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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
(31 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
Samantha Lock here, taking over from my colleague Leonie Chao-Fong.
First up, some numbers out of Australia for you.
The state of NSW recorded another 231 new cases and no Covid-19 deaths.
Victoria recorded 996 new Covid-19 cases and nine deaths.
And according to a new survey, the average Australian is working 1.5 hours more unpaid overtime each week since the start of the Covid pandemic.
The poll, which used a nationally representative sample, found the average employed Australian is working 6.13 hours unpaid each week in 2021, up from 5.25 hours in 2020 and 4.62 hours in 2019.
That’s it from me, Léonie Chao-Fong, for today. I’m handing this blog back to my colleague Samantha Lock. Here’s a quick roundup of what’s been happening so far:
Pfizer has announced it is asking US regulators to authorise its experimental antiviral Covid-19 pill, Paxlovid, which has been shown in clinical trials to cut the risk of hospitalisation and death for adults by almost 90%. The company has said it will allow generic manufacturers to supply its experimental antiviral Covid pill to 95 low- and middle-income countries.
People in Ireland are being asked to work from home where possible from Friday and bars, restaurants and nightclubs 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.
Thousands of restaurant owners in Greece shut their businesses in a nationwide protest against recent measures that fine establishments for serving customers without proper documentation of their vaccination or test status.
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. That is compared with 39,705 infections and 47 deaths reported the day before.
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. Hospitality firms said further restrictions would be “a devastating blow”, warning it could force some venues to close.
Portugal may bring back some measures to stop the spread of Covid in the run-up to the holiday season as infections soar across Europe, prime minister Antonio Costa said. The number of new cases has been gradually rising over the past month in one of the world’s most vaccinated nations, reaching a two-month daily high of 1,816 infections on Saturday.
Slovakia plans curbs on unvaccinated people as hospitals reach a “critical” situation, prime minister Eduard Heger said. The government is due to decide on Thursday on tighter restrictions to limit access to services to those unvaccinated or those who had overcome Covid in the past six months.
In Germany, plans are also underway 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. Munich became the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, blaming the “dramatic” coronavirus resurgence.
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. 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.
Pfizer’s announcement on Tuesday that it is seeking US regulatory authorisation for its Covid-19 antiviral pill, Paxlovid, has been hailed as a promising sign that a new easy-to-use antiviral pill could prevent people with mild-to-moderate symptoms from developing severe disease. But it is not the only company with an oral antiviral that could mark a global game-changer in the fight against the pandemic.Pfizer’s announcement on Tuesday that it is seeking US regulatory authorisation for its Covid-19 antiviral pill, Paxlovid, has been hailed as a promising sign that a new easy-to-use antiviral pill could prevent people with mild-to-moderate symptoms from developing severe disease. But it is not the only company with an oral antiviral that could mark a global game-changer in the fight against the pandemic.
Earlier this month, the UK medicines regulator announced it had approved molnupiravir, a drug developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck Sharp and Dohme, becoming the first in the world to approve an oral antiviral pill for Covid.Earlier this month, the UK medicines regulator announced it had approved molnupiravir, a drug developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Merck Sharp and Dohme, becoming the first in the world to approve an oral antiviral pill for Covid.
Under deals announced in October, the UK expects to receive 480,000 doses of molnupiravir, also known as Lagevrio, from mid-November, with 250,000 courses of Paxlovid due in late January. Paxlovid is a combination of an antiviral drug with ritonavir, a drug usually used to treat HIV/Aids.Under deals announced in October, the UK expects to receive 480,000 doses of molnupiravir, also known as Lagevrio, from mid-November, with 250,000 courses of Paxlovid due in late January. Paxlovid is a combination of an antiviral drug with ritonavir, a drug usually used to treat HIV/Aids.
The drug will initially be given to patients through a national study run by the NHS and will be given as a priority to elderly Covid patients and those with particular vulnerabilities, such as weakened immune systems.The drug will initially be given to patients through a national study run by the NHS and will be given as a priority to elderly Covid patients and those with particular vulnerabilities, such as weakened immune systems.
Prof Peter Horby, the co-leader of the groundbreaking Recovery trial of Covid treatments at the University of Oxford, said the decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency was very welcome and amounted to a watershed moment in tackling the pandemic.Prof Peter Horby, the co-leader of the groundbreaking Recovery trial of Covid treatments at the University of Oxford, said the decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency was very welcome and amounted to a watershed moment in tackling the pandemic.
Both Merck and Pfizer’s antiviral pills must be administered within a few days of contracting Covid-19 to be effective, experts have said, with the course of pills typically lasting a period of five days.Both Merck and Pfizer’s antiviral pills must be administered within a few days of contracting Covid-19 to be effective, experts have said, with the course of pills typically lasting a period of five days.
A clinical trial in the US of molnupiravir showed a five-day course of the pills halved the risk of hospitalisation or death for at-risk patients.A clinical trial in the US of molnupiravir showed a five-day course of the pills halved the risk of hospitalisation or death for at-risk patients.
Following news that Munich has become the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, Reuters reports that Hamburg will only allow people who are vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid to enjoy its festive market’s gastronomic section.Following news that Munich has become the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, Reuters reports that Hamburg will only allow people who are vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid to enjoy its festive market’s gastronomic section.
The unvaccinated will be able to visit the northern German city’s Christmas handicraft stalls, listen to carols, ride on the merry-go-round or admire the nativity scenes, but they will not be permitted to indulge in steaming hot mulled wine and candied almonds or gingerbread.The unvaccinated will be able to visit the northern German city’s Christmas handicraft stalls, listen to carols, ride on the merry-go-round or admire the nativity scenes, but they will not be permitted to indulge in steaming hot mulled wine and candied almonds or gingerbread.
Organisers have said security guards will be checking for proof of vaccination or recovery at the entrance once the market opens next week.Organisers have said security guards will be checking for proof of vaccination or recovery at the entrance once the market opens next week.
“There have to be access restrictions,” said Marion Begas as she set up her pottery stand at the Hamburg market, which will have 40% fewer stalls this year to ensure greater social distancing. “It is a way to protect everyone.”“There have to be access restrictions,” said Marion Begas as she set up her pottery stand at the Hamburg market, which will have 40% fewer stalls this year to ensure greater social distancing. “It is a way to protect everyone.”
On Tuesday, Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter called the cancellation of its market “bitter news” for the city’s residents and stallholders, but said it would be irresponsible for the event to go ahead.On Tuesday, Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter called the cancellation of its market “bitter news” for the city’s residents and stallholders, but said it would be irresponsible for the event to go ahead.
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.
In Greece, thousands of restaurant owners shut their businesses in a nationwide one-day protest against recent measures that make establishments responsible for checking the vaccination or test status of customers.In Greece, thousands of restaurant owners shut their businesses in a nationwide one-day protest against recent measures that make establishments responsible for checking the vaccination or test status of customers.
Any restaurant or cafe found serving customers without the proper documentation risks a fine of €5,000 (£4,200) and temporary closure but owners have pointed out that customers are only fined €300 (£250).Any restaurant or cafe found serving customers without the proper documentation risks a fine of €5,000 (£4,200) and temporary closure but owners have pointed out that customers are only fined €300 (£250).
One week after the introduction of the new restrictions, business owners claim turnover has dropped by 50%, at a time when hundreds of restaurants are facing bankruptcy and employees are being fired en masse.One week after the introduction of the new restrictions, business owners claim turnover has dropped by 50%, at a time when hundreds of restaurants are facing bankruptcy and employees are being fired en masse.
The Panhellenic Federation of Restaurant and Related Professions (Poese) union, which represents workers in the service and tourism industries, urged the government to re-regulate business-owner fines, provide rent rebates and tax breaks.The Panhellenic Federation of Restaurant and Related Professions (Poese) union, which represents workers in the service and tourism industries, urged the government to re-regulate business-owner fines, provide rent rebates and tax breaks.
People in Ireland are being asked to work from home where possible from Friday as the government announced a new state of semi-lockdown amid rising case rates and hospitalisations.People in Ireland are being asked to work from home where possible from Friday as the government announced a new state of semi-lockdown amid rising case rates and hospitalisations.
Pubs, nightclubs and restaurants will be imposed a new curfew for closing time from Thursday, a blow to the night-time economy which only reopened after 20 months of restrictions on 22 October.Pubs, nightclubs and restaurants will be imposed a new curfew for closing time from Thursday, a blow to the night-time economy which only reopened after 20 months of restrictions on 22 October.
In a televised address this evening, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it was increasingly clear the country was experiencing “another surge of Covid infection” and that he needed “to act now”.In a televised address this evening, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it was increasingly clear the country was experiencing “another surge of Covid infection” and that he needed “to act now”.
He added that the range of measures being introduced “represent an appropriate response to the situation we find ourselves in”.He added that the range of measures being introduced “represent an appropriate response to the situation we find ourselves in”.
“Our advice is now that everyone should work from home unless it is absolutely necessary that they attend in person,” he added.“Our advice is now that everyone should work from home unless it is absolutely necessary that they attend in person,” he added.
The last week has seen the second-highest rate of Covid hospital admissions this year, despite Ireland having one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.The last week has seen the second-highest rate of Covid hospital admissions this year, despite Ireland having one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
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.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.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.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.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: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: