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Covid live news: Belgium to accelerate plan for tighter measures; concern over rising Irish cases Covid live news: Belgium to accelerate plan for tighter measures; concern over rising Irish cases
(about 1 hour later)
Belgium to act amid rising cases and hospital admissions; Irish cabinet ‘extremely concerned’ by rise in cases after lockdown endedBelgium to act amid rising cases and hospital admissions; Irish cabinet ‘extremely concerned’ by rise in cases after lockdown ended
Below is a rundown of the latest Coronavirus news from around the world:
• Britain’s booster vaccine rollout is to be extended to people aged between 40 and 49, officials said, in a bid to boost waning immunity in the population ahead of the colder winter months.
• France has reported 1,257 people in intensive care units for Covid, a rise of 47 on the previous days figures. It reported 91,298 deaths now that have taken place in hospital, up by 70.
• Italy reported 44 Coronavirus deaths on Monday, up from 36 on Sunday, the health ministry said. The country also reported 5,144 infection cases, down from 7,569 a day earlier.
• UK prime minister Boris Johnson warned people not to be complacent, saying that a new wave of Covid has “steadily swept through central Europe” and is now affecting the nation’s closest neighbours.
• The coronavirus has killed at least 5,098,386 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP on Monday.
• On the day its lockdown of unvaccinated people begins, Austria has become the first European country to take radical action in a bid to increase take-up of jabs as new cases surge.
A doctor was suspended by a Houston hospital for spreading misinformation about Covid-19.
Houston Methodist hospital said Dr Mary Bowden, an ear, throat, and nose specialist, spread “dangerous misinformation” about Covid and shared personal and professional opinions the hospital deemed “harmful to the community”.
Bowden, a recent hire, posted several tweets stating that she was against Covid-19 vaccine mandates.
She also used Twitter to promote Ivermectin as a treatment for Covid-19, despite several public health officials having warned the public not to use the anti-parasitic drug, which has uses in humans and animals, as a coronavirus treatment.
Battling a surge in Covid-19 cases, Switzerland’s week-long immunisation drive nudged up its vaccination rate, figures showed Monday, as the president accepted that few more people may come forward for jabs.
The wealthy Alpine nation launched a “vaccination week” to address the drop-off in uptake of the jab in recent months.
The number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered during last week’s nationwide push was up 38 percent on the week before, Monday’s health ministry figures showed, according to the ATS national news agency.
Switzerland had just 10% of the population fully vaccinated by April 23, racing to 50% three months later on July 29. But in the subsequent months that swift progress has tailed off drastically.
Halfway through November, 65% of the Swiss population are now fully vaccinated, with a further two percent having had their first dose of a two-jab course.
Employers in Latvia are allowed to dismiss employees who refuse to get vaccinated against Covid-19 from Monday, under new rules aimed at taming the pandemic in the EU member state.
Elected politicians without a vaccination certificate or evidence of having recovered from Covid-19 will also be barred from their duties and receive no salary until they get vaccinated.
The ban could include two parliamentarians who are refusing to get inoculated.
Below is a summary of the latest developments:Below is a summary of the latest developments:
EuropeEurope
• Britain’s booster vaccine rollout is to be extended to people aged between 40 and 49, officials said, in a bid to boost waning immunity in the population ahead of the colder winter months.• Britain’s booster vaccine rollout is to be extended to people aged between 40 and 49, officials said, in a bid to boost waning immunity in the population ahead of the colder winter months.
• Dutch hospitals are feeling the strain from a surge in Covid-19 patients but the worst has yet to come, the head of the country’s hospital association said.• Dutch hospitals are feeling the strain from a surge in Covid-19 patients but the worst has yet to come, the head of the country’s hospital association said.
• Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel said that the world needs to be better prepared to probe the origins of diseases and welcomed the creation of a new World Health Organization advisory group on dangerous pathogens.• Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel said that the world needs to be better prepared to probe the origins of diseases and welcomed the creation of a new World Health Organization advisory group on dangerous pathogens.
• International travel to Spain will likely recover some two thirds of its pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter of this year, the tourism minister Reyes Maroto said.• International travel to Spain will likely recover some two thirds of its pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter of this year, the tourism minister Reyes Maroto said.
• Russia reported 1,211 deaths from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, close to an all-time high of 1,241 reported last week, as well as 38,420 new cases.• Russia reported 1,211 deaths from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, close to an all-time high of 1,241 reported last week, as well as 38,420 new cases.
AmericasAmericas
• Florida lawmakers will meet in a special legislative session, called by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis with the goal of thwarting coronavirus vaccine mandates.• Florida lawmakers will meet in a special legislative session, called by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis with the goal of thwarting coronavirus vaccine mandates.
• US president Joe Biden’s vaccine requirements are prompting more Americans to get Covid shots, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday.• US president Joe Biden’s vaccine requirements are prompting more Americans to get Covid shots, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday.
Asia-pacificAsia-pacific
• Singapore will allow vaccinated arrivals from five more countries, including Indonesia and India, to access the country without quarantine via its travel lanes from Nov. 29, its transport minister said.• Singapore will allow vaccinated arrivals from five more countries, including Indonesia and India, to access the country without quarantine via its travel lanes from Nov. 29, its transport minister said.
• Japan will promote the establishment of production bases for semiconductors, Covid vaccines and drugs as part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s economic stimulus, a draft plan seen by Reuters showed.• Japan will promote the establishment of production bases for semiconductors, Covid vaccines and drugs as part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s economic stimulus, a draft plan seen by Reuters showed.
• A Maori tribe that claims New Zealand’s most famous haka as its heritage told anti-vaccine protesters to stop using the traditional performance to promote their message.• A Maori tribe that claims New Zealand’s most famous haka as its heritage told anti-vaccine protesters to stop using the traditional performance to promote their message.
• China is battling the spread of its biggest outbreak, according to the latest numbers, with travellers from a city where infections have grown faster than elsewhere in the country subject to tough quarantine rules in nearby areas.• China is battling the spread of its biggest outbreak, according to the latest numbers, with travellers from a city where infections have grown faster than elsewhere in the country subject to tough quarantine rules in nearby areas.
Middle-east and AfricaMiddle-east and Africa
• A ban on public sector employees entering their offices if they are unvaccinated and untested for Covid-19 took effect in Egypt on Monday as the government pushes to accelerate vaccination rates in the final weeks of the year.• A ban on public sector employees entering their offices if they are unvaccinated and untested for Covid-19 took effect in Egypt on Monday as the government pushes to accelerate vaccination rates in the final weeks of the year.
• Israel’s economy is expected to grow 7.1% in 2021 and 4.7% in 2022, the finance ministry said following a rapid recovery. The country also said on Sunday children aged five to 11 would be eligible for vaccination.• Israel’s economy is expected to grow 7.1% in 2021 and 4.7% in 2022, the finance ministry said following a rapid recovery. The country also said on Sunday children aged five to 11 would be eligible for vaccination.
France has reported 1,257 people in intensive care units for Covid, a rise of 47 on the previous days figures. It reported 91,298 deaths now that have taken place in hospital, up by 70.France has reported 1,257 people in intensive care units for Covid, a rise of 47 on the previous days figures. It reported 91,298 deaths now that have taken place in hospital, up by 70.
In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said her party was prepared to take “whatever steps are necessary” to avoid another lockdown.In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said her party was prepared to take “whatever steps are necessary” to avoid another lockdown.
“The executive will meet again on Wednesday with a focus on the huge pressures in the health service,” she tweeted.“We will continue to be guided by the health advice to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the public and avoid another lock down scenario.”“The executive will meet again on Wednesday with a focus on the huge pressures in the health service,” she tweeted.“We will continue to be guided by the health advice to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the public and avoid another lock down scenario.”
In Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, there have been double the number of cremations as deaths from Coronavirus soar.In Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, there have been double the number of cremations as deaths from Coronavirus soar.
The numbers are up vastly compared to the summer months, its spokesman told AFP, as the country battles a devastating new wave of coronavirus infections and low vaccination rates.The numbers are up vastly compared to the summer months, its spokesman told AFP, as the country battles a devastating new wave of coronavirus infections and low vaccination rates.
One of Europe’s poorest countries, Ukraine recently reported record numbers of daily Covid-19 deaths and cases, resulting in a significant increase in burials and, in particular, cremations.One of Europe’s poorest countries, Ukraine recently reported record numbers of daily Covid-19 deaths and cases, resulting in a significant increase in burials and, in particular, cremations.
