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Covid live: German government not ruling out full lockdown; UK reports 44,242 cases and 157 deaths Covid live: German government not ruling out full lockdown; UK reports 44,242 cases and 157 deaths
(32 minutes later)
German health minister says nothing can be ruled out; UK daily infections and deaths remain highGerman health minister says nothing can be ruled out; UK daily infections and deaths remain high
People in Victoria, Australia, who test positive to Covid-19 will be responsible for notifying close contacts themselves, in a measure that some epidemiologists say could help increase testing rates.
Under the new rules, announced by premier Daniel Andrews this week, people who test positive to Covid-19 will be required to notify their workplace, school, or childcare, which will in turn be required to notify employees or anyone who spent time in the workplace during the at risk period.
People who test positive will also be “strongly recommended” to tell their social contacts and encourage them to get tested, the Andrews government said in a statement on Thursday. But, except in circumstances of an emerging outbreak, the Victorian health department “will not trace or manage these contacts”.
Following the announcement that Austria is going into a national lockdown to contain a fourth wave of coronavirus cases on Monday, here is some reaction from locals.
“I was hoping that there wouldn’t be a general lockdown,” Markus Horvath told AFP as he prepared to shut his stall selling wooden jewellery at a Christmas market in Vienna.
Christian Edlmayr, selling glass ornaments at another Vienna Christmas market, said he would lose half his yearly revenue.
“This will be very, very bad for me,” he said.
Under the partial lockdown, only outlets deemed essential will remain open such as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and post offices.
Andreas Schneider, a 31-year-old from Belgium who works as an economist in the Austrian capital, also described the lockdown as a “tragedy”, saying confining just the unvaccinated had been “reasonable” since they had a choice.
Covid infections have fallen across much of the UK, according to official figures, but remain high enough to put the health service under “significant strain” in the months ahead, scientists warn.Covid infections have fallen across much of the UK, according to official figures, but remain high enough to put the health service under “significant strain” in the months ahead, scientists warn.
The Office for National Statistics estimates one in 65 people in England had Covid in the week ending 13 November, down marginally from one in 60 the week before. A small decline was also seen in Wales, with rates in Scotland and Northern Ireland broadly level.The Office for National Statistics estimates one in 65 people in England had Covid in the week ending 13 November, down marginally from one in 60 the week before. A small decline was also seen in Wales, with rates in Scotland and Northern Ireland broadly level.
The new figures, which are for community infections and exclude people in hospitals, care homes and other settings, come as a surge in cases on the continent sent Austria back into lockdown and led Germany’s health minister to warn that a further lockdown there could not be ruled out.The new figures, which are for community infections and exclude people in hospitals, care homes and other settings, come as a surge in cases on the continent sent Austria back into lockdown and led Germany’s health minister to warn that a further lockdown there could not be ruled out.
British pop singer Faye Tozer has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss Steps’ arena tour in order to self-isolate.British pop singer Faye Tozer has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss Steps’ arena tour in order to self-isolate.
Writing on Twitter, the singer-songwriter said: “I am baffled and gutted after being so tight on our preventative measures.Writing on Twitter, the singer-songwriter said: “I am baffled and gutted after being so tight on our preventative measures.
“Thankful for our daily testing to have been able to recognise it and so the show can still go on.“Thankful for our daily testing to have been able to recognise it and so the show can still go on.
“Please give the guys the biggest love as they continue to smash the shows and I hope to be back soon.”“Please give the guys the biggest love as they continue to smash the shows and I hope to be back soon.”
And here is my colleague Kate Connolly’s story on the sweeping new measures being brought in to stem the spread of coronavirus in Bavaria, Germany.And here is my colleague Kate Connolly’s story on the sweeping new measures being brought in to stem the spread of coronavirus in Bavaria, Germany.
As we reported earlier, Covid infections have fallen across much of the UK, according to official figures. But, scientists are warning that levels remain high enough to put the health service under “significant strain” in the months ahead, Ian Sample and Heather Stewart report.As we reported earlier, Covid infections have fallen across much of the UK, according to official figures. But, scientists are warning that levels remain high enough to put the health service under “significant strain” in the months ahead, Ian Sample and Heather Stewart report.
Cases have risen sharply since the summer in many European countries in a wave of infections that began in eastern nations and moved steadily west. But while the worst affected countries are bringing in major restrictions to contain the surge, UK ministers are holding off with plan B measures that would bring in vaccine passports, expand mask wearing and encourage more people to work from home.Cases have risen sharply since the summer in many European countries in a wave of infections that began in eastern nations and moved steadily west. But while the worst affected countries are bringing in major restrictions to contain the surge, UK ministers are holding off with plan B measures that would bring in vaccine passports, expand mask wearing and encourage more people to work from home.
