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Coronavirus live: Germany set to tighten rules for unvaccinated; Ireland brings in midnight curfew Coronavirus live: Germany set to tighten rules for unvaccinated; Ireland brings in midnight curfew
(32 minutes later)
Germany set to follow Austria in effort to fight fourth wave; Irish restrictions include advice to work from home to fight rising hospitalisationsGermany set to follow Austria in effort to fight fourth wave; Irish restrictions include advice to work from home to fight rising hospitalisations
UK tax officials have ramped up efforts to claw back £1bn from fraudulent or incorrect furlough payouts, after opening up tens of thousands of investigations against companies.
More than 26,500 interventions have been launched by officials since the spring, as HM Revenue and Customs stepped up the number of investigations into potentially fraudulent pandemic support claims over the past eight months.
The details, shared with the Guardian, cover the multibillion-pound furlough programme, which was closed at the end of September after subsidising the wages of about 9 million workers in Britain at its peak last year.
It also covers investigations into the Treasury’s parallel income support scheme for the self-employed, as well as Rishi Sunak’s “eat-out-to-help-out” restaurant discount scheme, which was taken up by thousands of hospitality venues across Britain last August.
Read the full story here:
While we’re on the subject of Pfizer, the company has announced it is asking US regulators to authorise its experimental antiviral Covid-19 pill that could give patients an easy-to-use treatment they could take at home and keep them out of hospital.While we’re on the subject of Pfizer, the company has announced it is asking US regulators to authorise its experimental antiviral Covid-19 pill that could give patients an easy-to-use treatment they could take at home and keep them out of hospital.
Pfizer said it completed submission of its application for emergency use authorisation of the drug, Paxlovid, with the US Food and Drug Administration.Pfizer said it completed submission of its application for emergency use authorisation of the drug, Paxlovid, with the US Food and Drug Administration.
The news comes after the company said clinical studies of the drug showed that it was 89% effective at preventing hospitalisations and deaths for infected Covid adults.The news comes after the company said clinical studies of the drug showed that it was 89% effective at preventing hospitalisations and deaths for infected Covid adults.
In a statement, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said:In a statement, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said:
It’s not clear when regulators will rule on the application but the oral drug could prove a promising weapon in the fight against the pandemic.It’s not clear when regulators will rule on the application but the oral drug could prove a promising weapon in the fight against the pandemic.
Currently, the only other treatments for mild to moderate Covid are monoclonal antibodies which need to delivered through injection or infusion. Paxlovid could also become an important tool in countries and areas with limited access to vaccines.Currently, the only other treatments for mild to moderate Covid are monoclonal antibodies which need to delivered through injection or infusion. Paxlovid could also become an important tool in countries and areas with limited access to vaccines.
Good evening. It’s Léonie Chao-Fong here, taking over the live blog from Lucy Campbell. A new study shows Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna are making combined profits of US$65,000 (£48,000) a minute from their Covid-19 vaccines, Agence-France-Presse reports.Good evening. It’s Léonie Chao-Fong here, taking over the live blog from Lucy Campbell. A new study shows Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna are making combined profits of US$65,000 (£48,000) a minute from their Covid-19 vaccines, Agence-France-Presse reports.
The People’s Vaccine Alliance, a coalition campaigning for wider vaccine access, criticised the companies for selling the vast majority of their doses to rich countries while the world’s poorest countries remain largely unvaccinated.The People’s Vaccine Alliance, a coalition campaigning for wider vaccine access, criticised the companies for selling the vast majority of their doses to rich countries while the world’s poorest countries remain largely unvaccinated.
Based on its calculations on the firms’ own earning reports, the group estimates that the trio will make pre-tax profits of $34 billion (£25 billion) in 2021 between them, which works out to over $1,000 (£740) a second, $65,000 (£48,000) a minute or $93.5 million (£70 million) a day. In contrast, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson have provided their vaccines on a not-for-profit basis – although both have announced they foresee ending this arrangement in future as the pandemic winds down.Based on its calculations on the firms’ own earning reports, the group estimates that the trio will make pre-tax profits of $34 billion (£25 billion) in 2021 between them, which works out to over $1,000 (£740) a second, $65,000 (£48,000) a minute or $93.5 million (£70 million) a day. In contrast, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson have provided their vaccines on a not-for-profit basis – although both have announced they foresee ending this arrangement in future as the pandemic winds down.
Maaza Seyoum of the African Alliance and People’s Vaccine Alliance Africa said:Maaza Seyoum of the African Alliance and People’s Vaccine Alliance Africa said:
Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today so far:Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today so far:
Slovakia’s government will decide on Thursday on tighter restrictions to limit access to services for unvaccinated people, the prime minister Eduard Heger said, as hospitals have reached a critical situation because of a surge in Covid infections. The health ministry said there were just 20 beds with lung ventilators currently available for new patients as hospitals rushed to re-purpose beds and shipped patients around the country. With only 45% of the total population vaccinated, the government agreed to prepare measures that would only allow vaccinated people to attend large events; set rules for testing at workplaces; and limit entry to non-essential shops and services, sports, wellness and hotels to those unvaccinated or those who had overcome Covid in the past six months.Slovakia’s government will decide on Thursday on tighter restrictions to limit access to services for unvaccinated people, the prime minister Eduard Heger said, as hospitals have reached a critical situation because of a surge in Covid infections. The health ministry said there were just 20 beds with lung ventilators currently available for new patients as hospitals rushed to re-purpose beds and shipped patients around the country. With only 45% of the total population vaccinated, the government agreed to prepare measures that would only allow vaccinated people to attend large events; set rules for testing at workplaces; and limit entry to non-essential shops and services, sports, wellness and hotels to those unvaccinated or those who had overcome Covid in the past six months.
Covid is now a pandemic of poor nations, Dr David Nabarro, the WHO’s special envoy on Covid told a cross-party group of MPs, adding that governments that are attempting to vaccinate their way out of the pandemic are taking a huge risk. Story here.Covid is now a pandemic of poor nations, Dr David Nabarro, the WHO’s special envoy on Covid told a cross-party group of MPs, adding that governments that are attempting to vaccinate their way out of the pandemic are taking a huge risk. Story here.
Germany is paving the way for the introduction of tighter restrictions on people who have so far chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid, in an effort to control its highest infection levels since the pandemic began. The state of Saxony, where 85% of ICU beds are occupied by patients with Covid, became the latest to introduce so-called 2G rules in all non-essential shops and facilities, meaning only people who can prove they have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid will be allowed entry. North Rhine Westphalia is due to follow suit, with unvaccinated people to be excluded from entry to all non-essential facilities and events including football matches and Christmas markets. Berlin is also on track to introduced similar “2G-plus” rules, its mayor, Michael Müller, said. Story here.Germany is paving the way for the introduction of tighter restrictions on people who have so far chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid, in an effort to control its highest infection levels since the pandemic began. The state of Saxony, where 85% of ICU beds are occupied by patients with Covid, became the latest to introduce so-called 2G rules in all non-essential shops and facilities, meaning only people who can prove they have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid will be allowed entry. North Rhine Westphalia is due to follow suit, with unvaccinated people to be excluded from entry to all non-essential facilities and events including football matches and Christmas markets. Berlin is also on track to introduced similar “2G-plus” rules, its mayor, Michael Müller, said. Story here.
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 vaccine doses, from larger sports and entertainment venues to a wider range of venues. A decision is due to be taken next Tuesday.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 vaccine doses, from larger sports and entertainment venues to a wider range of venues. A decision is due to be taken next Tuesday.
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 government has also paused the planned return to offices with the work from advice remaining in place, and Covid certificates showing vaccination records, already required for hospitality, will also be required for cinemas and theatres. The government’s cabinet took the decision after being shown projections that could more than quadruple the number of patients in intensive care.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 government has also paused the planned return to offices with the work from advice remaining in place, and Covid certificates showing vaccination records, already required for hospitality, will also be required for cinemas and theatres. The government’s cabinet took the decision after being shown projections that could more than quadruple the number of patients in intensive care.
Portugal’s prime minister Antonio Costa said that authorities may bring back some measures to stop the spread of Covid in the run-up to the holiday season as infections soar across Europe. 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”, adding that it was unlikely to bring back a lockdown and that the new measures would aim to “disturb people’s lives as little as possible”.Portugal’s prime minister Antonio Costa said that authorities may bring back some measures to stop the spread of Covid in the run-up to the holiday season as infections soar across Europe. 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”, adding that it was unlikely to bring back a lockdown and that the new measures would aim to “disturb people’s lives as little as possible”.
Munich became the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, which usually draws 3 million visitors, blaming the “dramatic” coronavirus resurgence. 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. 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.Munich became the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, which usually draws 3 million visitors, blaming the “dramatic” coronavirus resurgence. 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. 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.
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, Public Health Scotland said.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, Public Health Scotland said.
Pfizer Inc 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. This will allow the UN-backed group to grant sub-licenses to qualified generic drug manufacturers to make their own versions of PF-07321332. 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. 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 Inc 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. This will allow the UN-backed group to grant sub-licenses to qualified generic drug manufacturers to make their own versions of PF-07321332. 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. 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.
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. 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.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. 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.
Slovakia’s hospitals are in a critical situation because of a surge in coronavirus infections and the government will decide on Thursday on tighter restrictions to limit access to services for unvaccinated people, the prime minister Eduard Heger said.Slovakia’s hospitals are in a critical situation because of a surge in coronavirus infections and the government will decide on Thursday on tighter restrictions to limit access to services for unvaccinated people, the prime minister Eduard Heger said.
The country of 5.5 million reported record daily cases of around 6,500 in recent days. The health ministry said on Tuesday there were just 20 beds with lung ventilators currently available for new patients as hospitals rushed to re-purpose beds and shipped patients around the country.The country of 5.5 million reported record daily cases of around 6,500 in recent days. The health ministry said on Tuesday there were just 20 beds with lung ventilators currently available for new patients as hospitals rushed to re-purpose beds and shipped patients around the country.
“Situation in hospitals is critical,” Heger told reporters. “We need to significantly tighten [restrictions] in the coming three weeks to calm down the situation at hospitals.”“Situation in hospitals is critical,” Heger told reporters. “We need to significantly tighten [restrictions] in the coming three weeks to calm down the situation at hospitals.”
Heger said the government agreed to prepare measures, and approve them on Thursday, what would only allow vaccinated people to attend large events. The government will also set rules for testing at workplaces.Heger said the government agreed to prepare measures, and approve them on Thursday, what would only allow vaccinated people to attend large events. The government will also set rules for testing at workplaces.
It also plans to limit entry to non-essential shops and services, sports, wellness and hotels to those unvaccinated or those who had overcome Covid in the past six months.It also plans to limit entry to non-essential shops and services, sports, wellness and hotels to those unvaccinated or those who had overcome Covid in the past six months.
Slovakia is one of Europe’s least vaccinated countries, with 45% of the total population vaccinated compared to EU average of 64.9%, according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Slovakia is one of Europe’s least vaccinated countries, with 45% of the total population vaccinated compared to EU average of 64.9%, according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The country has reported 13,644 deaths since the pandemic began, including 46 in the past day.The country has reported 13,644 deaths since the pandemic began, including 46 in the past day.
The number of people in hospitals with Covid jumped by 225 on Tuesday to 2,862, the Health Ministry said.The number of people in hospitals with Covid jumped by 225 on Tuesday to 2,862, the Health Ministry said.
Covid is now a pandemic of poor nations, a leading global expert has told a cross-party group of MPs, adding that governments that are attempting to vaccinate their way out of the pandemic are taking a huge risk.Covid is now a pandemic of poor nations, a leading global expert has told a cross-party group of MPs, adding that governments that are attempting to vaccinate their way out of the pandemic are taking a huge risk.