“To date, compared to the summer period, the number of processions has doubled,” Andriy Yashchenko, a spokesman for the Kiev crematorium, told AFP.“To date, compared to the summer period, the number of processions has doubled,” Andriy Yashchenko, a spokesman for the Kiev crematorium, told AFP.
“If during the summer there was on average 60 processions per day, now there are between 100 and 120,” he said.“If during the summer there was on average 60 processions per day, now there are between 100 and 120,” he said.
Ukraine reported 442 daily coronavirus fatalities on Monday, the second-highest number in the world after Russia.Ukraine reported 442 daily coronavirus fatalities on Monday, the second-highest number in the world after Russia.
Ukrainian authorities initially struggled to source vaccine doses and have since fought to convince vaccine-sceptic Ukrainians to get inoculated.Ukrainian authorities initially struggled to source vaccine doses and have since fought to convince vaccine-sceptic Ukrainians to get inoculated.
But new restrictions requiring vaccinations have seen people across the country flock to vaccine centres.But new restrictions requiring vaccinations have seen people across the country flock to vaccine centres.
The crematorium – one of three such facilities in the ex-Soviet country – is part of one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Kiev.The crematorium – one of three such facilities in the ex-Soviet country – is part of one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Kiev.
Yashchenko said the facility has stayed open for hours more than usual in recent weeks, and has sometimes been operating until midnight.Yashchenko said the facility has stayed open for hours more than usual in recent weeks, and has sometimes been operating until midnight.
He added that the cremation of coronavirus victims is different as indoor services and open caskets are prohibited.He added that the cremation of coronavirus victims is different as indoor services and open caskets are prohibited.
On Monday, an AFP correspondent saw two processions that followed the cremations of coronavirus victims.On Monday, an AFP correspondent saw two processions that followed the cremations of coronavirus victims.
Relatives of the victims distributed candles outside the building, and a priest read a prayer before the closed coffins were taken away for cremation.Relatives of the victims distributed candles outside the building, and a priest read a prayer before the closed coffins were taken away for cremation.
Yashchenko said that in October the facility cremated over 2,800 people, compared to 1,400 in August.Yashchenko said that in October the facility cremated over 2,800 people, compared to 1,400 in August.
Since the start of the pandemic, Ukraine has recorded more than three million coronavirus cases and 77,000 deaths.Since the start of the pandemic, Ukraine has recorded more than three million coronavirus cases and 77,000 deaths.
Italy reported 44 Coronavirus deaths on Monday, up from 36 on Sunday, the health ministry said. The country also reported 5,144 infection cases, down from 7,569 a day earlier.Italy reported 44 Coronavirus deaths on Monday, up from 36 on Sunday, the health ministry said. The country also reported 5,144 infection cases, down from 7,569 a day earlier.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson said that a new wave of Covid has “steadily swept through central Europe” and is now affecting the nation’s closest neighbours.UK prime minister Boris Johnson said that a new wave of Covid has “steadily swept through central Europe” and is now affecting the nation’s closest neighbours.
He said: “Our friends on the continent have been forced to respond with various degrees of new restrictions, from full lockdowns, to lockdowns for the unvaccinated, to restrictions on business opening hours and restrictions on social gatherings.”He said: “Our friends on the continent have been forced to respond with various degrees of new restrictions, from full lockdowns, to lockdowns for the unvaccinated, to restrictions on business opening hours and restrictions on social gatherings.”
“We don’t yet know the extent to which this new wave will wash up on our shores, but history shows we cannot afford to be complacent.”“We don’t yet know the extent to which this new wave will wash up on our shores, but history shows we cannot afford to be complacent.”
The government said a further 47 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, bringing the UK total to 142,945.Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 167,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.As of 9am on Monday, there had been a further 39,705 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, the government said.The government said a further 47 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, bringing the UK total to 142,945.Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 167,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.As of 9am on Monday, there had been a further 39,705 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, the government said.
You can follow what is happening over on the UK blog as Boris Johnson is about to hold a press briefing.You can follow what is happening over on the UK blog as Boris Johnson is about to hold a press briefing.
Below is a summary of the global news in the last few hours:Below is a summary of the global news in the last few hours:
Belgium’s government is bringing forward a meeting to decide on tighter measures to control the spread of Covid-19 amid a rapid increase in infections and hospital admissions.Belgium’s government is bringing forward a meeting to decide on tighter measures to control the spread of Covid-19 amid a rapid increase in infections and hospital admissions.
The UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has made two significant announcements, recommending rolling out booster vaccines to those aged between 40 and 49, and recommending a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people aged 16 and 17.The UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has made two significant announcements, recommending rolling out booster vaccines to those aged between 40 and 49, and recommending a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people aged 16 and 17.
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,098,386 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP on Monday.The coronavirus has killed at least 5,098,386 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP on Monday.
On the day its lockdown of unvaccinated people begins, Austria has become the first European country to take radical action in a bid to increase take-up of jabs as new cases surge.On the day its lockdown of unvaccinated people begins, Austria has become the first European country to take radical action in a bid to increase take-up of jabs as new cases surge.
The Irish prime minister has said he is “extremely concerned” by the rise in covid cases just weeks after the strictest lockdown in the EU was lifted.The Irish prime minister has said he is “extremely concerned” by the rise in covid cases just weeks after the strictest lockdown in the EU was lifted.
On Monday night, the government’s cabinet subcommittee on Covid is to meet to discuss pausing some of the easing of restrictions including the return to office work.On Monday night, the government’s cabinet subcommittee on Covid is to meet to discuss pausing some of the easing of restrictions including the return to office work.
It comes amid fears a relaxation in public behaviour in relation to masks and Covid certificate checks in restaurants and indoor hospitality is leading to a rise in cases.It comes amid fears a relaxation in public behaviour in relation to masks and Covid certificate checks in restaurants and indoor hospitality is leading to a rise in cases.
On Monday, the chief executive of the national Health Service Executive said the situation in hospitals was “grim”.On Monday, the chief executive of the national Health Service Executive said the situation in hospitals was “grim”.
The department of health was notified of 3,805 new cases on Monday with 106 patients in intensive care units, just under half that in January.The department of health was notified of 3,805 new cases on Monday with 106 patients in intensive care units, just under half that in January.
Paul Reid said this was “very concerning” as hospitals were now also open to other patients on elective surgery unlike earlier in the year.Paul Reid said this was “very concerning” as hospitals were now also open to other patients on elective surgery unlike earlier in the year.
“Now we’ve a whole set of non-Covid care taking place in our hospitals alongside rising Covid cases. The situation is grim and something has to give,” he told RTE.“Now we’ve a whole set of non-Covid care taking place in our hospitals alongside rising Covid cases. The situation is grim and something has to give,” he told RTE.
The figures come just weeks after the night time economy was re-opened after 20 months. Official data shows last week showed the median age of those with Covid was 34.The figures come just weeks after the night time economy was re-opened after 20 months. Official data shows last week showed the median age of those with Covid was 34.
Cineworld’s box office revenues surpassed pre-pandemic levels at its cinemas in the UK and Ireland last month as blockbusters such as No Time to Die, Dune and Venom draw film fans back to the big screen.Cineworld’s box office revenues surpassed pre-pandemic levels at its cinemas in the UK and Ireland last month as blockbusters such as No Time to Die, Dune and Venom draw film fans back to the big screen.
The world’s second-largest cinema operator, which owns the Cineworld and Picturehouse chains in the UK and Regal Theatres in the US, said box office and concession revenues at its UK and Irish operation in October reached 127% of the level in the equivalent month in 2019.The world’s second-largest cinema operator, which owns the Cineworld and Picturehouse chains in the UK and Regal Theatres in the US, said box office and concession revenues at its UK and Irish operation in October reached 127% of the level in the equivalent month in 2019.
Shares in Cineworld jumped 11%, making the company the biggest riser on the FTSE 250 on Monday morning, as investors cheered the news of a recovery in the Covid-battered cinema industry.Shares in Cineworld jumped 11%, making the company the biggest riser on the FTSE 250 on Monday morning, as investors cheered the news of a recovery in the Covid-battered cinema industry.
Austria became the first EU country on Monday to impose a lockdown on the unvaccinated and the first to start inoculating children as young as five, as the virus strengthens its grip on the continent.Austria became the first EU country on Monday to impose a lockdown on the unvaccinated and the first to start inoculating children as young as five, as the virus strengthens its grip on the continent.
Surging infection rates have placed western Europe once again at the heart of the global epidemic and governments are being forced to take action, the Netherlands already announcing the region’s first partial lockdown of the winter.Surging infection rates have placed western Europe once again at the heart of the global epidemic and governments are being forced to take action, the Netherlands already announcing the region’s first partial lockdown of the winter.
Austria has inoculated about 65% of its 9 million people, below the EU average of 67%.Austria has inoculated about 65% of its 9 million people, below the EU average of 67%.
Daily new infection rates have been hovering at about 12,000 in recent weeks, up from roughly 2,000 a day in September.Daily new infection rates have been hovering at about 12,000 in recent weeks, up from roughly 2,000 a day in September.
Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis:
Austria lockdown for unvaccinatedAustria lockdown for unvaccinated
Austria’s lockdown of unvaccinated people begins, the first European country to take radical action in a bid to increase take-up of jabs as new cases surge.Austria’s lockdown of unvaccinated people begins, the first European country to take radical action in a bid to increase take-up of jabs as new cases surge.
Peru also gets toughPeru also gets tough
Peru, the country with the world’s highest Covid-19 mortality rate, is to require adults to show proof of vaccination to enter indoor spaces from next month.Peru, the country with the world’s highest Covid-19 mortality rate, is to require adults to show proof of vaccination to enter indoor spaces from next month.
India opens to touristsIndia opens to tourists
India opens again to foreign tourists from countries with reciprocal agreements after a 20-month ban due to the pandemic.India opens again to foreign tourists from countries with reciprocal agreements after a 20-month ban due to the pandemic.
UK to expand booster shotsUK to expand booster shots
Britain’s booster programme for vaccinations will be expanded to all healthy adults aged 40 to 49 after scientists give the green light.Britain’s booster programme for vaccinations will be expanded to all healthy adults aged 40 to 49 after scientists give the green light.
Filipinos back to schoolFilipinos back to school
Thousands of children in the Philippines are allowed to return to classrooms for the first time since the start of the pandemic, as a pilot reopening of schools gets under way.Thousands of children in the Philippines are allowed to return to classrooms for the first time since the start of the pandemic, as a pilot reopening of schools gets under way.
Italy targets radical anti-vaxxersItaly targets radical anti-vaxxers
Italian police raid radical anti-vaccine activists alleged to have called for violence, including urging “hangings” and “shootings” of people supporting virus restrictions.Italian police raid radical anti-vaccine activists alleged to have called for violence, including urging “hangings” and “shootings” of people supporting virus restrictions.
Cambodia welcomes jabbedCambodia welcomes jabbed
Cambodia announces that fully vaccinated foreign travellers can visit the kingdom without quarantine, giving a boost to the Covid-battered tourism industry.Cambodia announces that fully vaccinated foreign travellers can visit the kingdom without quarantine, giving a boost to the Covid-battered tourism industry.
Japan economic hitJapan’s economy shrank far more than expected in the three months to September, as a surge in virus cases hit spending and supply chain issues hampered business.Japan economic hitJapan’s economy shrank far more than expected in the three months to September, as a surge in virus cases hit spending and supply chain issues hampered business.
More than 5 million deadMore than 5 million dead
The coronavirus has killed at least 5,098,386 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP on Monday.The coronavirus has killed at least 5,098,386 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP on Monday.
The US has suffered the most Covid-related deaths with 763,092, followed by Brazil with 611,283, India with 463,655, Mexico with 291,147, and Russia with 256,597.The US has suffered the most Covid-related deaths with 763,092, followed by Brazil with 611,283, India with 463,655, Mexico with 291,147, and Russia with 256,597.
The countries with the highest number of new deaths were Russia with 1,211, followed by Ukraine with 442 and Romania with 233.The countries with the highest number of new deaths were Russia with 1,211, followed by Ukraine with 442 and Romania with 233.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the WHO estimates the overall death toll could be two to three times higher.
Spain’s medicines agency has authorised Catalonia-based pharmaceutical group Hipra to test a vaccine it is developing on more than 1,000 volunteers, the prime minister Pedro Sánchez has said.Spain’s medicines agency has authorised Catalonia-based pharmaceutical group Hipra to test a vaccine it is developing on more than 1,000 volunteers, the prime minister Pedro Sánchez has said.
Hipra will carry out the so-called phase 2 trial – the second stage of a three-round trial process – on volunteers at 10 hospitals around Spain, Sánchez said.Hipra will carry out the so-called phase 2 trial – the second stage of a three-round trial process – on volunteers at 10 hospitals around Spain, Sánchez said.
Speaking at an event to present how European Union recovery funds will be channelled into health investments, Sanchez described the vaccine development as “extraordinary news”.Speaking at an event to present how European Union recovery funds will be channelled into health investments, Sanchez described the vaccine development as “extraordinary news”.
“It demonstrates that Spain can position itself at the forefront of the response to Covid,” he said, adding that the government had given a €15m (£12.78m, $17.17m) grant to develop the drug.“It demonstrates that Spain can position itself at the forefront of the response to Covid,” he said, adding that the government had given a €15m (£12.78m, $17.17m) grant to develop the drug.
Hipra, a pharmaceutical lab that mainly researches and manufactures veterinary vaccines, has been working on two shots. One is based on the same RNA messenger technology used in shots made by Pfizer and Moderna, while the second, which has just received approval for trial, uses a recombinant protein like that of US-based drugmaker Novavax.Hipra, a pharmaceutical lab that mainly researches and manufactures veterinary vaccines, has been working on two shots. One is based on the same RNA messenger technology used in shots made by Pfizer and Moderna, while the second, which has just received approval for trial, uses a recombinant protein like that of US-based drugmaker Novavax.
Hipra has said on its website that it anticipates being able to produce 600m doses in 2022 and double that figure the following year.Hipra has said on its website that it anticipates being able to produce 600m doses in 2022 and double that figure the following year.
Stormont is facing renewed calls to introduce vaccine passports after escalating pressures on the health system saw ambulances diverted away from a main hospital.Stormont is facing renewed calls to introduce vaccine passports after escalating pressures on the health system saw ambulances diverted away from a main hospital.
Craigavon Area hospital in County Armagh stopped receiving ambulances carrying patients with non-life-threatening conditions on Sunday night due to severe capacity issues in its emergency department.Craigavon Area hospital in County Armagh stopped receiving ambulances carrying patients with non-life-threatening conditions on Sunday night due to severe capacity issues in its emergency department.
At one point, there were 108 patients waiting in A&E, 32 needing hospital admission. However, the hospital, which had 123 Covid-19 inpatients last night, had only three available beds.At one point, there were 108 patients waiting in A&E, 32 needing hospital admission. However, the hospital, which had 123 Covid-19 inpatients last night, had only three available beds.
As a result, the British Medical Association called on the Stormont Executive to revisit the issue of vaccine passports as a priority.As a result, the British Medical Association called on the Stormont Executive to revisit the issue of vaccine passports as a priority.
Making certification a legal entry requirement for hospitality venues has been credited with driving up vaccination rates among young people in the Irish Republic.Making certification a legal entry requirement for hospitality venues has been credited with driving up vaccination rates among young people in the Irish Republic.
In Scotland, the executive has recommended that nightclubs and other venues carry out Covid entry checks and an official app has been developed to enable people to show proof of their vaccine status.In Scotland, the executive has recommended that nightclubs and other venues carry out Covid entry checks and an official app has been developed to enable people to show proof of their vaccine status.
However, the administration has stopped short of making it a legal requirement of entry.However, the administration has stopped short of making it a legal requirement of entry.
A “blizzard” of cases coming from Europe could derail Christmas plans unless people in the UK take up the offer of booster jabs, Boris Johnson has warned.A “blizzard” of cases coming from Europe could derail Christmas plans unless people in the UK take up the offer of booster jabs, Boris Johnson has warned.
The prime minister said there was a “storm of infection” in mainland Europe, but the top-up vaccinations offered the best form of protection for the UK.The prime minister said there was a “storm of infection” in mainland Europe, but the top-up vaccinations offered the best form of protection for the UK.
He stressed there was nothing in the domestic data that suggested a need to increase restrictions in England.He stressed there was nothing in the domestic data that suggested a need to increase restrictions in England.
Ministers have set out contingency measures – a “plan B” – if there is unsustainable pressure on the NHS. The use of face coverings could become mandatory, vaccine passports could be required for some busy venues and people could be asked to work from home where possible. But Johnson said:Ministers have set out contingency measures – a “plan B” – if there is unsustainable pressure on the NHS. The use of face coverings could become mandatory, vaccine passports could be required for some busy venues and people could be asked to work from home where possible. But Johnson said: