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Covid live: Russia says workplace shutdown helped turn tide on cases; UK reports 262 deaths and 33,117 cases Covid live: Russia says workplace shutdown helped turn tide on cases; UK reports 262 deaths and 33,117 cases
(32 minutes later)
Russian officials say cases still remain quite high; UK figures come on day government announces NHS vaccine mandateRussian officials say cases still remain quite high; UK figures come on day government announces NHS vaccine mandate
France registered 12,476 new confirmed Covid infections on Tuesday, the highest level since 8 September, health ministry data showed.
The total number of cases now stands at 7.23 million and the sliding seven-day average of new infections rose further to over 8,700.
The closely watched incidence rate - the number of new infections per week per 100,000 people - rose further to 91, the highest since mid-September and now nearly double the official alert level of 50.
The government uses the incidence rate to decide on regional and national lockdown measures. In dozens of French departments, children again have to put on masks in school as the incidence rate in their area is above the national average.
The president Emmanuel Macron is due to address the nation on the coronavirus situation around 7pm GMT (8pm Paris time).
Morocco will end a night curfew aimed at combating the spread Covid that it introduced in March 2020 starting from Wednesday, it said on Tuesday, after a fall in cases from the peak during the summer.
Morocco has administered more coronavirus vaccine doses than any other African country, inoculating 24 million people out of a population of 36 million, and has imposed a vaccine pass for travel and access to public places.
As we mentioned here earlier, AstraZeneca is to create a new vaccines unit as the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker plans for the future of its coronavirus shot beyond the pandemic.As we mentioned here earlier, AstraZeneca is to create a new vaccines unit as the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker plans for the future of its coronavirus shot beyond the pandemic.
The company said the reorganisation would bring together people who had previously been based in different parts of the business, and will be dedicated to the Covid-19 vaccine and tweaked versions to deal with new variants of Sars-CoV-2.The company said the reorganisation would bring together people who had previously been based in different parts of the business, and will be dedicated to the Covid-19 vaccine and tweaked versions to deal with new variants of Sars-CoV-2.
Here is my colleague Jasper Jolly’s story:Here is my colleague Jasper Jolly’s story:
Here is a recap of some of the main developments from today:Here is a recap of some of the main developments from today:
Canada authorised the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine as a booster shot for people 18 years of age and older.Canada authorised the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine as a booster shot for people 18 years of age and older.
The UK reported another 33,117 coronavirus cases and a further 262 deaths.The UK reported another 33,117 coronavirus cases and a further 262 deaths.
Northern Ireland’s health minister announced a public consultation on a proposal for compulsory Covid and flu vaccination for new health and social care workers. Robin Swann said requiring existing staff to get jabbed could be counterproductive and could further destabilise a workforce that is already severed depleted.Northern Ireland’s health minister announced a public consultation on a proposal for compulsory Covid and flu vaccination for new health and social care workers. Robin Swann said requiring existing staff to get jabbed could be counterproductive and could further destabilise a workforce that is already severed depleted.
AstraZeneca is to create a new vaccines unit as the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker plans for the future of its coronavirus shot beyond the pandemic. The company said the reorganisation would bring together people who had previously been based in different parts of the business, and will be dedicated to the Covid-19 vaccine and tweaked versions to deal with new variants of Sars-CoV-2. Story here.
Russia said the nationwide workplace shutdown it ended this week had helped turn the tide on a wave of Covid cases, even as officials reported the largest one-day death toll of the pandemic so far. As all but a handful of Russia’s 80-plus regions ended a “non-working” period from 30 October to 7 November that was ordered by the president Vladimir Putin, the government coronavirus taskforce reported a record one-day death toll of 1,211. Many regions that have lifted the workplace shutdown will now require visitors to present a QR code on their mobile phones when visiting cafes, restaurants or shopping centres to prove they have been vaccinated or previously had the virus.Russia said the nationwide workplace shutdown it ended this week had helped turn the tide on a wave of Covid cases, even as officials reported the largest one-day death toll of the pandemic so far. As all but a handful of Russia’s 80-plus regions ended a “non-working” period from 30 October to 7 November that was ordered by the president Vladimir Putin, the government coronavirus taskforce reported a record one-day death toll of 1,211. Many regions that have lifted the workplace shutdown will now require visitors to present a QR code on their mobile phones when visiting cafes, restaurants or shopping centres to prove they have been vaccinated or previously had the virus.