Dr David Nabarro, the World Health Organization’s special envoy on Covid, told the all-party group on coronavirus that the world was still deep in the pandemic, with 5,413 reported deaths in the past 24 hours alone, adding:Dr David Nabarro, the World Health Organization’s special envoy on Covid, told the all-party group on coronavirus that the world was still deep in the pandemic, with 5,413 reported deaths in the past 24 hours alone, adding:
Without mentioning the UK by name, Nabarro said wealthy countries that were attempting to “vaccinate a population out of an active pandemic” were taking a huge gamble, saying one concern was the rise of new variants that may evade current vaccines, while another was that the population may be reluctant to comply should measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing be re-introduced.Without mentioning the UK by name, Nabarro said wealthy countries that were attempting to “vaccinate a population out of an active pandemic” were taking a huge gamble, saying one concern was the rise of new variants that may evade current vaccines, while another was that the population may be reluctant to comply should measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing be re-introduced.
He said:He said:
According to official data, more than 22% of people in the UK aged 12 or over have had a booster dose, while an estimated 68.6% of the entire population have had at least two jabs.According to official data, more than 22% of people in the UK aged 12 or over have had a booster dose, while an estimated 68.6% of the entire population have had at least two jabs.
In stark contrast, in Africa just 6% of people had been fully vaccinated by the end of October, the WHO said. According to figures from Our World in Data, some African countries have even lower levels – in Nigeria the figure is only 2.8%.In stark contrast, in Africa just 6% of people had been fully vaccinated by the end of October, the WHO said. According to figures from Our World in Data, some African countries have even lower levels – in Nigeria the figure is only 2.8%.
More on this story here:More on this story here:
Germany is paving the way for the introduction of tighter restrictions on people who have so far chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19, in an effort to control its highest infection levels since the pandemic began.Germany is paving the way for the introduction of tighter restrictions on people who have so far chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19, in an effort to control its highest infection levels since the pandemic began.
On Tuesday the country’s disease control agency, the Robert Koch Institute, recorded a seven-day incidence rate of 312 cases per 100,000 people, with several areas at more than 1,000. A year ago, before the vaccine was introduced, the rate stood at 139. There were 265 deaths reported on Tuesday, much fewer than the pre-vaccine peak.On Tuesday the country’s disease control agency, the Robert Koch Institute, recorded a seven-day incidence rate of 312 cases per 100,000 people, with several areas at more than 1,000. A year ago, before the vaccine was introduced, the rate stood at 139. There were 265 deaths reported on Tuesday, much fewer than the pre-vaccine peak.
With the country in political limbo, the old government of Angela Merkel operating in a caretaker capacity until a new three-way coalition takes the reins next month, management of the pandemic appears to have lost direction.With the country in political limbo, the old government of Angela Merkel operating in a caretaker capacity until a new three-way coalition takes the reins next month, management of the pandemic appears to have lost direction.
Less than 70% of the population is fully vaccinated, leaving Germany considerably behind other European countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal.Less than 70% of the population is fully vaccinated, leaving Germany considerably behind other European countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal.
The spread of the more infectious Delta variant, an increase in communal activity, a return to the workplace and a sluggish rollout of booster vaccines, which are recommended six months after the second jab, have been blamed for the increase in infections.The spread of the more infectious Delta variant, an increase in communal activity, a return to the workplace and a sluggish rollout of booster vaccines, which are recommended six months after the second jab, have been blamed for the increase in infections.
A rise in health conditions usually related to the colder months has contributed to some hospitals being on the verge of being overwhelmed. Some hospitals have stopped all but essential surgery to cope with the increase in patients.A rise in health conditions usually related to the colder months has contributed to some hospitals being on the verge of being overwhelmed. Some hospitals have stopped all but essential surgery to cope with the increase in patients.
The state of Saxony, where 85% of ICU beds are occupied by Covid patients, became the latest to introduce so-called 2G rules in all non-essential shops and facilities, meaning only people who can prove they have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid will be allowed entry. Saxony’s social minister, Petra Köpping, said that in addition tests would be required if the incidence continued to rise to the extent that hospitals were unable to cope. 2G is a reference to the German words for vaccinated and recovered (geimpft and genesen).The state of Saxony, where 85% of ICU beds are occupied by Covid patients, became the latest to introduce so-called 2G rules in all non-essential shops and facilities, meaning only people who can prove they have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid will be allowed entry. Saxony’s social minister, Petra Köpping, said that in addition tests would be required if the incidence continued to rise to the extent that hospitals were unable to cope. 2G is a reference to the German words for vaccinated and recovered (geimpft and genesen).
North Rhine Westphalia is due to follow suit, with unvaccinated people to be excluded from entry to all non-essential facilities and events including football matches and Christmas markets. People wanting to attend carnival events as the season kicks off will be required to take a test in addition to being vaccinated or having recovered.North Rhine Westphalia is due to follow suit, with unvaccinated people to be excluded from entry to all non-essential facilities and events including football matches and Christmas markets. People wanting to attend carnival events as the season kicks off will be required to take a test in addition to being vaccinated or having recovered.
Berlin is also on track to introduced similar “2G-plus” rules, its mayor, Michael Müller, said on Tuesday. The city hopes to reopen vaccine centres, which were closed across the country at the end of the summer when they were deemed no longer necessary, but authorities have said this would happen in January or February at the earliest.Berlin is also on track to introduced similar “2G-plus” rules, its mayor, Michael Müller, said on Tuesday. The city hopes to reopen vaccine centres, which were closed across the country at the end of the summer when they were deemed no longer necessary, but authorities have said this would happen in January or February at the earliest.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
The credibility of New Caledonia’s third and final independence referendum has been questioned after indigenous leaders warned that participation could be adversely affected by the Covid pandemic, Helen Fraser reports.The credibility of New Caledonia’s third and final independence referendum has been questioned after indigenous leaders warned that participation could be adversely affected by the Covid pandemic, Helen Fraser reports.
The French government has announced that the referendum will proceed as planned in December after the coronavirus crisis eased.The French government has announced that the referendum will proceed as planned in December after the coronavirus crisis eased.
But the pro-independence FLNKS party has been calling for a postponement and has called on supporters not vote on 12 December because the indigenous Kanak people – who are more likely to vote for independence – are in mourning for victims of the pandemic. Kanaks have been far more seriously impacted by the pandemic than Europeans in the Pacific territory.But the pro-independence FLNKS party has been calling for a postponement and has called on supporters not vote on 12 December because the indigenous Kanak people – who are more likely to vote for independence – are in mourning for victims of the pandemic. Kanaks have been far more seriously impacted by the pandemic than Europeans in the Pacific territory.
The referendum is the third and final poll asking whether the Pacific territory wishes to become an independent nation. Support for independence increased from 43.3% in the first vote in 2018, to 46.7% in 2020. It had expected to be close to, if not over the required 50% in the final vote.The referendum is the third and final poll asking whether the Pacific territory wishes to become an independent nation. Support for independence increased from 43.3% in the first vote in 2018, to 46.7% in 2020. It had expected to be close to, if not over the required 50% in the final vote.
However, Covid has greatly impacted the push for independence.However, Covid has greatly impacted the push for independence.
Eighty percent of New Caledonia’s 267 deaths and 10,500 Covid cases have been among the Kanak and other Pasifika people, who were more likely to support independence in previous votes.Eighty percent of New Caledonia’s 267 deaths and 10,500 Covid cases have been among the Kanak and other Pasifika people, who were more likely to support independence in previous votes.
The virulent Delta surge saw the territory go from zero cases at the start of September to more than 10,000 cases within six weeks, with lockdown measures affecting traditional Kanak mourning rites. The lockdown measures include curfews, a ban on gatherings of more than five, anda limit of nine mourners at a funeral.The virulent Delta surge saw the territory go from zero cases at the start of September to more than 10,000 cases within six weeks, with lockdown measures affecting traditional Kanak mourning rites. The lockdown measures include curfews, a ban on gatherings of more than five, anda limit of nine mourners at a funeral.
As lockdowns lift, FLNKS leaders have said that the first priority of Kanak communities will be to complete customary mourning ceremonies, which often take several months, rather than campaigning for the upcoming independence vote.As lockdowns lift, FLNKS leaders have said that the first priority of Kanak communities will be to complete customary mourning ceremonies, which often take several months, rather than campaigning for the upcoming independence vote.
Full story here:Full story here:
The UK has recorded another 37,243 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, and a further 214 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard. That is compared to 39,705 infections and 47 deaths reported the day before.The UK has recorded another 37,243 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, and a further 214 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard. That is compared to 39,705 infections and 47 deaths reported the day before.
Germany should demand proof of vaccination or recent recovery from Covid for all indoor leisure activities, and require vaccinated people to also present a negative test for risky environments, a regional leader said on Tuesday.Germany should demand proof of vaccination or recent recovery from Covid for all indoor leisure activities, and require vaccinated people to also present a negative test for risky environments, a regional leader said on Tuesday.
Hendrik Wüst, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, made the comments before leaders of Germany’s 16 federal states hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss how to respond to a new surge in Covid cases, Reuters reports.Hendrik Wüst, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, made the comments before leaders of Germany’s 16 federal states hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss how to respond to a new surge in Covid cases, Reuters reports.
Germany recorded 32,048 new infections on Tuesday, a rise of 47% compared to a week ago, and another 265 deaths, bringing Germany’s total during the pandemic to 97,980.Germany recorded 32,048 new infections on Tuesday, a rise of 47% compared to a week ago, and another 265 deaths, bringing Germany’s total during the pandemic to 97,980.
Wüst, who chairs the body that groups Germany’s regional premiers, said he would press on Thursday for the whole country to allow only vaccinated people or those who have recovered from Covid to access leisure-sector facilities, in some cases paired with a negative test.Wüst, who chairs the body that groups Germany’s regional premiers, said he would press on Thursday for the whole country to allow only vaccinated people or those who have recovered from Covid to access leisure-sector facilities, in some cases paired with a negative test.
Several German regions, including the capital Berlin, have already introduced such a rule, in effect excluding non-vaccinated people from places such as cinemas, hairdressers, restaurants and fitness studios.Several German regions, including the capital Berlin, have already introduced such a rule, in effect excluding non-vaccinated people from places such as cinemas, hairdressers, restaurants and fitness studios.
Berlin is also considering requiring negative tests and proof of vaccination from next week.Berlin is also considering requiring negative tests and proof of vaccination from next week.
It is not clear who should be responsible for policing the new rules. Berlin’s mayor Michael Mueller called on city officials to check vaccine passports rather than issue parking tickets.It is not clear who should be responsible for policing the new rules. Berlin’s mayor Michael Mueller called on city officials to check vaccine passports rather than issue parking tickets.
“It isn’t a matter of illegal parking but human lives,” he was quoted as saying in the Berliner Zeitung daily.“It isn’t a matter of illegal parking but human lives,” he was quoted as saying in the Berliner Zeitung daily.
The new wave of infections is challenging a government in transition, with three parties negotiating to form the next cabinet after September’s federal election.The new wave of infections is challenging a government in transition, with three parties negotiating to form the next cabinet after September’s federal election.
Neighbouring Austria, where approximately 65% of the population is fully vaccinated, imposed a nationwide lockdown on unvaccinated people on Monday in an effort to deal with a surge in infections.Neighbouring Austria, where approximately 65% of the population is fully vaccinated, imposed a nationwide lockdown on unvaccinated people on Monday in an effort to deal with a surge in infections.
Germany’s vaccination rate, at 68%, is among the lowest in western Europe.Germany’s vaccination rate, at 68%, is among the lowest in western Europe.
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.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.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 Wales had extended its scheme.
She said ministers could also allow proof of a recent negative test to get entry to a venue.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.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.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.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.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.”“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.