on 7 April.
Waldemar Kraska, a deputy health minister in Poland, has said that case numbers in the country are up 85% week-on-week.Waldemar Kraska, a deputy health minister in Poland, has said that case numbers in the country are up 85% week-on-week.
Bulgaria reported 4,979 new cases today, the highest daily count since 24 March. Only 24% of the adult population are fully inoculated, compared with an average of 74% in the EU. More than 6,200 people were in Bulgaria’s hospitals, with 537 in intensive care units, threatening to overwhelm the system.Bulgaria reported 4,979 new cases today, the highest daily count since 24 March. Only 24% of the adult population are fully inoculated, compared with an average of 74% in the EU. More than 6,200 people were in Bulgaria’s hospitals, with 537 in intensive care units, threatening to overwhelm the system.
The Czech Republic detected 2,521 new cases of Covid yesterday, the highest daily tally since late April. Over the past seven days, 54 people died in connection with Covid-19, more than in the whole of September.The Czech Republic detected 2,521 new cases of Covid yesterday, the highest daily tally since late April. Over the past seven days, 54 people died in connection with Covid-19, more than in the whole of September.
The UK is braced for another high Covid caseload figure today, after exceptionally high figures on Sunday and Monday. The latest data is usually made available around 4pm UK time. The reported number of Covid cases in the UK increased steadily through October and reached 49,156 on Monday, the highest reported since 17 July and a 16% rise in new cases over the past week.The UK is braced for another high Covid caseload figure today, after exceptionally high figures on Sunday and Monday. The latest data is usually made available around 4pm UK time. The reported number of Covid cases in the UK increased steadily through October and reached 49,156 on Monday, the highest reported since 17 July and a 16% rise in new cases over the past week.
Prof Neil Ferguson of the of the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has said that he does not expect the country to go into another lockdown. However, amid the rising cases, he called for an acceleration of the country’s booster shots programme.Prof Neil Ferguson of the of the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has said that he does not expect the country to go into another lockdown. However, amid the rising cases, he called for an acceleration of the country’s booster shots programme.
A London MP has called for “buffer zones” outside schools where anti-vaccine protesters are forbidden from gathering. Labour MP Stella Creasy has told the PoliticsHome website that “children should be able to get to school in peace. You don’t have an open, uncontested right to foist your views on other people, especially when it’s very clear these kids have said no.”A London MP has called for “buffer zones” outside schools where anti-vaccine protesters are forbidden from gathering. Labour MP Stella Creasy has told the PoliticsHome website that “children should be able to get to school in peace. You don’t have an open, uncontested right to foist your views on other people, especially when it’s very clear these kids have said no.”
The UK private laboratory under investigation for potentially issuing more than 40,000 false negative Covid tests was not fully accredited to perform the work, contrary to assurances made by health officials.The UK private laboratory under investigation for potentially issuing more than 40,000 false negative Covid tests was not fully accredited to perform the work, contrary to assurances made by health officials.
After months of Covid-zero, New Zealand recorded its highest daily Covid-19 case count since the pandemic began, with 94 new infections reported. Younger New Zealanders have been hit particularly hardest with the highest number of cases in the under-39 age bracket.After months of Covid-zero, New Zealand recorded its highest daily Covid-19 case count since the pandemic began, with 94 new infections reported. Younger New Zealanders have been hit particularly hardest with the highest number of cases in the under-39 age bracket.
The US Food and Drug Administration is planning to allow the mixing and matching of Covid-19 booster shots, the New York Times reports, citing people familiar with the agency’s plans.The US Food and Drug Administration is planning to allow the mixing and matching of Covid-19 booster shots, the New York Times reports, citing people familiar with the agency’s plans.
That is all from me, Martin Belam, in London today. Ben Quinn has a UK politics live blog up and running, and Miranda Bryant will be along presently to continue bringing you the latest Covid developments from the UK and around the world.That is all from me, Martin Belam, in London today. Ben Quinn has a UK politics live blog up and running, and Miranda Bryant will be along presently to continue bringing you the latest Covid developments from the UK and around the world.