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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
(32 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
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 Krisjanis Karins 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. 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.
“There are many people, too many people, who are not vaccinated,” Karins reportedly said, according to 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 Pavluts 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 new 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.
Many of the 38 wealthiest OECD countries saw budget deficits reach 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 Sunday and Monday saw exceptionally high figures. 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 Sunday and Monday saw exceptionally high figures. 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 protestors 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 protestors 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 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.
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.
A London MP has called for “buffer zones” outside schools where anti-vaccine protestors are forbidden from gathering. Labour MP Stella Creasy has told the PoliticsHome website that “Children should be able to get to school in peace. For me the parallels are very clear with the buffer zone argument we’ve had about abortion clinics. 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, and these adults are continuing.”A London MP has called for “buffer zones” outside schools where anti-vaccine protestors are forbidden from gathering. Labour MP Stella Creasy has told the PoliticsHome website that “Children should be able to get to school in peace. For me the parallels are very clear with the buffer zone argument we’ve had about abortion clinics. 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, and these adults are continuing.”
An investigation by PoliticsHome has looked at how the anti-vaccine protestors have been organising their demonstrations around school. John Johnston writes:An investigation by PoliticsHome has looked at how the anti-vaccine protestors have been organising their demonstrations around school. John Johnston writes:
Read more here: PoliticsHome – MP Calls For “Buffer Zones” Around Schools After Anti-Vaccine Groups Targeted Parents And ChildrenRead more here: PoliticsHome – MP Calls For “Buffer Zones” Around Schools After Anti-Vaccine Groups Targeted Parents And Children
Jane Kirby, PA Media’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.Jane Kirby, PA Media’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.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.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.“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.”“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.”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.”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.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 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).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).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.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 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.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.