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Coronavirus live: Cyprus offers boosters to all adults; Pfizer to allow generic versions of Covid pill Coronavirus live: Ireland brings in midnight curfew; Cyprus offers boosters to all adults
(32 minutes later)
Cyprus health officials react to rising cases; Pfizer to allow generic version in 95 countries Irish restrictions include advice to work from home to fight rising hospitalisations; Cyprus health officials react to rising cases
Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed Scotland’s Covid passport scheme could be extended to cinemas, theatres and bars next week, if that helped avoid a harsher lockdown closer to Christmas.
The first minister told MSPs the devolved government’s cabinet was considering extending the vaccine passport scheme, where customers need to prove they have had both vaccines, from larger sports and entertainment venues to a wider range of venues.
She said Wales had extended its scheme.
She said ministers could also allow proof of a recent negative test to get entry to a venue.
A decision would be taken next Tuesday: the surge of Covid cases in Europe was a reminder the virus was still very active. Cases in Scotland were rising again, she said, to around 3,000 new cases a day.
Sturgeon said an evidence and options paper would be released later this week.
Hospitality firms said further restrictions would be “a devastating blow” in the run-up to Christmas, warning it could force some venues to close.
Five large trade bodies representing hotels, pubs and nightclubs said a survey of 150 businesses, many of which had seen trade fall by 20 to 40%, found a large majority would need to lay off staff and government bail-outs to remain viable.
“Scotland’s hospitality sector is in a precarious situation, making the recovery period all the more important,” they said. “Four out of five businesses are significantly below pre-pandemic levels and with inflation, debt levels and other costs rising, the sector is facing a very difficult winter ahead.”
Bars, restaurants and nightclubs in Ireland will introduce a midnight closing time on Friday as a raft of new restrictions is agreed by the government in the face of rising hospitalisations.Bars, restaurants and nightclubs in Ireland will introduce a midnight closing time on Friday as a raft of new restrictions is agreed by the government in the face of rising hospitalisations.
The measure is a blow to the night-time economy, which was reopened after 20 months of restrictions on 22 October.The measure is a blow to the night-time economy, which was reopened after 20 months of restrictions on 22 October.
The government’s cabinet took the decision after being shown projections that could more than quadruple the number of patients in intensive care.The government’s cabinet took the decision after being shown projections that could more than quadruple the number of patients in intensive care.
On Monday, the chief executive of the health service executive said the situation was “grim”, with 114 people in ICU.On Monday, the chief executive of the health service executive said the situation was “grim”, with 114 people in ICU.
“The modelling is very stark … If we did nothing, if we were to continue as is, we could be looking at somewhere between 200 and maybe up to 500 people in ICU. Obviously that’s not something we can countenance,” said the health minister Stephen Donnelly.“The modelling is very stark … If we did nothing, if we were to continue as is, we could be looking at somewhere between 200 and maybe up to 500 people in ICU. Obviously that’s not something we can countenance,” said the health minister Stephen Donnelly.
The government has also paused the planned return to offices with the work from advice remaining in place.The government has also paused the planned return to offices with the work from advice remaining in place.
Covid certificates showing vaccination records, already required for hospitality, will also be required for cinemas and theatres.Covid certificates showing vaccination records, already required for hospitality, will also be required for cinemas and theatres.
Antigen tests, which unlike in the UK are not free in Ireland, will also be required to be taken by anyone in contact with a person with Covid. They will also have restrict their movements for five days.Antigen tests, which unlike in the UK are not free in Ireland, will also be required to be taken by anyone in contact with a person with Covid. They will also have restrict their movements for five days.
Portugal’s prime minister Antonio Costa has said that authorities in one of the world’s most vaccinated nations may bring back some measures to stop the spread of Covid in the run-up to the holiday season as infections soar across Europe, Reuters reports.Portugal’s prime minister Antonio Costa has said that authorities in one of the world’s most vaccinated nations may bring back some measures to stop the spread of Covid in the run-up to the holiday season as infections soar across Europe, Reuters reports.
The number of new cases has been gradually rising over the past month in Portugal, reaching a two-month daily high of 1,816 infections on Saturday.The number of new cases has been gradually rising over the past month in Portugal, reaching a two-month daily high of 1,816 infections on Saturday.
