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Covid news live: Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia all experiencing Covid surges Covid news live: Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia all experiencing Covid surges
(33 minutes later)
Ukraine and Russia set new record death tolls, Poland and Czech Republic seeing highest caseloads since springUkraine and Russia set new record death tolls, Poland and Czech Republic seeing highest caseloads since spring
Jane Kirby, PA’s health editor, has written her take on Prof Neil Ferguson’s media appearances in the UK this morning, and she’s pulled out the top line as what he said about booster jabs.
Describing him as one of the leading members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) she writes that he has said it is “critical” that the Covid booster programme is accelerated.
Asked if Covid booster jabs are the answer to waning immunity, Prof Ferguson told the BBC: “Absolutely, and there’s data coming through now, which is not completely clear cut, but good data coming through from Israel, which shows that, if you’ve had the third booster dose of the vaccine, then you get very high loads, better than even you had after the second dose. And so I do think it’s critical we accelerate the booster programme.
“The other thing is infection rates are highest in teenagers at the moment and most other European countries are ahead of us in vaccinating teenagers and giving them two doses, not just one dose.
“Two doses really are needed to block infection and prevent transmission, so I think that’s the other problem, keep pushing on, getting coverage rates up higher in the teenagers who are driving a lot of this infection.”
The Sage member said the doubling time for hospital admissions in the UK is currently about five weeks, “so I think we need (to be) on the case, and we do need to prioritise the (booster) vaccination programme but we’re not in the same position as last year.”
He added: “I don’t think it’s a reason to panic right now but I would certainly like to see vaccination booster doses accelerated, vaccination for teenagers accelerated.”
My colleague Ben Quinn is up and running with our UK politics live blog today. You can find that here. There’s a lot of politics for him to cover today, so I will be continuing for now to carry any major UK Covid-related news on this live blog.
In the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has issued its latest bulletin on deaths data in England and Wales. Here’s the key couple of lines from it this week:
In week 40, 10,807 deaths were registered in England and Wales; this was 297 more deaths than the previous week (Week 39) and 13.1% above the five-year average (1,252 more deaths).
Of the deaths registered in Week 40 in England and Wales, 666 mentioned “novel coronavirus (Covid-19)“, accounting for 6.2% of all deaths; this was a decrease compared with week 39 (783 deaths).
This graph usefully shows how deaths over the course of the pandemic have varied over and under the average we would have expected to see, and which proportion of them have involved coronavirus being mentioned on death certificates.
Russia has again reported a record daily number of coronavirus-related deaths amid a surge in Covid cases.Russia has again reported a record daily number of coronavirus-related deaths amid a surge in Covid cases.
Reuters notes that Russia’s Covid task force 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. Reuters notes that 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.
It is worth reminding you that there is a school of thought that the official numbers in Russia are under-counting. The Washington Post recently carried a piece – In Russia, experts are challenging official pandemic figures as too low. They refuse to be silenced – which included this:It is worth reminding you that there is a school of thought that the official numbers in Russia are under-counting. The Washington Post recently carried a piece – In Russia, experts are challenging official pandemic figures as too low. They refuse to be silenced – which included this:
A quick sharp short from Reuters here: China’s capital Beijing has found one locally transmitted confirmed Covid-19 case for 19 October, a Beijing city official said today.A quick sharp short from Reuters here: China’s capital Beijing has found one locally transmitted confirmed Covid-19 case for 19 October, a Beijing city official said today.
Another key line to come out of that BBC interview with Prof Neil Ferguson concerned his views on the outlook for future lockdowns in the UK, which he seemed to think was unlikely. He is quoted by PA Media as saying:Another key line to come out of that BBC interview with Prof Neil Ferguson concerned his views on the outlook for future lockdowns in the UK, which he seemed to think was unlikely. He is quoted by PA Media as saying:
However, Prof Ferguson made it very clear that these were political rather than scientific considerations at play, saying it “was very clear that it wanted to move away from social distancing measures, but it’s notable, clearly, that most western European countries have kept in place more control measures, vaccine mandates, mask-wearing mandates, and tend to have lower case numbers and certainly not case numbers which are going up as fast as we’ve got. But at the end of the day this is a policy decision for government to make.”However, Prof Ferguson made it very clear that these were political rather than scientific considerations at play, saying it “was very clear that it wanted to move away from social distancing measures, but it’s notable, clearly, that most western European countries have kept in place more control measures, vaccine mandates, mask-wearing mandates, and tend to have lower case numbers and certainly not case numbers which are going up as fast as we’ve got. But at the end of the day this is a policy decision for government to make.”
Prof Neil Ferguson of the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has been on the BBC this morning addressing several topics. He has been asked why the UK has much higher rates than other comparable western European countries, and notably he didn’t trot out the context-less “world-beating vaccination programme” line that we often hear from politicians. PA Media quote him saying:Prof Neil Ferguson of the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has been on the BBC this morning addressing several topics. He has been asked why the UK has much higher rates than other comparable western European countries, and notably he didn’t trot out the context-less “world-beating vaccination programme” line that we often hear from politicians. PA Media quote him saying:
There’s quite a lot of fluff on the airwaves in the UK this morning with cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan being questioned over whether the arrangements the prime minister had over Christmas broke Covid rules. Trevelyan told BBC Radio 4:There’s quite a lot of fluff on the airwaves in the UK this morning with cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan being questioned over whether the arrangements the prime minister had over Christmas broke Covid rules. Trevelyan told BBC Radio 4:
It seems like the lack of disclosure until months later is what has made this any kind of story at all, rather than the actual details that the prime minister and his wife had formed a childcare bubble, like many other families did over the holiday season.It seems like the lack of disclosure until months later is what has made this any kind of story at all, rather than the actual details that the prime minister and his wife had formed a childcare bubble, like many other families did over the holiday season.
While we are looking at developments in the east of Europe, Tsvetelia Tsolova in Sofia has the latest for Reuters on the situation in Bulgaria, which also appears to be worsening.While we are looking at developments in the east of Europe, Tsvetelia Tsolova in Sofia has the latest for Reuters on the situation in Bulgaria, which also appears to be worsening.
Bulgaria reported 4,979 new cases today, the highest daily count since 24 March, as it battles the more contagious Delta variant.Bulgaria reported 4,979 new cases today, the highest daily count since 24 March, as it battles the more contagious Delta variant.
Health ministry data showed that 214 people died from the virus in the past 24 hours, according to the figures, bringing the official death toll since the start of the pandemic to 22,488.Health ministry data showed that 214 people died from the virus in the past 24 hours, according to the figures, bringing the official death toll since the start of the pandemic to 22,488.
Bulgaria has seen a rise in new infections since the start of September. There is a high level of distrust in vaccines and only 24% of the adult population are fully inoculated, compared with an average of 74% in the EU.Bulgaria has seen a rise in new infections since the start of September. There is a high level of distrust in vaccines and 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 hospitals, with 537 in intensive care units, overwhelming the health system.More than 6,200 people were in hospitals, with 537 in intensive care units, overwhelming the health system.
The health ministry is said to be considering new restrictions or the introduction of a health pass to limit the spread of the infection.The health ministry is said to be considering new restrictions or the introduction of a health pass to limit the spread of the infection.
The Czech Republic is embroiled in a political crisis with the ill-health of far-right president Miloš Zeman coinciding with a general election, and it is also seeing rising Covid numbers.The Czech Republic is embroiled in a political crisis with the ill-health of far-right president Miloš Zeman coinciding with a general election, and it is also seeing rising Covid numbers.
Robert Muller reports from Prague for Reuters that the Czech Republic detected 2,521 new cases of Covid yesterday, the highest daily tally since late April.Robert Muller reports from Prague for Reuters that the Czech Republic detected 2,521 new cases of Covid yesterday, the highest daily tally since late April.
The government has opted not to tighten anti-epidemic measures, focusing on vaccination instead as data shows that most of those infected have not been inoculated. The country of 10.7 million has fully vaccinated 6.03 million people.The government has opted not to tighten anti-epidemic measures, focusing on vaccination instead as data shows that most of those infected have not been inoculated. The country of 10.7 million has fully vaccinated 6.03 million people.
The daily count reported for Monday is almost double the reported number for the same day last week. Hospitalisations rose to 544, the highest number since the end of May, but still a fraction of the numbers in March, when the last wave of the pandemic swept over the country.The daily count reported for Monday is almost double the reported number for the same day last week. Hospitalisations rose to 544, the highest number since the end of May, but still a fraction of the numbers in March, when the last wave of the pandemic swept over the country.
Over the past seven days, 54 people died in connection with Covid-19, more than in the whole of September.Over the past seven days, 54 people died in connection with Covid-19, more than in the whole of September.
To put those figures into a UK context, the UK has 7,097 people in hospital and has recorded 869 deaths and 309,013 cases in the last seven days.To put those figures into a UK context, the UK has 7,097 people in hospital and has recorded 869 deaths and 309,013 cases in the last seven days.
It is worth noting, while countries such as Poland, Ukraine and Russia appear to be experiencing Covid surges, the number of new cases recorded are far lower than those being recorded in the UK. As this chart showed last week, the UK is an outlier in western Europe for case numbers.It is worth noting, while countries such as Poland, Ukraine and Russia appear to be experiencing Covid surges, the number of new cases recorded are far lower than those being recorded in the UK. As this chart showed last week, the UK is an outlier in western Europe for case numbers.
According to the Johns Hopkins University Covid dashboard, these are the 10 province/state/dependencies with the highest numbers of new cases in the last 28 days, with England way out in front.According to the Johns Hopkins University Covid dashboard, these are the 10 province/state/dependencies with the highest numbers of new cases in the last 28 days, with England way out in front.
Last week, testing at a private Covid lab in Wolverhampton was halted, after the UK Health Security Agency found tens of thousands of people may have been falsely given a negative PCR result. But since the start of September, scientists had been alerted to strange patterns in the testing data which suggested something was out of the ordinary. In this week’s edition of our Science Weekly podcast, Anand Jagatia speaks to Dr Kit Yates, a mathematical biologist, about why it took so long for these errors to be traced back to the lab, and what the consequences could be.Last week, testing at a private Covid lab in Wolverhampton was halted, after the UK Health Security Agency found tens of thousands of people may have been falsely given a negative PCR result. But since the start of September, scientists had been alerted to strange patterns in the testing data which suggested something was out of the ordinary. In this week’s edition of our Science Weekly podcast, Anand Jagatia speaks to Dr Kit Yates, a mathematical biologist, about why it took so long for these errors to be traced back to the lab, and what the consequences could be.
You can listen to it here: Covid-19 – how 43,000 false negative tests were uncovered as wrong – podcastYou can listen to it here: Covid-19 – how 43,000 false negative tests were uncovered as wrong – podcast
Secretary of state for international trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan’s appearance on Sky News in the UK this morning was dominated by talk of boilers and heat pumps and the cost of net zero homes, but she was also asked about the UK’s Covid booster jab programme. She was told that uptake was low and was asked, “Why do you think it is, and what are you going to do about it?”Secretary of state for international trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan’s appearance on Sky News in the UK this morning was dominated by talk of boilers and heat pumps and the cost of net zero homes, but she was also asked about the UK’s Covid booster jab programme. She was told that uptake was low and was asked, “Why do you think it is, and what are you going to do about it?”
I can tell you what she said in reply, although it wasn’t really much in the way of an answer to that question. Trevelyan said:I can tell you what she said in reply, although it wasn’t really much in the way of an answer to that question. Trevelyan said:
The minister mentioned schools in that answer, which hadn’t been part of the question. She did not address the figures that emerged yesterday that showed that take-up of a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine among young teenagers is below 10% in just over a third of the main local authorities in England.The minister mentioned schools in that answer, which hadn’t been part of the question. She did not address the figures that emerged yesterday that showed that take-up of a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine among young teenagers is below 10% in just over a third of the main local authorities in England.
There’s been some debate in the UK, following the killing of MP Sir David Amess last week, around whether Covid lockdown conditions have led to a rise in online extremism and social media abuse. We’ve got two pieces this morning looking at slightly different angles on this debate.There’s been some debate in the UK, following the killing of MP Sir David Amess last week, around whether Covid lockdown conditions have led to a rise in online extremism and social media abuse. We’ve got two pieces this morning looking at slightly different angles on this debate.
First up, our defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh, who writes:First up, our defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh, who writes:
Read more here: Pandemic has spurred engagement in online extremism, say expertsRead more here: Pandemic has spurred engagement in online extremism, say experts
My colleague Dan Milmo brings us this, on whether lockdowns have helped fuel online hate. He reports:My colleague Dan Milmo brings us this, on whether lockdowns have helped fuel online hate. He reports:
Read more here: ‘Nastier than ever’: have Covid lockdowns helped fuel online hate?Read more here: ‘Nastier than ever’: have Covid lockdowns helped fuel online hate?
Reuters is carrying news of increasing numbers in both Poland and Ukraine.Reuters is carrying news of increasing numbers in both Poland and Ukraine.
Waldemar Kraska, a deputy health minister in Poland, has told public broadcaster Polskie Radio 1 that 64 people had died, and that there was a sharp rise in cases. He told listeners: “I don’t have good news. 3,931 new people have been infected, if we compare that with last Tuesday it is an increase of almost 85%.”Waldemar Kraska, a deputy health minister in Poland, has told public broadcaster Polskie Radio 1 that 64 people had died, and that there was a sharp rise in cases. He told listeners: “I don’t have good news. 3,931 new people have been infected, if we compare that with last Tuesday it is an increase of almost 85%.”
Meanwhile 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. The ministry’s data showed 15,579 new infections were reported over the past 24 hours.Meanwhile 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. The ministry’s data showed 15,579 new infections were reported over the past 24 hours.
Hello, it is Martin Belam in London taking over from Samantha Lock in Sydney. The UK media round is going to feature secretary of state for international trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan this morning. I’ll bring you any Covid lines that emerge from that as the government warns of a challenging winter ahead.Hello, it is Martin Belam in London taking over from Samantha Lock in Sydney. The UK media round is going to feature secretary of state for international trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan this morning. I’ll bring you any Covid lines that emerge from that as the government warns of a challenging winter ahead.
Eighteen months of global lockdowns have led to growing engagement in a toxic online cocktail of extremist material ranging from terrorist content to conspiracy theories and disinformation, experts warn.Eighteen months of global lockdowns have led to growing engagement in a toxic online cocktail of extremist material ranging from terrorist content to conspiracy theories and disinformation, experts warn.
Jacob Davey, from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue (ISD), said studies had already shown “there has been a proliferation of harmful and troubling activity online” during the pandemic.Jacob Davey, from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue (ISD), said studies had already shown “there has been a proliferation of harmful and troubling activity online” during the pandemic.
“What we’ve seen is evidence of spikes of online activity in a wide range of extremist issues during lockdown. It is not just terrorist material but a broad cocktail of online harms, as people spent more time indoors,” Davey said.“What we’ve seen is evidence of spikes of online activity in a wide range of extremist issues during lockdown. It is not just terrorist material but a broad cocktail of online harms, as people spent more time indoors,” Davey said.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
Hi and thanks for joining us as we run through all the key developments surrounding the Covid-19 crisis.Hi and thanks for joining us as we run through all the key developments surrounding the Covid-19 crisis.
I’m Samantha Lock and I’ll be giving you a rundown of the latest news, reporting from Sydney, Australia.I’m Samantha Lock and I’ll be giving you a rundown of the latest news, reporting from Sydney, Australia.
As vaccination rates continue to rise, the world looks towards a future outside of lockdowns and increased global mobility. However, some countries have seen rises in cases and shifts in government strategy as the Covid landscape continues to change.As vaccination rates continue to rise, the world looks towards a future outside of lockdowns and increased global mobility. However, some countries have seen rises in cases and shifts in government strategy as the Covid landscape continues to change.
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 particularly hardest hit 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 particularly hardest hit with the highest number of cases in the under 39 age bracket.
Changes are also afoot with vaccine booster shot advice in the US as the country moves further towards a new “Covid normal”.Changes are also afoot with vaccine booster shot advice in the US as the country moves further towards a new “Covid normal”.
UK government warns of “challenging” winter months ahead in battle against Covid as cases continue to rise. Epidemiologist and government adviser Prof Andrew Hayward said the situation was “concerning” and there was “huge potential for the NHS to come under a lot of pressure”.UK government warns of “challenging” winter months ahead in battle against Covid as cases continue to rise. Epidemiologist and government adviser Prof Andrew Hayward said the situation was “concerning” and there was “huge potential for the NHS to come under a lot of pressure”.
A study found the Valneva Covid vaccine may be as effective as the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccine uses inactivated Sars-CoV-2 virus and can be stored in fridge. Like the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the Valneva jab was found to stimulate responses from other components of the immune system, including T-cells. However, the Valneva jab gave rise to T-cells able to respond not only to the coronavirus spike protein, but to two other key proteins.A study found the Valneva Covid vaccine may be as effective as the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccine uses inactivated Sars-CoV-2 virus and can be stored in fridge. Like the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the Valneva jab was found to stimulate responses from other components of the immune system, including T-cells. However, the Valneva jab gave rise to T-cells able to respond not only to the coronavirus spike protein, but to two other key proteins.
Russia set another new record daily caseload, recording 34,325 new cases in the last 24 hours. That’s up just slightly on the previous day’s 34,303. There were 998 further deaths. The population of Russia is around 144 million people. Despite the rising cases, Moscow continues to see a busy nightlife.Russia set another new record daily caseload, recording 34,325 new cases in the last 24 hours. That’s up just slightly on the previous day’s 34,303. There were 998 further deaths. The population of Russia is around 144 million people. Despite the rising cases, Moscow continues to see a busy nightlife.
UK government ordered to reveal firms awarded “VIP” access to multimillion-pound contracts for the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the early months of the Covid pandemic, in a ruling from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).UK government ordered to reveal firms awarded “VIP” access to multimillion-pound contracts for the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the early months of the Covid pandemic, in a ruling from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
UK Covid cases near 50,000 in one day after steadily increasing through October and reaching 49,156 on Monday, the highest reported since 17 July and a 16% rise in new cases over the past week.UK Covid cases near 50,000 in one day after steadily increasing through October and reaching 49,156 on Monday, the highest reported since 17 July and a 16% rise in new cases over the past week.
UK private laboratory is 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.UK private laboratory is 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 EU has exported over 1bn vaccine doses worldwide, according to head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leye.The EU has exported over 1bn vaccine doses worldwide, according to head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leye.
Colin Powell, former US secretary of state, dies at 84 of Covid complications. Powell played a pivotal role in attempting to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq.Colin Powell, former US secretary of state, dies at 84 of Covid complications. Powell played a pivotal role in attempting to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
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.
In September, the FDA authorised a booster dose of Pfizer Inc and partner BioNTech’s two-shot Covid-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans.In September, the FDA authorised a booster dose of Pfizer Inc and partner BioNTech’s two-shot Covid-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans.
The regulator’s advisory panel has also backed the use of Moderna Inc and Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine booster shots.The regulator’s advisory panel has also backed the use of Moderna Inc and Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine booster shots.
The government would not recommend one shot over another, and it might note that using the same vaccine as a booster when possible is preferable, the NYT said, citing people familiar with the agency’s plans.US health officials have been under pressure to authorise the additional shots after the White House announced plans in August for a widespread booster campaign pending approvals from the FDA and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The government would not recommend one shot over another, and it might note that using the same vaccine as a booster when possible is preferable, the NYT said, citing people familiar with the agency’s plans.US health officials have been under pressure to authorise the additional shots after the White House announced plans in August for a widespread booster campaign pending approvals from the FDA and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A study by the National Institutes of Health last week showed people who got Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine as a first shot had a stronger immune response when boosted with vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.A study by the National Institutes of Health last week showed people who got Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine as a first shot had a stronger immune response when boosted with vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.