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Covid live: UK records 217 deaths and 41,299 new infections; US to begin vaccinating children aged 5-11 Covid live: UK records 217 deaths and 41,299 new infections; US to begin vaccinating children aged 5-11
(31 minutes later)
UK reports latest Covid data; US to begin giving Pfizer vaccines to children aged five to 11UK reports latest Covid data; US to begin giving Pfizer vaccines to children aged five to 11
Chilean presidential candidate Gabriel Boric, has tested positive for Covid-19, less than three weeks before the Andean country votes.
In a post on Twitter, center-left former student leader Boric, 35, said he had just received the positive test and called on his contacts to follow pandemic protocols.
The leader of the broad leftist Frente Amplio coalition, which includes the country’s Communist Party, had gone into preventive isolation earlier in the week when he posted that he had a fever, a challenge for his team ahead of the November 21 vote.
Boric is seen just behind ultra-conservative candidate Jos Antonio Kast in election polls, with many surveys showing the leftist winning a likely second-round run-off in December.
Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen, facing a probe over the slaughter of the country’s entire mink herd last year, has denied that she knew then that the government did not have legal authority to order the move.
Responding to the rising spread of coronavirus from mink to people, including a new mutated strain, Frederiksen’s Social Democratic government in November 2021 ordered all of the country’s 17 million minks killed, Reuters reports.
The government later admitted it did not have the legal authority to kill healthy mink herds, only those infected with coronavirus, leading to the exit of the minister of agriculture.
Parliament launched a probe in December into whether other ministers including Frederiksen knew of but ignored the faulty legal basis for the order.
“What motive should the government have had for not disclosing the lack of legal basis? Let me make it very clear: I did not know,” Frederiksen told a press briefing.
Latvia has declared a three-month state of emergency starting from Monday following a surge in Covid-19 infections to record levels as its vaccination rate remains one of the lowest in the EU. The number of daily infections is now well over 1,000 in the Baltic country of 1.9 million people, overtaking the peak infection rate seen during the pandemic earlier this year, AFP reports. Under the new rules, masks are now obligatory in all buildings accessible by the general public and anyone employed in government must have a vaccine by November 15 at the latest. Unvaccinated people will only be allowed to shop for food and other essential items in designated stores and only shops considered essential will be allowed to open at weekends. All Latvians are being encouraged to work from home where possible.Latvia has declared a three-month state of emergency starting from Monday following a surge in Covid-19 infections to record levels as its vaccination rate remains one of the lowest in the EU. The number of daily infections is now well over 1,000 in the Baltic country of 1.9 million people, overtaking the peak infection rate seen during the pandemic earlier this year, AFP reports. Under the new rules, masks are now obligatory in all buildings accessible by the general public and anyone employed in government must have a vaccine by November 15 at the latest. Unvaccinated people will only be allowed to shop for food and other essential items in designated stores and only shops considered essential will be allowed to open at weekends. All Latvians are being encouraged to work from home where possible.
Turkey will begin administering boosters to people who have received two doses of the Pfizer Inc/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, its health minister Fahrettin Koca said.Turkey will begin administering boosters to people who have received two doses of the Pfizer Inc/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, its health minister Fahrettin Koca said.
Turkey has already administered a third dose to more than 11.2 million people who received two doses of the vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac, whose efficacy rate officials believe falls faster.Turkey has already administered a third dose to more than 11.2 million people who received two doses of the vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac, whose efficacy rate officials believe falls faster.
Koca said the booster shots for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients would begin on Thursday with the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, health workers and those in other high-risk jobs, Reuters reports.Koca said the booster shots for Pfizer/BioNTech recipients would begin on Thursday with the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, health workers and those in other high-risk jobs, Reuters reports.
He said 59% of the population had so far received two vaccines doses, adding: “That rate needs to get over 70% to achieve herd immunity.”He said 59% of the population had so far received two vaccines doses, adding: “That rate needs to get over 70% to achieve herd immunity.”
Brazil registered 164 Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday and 14,661 further cases, according to data released by the country’s health ministry.Brazil registered 164 Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday and 14,661 further cases, according to data released by the country’s health ministry.
The South American country has now registered a total of 608,235 coronavirus deaths and 21,835,785 total confirmed cases, Reuters reports.The South American country has now registered a total of 608,235 coronavirus deaths and 21,835,785 total confirmed cases, Reuters reports.
U.S. president Joe Biden said there will be enough Covid-19 vaccines by next week for children and these shots will be available at about 20,000 locations around the country.U.S. president Joe Biden said there will be enough Covid-19 vaccines by next week for children and these shots will be available at about 20,000 locations around the country.
The US has started administering the vaccine to children ages 5 to 11, the latest group to become eligible for the shots that provide protection against the illness, Reuters reports.The US has started administering the vaccine to children ages 5 to 11, the latest group to become eligible for the shots that provide protection against the illness, Reuters reports.
Canadian employers are firing or putting on unpaid leave thousands of workers who refused to get Covid-19 jabs, Reuters reports.Canadian employers are firing or putting on unpaid leave thousands of workers who refused to get Covid-19 jabs, Reuters reports.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised vaccine mandates as a central part of his successful campaign for re-election in September, setting a precedent that has spread from the public to the private sector.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised vaccine mandates as a central part of his successful campaign for re-election in September, setting a precedent that has spread from the public to the private sector.
The mandate for federal workers is one of the world’s strictest, and the government has extended it to federally regulated spaces, which include airports, and to air and rail travelers.The mandate for federal workers is one of the world’s strictest, and the government has extended it to federally regulated spaces, which include airports, and to air and rail travelers.
Across Canada, hospitals, banks, insurers, school boards, police and some provincial administrations are now implementing similar policies for current and future hires.Across Canada, hospitals, banks, insurers, school boards, police and some provincial administrations are now implementing similar policies for current and future hires.
Unvaccinated workers whose livelihoods are on the line - in a country where more than 83% of the eligible population over 12 years old have had their jabs- are flooding labour lawyers with calls.Unvaccinated workers whose livelihoods are on the line - in a country where more than 83% of the eligible population over 12 years old have had their jabs- are flooding labour lawyers with calls.
The latest Covid developments in Australia and elsewhere:The latest Covid developments in Australia and elsewhere:
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday while attending the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, an event that has drawn world leaders and tens of thousands of other people from around the world.Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday while attending the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, an event that has drawn world leaders and tens of thousands of other people from around the world.
More people may die from other conditions such as cancer than directly from Covid-19 due to the effect the pandemic has had on health services, according to a UK professor of respiratory medicine. Professor Michael Peake, who received an OBE for services to medicine, said: “Not the direct effect of having Covid as an infection, but how that’s altered health services and access for patients to both GPs and hospital and access to tests, PA reports.More people may die from other conditions such as cancer than directly from Covid-19 due to the effect the pandemic has had on health services, according to a UK professor of respiratory medicine. Professor Michael Peake, who received an OBE for services to medicine, said: “Not the direct effect of having Covid as an infection, but how that’s altered health services and access for patients to both GPs and hospital and access to tests, PA reports.
“And we’re beginning to quantify what that is. “It’s a huge... there’s probably going to be more people who die of other conditions - heart disease, cancer, kidney disease - than will have died directly of Covid, probably, just because of the effect of Covid on those services.”“And we’re beginning to quantify what that is. “It’s a huge... there’s probably going to be more people who die of other conditions - heart disease, cancer, kidney disease - than will have died directly of Covid, probably, just because of the effect of Covid on those services.”
French health authorities reported 10,050 daily new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, the first time the tally has topped 10,000 since September 14. Hospitalisations for the disease are up by 84, at 6,764, a rise unseen since September 6th. The cumulative total of new cases now stands at 7.18 million, Reuters repots. The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care rose by 5 in 24 hours to 1,096 and by 58 over a week. France also registered 35 new deaths, taking the total to 117,783.French health authorities reported 10,050 daily new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, the first time the tally has topped 10,000 since September 14. Hospitalisations for the disease are up by 84, at 6,764, a rise unseen since September 6th. The cumulative total of new cases now stands at 7.18 million, Reuters repots. The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care rose by 5 in 24 hours to 1,096 and by 58 over a week. France also registered 35 new deaths, taking the total to 117,783.
The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced it is winding down the massive stimulus programme it put in place at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic amid fears that the central bank may have to raise rates soon to control rising inflation.The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced it is winding down the massive stimulus programme it put in place at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic amid fears that the central bank may have to raise rates soon to control rising inflation.
Fed officials have been debating for months over whether and when to taper the stimulus programmes that it set up to head off the economic headwinds caused by the pandemic. They announced on Wednesday that they would begin cutting that stimulus by $15bn a month but left interest rates unchanged.Fed officials have been debating for months over whether and when to taper the stimulus programmes that it set up to head off the economic headwinds caused by the pandemic. They announced on Wednesday that they would begin cutting that stimulus by $15bn a month but left interest rates unchanged.
Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today:Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today:
The UK recorded another 41,299 Covid cases, and a further 217 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, in the latest 24-hour period. This is compared to 293 deaths and 33,865 positive infections reported a day prior.The UK recorded another 41,299 Covid cases, and a further 217 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, in the latest 24-hour period. This is compared to 293 deaths and 33,865 positive infections reported a day prior.
Russia’s one-dose Sputnik Light vaccine had a good safety profile and induced strong immune responses especially in people who had already encountered Covid, according to the results of phase I and II trials published in The Lancet medical journal. The vaccine, a single-dose version of the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine unveiled last year, has already entered later phases of studies and is widely used in Russia, but the publication of the early research in a top Western journal is a milestone as Russia moves towards making Sputnik Light its main vaccine for export.Russia’s one-dose Sputnik Light vaccine had a good safety profile and induced strong immune responses especially in people who had already encountered Covid, according to the results of phase I and II trials published in The Lancet medical journal. The vaccine, a single-dose version of the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine unveiled last year, has already entered later phases of studies and is widely used in Russia, but the publication of the early research in a top Western journal is a milestone as Russia moves towards making Sputnik Light its main vaccine for export.
Face masks will again become compulsory from next week for French school kids in 39 regional departments where the Covid virus has been ramping up, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said.Face masks will again become compulsory from next week for French school kids in 39 regional departments where the Covid virus has been ramping up, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority said on Wednesday it had given its approval to use Pfizer’s Covid vaccine for those between five and eleven years of age.The Saudi Food and Drug Authority said on Wednesday it had given its approval to use Pfizer’s Covid vaccine for those between five and eleven years of age.
Four Russian regions said they would extend a one-week workplace shutdown that took effect nationwide on 30 October in response to a surge in Covid cases. The president Vladimir Putin ordered the shutdown last month, giving regional authorities the option of extending it. Authorities in the Kursk and Bryansk regions, the Chelyabinsk region and Tomsk said their shutdowns would be prolonged.Four Russian regions said they would extend a one-week workplace shutdown that took effect nationwide on 30 October in response to a surge in Covid cases. The president Vladimir Putin ordered the shutdown last month, giving regional authorities the option of extending it. Authorities in the Kursk and Bryansk regions, the Chelyabinsk region and Tomsk said their shutdowns would be prolonged.
Italy’s medicines agency AIFA recommended a booster of the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine to those inoculated with the Johnson & Johnson shot, a source close to the agency told Reuters. All those who have had a single shot of the J&J vaccine, regardless of age, about 1.6 million people in Italy, will be eligible to receive the booster, the source added.Italy’s medicines agency AIFA recommended a booster of the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine to those inoculated with the Johnson & Johnson shot, a source close to the agency told Reuters. All those who have had a single shot of the J&J vaccine, regardless of age, about 1.6 million people in Italy, will be eligible to receive the booster, the source added.