The 14-day infection rate stood at 156 cases per 100,000 people on Monday, about double that in neighbouring Spain, which has a slightly lower share of its population fully vaccinated, but still well below over 500 in Germany and more than 900 in the Netherlands.The 14-day infection rate stood at 156 cases per 100,000 people on Monday, about double that in neighbouring Spain, which has a slightly lower share of its population fully vaccinated, but still well below over 500 in Germany and more than 900 in the Netherlands.
Costa told reporters on the sidelines of an event in central Portugal:Costa told reporters on the sidelines of an event in central Portugal:
Government ministers are expected to meet health experts on Friday to evaluate the situation and only then will decide on which rules to impose. Costa said measures would be only applied when “strictly necessary”.Government ministers are expected to meet health experts on Friday to evaluate the situation and only then will decide on which rules to impose. Costa said measures would be only applied when “strictly necessary”.
About 86% of Portugal’s population of just over 10 million is fully vaccinated against Covid-19. It has reported about 1.1 million cases and 18,265 deaths since the pandemic began.About 86% of Portugal’s population of just over 10 million is fully vaccinated against Covid-19. It has reported about 1.1 million cases and 18,265 deaths since the pandemic began.
The country faced its toughest battle against Covid in January, forcing authorities to impose strict lockdown measures, that have since been lifted.The country faced its toughest battle against Covid in January, forcing authorities to impose strict lockdown measures, that have since been lifted.
Costa said the government was unlikely to bring back a lockdown and that the new measures would aim to “disturb people’s lives as little as possible”.Costa said the government was unlikely to bring back a lockdown and that the new measures would aim to “disturb people’s lives as little as possible”.
Mask-wearing is still required in public transport, shopping malls and large gatherings. The EU digital Covid-19 certificate is required to enter nightclubs and big events, as well as to travel.Mask-wearing is still required in public transport, shopping malls and large gatherings. The EU digital Covid-19 certificate is required to enter nightclubs and big events, as well as to travel.
JP Morgan’s billionaire chief executive Jamie Dimon was allowed to skip Hong Kong’s strict 21-day hotel quarantine rules because he runs “a very huge bank” with “key business in Hong Kong”, the territory’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Tuesday.JP Morgan’s billionaire chief executive Jamie Dimon was allowed to skip Hong Kong’s strict 21-day hotel quarantine rules because he runs “a very huge bank” with “key business in Hong Kong”, the territory’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said on Tuesday.
Dimon flew into Hong Kong on Monday on JP Morgan’s private jet, becoming the first Wall Street bank boss to visit the territory or mainland China since the pandemic began.Dimon flew into Hong Kong on Monday on JP Morgan’s private jet, becoming the first Wall Street bank boss to visit the territory or mainland China since the pandemic began.
Questioned about why Dimon was allowed to enter the territory without complying with coronavirus rules, Lam said:Questioned about why Dimon was allowed to enter the territory without complying with coronavirus rules, Lam said:
Hong Kong is pursuing a Covid Zero strategy alongside China, and has imposed some of the world’s strictest travel rules to keep the virus out.Hong Kong is pursuing a Covid Zero strategy alongside China, and has imposed some of the world’s strictest travel rules to keep the virus out.
Measures include mandatory hotel quarantines of three weeks for any resident returning from the UK or US, regardless of vaccination status, followed by seven days of self-monitoring.Measures include mandatory hotel quarantines of three weeks for any resident returning from the UK or US, regardless of vaccination status, followed by seven days of self-monitoring.
Tourists and most non-resident visitors are banned from boarding flights to the city.Tourists and most non-resident visitors are banned from boarding flights to the city.
In August, the government also granted an exemption to the Hollywood actor Nicole Kidman, who had flown into the territory to film a TV series, prompting a brief outcry from frustrated residents who have been forced to pay out for expensive hotel stays.In August, the government also granted an exemption to the Hollywood actor Nicole Kidman, who had flown into the territory to film a TV series, prompting a brief outcry from frustrated residents who have been forced to pay out for expensive hotel stays.
They have complained on Facebook in the HK Quarantine Support Group that the city is allowing the rich and powerful better treatment than long-term residents.They have complained on Facebook in the HK Quarantine Support Group that the city is allowing the rich and powerful better treatment than long-term residents.
“The privileged can jetset into Hong Kong on a breeze without [any] consequences … the rest of us [are] forced into three weeks of solitary confinement with [poor] food and no fresh air,” one user said.“The privileged can jetset into Hong Kong on a breeze without [any] consequences … the rest of us [are] forced into three weeks of solitary confinement with [poor] food and no fresh air,” one user said.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
The proportion of schoolchildren absent due to Covid has halved according to the latest figures from the Department for Education, after it issued its first full attendance figures for schools in England since the October half-term holiday.The rate of absences defined by the DfE as Covid-related halved from 3.2% on 21 October to 1.6% on 11 November, the lowest since state schools reopened in September.The number of pupils with suspected cases of Covid also fell, from 87,000 in mid-October to 50,000 last week, while confirmed cases recorded by the DfE fell from 127,000 to 67,000.The proportion of schoolchildren absent due to Covid has halved according to the latest figures from the Department for Education, after it issued its first full attendance figures for schools in England since the October half-term holiday.The rate of absences defined by the DfE as Covid-related halved from 3.2% on 21 October to 1.6% on 11 November, the lowest since state schools reopened in September.The number of pupils with suspected cases of Covid also fell, from 87,000 in mid-October to 50,000 last week, while confirmed cases recorded by the DfE fell from 127,000 to 67,000.
However, the DfE has advised schools to record absences with continuing cases of Covid as ill, meaning its Covid-related figure leaves out such cases.However, the DfE has advised schools to record absences with continuing cases of Covid as ill, meaning its Covid-related figure leaves out such cases.
Headteachers and school leaders warned that the dip in absences was partly due to the “circuit-breaker” effect of schools being closed for half-term, with most closed for the last week of October.Headteachers and school leaders warned that the dip in absences was partly due to the “circuit-breaker” effect of schools being closed for half-term, with most closed for the last week of October.
James Bowen, director of policy for the National Association of Head Teachers, said:James Bowen, director of policy for the National Association of Head Teachers, said:
In secondary schools, attendance was 89.5% on 11 November, while primary schools had less than 94% of children present. Including Covid-related absences suggests that more children remain out of school than normal.In secondary schools, attendance was 89.5% on 11 November, while primary schools had less than 94% of children present. Including Covid-related absences suggests that more children remain out of school than normal.
However, the DfE’s figures are not comparable to its usual attendance data because it includes different year groups, and because the proportion absent through illness appears to be higher than pre-pandemic.However, the DfE’s figures are not comparable to its usual attendance data because it includes different year groups, and because the proportion absent through illness appears to be higher than pre-pandemic.
Munich became the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, which usually draws 3 million visitors, blaming the “dramatic” coronavirus resurgence, AFP reports.Munich became the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, which usually draws 3 million visitors, blaming the “dramatic” coronavirus resurgence, AFP reports.
On Tuesday, the city’s mayor, Dieter Reiter, called it “bitter news” for the city’s residents and stallholders, but said it would be irresponsible for the event to go ahead.On Tuesday, the city’s mayor, Dieter Reiter, called it “bitter news” for the city’s residents and stallholders, but said it would be irresponsible for the event to go ahead.
“The dramatic situation in our hospitals and the exponentially increasing infection figures leave me no other choice: unfortunately, the Munich Christmas market cannot take place this year,” Reiter said in a statement.“The dramatic situation in our hospitals and the exponentially increasing infection figures leave me no other choice: unfortunately, the Munich Christmas market cannot take place this year,” Reiter said in a statement.
Many German Christmas markets were called off in 2020 because of the pandemic, but Munich “Christ Child Market” is the first of the larger, more popular events to be axed this year. It was due to open on 22 November.Many German Christmas markets were called off in 2020 because of the pandemic, but Munich “Christ Child Market” is the first of the larger, more popular events to be axed this year. It was due to open on 22 November.
Germany’s southern Bavaria region is grappling with one of the country’s highest infection rates amid a ferocious fourth wave of the pandemic.Germany’s southern Bavaria region is grappling with one of the country’s highest infection rates amid a ferocious fourth wave of the pandemic.
Bavaria had a weekly incidence rate of 554.2 recorded infections per 100,000 people on Tuesday, according to the Robert Koch Institute, well above the nationwide figure of 312.4 - an all-time high for the country.Bavaria had a weekly incidence rate of 554.2 recorded infections per 100,000 people on Tuesday, according to the Robert Koch Institute, well above the nationwide figure of 312.4 - an all-time high for the country.
Germany hosts 2,500 Christmas markets each year that are popular with visitors who come to savour mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and shop for seasonal trinkets among clusters of wooden chalets.Germany hosts 2,500 Christmas markets each year that are popular with visitors who come to savour mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and shop for seasonal trinkets among clusters of wooden chalets.
In pre-pandemic times, they drew about 160 million domestic and international visitors annually who brought in revenues of €3-5bn, according to the BSM stallkeepers’ industry association.In pre-pandemic times, they drew about 160 million domestic and international visitors annually who brought in revenues of €3-5bn, according to the BSM stallkeepers’ industry association.
Eyes are now turning to cities such as Cologne, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Dresden, which are in the midst of preparing their own popular Christmas markets.Eyes are now turning to cities such as Cologne, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Dresden, which are in the midst of preparing their own popular Christmas markets.
Several smaller markets have already been cancelled across Germany, but so far many organisers have said they plan to go ahead.Several smaller markets have already been cancelled across Germany, but so far many organisers have said they plan to go ahead.
Some plan to impose stricter rules barring access to the unvaccinated, while other cities will demand proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test before allowing visitors into the Christmas market zones.Some plan to impose stricter rules barring access to the unvaccinated, while other cities will demand proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test before allowing visitors into the Christmas market zones.
Only a small fraction of attendees at the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow tested positive for Covid during the event, at a rate of around 1 in 250 people, a public health agency has said.Public Health Scotland said its estimate of four cases per 1,000 people compared well to the Scotland-wide average during the two-week summit of 12 per 1,000.Only a small fraction of attendees at the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow tested positive for Covid during the event, at a rate of around 1 in 250 people, a public health agency has said.Public Health Scotland said its estimate of four cases per 1,000 people compared well to the Scotland-wide average during the two-week summit of 12 per 1,000.
The UN and UK health authorities imposed a stringent testing regime: delegates were required to produce a negative lateral flow test result before entry every day; masks were required indoors and physical-distancing measures maintained.Alongside that, 261 people involved in Scotland-wide events linked to Cop reported contracting Covid between 15 October and 13 November, when the summit ended. That was less than 0.5% of all positive cases reported via Scotland’s test and trace system during that period.PHS warned that some infections linked to the event could still emerge, particularly following the main climate protest marches, which drew more than 100,000 people to Glasgow on 5 and 6 November.The UN and UK health authorities imposed a stringent testing regime: delegates were required to produce a negative lateral flow test result before entry every day; masks were required indoors and physical-distancing measures maintained.Alongside that, 261 people involved in Scotland-wide events linked to Cop reported contracting Covid between 15 October and 13 November, when the summit ended. That was less than 0.5% of all positive cases reported via Scotland’s test and trace system during that period.PHS warned that some infections linked to the event could still emerge, particularly following the main climate protest marches, which drew more than 100,000 people to Glasgow on 5 and 6 November.
Remote working during the pandemic has made it easier for white-collar workers to moonlight in more than one, and in some cases as many as four, full-time occupations. But how do they cope with clashing meetings and several bosses? And can the rewards be worth the lies? Daisy Schofield investigates:Remote working during the pandemic has made it easier for white-collar workers to moonlight in more than one, and in some cases as many as four, full-time occupations. But how do they cope with clashing meetings and several bosses? And can the rewards be worth the lies? Daisy Schofield investigates:
Growing numbers of people catching Covid are experiencing an unpleasant distortion of smells. Scientists are still unsure what causes this often distressing condition, known as parosmia, where previously enjoyable aromas trigger feelings of disgust.Growing numbers of people catching Covid are experiencing an unpleasant distortion of smells. Scientists are still unsure what causes this often distressing condition, known as parosmia, where previously enjoyable aromas trigger feelings of disgust.
In this week’s episode of Science Weekly, Madeleine Finlay talks to science correspondent Linda Geddes about her own parosmia, and chemist Dr Jane Parker discusses research into why the smell of coffee seems to be a trigger for so many people.In this week’s episode of Science Weekly, Madeleine Finlay talks to science correspondent Linda Geddes about her own parosmia, and chemist Dr Jane Parker discusses research into why the smell of coffee seems to be a trigger for so many people.
Listen to the episode here:Listen to the episode here:
Pfizer Inc has said it will allow generic manufacturers to supply its experimental antiviral Covid pill to 95 low- and middle-income countries through a licensing agreement with international public health group Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).Pfizer Inc has said it will allow generic manufacturers to supply its experimental antiviral Covid pill to 95 low- and middle-income countries through a licensing agreement with international public health group Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).
Reuters reports that the voluntary licensing agreement between Pfizer and the MPP will allow the United Nations-backed group to grant sub-licenses to qualified generic drug manufacturers to make their own versions of PF-07321332. Pfizer will sell the pills it manufactures under the brand name Paxlovid.Reuters reports that the voluntary licensing agreement between Pfizer and the MPP will allow the United Nations-backed group to grant sub-licenses to qualified generic drug manufacturers to make their own versions of PF-07321332. Pfizer will sell the pills it manufactures under the brand name Paxlovid.
Pfizer, which also makes one of the mostly widely used Covid vaccines, has said the pill cut the chance of hospitalisation or death for adults at risk of severe disease by 89% in its clinical trial. The drug will be used in combination with ritonavir, an HIV drug that is already available generically.Pfizer, which also makes one of the mostly widely used Covid vaccines, has said the pill cut the chance of hospitalisation or death for adults at risk of severe disease by 89% in its clinical trial. The drug will be used in combination with ritonavir, an HIV drug that is already available generically.
Pfizer’s licensing deal follows a similar arrangement by rival Merck & Co for generic manufacturing of its Covid treatment. The deals are unusual arrangements that acknowledge the dire need for effective treatments as well as the pressure drugmakers are under to make their life-saving drugs accessible at very low costs.Pfizer’s licensing deal follows a similar arrangement by rival Merck & Co for generic manufacturing of its Covid treatment. The deals are unusual arrangements that acknowledge the dire need for effective treatments as well as the pressure drugmakers are under to make their life-saving drugs accessible at very low costs.
“We are extremely pleased to have another weapon in our armoury to protect people from the ravages of Covid-19,” Charles Gore, the executive director of the MPP, said in an interview.“We are extremely pleased to have another weapon in our armoury to protect people from the ravages of Covid-19,” Charles Gore, the executive director of the MPP, said in an interview.
Gore said he hoped the generic version of Pfizer’s drug will be available within months.Gore said he hoped the generic version of Pfizer’s drug will be available within months.
The 95 countries in the license agreement cover around 53% of the world’s population and include all low- and lower-middle-income countries and some upper-middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa.The 95 countries in the license agreement cover around 53% of the world’s population and include all low- and lower-middle-income countries and some upper-middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
They also include countries that have transitioned from lower-middle to upper-middle-income status in the past five years, Pfizer and the MPP said.They also include countries that have transitioned from lower-middle to upper-middle-income status in the past five years, Pfizer and the MPP said.
“We believe oral antiviral treatments can play a vital role in reducing the severity of Covid-19 infections... We must work to ensure that all people - regardless of where they live or their circumstances - have access to these breakthroughs,” Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla said in a statement.“We believe oral antiviral treatments can play a vital role in reducing the severity of Covid-19 infections... We must work to ensure that all people - regardless of where they live or their circumstances - have access to these breakthroughs,” Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla said in a statement.
Pfizer will waive royalties on sales in low-income countries. It will also waive them in the other countries covered by the agreement as long as Covid remains classified as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization.Pfizer will waive royalties on sales in low-income countries. It will also waive them in the other countries covered by the agreement as long as Covid remains classified as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization.
Pfizer’s version of the drug will be in high demand. The company has said it expects to manufacture 180,000 treatment courses by the end of next month and at least 50 million courses by the end of 2022.Pfizer’s version of the drug will be in high demand. The company has said it expects to manufacture 180,000 treatment courses by the end of next month and at least 50 million courses by the end of 2022.
Even so, the drugmaker could be stretched trying to supply 47% of the world’s population. A Pfizer executive said last week the market for the drug might be up to 150 million people and that many countries might also be interested in buying doses for their strategic reserves.Even so, the drugmaker could be stretched trying to supply 47% of the world’s population. A Pfizer executive said last week the market for the drug might be up to 150 million people and that many countries might also be interested in buying doses for their strategic reserves.
Pfizer has said it will sell the supply it produces using a tiered pricing approach based on the income level of each country. In the United States, it expects to price its treatment close to where Merck has priced its drug at around $700 a course.Pfizer has said it will sell the supply it produces using a tiered pricing approach based on the income level of each country. In the United States, it expects to price its treatment close to where Merck has priced its drug at around $700 a course.
Merck has license agreements for it Covid pill, molnupiravir, in over 100 countries. Still, some international health officials said even that is not enough for the medicine to reach many in low- and middle-income countries in large enough numbers.Merck has license agreements for it Covid pill, molnupiravir, in over 100 countries. Still, some international health officials said even that is not enough for the medicine to reach many in low- and middle-income countries in large enough numbers.
Cyprus health officials said they would gradually offer Covid vaccine booster shots to anyone over 18, following a surge in daily cases and an increase in hospitalisations, AFP reports.Cyprus health officials said they would gradually offer Covid vaccine booster shots to anyone over 18, following a surge in daily cases and an increase in hospitalisations, AFP reports.
The health ministry said that booster jabs would be available at walk-in centres for anyone aged 40 and over from Wednesday, provided they completed their initial vaccination scheme six months earlier.The health ministry said that booster jabs would be available at walk-in centres for anyone aged 40 and over from Wednesday, provided they completed their initial vaccination scheme six months earlier.
This follows a cabinet decision on Monday to expand the booster rollout to the entire adult population from 18 upwards, with lower age groups set to join the programme later.This follows a cabinet decision on Monday to expand the booster rollout to the entire adult population from 18 upwards, with lower age groups set to join the programme later.
The Mediterranean island nation of about 1 million people contained a surge in Covid cases to the low hundreds from a peak of 1,152 daily infections, mainly thanks to a high vaccination rate.The Mediterranean island nation of about 1 million people contained a surge in Covid cases to the low hundreds from a peak of 1,152 daily infections, mainly thanks to a high vaccination rate.
But the adult vaccination drive has struggled to move forward after reaching 80%, and on Monday new cases rose to 354, their highest level since August.But the adult vaccination drive has struggled to move forward after reaching 80%, and on Monday new cases rose to 354, their highest level since August.
In early September, Cyprus rolled out its booster shot scheme for people residing in nursing homes and healthcare workers to prevent a new wave of infections as immunity wanes in older groups.In early September, Cyprus rolled out its booster shot scheme for people residing in nursing homes and healthcare workers to prevent a new wave of infections as immunity wanes in older groups.
Since then, authorities have pushed the age limit down regularly.Since then, authorities have pushed the age limit down regularly.
But the majority of people eligible for a third dose have not come forward.But the majority of people eligible for a third dose have not come forward.
According to health ministry figures, 57.8% of those over 80 have received a booster shot, but only 23.3% of over-70s and 13% of over-60s have turned up for the third dose.According to health ministry figures, 57.8% of those over 80 have received a booster shot, but only 23.3% of over-70s and 13% of over-60s have turned up for the third dose.
Cyprus has reported a total of 128,038 Covid cases and 588 deaths.Cyprus has reported a total of 128,038 Covid cases and 588 deaths.
The 14-day cumulative case rate leading up to 8 November was 284.7 per 100,000 people.The 14-day cumulative case rate leading up to 8 November was 284.7 per 100,000 people.
The head of the NHS in England has said that the guidance on wearing masks in healthcare settings is “clear”, PA reports.The head of the NHS in England has said that the guidance on wearing masks in healthcare settings is “clear”, PA reports.
Amanda Pritchard said that “people should wear masks in healthcare settings”.Amanda Pritchard said that “people should wear masks in healthcare settings”.
Asked what she thought when she saw images of the prime minister Boris Johnson without a mask in hospital, the NHS England chief executive said:Asked what she thought when she saw images of the prime minister Boris Johnson without a mask in hospital, the NHS England chief executive said:
Pressed on whether she would have told Johnson to put a mask back on, she added:Pressed on whether she would have told Johnson to put a mask back on, she added:
Johnson visited Hexham General Hospital in Northumberland last week, and photographs showed him meeting masked nurses at the hospital, talking to them and bumping elbows with them, despite not having his face covered.Johnson visited Hexham General Hospital in Northumberland last week, and photographs showed him meeting masked nurses at the hospital, talking to them and bumping elbows with them, despite not having his face covered.
Soon after that photo opportunity, he put on a mask, which had been handed to him by an aide.Soon after that photo opportunity, he put on a mask, which had been handed to him by an aide.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said the prime minister “did wear a mask for the majority of the visit”.Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said the prime minister “did wear a mask for the majority of the visit”.
But “after the prime minister left a welcome meeting, he walked along a mezzanine corridor, for a very short period of time, without a mask”.But “after the prime minister left a welcome meeting, he walked along a mezzanine corridor, for a very short period of time, without a mask”.
“As soon as this was identified he was given a mask and he put it on,” the trust said.“As soon as this was identified he was given a mask and he put it on,” the trust said.
Johnson’s mask-less appearance at the Cop26 climate change summit in Glasgow also raised eyebrows as he sat next to 95-year-old environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, who was wearing a face covering.Johnson’s mask-less appearance at the Cop26 climate change summit in Glasgow also raised eyebrows as he sat next to 95-year-old environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, who was wearing a face covering.
At a Downing Street press briefing on Monday, the prime minister insisted that he takes a “responsible” approach to wearing a mask.At a Downing Street press briefing on Monday, the prime minister insisted that he takes a “responsible” approach to wearing a mask.
Johnson said the government would “continue with our approach, which is to rely on people’s common sense - on people’s sense of personal responsibility to themselves and to others”.Johnson said the government would “continue with our approach, which is to rely on people’s common sense - on people’s sense of personal responsibility to themselves and to others”.
“But clearly in confined spaces, where you are meeting people that you don’t normally meet, you should wear a face covering,” he added.“But clearly in confined spaces, where you are meeting people that you don’t normally meet, you should wear a face covering,” he added.
Amazon has agreed to pay a $500,000 fine and be monitored by California officials after the state’s attorney general said the company failed to “adequately notify” workers and health authorities about new Covid-19 cases.Amazon has agreed to pay a $500,000 fine and be monitored by California officials after the state’s attorney general said the company failed to “adequately notify” workers and health authorities about new Covid-19 cases.
Amazon employs about 150,000 people in California, most of them at 100 “fulfillment centers” – sprawling warehouses where orders are packed and shipped. The agreement, which must be approved by a judge, requires the Seattle-based retailer to notify its workers within a day of new coronavirus cases in their workplaces.Amazon employs about 150,000 people in California, most of them at 100 “fulfillment centers” – sprawling warehouses where orders are packed and shipped. The agreement, which must be approved by a judge, requires the Seattle-based retailer to notify its workers within a day of new coronavirus cases in their workplaces.
Amazon also agreed to notify local health agencies of new virus cases within 48 hours and will stop issuing notices that Rob Bonta, California’s attorney general, said do not adequately tell employees about Amazon’s safety and disinfection plan and workers’ rights related to the pandemic.Amazon also agreed to notify local health agencies of new virus cases within 48 hours and will stop issuing notices that Rob Bonta, California’s attorney general, said do not adequately tell employees about Amazon’s safety and disinfection plan and workers’ rights related to the pandemic.
“As the company enjoyed booming and historic sales with its stock price doubling, Amazon failed to adequately notify warehouse workers and local health agencies of Covid case numbers, often leaving them unable to effectively track the spread of the virus,” Bonta told reporters in San Francisco at an event held across the street from an Amazon warehouse.“As the company enjoyed booming and historic sales with its stock price doubling, Amazon failed to adequately notify warehouse workers and local health agencies of Covid case numbers, often leaving them unable to effectively track the spread of the virus,” Bonta told reporters in San Francisco at an event held across the street from an Amazon warehouse.
Bonta added: “This left many workers understandably terrified and powerless to make informed decisions to protect themselves and to protect their loved ones,” such as getting tested for the virus, staying home or quarantining if they’ve been notified of a potential workplace exposure.Bonta added: “This left many workers understandably terrified and powerless to make informed decisions to protect themselves and to protect their loved ones,” such as getting tested for the virus, staying home or quarantining if they’ve been notified of a potential workplace exposure.
Bonta said the judgment is the first of its kind in the US and complies with a state “right-to-know” law that took effect last year.Bonta said the judgment is the first of its kind in the US and complies with a state “right-to-know” law that took effect last year.
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Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_