All 1.4 million NHS staff in England will have to be vaccinated against Covid by next spring if they want to keep their jobs, Sajid Javid confirmed to MPs. The health secretary has decided to press ahead with making jabs compulsory despite health unions and some doctors’ organisations voicing strong opposition. The move means that about 100,000 frontline personnel who have not yet had both doses of Covid vaccine will have to get jabbed or face dismissal. Story here + roundup of countries around the world that have brought in vaccine mandates here.All 1.4 million NHS staff in England will have to be vaccinated against Covid by next spring if they want to keep their jobs, Sajid Javid confirmed to MPs. The health secretary has decided to press ahead with making jabs compulsory despite health unions and some doctors’ organisations voicing strong opposition. The move means that about 100,000 frontline personnel who have not yet had both doses of Covid vaccine will have to get jabbed or face dismissal. Story here + roundup of countries around the world that have brought in vaccine mandates here.
More than 75,000 excess deaths have taken place in private homes in England and Wales since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to analysis of Office for National Statistics data by PA. A total of 75,474 excess deaths in homes in England and Wales were registered between 7 March 2020 and 29 October 2021, according to the analysis. Of this number, just 8,824 - or 12% - were deaths that involved Covid-19.More than 75,000 excess deaths have taken place in private homes in England and Wales since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to analysis of Office for National Statistics data by PA. A total of 75,474 excess deaths in homes in England and Wales were registered between 7 March 2020 and 29 October 2021, according to the analysis. Of this number, just 8,824 - or 12% - were deaths that involved Covid-19.
France’s public health authority recommended people under 30 be given Pfizer’s Covid vaccine when available instead of Moderna’s jab, which carried comparatively higher risks of heart-related problems. The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS), which does not have legal power to ban or license drugs but acts as an adviser to the French health sector, cited “very rare” risks linked to myocarditis, a heart disease, that had shown up in recent data on the Moderna vaccine and in a French study published on Monday.France’s public health authority recommended people under 30 be given Pfizer’s Covid vaccine when available instead of Moderna’s jab, which carried comparatively higher risks of heart-related problems. The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS), which does not have legal power to ban or license drugs but acts as an adviser to the French health sector, cited “very rare” risks linked to myocarditis, a heart disease, that had shown up in recent data on the Moderna vaccine and in a French study published on Monday.
A group of hospitals in the Netherlands called for the government to take new measures to stem rising Covid cases, saying they are “heading straight for a healthcare disaster” with neither space nor staff to handle more patients with coronavirus. In a letter to Mark Rutte’s government, the five hospitals in southern province of Limburg said: “We are heading straight for a healthcare disaster and the whole system is becoming jammed. We’re convinced the rest of the Netherlands will be following us shortly.”A group of hospitals in the Netherlands called for the government to take new measures to stem rising Covid cases, saying they are “heading straight for a healthcare disaster” with neither space nor staff to handle more patients with coronavirus. In a letter to Mark Rutte’s government, the five hospitals in southern province of Limburg said: “We are heading straight for a healthcare disaster and the whole system is becoming jammed. We’re convinced the rest of the Netherlands will be following us shortly.”
As we’ve reported today, the UK has become the latest country to introduce Covid vaccine mandates after the government announced all NHS workers would need to be jabbed by next spring.As we’ve reported today, the UK has become the latest country to introduce Covid vaccine mandates after the government announced all NHS workers would need to be jabbed by next spring.
Here is a useful rundown of the vaccine mandates introduced around the world:Here is a useful rundown of the vaccine mandates introduced around the world:
Canada has authorised the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid vaccine as a booster shot for people 18 years of age and older, Health Canada said in a statement.Canada has authorised the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid vaccine as a booster shot for people 18 years of age and older, Health Canada said in a statement.
The clearance of the booster shot, which can be taken at least six months after the primary regimen, would help people get additional protection against the coronavirus at a time when the Delta variant has spurred a surge in cases and hospitalisations.The clearance of the booster shot, which can be taken at least six months after the primary regimen, would help people get additional protection against the coronavirus at a time when the Delta variant has spurred a surge in cases and hospitalisations.
The US Food and Drug Administration has already authorized Covid-19 vaccine booster doses from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna Inc for people aged 65 and older, those at risk of severe disease and those who are exposed to the virus through their work.The US Food and Drug Administration has already authorized Covid-19 vaccine booster doses from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna Inc for people aged 65 and older, those at risk of severe disease and those who are exposed to the virus through their work.
Johnson & Johnson’s booster shots have also been cleared in the United States for all individuals 18 years of age and older.Johnson & Johnson’s booster shots have also been cleared in the United States for all individuals 18 years of age and older.
Just 0.1% of the coronavirus tests taken to enter the Cop26 climate summit have resulted in positive results, Scotland’s deputy first minister has said.Just 0.1% of the coronavirus tests taken to enter the Cop26 climate summit have resulted in positive results, Scotland’s deputy first minister has said.
In a Covid-19 statement in the Scottish Parliament, John Swinney revealed the level of test positivity among Blue Zone pass holders as of 5 November.In a Covid-19 statement in the Scottish Parliament, John Swinney revealed the level of test positivity among Blue Zone pass holders as of 5 November.
All entrants to the central area of the climate conference must show proof of a negative lateral flow Covid-19 test, unless exempt, on each day they enter the site.All entrants to the central area of the climate conference must show proof of a negative lateral flow Covid-19 test, unless exempt, on each day they enter the site.
Swinney said the testing measures were part of a “comprehensive and exceptional package of mitigation measures” designed to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading among the approximately 30,000 people due to attend Cop26 and the wider community.Swinney said the testing measures were part of a “comprehensive and exceptional package of mitigation measures” designed to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading among the approximately 30,000 people due to attend Cop26 and the wider community.
He added: “However, we are only just past the midpoint of the conference and we continuing to monitor the situation carefully. We will provide a further update following the conclusion of Cop26, unless there is a need to do so at an earlier opportunity.”He added: “However, we are only just past the midpoint of the conference and we continuing to monitor the situation carefully. We will provide a further update following the conclusion of Cop26, unless there is a need to do so at an earlier opportunity.”
The latest figures for the whole of Scotland show a 12% positivity rate, with 2,233 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Tuesday.The latest figures for the whole of Scotland show a 12% positivity rate, with 2,233 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Tuesday.
You can follow live updates from Cop26 here:You can follow live updates from Cop26 here:
The UK has reported another 33,117 coronavirus cases and a further 262 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the government’s dashboard.The UK has reported another 33,117 coronavirus cases and a further 262 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the government’s dashboard.
This compares to 32,332 cases and 57 deaths reported in the 24 hour-period prior.This compares to 32,332 cases and 57 deaths reported in the 24 hour-period prior.
Northern Ireland’s health minister has announced a public consultation on a proposal for compulsory Covid-19 and flu vaccination for new health and social care workers.Northern Ireland’s health minister has announced a public consultation on a proposal for compulsory Covid-19 and flu vaccination for new health and social care workers.
Robin Swann said requiring existing staff to get jabbed could be counterproductive and could further destabilise a workforce that is already severed depleted.Robin Swann said requiring existing staff to get jabbed could be counterproductive and could further destabilise a workforce that is already severed depleted.
But he insisted no option was off the table and said he had “great sympathy” for the view that patients should only be treated by fully vaccinated staff.But he insisted no option was off the table and said he had “great sympathy” for the view that patients should only be treated by fully vaccinated staff.
The minister said making vaccines compulsory for new recruits to the health service would be a “significant development” and needed careful consideration.The minister said making vaccines compulsory for new recruits to the health service would be a “significant development” and needed careful consideration.
He said there was not a predetermined outcome to the public consultation exercise as he urged people to make their views known.He said there was not a predetermined outcome to the public consultation exercise as he urged people to make their views known.
The announcement comes after the UK government announced that frontline NHS staff in England will need to be vaccinated against coronavirus. Workers in England will have until April next year to get both Covid-19 jabs.The announcement comes after the UK government announced that frontline NHS staff in England will need to be vaccinated against coronavirus. Workers in England will have until April next year to get both Covid-19 jabs.
Earlier, Stormont’s deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said making vaccinations compulsory for frontline healthcare workers in Northern Ireland would raise human rights concerns.Earlier, Stormont’s deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said making vaccinations compulsory for frontline healthcare workers in Northern Ireland would raise human rights concerns.
O’Neill has said she would consider any proposal for compulsory vaccines for health staff but stressed she would favour a voluntary approach.O’Neill has said she would consider any proposal for compulsory vaccines for health staff but stressed she would favour a voluntary approach.
The World Health Organization has warned there could be shortfall of up to two billion syringes in 2022, which threatens to hamper vaccine efforts globally is production does not improve, AFP reports.The World Health Organization has warned there could be shortfall of up to two billion syringes in 2022, which threatens to hamper vaccine efforts globally is production does not improve, AFP reports.
The shortages are the result of Covid-19 vaccine campaigns, with billions more syringes than normal being used worldwide, badly denting global supplies.The shortages are the result of Covid-19 vaccine campaigns, with billions more syringes than normal being used worldwide, badly denting global supplies.
Lisa Hedman, the WHO’s senior advisor on access to medicines and health products, said that as the supply of Covid-19 vaccine doses increases, the supply of syringes needs to keep pace.Lisa Hedman, the WHO’s senior advisor on access to medicines and health products, said that as the supply of Covid-19 vaccine doses increases, the supply of syringes needs to keep pace.
“We are raising the real concern that we could have a shortage of immunisation syringes, which would in turn lead to serious problems, such as slowing down immunisation efforts,” she told reporters on Tuesday.“We are raising the real concern that we could have a shortage of immunisation syringes, which would in turn lead to serious problems, such as slowing down immunisation efforts,” she told reporters on Tuesday.
“Depending on how the vaccine uptake goes, it could be a deficit of anywhere from one billion to two billion.”“Depending on how the vaccine uptake goes, it could be a deficit of anywhere from one billion to two billion.”
More than 7.25 billion Covid vaccine doses have been administered globally, according to an AFP tally.More than 7.25 billion Covid vaccine doses have been administered globally, according to an AFP tally.
That’s nearly double the number of routine vaccinations given per year - and twice the number of syringes required.That’s nearly double the number of routine vaccinations given per year - and twice the number of syringes required.
Hedman said one serious result of a shortage could be delays in routine vaccinations, which could have a public health impact “for years to come” if a generation of youngsters miss out on normal childhood vaccinations.Hedman said one serious result of a shortage could be delays in routine vaccinations, which could have a public health impact “for years to come” if a generation of youngsters miss out on normal childhood vaccinations.
Shortages could also lead to the unsafe practice of reusing syringes and needles.Shortages could also lead to the unsafe practice of reusing syringes and needles.
Hedman said any constraint on syringe supply could only be worsened by export restrictions and transportation problems.Hedman said any constraint on syringe supply could only be worsened by export restrictions and transportation problems.
She urged countries to plan syringe needs well in advance to avoid hoarding and panic buying situations.She urged countries to plan syringe needs well in advance to avoid hoarding and panic buying situations.
Hedman added that “efforts are being made to reduce that risk to zero in terms of the actual number that we could be short”.Hedman added that “efforts are being made to reduce that risk to zero in terms of the actual number that we could be short”.
Unvaccinated Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is one of five players in Germany’s national football squad having to quarantine after one tested positive for coronavirus, the German federation (DFB) said Tuesday.Unvaccinated Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is one of five players in Germany’s national football squad having to quarantine after one tested positive for coronavirus, the German federation (DFB) said Tuesday.
Another Covid-positive player, Niklas Suele, is fully vaccinated and currently asymptomatic, added the DFB.Another Covid-positive player, Niklas Suele, is fully vaccinated and currently asymptomatic, added the DFB.
Fellow Bayern teammates Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala as well as Karim Adeyemi of RB Salzburg, have been asked to isolate because they are close contacts of his, even though they have tested negative, DFB chief director Oliver Bierhoff said.Fellow Bayern teammates Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala as well as Karim Adeyemi of RB Salzburg, have been asked to isolate because they are close contacts of his, even though they have tested negative, DFB chief director Oliver Bierhoff said.
“This news, coming so close before the final World Cup qualifiers, is bitter for the coaching team as well as for Die Mannschaft,” said Bierhoff.“This news, coming so close before the final World Cup qualifiers, is bitter for the coaching team as well as for Die Mannschaft,” said Bierhoff.
The latest high profile case comes as Germany is fighting a surge in new infections, with its seven-day Covid rate striking a new record on Tuesday.The latest high profile case comes as Germany is fighting a surge in new infections, with its seven-day Covid rate striking a new record on Tuesday.
It also puts the spotlight again on Kimmich, who had sparked a fierce debate in the country last month when he revealed he opted not to get vaccinated, because of “personal concerns”.It also puts the spotlight again on Kimmich, who had sparked a fierce debate in the country last month when he revealed he opted not to get vaccinated, because of “personal concerns”.
It even prompted the interior minister Horst Seehofer to urge him directly to rethink his position as “vaccination is the main weapon in the fight against the pandemic”.It even prompted the interior minister Horst Seehofer to urge him directly to rethink his position as “vaccination is the main weapon in the fight against the pandemic”.
Kimmich appears to be in the minority as more than 90% of footballers and backroom staff in Germany’s top two leagues are vaccinated, according to figures released last month by the German Football League (DFL).Kimmich appears to be in the minority as more than 90% of footballers and backroom staff in Germany’s top two leagues are vaccinated, according to figures released last month by the German Football League (DFL).
AstraZeneca is creating a separate division for vaccines and antibody therapies to be led by senior executive Iskra Reic, the drugmaker said on Tuesday, as it builds focus on its Covid shot and development of coronavirus treatments.AstraZeneca is creating a separate division for vaccines and antibody therapies to be led by senior executive Iskra Reic, the drugmaker said on Tuesday, as it builds focus on its Covid shot and development of coronavirus treatments.
Reuters in July reported that the Anglo-Swedish company was exploring options for its vaccine business and expected to have greater clarity on the matter by the end of 2021.Reuters in July reported that the Anglo-Swedish company was exploring options for its vaccine business and expected to have greater clarity on the matter by the end of 2021.
Russia said the nationwide workplace shutdown it ended this week had helped turn the tide on a wave of Covid cases, even as officials on Tuesday reported the largest one-day death toll of the pandemic so far.Russia said the nationwide workplace shutdown it ended this week had helped turn the tide on a wave of Covid cases, even as officials on Tuesday reported the largest one-day death toll of the pandemic so far.
All but a handful of Russia’s 80-plus regions on Monday ended a “non-working” period from 30 October to 7 November that was ordered by the president Vladimir Putin, the toughest nationwide restriction since the early months of the pandemic.All but a handful of Russia’s 80-plus regions on Monday ended a “non-working” period from 30 October to 7 November that was ordered by the president Vladimir Putin, the toughest nationwide restriction since the early months of the pandemic.
The health minister told a televised government meeting on Tuesday that the increase in the number of patients receiving medical care had slowed last week for the first time since the beginning of August, though he said it remained “quite high”.The health minister told a televised government meeting on Tuesday that the increase in the number of patients receiving medical care had slowed last week for the first time since the beginning of August, though he said it remained “quite high”.
“Undoubtedly, the fall is due to the … non-working days, the regional measures. These measures have turned the tide, and it is very right that a number of regions – five regions – have decided to extend the regime of days off,” said Mikhail Murashko.“Undoubtedly, the fall is due to the … non-working days, the regional measures. These measures have turned the tide, and it is very right that a number of regions – five regions – have decided to extend the regime of days off,” said Mikhail Murashko.
He said there were 1.36 million people under various kinds of medical supervision or treatment for Covid.He said there were 1.36 million people under various kinds of medical supervision or treatment for Covid.
The government coronavirus taskforce reported a record one-day death toll of 1,211 and reported 39,160 new cases in the last 24 hours, down from a peak of 41,335 on Saturday.The government coronavirus taskforce reported a record one-day death toll of 1,211 and reported 39,160 new cases in the last 24 hours, down from a peak of 41,335 on Saturday.
In Moscow, the mayor Sergei Sobyanin said this coming week would be crucial for the capital and that it would be clear by the end of it what measures needed to be kept on. He said he hoped the situation would be more or less stable.In Moscow, the mayor Sergei Sobyanin said this coming week would be crucial for the capital and that it would be clear by the end of it what measures needed to be kept on. He said he hoped the situation would be more or less stable.
Many regions that have lifted the workplace shutdown will now require visitors to present a QR code on their mobile phones when visiting cafes, restaurants or shopping centres to prove they have been vaccinated or previously had the virus.Many regions that have lifted the workplace shutdown will now require visitors to present a QR code on their mobile phones when visiting cafes, restaurants or shopping centres to prove they have been vaccinated or previously had the virus.
The UK justice secretary, Dominic Raab, has defended the MP and former attorney general Geoffrey Cox for working for a month in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) during lockdown.The UK justice secretary, Dominic Raab, has defended the MP and former attorney general Geoffrey Cox for working for a month in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) during lockdown.
Earlier this year, Cox earned more than £150,000 in his second job as a lawyer advising the Caribbean tax haven in relation to corruption charges brought by the Foreign Office.Earlier this year, Cox earned more than £150,000 in his second job as a lawyer advising the Caribbean tax haven in relation to corruption charges brought by the Foreign Office.
Full story here:Full story here:
And live UK politics updates from my colleague Andrew Sparrow here:And live UK politics updates from my colleague Andrew Sparrow here:
Moderna Inc on Tuesday sought conditional marketing authorisation with the European Medicines Agency for use of its Covid vaccine in children in the age-group of six- to 11 years, Reuters reports.Moderna Inc on Tuesday sought conditional marketing authorisation with the European Medicines Agency for use of its Covid vaccine in children in the age-group of six- to 11 years, Reuters reports.
The vaccine was authorised for use in teens aged 12 to 17 by the European Union in July, but several countries including Sweden have paused its use for people aged 30 and younger due to rare heart-related side-effects.The vaccine was authorised for use in teens aged 12 to 17 by the European Union in July, but several countries including Sweden have paused its use for people aged 30 and younger due to rare heart-related side-effects.
The drugmaker sought US authorisation of its vaccine for use in teens in June and is awaiting a decision by the US Food and Drug Administration.The drugmaker sought US authorisation of its vaccine for use in teens in June and is awaiting a decision by the US Food and Drug Administration.
“This marks our first submission for the use of our vaccine in this age group,” said Stéphane Bancel, the chief executive of Moderna, adding the company will submit the data to other regulatory agencies around the world.“This marks our first submission for the use of our vaccine in this age group,” said Stéphane Bancel, the chief executive of Moderna, adding the company will submit the data to other regulatory agencies around the world.
The UK’s Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, has tested positive for Covid. He is self-isolating and experiencing mild symptoms, the Great Yarmouth MP wrote on Twitter.The UK’s Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, has tested positive for Covid. He is self-isolating and experiencing mild symptoms, the Great Yarmouth MP wrote on Twitter.
Within a year since February 2020, the UK’s pandemic response – and Randox’s role in it – became a matter of public scrutiny, not least due to the company being named in a lobbying scandal involving the Conservative MP Owen Paterson.Within a year since February 2020, the UK’s pandemic response – and Randox’s role in it – became a matter of public scrutiny, not least due to the company being named in a lobbying scandal involving the Conservative MP Owen Paterson.
My colleague Rob Davies examines how the healthcare firm went from a one-man-band operation to winning £500m in government Covid contracts:My colleague Rob Davies examines how the healthcare firm went from a one-man-band operation to winning £500m in government Covid contracts:
The eastern German state of Saxony may have ordered tough curbs on the unvaccinated to push them to get the Covid-19 jab, but shop assistant Sabine Lonnatzsch, 59, is unmoved.The eastern German state of Saxony may have ordered tough curbs on the unvaccinated to push them to get the Covid-19 jab, but shop assistant Sabine Lonnatzsch, 59, is unmoved.
The new rules are “discriminatory” because they are “pushing the unvaccinated further into a corner”, she tells AFP, adding that she won’t change her mind about getting inoculated – she just won’t go to restaurants or events any more.The new rules are “discriminatory” because they are “pushing the unvaccinated further into a corner”, she tells AFP, adding that she won’t change her mind about getting inoculated – she just won’t go to restaurants or events any more.
“I’ve had corona cases in my family and in my eyes it is nothing more than a bad flu,” she says.“I’ve had corona cases in my family and in my eyes it is nothing more than a bad flu,” she says.
With Covid infections rocketing in Germany, Saxony this week became the first to largely exclude unvaccinated people from indoor dining, cinemas and bars.With Covid infections rocketing in Germany, Saxony this week became the first to largely exclude unvaccinated people from indoor dining, cinemas and bars.
The rules, likely to be emulated by other states in the coming weeks, are designed not only to reduce the spread of Covid but also to encourage more people to get inoculated.The rules, likely to be emulated by other states in the coming weeks, are designed not only to reduce the spread of Covid but also to encourage more people to get inoculated.
But Lonnatzsch is not the only one resisting the jab in the town of Radeberg in Bautzen district, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, at 45.7%.But Lonnatzsch is not the only one resisting the jab in the town of Radeberg in Bautzen district, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, at 45.7%.
The clothing store No 1 Mode where she works has a sign in the window that lets customers know that all are welcome – regardless of vaccination status.The clothing store No 1 Mode where she works has a sign in the window that lets customers know that all are welcome – regardless of vaccination status.
Across the town square, the co-owner of Cafe Roethig also has no plans to get the vaccine. Like many people in the region, Carola Roethig, 58, is “not convinced” by the jab because “it was developed in such a short space of time”.Across the town square, the co-owner of Cafe Roethig also has no plans to get the vaccine. Like many people in the region, Carola Roethig, 58, is “not convinced” by the jab because “it was developed in such a short space of time”.
The district of Bautzen has one of the highest incidence rates in the country at 645.3 cases per 100,000 people, but Roethig is not worried about catching the virus.The district of Bautzen has one of the highest incidence rates in the country at 645.3 cases per 100,000 people, but Roethig is not worried about catching the virus.
The new rules are “definitely bad for business,” she says at the cafe’s bakery counter, which is lined with untouched fresh cakes, tarts and iced donuts. “Many of our customers are not vaccinated, so we are losing income, because fewer people are coming in,” she says.The new rules are “definitely bad for business,” she says at the cafe’s bakery counter, which is lined with untouched fresh cakes, tarts and iced donuts. “Many of our customers are not vaccinated, so we are losing income, because fewer people are coming in,” she says.
The rules are also bad for her personal life. “I’m not allowed to go to a restaurant in the evening and have a nice dinner with my husband. I don’t think it is right.”The rules are also bad for her personal life. “I’m not allowed to go to a restaurant in the evening and have a nice dinner with my husband. I don’t think it is right.”
Outside the cafe, 40-year-old Susan feels the same. “Nothing would convince me” to get the jab, she says, without giving her last name. “I see no sense in it because [vaccinated people] can still get the disease and infect others.”Outside the cafe, 40-year-old Susan feels the same. “Nothing would convince me” to get the jab, she says, without giving her last name. “I see no sense in it because [vaccinated people] can still get the disease and infect others.”
The new rules come as new infections surge in Germany, with the national incidence rate reaching 213.7 cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days on Tuesday – a record since the pandemic began.The new rules come as new infections surge in Germany, with the national incidence rate reaching 213.7 cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days on Tuesday – a record since the pandemic began.
The political parties looking to form a coalition government after September’s election have so far ruled out compulsory vaccinations and general lockdowns to tackle the surge.The political parties looking to form a coalition government after September’s election have so far ruled out compulsory vaccinations and general lockdowns to tackle the surge.
With 67% of the population fully jabbed, ministers say encouraging more people to get vaccinated is key to bringing the numbers down.With 67% of the population fully jabbed, ministers say encouraging more people to get vaccinated is key to bringing the numbers down.
In neighbouring France, more than 74% are fully vaccinated, and in Spain the figure is more than 77%. German health experts have named a target rate of 85%.In neighbouring France, more than 74% are fully vaccinated, and in Spain the figure is more than 77%. German health experts have named a target rate of 85%.
However, in a recent a Forsa survey carried out for the health ministry, 65% of unvaccinated respondents declared there was “no way” they would take a Covid jab and 23% were “reluctant”.However, in a recent a Forsa survey carried out for the health ministry, 65% of unvaccinated respondents declared there was “no way” they would take a Covid jab and 23% were “reluctant”.
Outside Radeberg town hall, a modest queue of people formed for a vaccination event organised to encourage more people to get the jab.Outside Radeberg town hall, a modest queue of people formed for a vaccination event organised to encourage more people to get the jab.
Kitchen assistant Mirmirza Kabirzada, 36, had previously hesitated but with the numbers rising so dramatically, “now I realised this is very important,” he says.Kitchen assistant Mirmirza Kabirzada, 36, had previously hesitated but with the numbers rising so dramatically, “now I realised this is very important,” he says.
Intensive care nurse Nicole Wieberneit, 39, is waiting in line to get her booster. She is optimistic that the new rules will encourage more people to get vaccinated.Intensive care nurse Nicole Wieberneit, 39, is waiting in line to get her booster. She is optimistic that the new rules will encourage more people to get vaccinated.
“When it becomes about the freedom to travel, to go out to eat, I think more people will come forward. Freedom is very important to people in Saxony,” she says.“When it becomes about the freedom to travel, to go out to eat, I think more people will come forward. Freedom is very important to people in Saxony,” she says.