The first trial of a drug to target the fatigue and muscle weakness experienced by more than half of people with long Covid has been launched in the UK. It is also the first drug trial in patients with long Covid who were not hospitalised during their initial infection. Full story here.The first trial of a drug to target the fatigue and muscle weakness experienced by more than half of people with long Covid has been launched in the UK. It is also the first drug trial in patients with long Covid who were not hospitalised during their initial infection. Full story here.
Nadhim Zahawi, the UK education secretary, said he has “no plans whatsoever” to close schools again during the pandemic. He pledged to keep schools open as he said testing pupils for Covid and vaccinating eligible children will help keep them in class. His comments came as a bill was set to be introduced in the Commons calling for a “triple lock” of protections to ensure that any future school closures would have to be approved by parliament.Nadhim Zahawi, the UK education secretary, said he has “no plans whatsoever” to close schools again during the pandemic. He pledged to keep schools open as he said testing pupils for Covid and vaccinating eligible children will help keep them in class. His comments came as a bill was set to be introduced in the Commons calling for a “triple lock” of protections to ensure that any future school closures would have to be approved by parliament.
The World Health Organization approved Indian drugmaker Bharat Biotech’s Covid vaccine, Covaxin, for emergency use, paving the way for the homegrown shot to be accepted as a valid vaccine in many poor countries. The emergency use listing would allow Bharat to ship the vaccine to countries that rely on WHO guidance for their regulatory decisions.The World Health Organization approved Indian drugmaker Bharat Biotech’s Covid vaccine, Covaxin, for emergency use, paving the way for the homegrown shot to be accepted as a valid vaccine in many poor countries. The emergency use listing would allow Bharat to ship the vaccine to countries that rely on WHO guidance for their regulatory decisions.
Covid vaccination is to be made mandatory for the NHS’s 1.2 million full-time staff in England from April next year, despite criticism that forcing frontline personnel to get jabbed is “heavy-handed” and will lead some to quit. Story here.Covid vaccination is to be made mandatory for the NHS’s 1.2 million full-time staff in England from April next year, despite criticism that forcing frontline personnel to get jabbed is “heavy-handed” and will lead some to quit. Story here.
The US is set to begin giving Covid vaccines to children aged five to 11, with roughly 28 million school-age kids eligible for the shots that provide protection against the illness.The US is set to begin giving Covid vaccines to children aged five to 11, with roughly 28 million school-age kids eligible for the shots that provide protection against the illness.
Germany is experiencing a “massive” pandemic of the unvaccinated, the health minister Jens Spahn said, calling for tougher action to combat a resurgence in Covid cases. Spahn expressed frustration that uptake of jabs has slowed and that a significant group of 18 to 59 year olds remain unvaccinated. He called for tougher checks at establishments or events where only those who can show they have been vaccinated, have recovered from Covid or have recently tested negative, are allowed to enter. He also called for a bigger push on booster jabs.Germany is experiencing a “massive” pandemic of the unvaccinated, the health minister Jens Spahn said, calling for tougher action to combat a resurgence in Covid cases. Spahn expressed frustration that uptake of jabs has slowed and that a significant group of 18 to 59 year olds remain unvaccinated. He called for tougher checks at establishments or events where only those who can show they have been vaccinated, have recovered from Covid or have recently tested negative, are allowed to enter. He also called for a bigger push on booster jabs.
We reported earlier on Germany’s health minister Jens Spahn’s warning that the country is going through a “massive” pandemic of the unvaccinated.We reported earlier on Germany’s health minister Jens Spahn’s warning that the country is going through a “massive” pandemic of the unvaccinated.
Here is Philip Oltermann’s report:Here is Philip Oltermann’s report:
Two-thirds of fully vaccinated over-80s in England have received an extra dose of Covid-19 vaccine, new figures suggest.Two-thirds of fully vaccinated over-80s in England have received an extra dose of Covid-19 vaccine, new figures suggest.
A total of 1.9 million people aged 80 and over in England are now estimated to have had either a third dose or a booster - the equivalent of 70% of those currently eligible for an extra jab.A total of 1.9 million people aged 80 and over in England are now estimated to have had either a third dose or a booster - the equivalent of 70% of those currently eligible for an extra jab.
The figures, from NHS England, also show that almost 66% of eligible double-jabbed people aged 75 to 79 are likely to have received an extra dose as of November 2, along with nearly 51% of those aged 70 to 74.The figures, from NHS England, also show that almost 66% of eligible double-jabbed people aged 75 to 79 are likely to have received an extra dose as of November 2, along with nearly 51% of those aged 70 to 74.
In total, 6.3 million extra doses of vaccine have been delivered to over-50s in England - the equivalent of around three in 10 of all double-jabbed people in this age group, according to analysis by the PA news agency.In total, 6.3 million extra doses of vaccine have been delivered to over-50s in England - the equivalent of around three in 10 of all double-jabbed people in this age group, according to analysis by the PA news agency.
Data for the number of boosters and third doses in England is not reported separately, even though they are being delivered to different categories of people at different stages in the vaccine roll-out.Data for the number of boosters and third doses in England is not reported separately, even though they are being delivered to different categories of people at different stages in the vaccine roll-out.
Booster doses are offered to people who are at least six months on from receiving their second dose of coronavirus vaccine.Booster doses are offered to people who are at least six months on from receiving their second dose of coronavirus vaccine.
If eligible, people who can receive a booster dose include all adults aged 50 and over; frontline health and social care workers; and those living in residential care homes for older adults.If eligible, people who can receive a booster dose include all adults aged 50 and over; frontline health and social care workers; and those living in residential care homes for older adults.
Booster doses are also being made available to people aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19, and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.Booster doses are also being made available to people aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19, and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.
By contrast, third doses are being offered to individuals aged 12 and over who may not be able to mount a full immune response following two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, due to underlying health conditions or medical treatment.By contrast, third doses are being offered to individuals aged 12 and over who may not be able to mount a full immune response following two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, due to underlying health conditions or medical treatment.
A third primary dose of vaccine should ideally be given at least eight weeks after the second dose, according to official guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.A third primary dose of vaccine should ideally be given at least eight weeks after the second dose, according to official guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Unlike in England, data for boosters and third doses is reported separately in Wales.Unlike in England, data for boosters and third doses is reported separately in Wales.
Around 61% of double-jabbed people aged 80 and over in Wales have received a booster dose, along with more than 57% of 75- to 79-year-olds and 45% of 70- to 74-year-olds, latest figures show.Around 61% of double-jabbed people aged 80 and over in Wales have received a booster dose, along with more than 57% of 75- to 79-year-olds and 45% of 70- to 74-year-olds, latest figures show.
Scotland and Northern Ireland do not publish take-up of booster doses broken down by age.Scotland and Northern Ireland do not publish take-up of booster doses broken down by age.
Nearly 21% of all double-jabbed people in north-west England have received an extra dose of vaccine - the highest proportion for any region. London has the lowest proportion of any region, at around 16%.Nearly 21% of all double-jabbed people in north-west England have received an extra dose of vaccine - the highest proportion for any region. London has the lowest proportion of any region, at around 16%.
The virus that causes Covid-19 does not infect human brain cells, according to a new study published in the journal Cell.The virus that causes Covid-19 does not infect human brain cells, according to a new study published in the journal Cell.
The findings will raise hopes that the damage caused by Sars-CoV-2 might be more superficial and reversible than previously feared.The findings will raise hopes that the damage caused by Sars-CoV-2 might be more superficial and reversible than previously feared.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
The UK has recorded another 41,299 Covid cases, and a further 217 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, in the latest 24-hour period, the latest government data shows.The UK has recorded another 41,299 Covid cases, and a further 217 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, in the latest 24-hour period, the latest government data shows.
This is compared to 293 deaths and 33,865 positive infections reported a day prior.This is compared to 293 deaths and 33,865 positive infections reported a day prior.
Russia’s one-dose Sputnik Light vaccine had a good safety profile and induced strong immune responses especially in people who had already encountered Covid, according to the results of phase I and II trials published in The Lancet medical journal.Russia’s one-dose Sputnik Light vaccine had a good safety profile and induced strong immune responses especially in people who had already encountered Covid, according to the results of phase I and II trials published in The Lancet medical journal.
The vaccine, a single-dose version of the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine unveiled last year, has already entered later phases of studies and is widely used in Russia, but the publication of the early research in a top Western journal is a milestone as Russia moves towards making Sputnik Light its main vaccine for export.The vaccine, a single-dose version of the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine unveiled last year, has already entered later phases of studies and is widely used in Russia, but the publication of the early research in a top Western journal is a milestone as Russia moves towards making Sputnik Light its main vaccine for export.
Scientists from the vaccine’s developer, the Gamaleya Institute, oversaw 110 volunteers aged 18-59 in St Petersburg, who were inoculated in January 2021, looking at the response of the immune system and the main side effects.Scientists from the vaccine’s developer, the Gamaleya Institute, oversaw 110 volunteers aged 18-59 in St Petersburg, who were inoculated in January 2021, looking at the response of the immune system and the main side effects.
The results analysed virus neutralisation against the original variant and showed a slight but statistically significant decrease in the antibody response for the Alpha and Beta strains. Russia’s dominant strain is now the Delta variant.The results analysed virus neutralisation against the original variant and showed a slight but statistically significant decrease in the antibody response for the Alpha and Beta strains. Russia’s dominant strain is now the Delta variant.
Russia has already said that subsequent research showed Sputnik Light demonstrated 70% effectiveness against the Delta variant three months after injection.Russia has already said that subsequent research showed Sputnik Light demonstrated 70% effectiveness against the Delta variant three months after injection.
“Sputnik Light might be considered not only for primary vaccination, but also could be useful as an efficient tool for further revaccination or vaccination after previous Covid-19 infection,” the study said.“Sputnik Light might be considered not only for primary vaccination, but also could be useful as an efficient tool for further revaccination or vaccination after previous Covid-19 infection,” the study said.
Last week, the health minister Mikhail Murashko said that with the spread of the Delta variant, the ministry recommended the usage of Sputnik Light for re-vaccination only.Last week, the health minister Mikhail Murashko said that with the spread of the Delta variant, the ministry recommended the usage of Sputnik Light for re-vaccination only.
The Kremlin later said Sputnik Light was a standalone Covid vaccine, but some Russian regions reported that they had begun to administer it only to people with antibodies.The Kremlin later said Sputnik Light was a standalone Covid vaccine, but some Russian regions reported that they had begun to administer it only to people with antibodies.
Sputnik Light was approved for clinical use in Russia on 6 May based on the results of trials published in The Lancet and Gamaleya has started an international and placebo-controlled phase III study with 6,000 participants.Sputnik Light was approved for clinical use in Russia on 6 May based on the results of trials published in The Lancet and Gamaleya has started an international and placebo-controlled phase III study with 6,000 participants.
“We believe Sputnik Light vaccine could contribute towards accelerating the pace of vaccination in Russia as well as in other countries that are lacking sufficient vaccine supply,” the scientists wrote.“We believe Sputnik Light vaccine could contribute towards accelerating the pace of vaccination in Russia as well as in other countries that are lacking sufficient vaccine supply,” the scientists wrote.