Ministers hope immunity is higher in England than in some other countries because of the decision to open up earlier. “Covid has had more time to wash around in the UK,” said a government source.Ministers hope immunity is higher in England than in some other countries because of the decision to open up earlier. “Covid has had more time to wash around in the UK,” said a government source.
It is understood Downing Street has been advised of two potential scenarios. Either the colder weather could bring a sharp increase in cases and hospital admissions, as on the continent – and “we have suddenly got a big problem” as a government source put it – or higher immunity levels could let Covid continue to circulate among unvaccinated populations including children, but without leading to a surge in hospital admissions and deaths. It will not be clear for some weeks which trajectory the UK is on.It is understood Downing Street has been advised of two potential scenarios. Either the colder weather could bring a sharp increase in cases and hospital admissions, as on the continent – and “we have suddenly got a big problem” as a government source put it – or higher immunity levels could let Covid continue to circulate among unvaccinated populations including children, but without leading to a surge in hospital admissions and deaths. It will not be clear for some weeks which trajectory the UK is on.
Read the full story here:Read the full story here:
Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from oday so far:Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from oday so far:
Austria became the first country in western Europe to reimpose a full national lockdown this autumn to tackle a new wave of infections, and will require its whole population to be vaccinated as of February. The new lockdown is set to last until 12 December but could be reevaluated after 10 days if the pandemic situation has improved. Lockdown rules would end for those vaccinated from 12 December but would stay in place for those who have decline to take the jab. The country has the lowest vaccination rate in western Europe, with 66% of its population fully vaccinated. Story here.Austria became the first country in western Europe to reimpose a full national lockdown this autumn to tackle a new wave of infections, and will require its whole population to be vaccinated as of February. The new lockdown is set to last until 12 December but could be reevaluated after 10 days if the pandemic situation has improved. Lockdown rules would end for those vaccinated from 12 December but would stay in place for those who have decline to take the jab. The country has the lowest vaccination rate in western Europe, with 66% of its population fully vaccinated. Story here.
Germany’s Covid situation is now so grave that a lockdown, including for people who have been vaccinated, cannot be ruled out, the health minister Jens Spahn said. He said the country was in a “national emergency”, adding “we can’t rule anything out”. Lothar Wieler, the head of the Robert Koch Institute, warned that with record-breaking infection levels, the nationwide curbs on the unvaccinated were insufficient. As cases have topped 300 per 100,000 people, the rules for public spaces “are no longer enough in the current situation,” he said, calling it an “absolute emergency”.Germany’s Covid situation is now so grave that a lockdown, including for people who have been vaccinated, cannot be ruled out, the health minister Jens Spahn said. He said the country was in a “national emergency”, adding “we can’t rule anything out”. Lothar Wieler, the head of the Robert Koch Institute, warned that with record-breaking infection levels, the nationwide curbs on the unvaccinated were insufficient. As cases have topped 300 per 100,000 people, the rules for public spaces “are no longer enough in the current situation,” he said, calling it an “absolute emergency”.
The southern German state of Bavaria cancelled all Christmas markets and imposed a lockdown on all districts that have a seven-day Covid incidence rate of over 1,000 per 100,000 people. With one of the lowest vaccination rates in Germany, Bavaria is grappling with one of the country’s highest infection rates amid a ferocious fourth wave of the pandemic. Announcing the measures, the state premier Markus Söder called for mandatory Covid vaccination beginning next year, arguing that it will become an “endless cycle” otherwise. The state legislature is expected to approve the new measures on Tuesday and they will likely be in effect until 15 December. Story here.The southern German state of Bavaria cancelled all Christmas markets and imposed a lockdown on all districts that have a seven-day Covid incidence rate of over 1,000 per 100,000 people. With one of the lowest vaccination rates in Germany, Bavaria is grappling with one of the country’s highest infection rates amid a ferocious fourth wave of the pandemic. Announcing the measures, the state premier Markus Söder called for mandatory Covid vaccination beginning next year, arguing that it will become an “endless cycle” otherwise. The state legislature is expected to approve the new measures on Tuesday and they will likely be in effect until 15 December. Story here.
The UK recorded a further 44,242 Covid cases and 157 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard.The UK recorded a further 44,242 Covid cases and 157 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard.
Canada authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use in children aged 5 to 11, making it the first shot for young children in the country. “After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, the department has determined that the benefits of this vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age outweigh the risks,” Health Canada said in a statement.Canada authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for use in children aged 5 to 11, making it the first shot for young children in the country. “After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, the department has determined that the benefits of this vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age outweigh the risks,” Health Canada said in a statement.
Covid-19 infections have fallen in most parts of the UK, though levels remain high, latest figures suggest. About one in 65 people in private households in England (the equivalent of about 824,900 people) had Covid in the week to 13 November, down from one in 60 the previous week, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Wales also reported a drop, with one in 55 people estimated to have had Covid in the week to 13 November, down from one in 45 the previous week. The ONS described the trend in Northern Ireland as “uncertain”, with an estimate of one in 65 people in the most recent week - up from one in 75, but below the record high of one in 40 in mid-August. For Scotland, the latest estimate is one in 95 people, down from one in 85 the previous week and below September’s peak of one in 45. Story here.Covid-19 infections have fallen in most parts of the UK, though levels remain high, latest figures suggest. About one in 65 people in private households in England (the equivalent of about 824,900 people) had Covid in the week to 13 November, down from one in 60 the previous week, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Wales also reported a drop, with one in 55 people estimated to have had Covid in the week to 13 November, down from one in 45 the previous week. The ONS described the trend in Northern Ireland as “uncertain”, with an estimate of one in 65 people in the most recent week - up from one in 75, but below the record high of one in 40 in mid-August. For Scotland, the latest estimate is one in 95 people, down from one in 85 the previous week and below September’s peak of one in 45. Story here.
US regulators opened up Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 booster shots to all US adults, expanding the government’s campaign to shore up protection and get ahead of rising coronavirus cases that may worsen with the holidays. Pfizer and Moderna announced the FDA decision after at least 10 states already had started offering boosters to all adults. Story here.US regulators opened up Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 booster shots to all US adults, expanding the government’s campaign to shore up protection and get ahead of rising coronavirus cases that may worsen with the holidays. Pfizer and Moderna announced the FDA decision after at least 10 states already had started offering boosters to all adults. Story here.
Here is the moment the Austrian chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, announced the country would be going into a national lockdown to contain a fourth wave of coronavirus cases.Here is the moment the Austrian chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, announced the country would be going into a national lockdown to contain a fourth wave of coronavirus cases.
It comes as new infections hit a record high amid a pandemic surge across Europe. Despite all the persuasion and campaigns, too few people had decided to get vaccinated, Schallenberg said, leaving Austria with no other choice but to introduce mandatory vaccinations in February.It comes as new infections hit a record high amid a pandemic surge across Europe. Despite all the persuasion and campaigns, too few people had decided to get vaccinated, Schallenberg said, leaving Austria with no other choice but to introduce mandatory vaccinations in February.
The Austrian decision to lock down unvaccinated people and make vaccinations mandatory from 1 February 2022 has caused anger in some quarters.The Austrian decision to lock down unvaccinated people and make vaccinations mandatory from 1 February 2022 has caused anger in some quarters.
Reuters writes that pushback to the new rules has been led by the far-right Freedom party, whose leader Herbert Kickl posted a picture on Facebook with the inscription: “As of today Austria is a dictatorship.”Reuters writes that pushback to the new rules has been led by the far-right Freedom party, whose leader Herbert Kickl posted a picture on Facebook with the inscription: “As of today Austria is a dictatorship.”
The party is planning a protest on Saturday, but Kickl cannot attend because he has tested positive for Covid.The party is planning a protest on Saturday, but Kickl cannot attend because he has tested positive for Covid.
Roughly two-thirds of those eligible in Austria are fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates in western Europe. Its infections are among the highest in Europe, with a seven-day incidence of 991 per 100,000 people.Roughly two-thirds of those eligible in Austria are fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates in western Europe. Its infections are among the highest in Europe, with a seven-day incidence of 991 per 100,000 people.
“We have not succeeded in convincing enough people to get vaccinated,” Austria’s chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, told a news conference, saying the lockdown would start on Monday. “It hurts that such measures still have to be taken.”“We have not succeeded in convincing enough people to get vaccinated,” Austria’s chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, told a news conference, saying the lockdown would start on Monday. “It hurts that such measures still have to be taken.”
Italy has reported another 48 Covid-related deaths on Friday, Reuters reports.Italy has reported another 48 Covid-related deaths on Friday, Reuters reports.
The country’s health ministry also announced that new infections fell to 10,544 from 10,638.The country’s health ministry also announced that new infections fell to 10,544 from 10,638.
Italy has registered 133,082 deaths linked to Covid-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the ninth-highest in the world.Italy has registered 133,082 deaths linked to Covid-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the ninth-highest in the world.
The country has reported 4.9m cases to date.The country has reported 4.9m cases to date.
My colleague Philip Oltermann has been to Linz to see the impact Austria’s lockdown on the unvaccinated. He writes:My colleague Philip Oltermann has been to Linz to see the impact Austria’s lockdown on the unvaccinated. He writes:
You can read his full dispatch here:You can read his full dispatch here:
The UK has recorded a further 44,242 Covid cases and 157 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard.The UK has recorded a further 44,242 Covid cases and 157 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard.
That compares to 46,807 infections and 199 fatalities in the 24 hours prior.That compares to 46,807 infections and 199 fatalities in the 24 hours prior.
Vaccine passports enjoy substantial support across Europe, a YouGov survey suggests, as a fourth wave of infections prompts a growing number of countries to impose tougher restrictions on people who have not been fully vaccinated.Vaccine passports enjoy substantial support across Europe, a YouGov survey suggests, as a fourth wave of infections prompts a growing number of countries to impose tougher restrictions on people who have not been fully vaccinated.
The annual YouGov-Cambridge Globalism Project suggests majorities in all 10 European countries surveyed back compulsory vaccine passes for large events, while in most, more people favour than oppose their use in cafes, restaurants and gyms.The annual YouGov-Cambridge Globalism Project suggests majorities in all 10 European countries surveyed back compulsory vaccine passes for large events, while in most, more people favour than oppose their use in cafes, restaurants and gyms.
The broad support for the constraint came despite the survey also finding that people are growing increasingly frustrated both with their governments’ performance in tackling the pandemic, and with Covid-related restrictions in general.The broad support for the constraint came despite the survey also finding that people are growing increasingly frustrated both with their governments’ performance in tackling the pandemic, and with Covid-related restrictions in general.
The YouGov survey, of more than 26,000 people in 26 countries, found majorities of the public in Europe and around the world in favour of vaccine passports in their country as a requirement for large events or to travel in and out of the country.The YouGov survey, of more than 26,000 people in 26 countries, found majorities of the public in Europe and around the world in favour of vaccine passports in their country as a requirement for large events or to travel in and out of the country.
Support for a pass showing proof of vaccination to attend large sporting events and concerts ranged from 57% of respondents in France to 59% in Germany, 62% in Italy and 64% in Spain and Britain, with only Poland (45%) falling below 50%.Support for a pass showing proof of vaccination to attend large sporting events and concerts ranged from 57% of respondents in France to 59% in Germany, 62% in Italy and 64% in Spain and Britain, with only Poland (45%) falling below 50%.
Outside the EU, 51% of respondents in the US and 69% in Australia said they backed a vaccine passport for large events. The survey found similar high levels of approval for the use of vaccine passports to travel into and out of respondents’ home countries.Outside the EU, 51% of respondents in the US and 69% in Australia said they backed a vaccine passport for large events. The survey found similar high levels of approval for the use of vaccine passports to travel into and out of respondents’ home countries.
Support was lower, but still often substantial, for compulsory vaccine passports as a prerequisite for a range of other activities, including travelling on public transport, eating in restaurants, going to bars or cafes or doing indoor exercise at gyms.Support was lower, but still often substantial, for compulsory vaccine passports as a prerequisite for a range of other activities, including travelling on public transport, eating in restaurants, going to bars or cafes or doing indoor exercise at gyms.
In all but three – Denmark, Hungary and Poland – of the 10 European countries surveyed, more people said they were in favour of requiring vaccine passes on public transport than were opposed or unsure, with pluralities or majorities ranging from 41% in Germany and Britain to 56% in Italy.In all but three – Denmark, Hungary and Poland – of the 10 European countries surveyed, more people said they were in favour of requiring vaccine passes on public transport than were opposed or unsure, with pluralities or majorities ranging from 41% in Germany and Britain to 56% in Italy.
A similar pattern emerged for eating in restaurants, with more people in favour of vaccine passes than against in eight of the 10 countries and only Hungary and Poland opposed. Percentages supporting the measure ranged from 41% in the UK and 50% in France, to 54% in Germany and 58% in Italy.A similar pattern emerged for eating in restaurants, with more people in favour of vaccine passes than against in eight of the 10 countries and only Hungary and Poland opposed. Percentages supporting the measure ranged from 41% in the UK and 50% in France, to 54% in Germany and 58% in Italy.
Levels of support were similar for mandatory vaccine passports to enter cafes or bars and exercise in indoor gyms, but slightly lower – generally ranging between 30% and 40% in most European countries – for supermarkets and clothes shops.Levels of support were similar for mandatory vaccine passports to enter cafes or bars and exercise in indoor gyms, but slightly lower – generally ranging between 30% and 40% in most European countries – for supermarkets and clothes shops.
Results in the US broadly mirrored those in Europe, while respondents in Australia were often more enthusiastic. Of the 26 countries surveyed, Russia stood out with consistently low support for passports in nearly all cases except international travel.Results in the US broadly mirrored those in Europe, while respondents in Australia were often more enthusiastic. Of the 26 countries surveyed, Russia stood out with consistently low support for passports in nearly all cases except international travel.
The full story is here:The full story is here:
A quick snap from Reuters reporting that the European Union’s drug regulator has advised Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics’ experimental Covid pill can be given within five days of first symptoms to treat adults who do not need oxygen support and are at risk of severe disease.A quick snap from Reuters reporting that the European Union’s drug regulator has advised Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics’ experimental Covid pill can be given within five days of first symptoms to treat adults who do not need oxygen support and are at risk of severe disease.
The European Medicines Agency said the capsules should be taken twice a day for five days. Its advice will help member state with decisions on possible early use ahead of wider approvals in light of rising coronavirus cases.The European Medicines Agency said the capsules should be taken twice a day for five days. Its advice will help member state with decisions on possible early use ahead of wider approvals in light of rising coronavirus cases.
A British doctor who died of coronavirus while helping others battle infection has been described as a “tower of strength” by friends.A British doctor who died of coronavirus while helping others battle infection has been described as a “tower of strength” by friends.
The death of Dr Irfan Halim came after a nine-week illness and just two months after he joined the Covid intensive care unit wards at Swindon hospital.The death of Dr Irfan Halim came after a nine-week illness and just two months after he joined the Covid intensive care unit wards at Swindon hospital.
It is believed he contracted Covid at his place of work and collapsed during a shift on 10 September. He was in intensive care in Swindon before being transferred to the Royal Brompton hospital, where he received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment.It is believed he contracted Covid at his place of work and collapsed during a shift on 10 September. He was in intensive care in Swindon before being transferred to the Royal Brompton hospital, where he received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment.
Halim was a consultant general surgeon who worked across a variety of practices during his 25-year medical career. He specialised in laparoscopic surgery and spent time working on Harley Street.Halim was a consultant general surgeon who worked across a variety of practices during his 25-year medical career. He specialised in laparoscopic surgery and spent time working on Harley Street.
His death occurred shortly after that of his father, Kamal, who also died from Covid, close friends of the family said.His death occurred shortly after that of his father, Kamal, who also died from Covid, close friends of the family said.
His wife, Salia, said her husband gave her “15 magical years” of marriage and four beautiful children. “Irfan you were not only my best friend but a best friend to all our children and so many others,” she said.His wife, Salia, said her husband gave her “15 magical years” of marriage and four beautiful children. “Irfan you were not only my best friend but a best friend to all our children and so many others,” she said.
The full story is here:The full story is here:
As Covid infection rates surged again across Europe, Boris Johnson spoke this week of “storm clouds gathering” over parts of the continent and said it was unclear when or how badly the latest wave would “wash up on our shores”.As Covid infection rates surged again across Europe, Boris Johnson spoke this week of “storm clouds gathering” over parts of the continent and said it was unclear when or how badly the latest wave would “wash up on our shores”.
The situation in some EU member states, particularly those with low vaccination rates, is indeed dramatic. In central and eastern Europe in particular, but also Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands, case numbers are rocketing.The situation in some EU member states, particularly those with low vaccination rates, is indeed dramatic. In central and eastern Europe in particular, but also Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands, case numbers are rocketing.
But missing from the prime minister’s remarks, and from much of the media coverage of them, was the fact that Britain’s rolling seven-day average of daily new coronavirus cases is still higher than the average of the EU27, and has been since June.But missing from the prime minister’s remarks, and from much of the media coverage of them, was the fact that Britain’s rolling seven-day average of daily new coronavirus cases is still higher than the average of the EU27, and has been since June.
According to figures from OurWorldInData, the EU’s average has quadrupled in recent weeks, from just over 110 daily new cases per million people on 1 October to 446 on Thursday.According to figures from OurWorldInData, the EU’s average has quadrupled in recent weeks, from just over 110 daily new cases per million people on 1 October to 446 on Thursday.
The UK began that same period with a daily infection rate of 505 per million people, nearly five times the EU27 average. After peaking at nearly 700 in late October the rate fell to 495 on 10 November, but for the past week it has been climbing sharply again.The UK began that same period with a daily infection rate of 505 per million people, nearly five times the EU27 average. After peaking at nearly 700 in late October the rate fell to 495 on 10 November, but for the past week it has been climbing sharply again.
Read the full analysis from the Guardian’s Europe correspondent here:Read the full analysis from the Guardian’s Europe correspondent here: