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Covid live: booster shots to be added to UK travel pass; Macron rules out lockdown for unvaccinated in France Covid live: booster shots to be added to England travel pass; France rules out lockdown for unvaccinated
(32 minutes later)
Booster status will be added to international pass for UK travellers; French president credits success of health pass in avoiding lockdownBooster status will be added to international pass for UK travellers; French president credits success of health pass in avoiding lockdown
Travellers from the UK who have had an extra jab will be able to display their vaccination status on the NHS Covid Pass from midday today, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said.
The feature will enable those who have had their third dose to travel to countries including Israel, Croatia and Austria, where there is a time limit for a vaccine to be valid to skip quarantine.
PA Media quote vaccines minister Maggie Throup saying people can book appointments up to a month before they are eligible for the booster. She said:
Almost 20 million people have accessed the Covid Pass via the NHS app since it was launched on 17 May, the DHSC has said.
Ministers in the UK were not “fully prepared” for the “wide-ranging impacts” that Covid-19 had on society, the economy and essential public services in the UK, and lacked detailed plans on shielding, job support schemes and school disruption, a report has found.
Some lessons from “previous simulation exercises” that would have helped with Covid-19 preparations were “not fully implemented”, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).
The report, which looked at the government’s preparedness for the Covid-19 pandemic, also found that time and energy spent preparing for Brexit both helped and hindered planning for future crises.
The watchdog said preparations for leaving the EU enhanced some departments’ “crisis capabilities”, but also took up significant resources, meaning the government had to pause or postpone some planning work for a potential flu pandemic.
Read more here: UK ministers were unprepared for impact of Covid, says watchdog
A quick snap from Reuters here with a dramatic quote from Germany’s acting health minister Jens Spahn, who has told a news conference this morning amid rising cases: “We are in a national emergency.”
There’s a quote here from the UK health secretary, Sajid Javid, on that booster jab news. PA Media reports he said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to show their vaccine status if they are travelling abroad.
“This update to the NHS Covid pass will mean people can have their complete medical picture at their fingertips if they are going on holiday or seeing loved ones overseas.”
A quick snap from Reuters here that the UK government has announced it will add booster shot status to the Covid-19 pass for outbound international travel, though it said they would not be added to the domestic pass at this time.A quick snap from Reuters here that the UK government has announced it will add booster shot status to the Covid-19 pass for outbound international travel, though it said they would not be added to the domestic pass at this time.
The health ministry said that travellers who have had a booster or a third dose would be able to demonstrate their vaccine status through the NHS Covid Pass from Friday, adding that a booster was not necessary to travel into England. The health ministry said that travellers who have had a booster or a third dose would be able to demonstrate their vaccine status through the NHS Covid pass from Friday, adding that a booster was not necessary to travel into England.
Here is a link to that National Audit Office report into the UK’s preparedness for the pandemic in full, by the way. They state their conclusions are:Here is a link to that National Audit Office report into the UK’s preparedness for the pandemic in full, by the way. They state their conclusions are:
Gareth Davies, from the National Audit Office, told Sky News this morning about the report which has found the UK Government was “not prepared” for the coronavirus pandemic. PA Media quote him saying: Gareth Davies, from the National Audit Office, told Sky News this morning about the report which has found the UK government was “not prepared” for the coronavirus pandemic. PA Media quotes him saying:
He went on to say that the flu planning system in the UK “needs to change to give us a better chance of being prepared for these kind of diseases”.He went on to say that the flu planning system in the UK “needs to change to give us a better chance of being prepared for these kind of diseases”.
He added there will be a public inquiry next year, saying:He added there will be a public inquiry next year, saying:
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a record $490bn stimulus for the world’s third-largest economy today as he looks to shore up the country’s patchy pandemic recovery. Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishida announced a record $490bn stimulus for the world’s third-largest economy today as he looks to shore up the country’s patchy pandemic recovery.
The 56 trillion yen injection, the third since the Covid crisis struck last year, “is enough to deliver a sense of safety and hope to the Japanese people”, Kishida said. The 56tn yen injection, the third since the Covid crisis struck last year, “is enough to deliver a sense of safety and hope to the Japanese people”, Kishida said.
Agence France-Presse report the vast spending plans are expected to be approved by the cabinet later in the day, and reportedly include cash and coupons for families with children under 18 who meet an income cap, as well as pay rises for nurses and careworkers. Agence France-Presse reports the vast spending plans are expected to be approved by the cabinet later in the day, and reportedly include cash and coupons for families with children under 18 who meet an income cap, as well as pay rises for nurses and careworkers.
It comes after Japan’s economy shrank far more than expected in the second quarter, as leaders struggled to overcome virus surges by imposing containment measures in Tokyo and other cities.It comes after Japan’s economy shrank far more than expected in the second quarter, as leaders struggled to overcome virus surges by imposing containment measures in Tokyo and other cities.
Rightwing extremists in the UK are using Covid controversies and online gaming as a way of recruiting young people, as data shows half of the most serious cases of suspected radicalisation reported by schools and colleges now involve far-right activity.Rightwing extremists in the UK are using Covid controversies and online gaming as a way of recruiting young people, as data shows half of the most serious cases of suspected radicalisation reported by schools and colleges now involve far-right activity.
Figures published by the Home Office show twice as many young people in education in England and Wales last year were thought to be at risk of radicalisation by the extreme right wing, compared with those at risk from Islamic extremists.Figures published by the Home Office show twice as many young people in education in England and Wales last year were thought to be at risk of radicalisation by the extreme right wing, compared with those at risk from Islamic extremists.
Sean Arbuthnot, a Prevent coordinator for Leicestershire, said that while far-right extremism has been on the rise for several years, online apps and platforms were increasingly cropping up in referrals, including gaming platforms and chat apps such as Discord, as rightwing groups sought to reach young people.Sean Arbuthnot, a Prevent coordinator for Leicestershire, said that while far-right extremism has been on the rise for several years, online apps and platforms were increasingly cropping up in referrals, including gaming platforms and chat apps such as Discord, as rightwing groups sought to reach young people.
“[Some] during the pandemic conducted leafleting campaigns, where they would promote the narrative that Covid is a hoax, that hospital wards are empty, and that you shouldn’t get the vaccine. Then they load their leaflets with pseudo-scientific evidence. But at the same time they drop leaflets purporting that white people are going to be a minority in Britain, which plays into peoples fears,” Arbuthnot said.“[Some] during the pandemic conducted leafleting campaigns, where they would promote the narrative that Covid is a hoax, that hospital wards are empty, and that you shouldn’t get the vaccine. Then they load their leaflets with pseudo-scientific evidence. But at the same time they drop leaflets purporting that white people are going to be a minority in Britain, which plays into peoples fears,” Arbuthnot said.
Read more of Richard Adams and Sally Weale’s report here: Extremists using online gaming and Covid conspiracies to recruit youngstersRead more of Richard Adams and Sally Weale’s report here: Extremists using online gaming and Covid conspiracies to recruit youngsters
Agence France-Presse has a little more detail on the announcement on the Philippines plan to reopen to vaccinated tourists.Agence France-Presse has a little more detail on the announcement on the Philippines plan to reopen to vaccinated tourists.
They report that borders will reopen “soon”, according to the statement from tourism secretary Berna Puyat, without providing a date.They report that borders will reopen “soon”, according to the statement from tourism secretary Berna Puyat, without providing a date.
“Allowing tourists from green countries or territories that have the majority of its population vaccinated and with low infection rate, will greatly help in our recovery efforts,” Puyat said.“Allowing tourists from green countries or territories that have the majority of its population vaccinated and with low infection rate, will greatly help in our recovery efforts,” Puyat said.
“This move will likewise aid in bolstering consumer confidence, which is a large contributor to our gross domestic product,” she added.“This move will likewise aid in bolstering consumer confidence, which is a large contributor to our gross domestic product,” she added.
More than 40 countries and territories are classified “green” – low risk and exempt from quarantine requirements – including China, Indonesia and Zimbabwe.More than 40 countries and territories are classified “green” – low risk and exempt from quarantine requirements – including China, Indonesia and Zimbabwe.
Tourism is a major driver of the south-east Asian country’s economy, accounting for nearly 13% of gross domestic product in 2019, when it attracted more than 8 million visitors, official data showed.Tourism is a major driver of the south-east Asian country’s economy, accounting for nearly 13% of gross domestic product in 2019, when it attracted more than 8 million visitors, official data showed.
Hello, it is Martin Belam here in London taking over from Samantha Lock in Sydney. Grant Shapps is the UK government minister doing the media round this morning – he’s the transport secretary and it is mostly about trains so far. If there are any Covid lines that emerge I will bring them to you. Here is a reminder of the latest numbers in the UK.Hello, it is Martin Belam here in London taking over from Samantha Lock in Sydney. Grant Shapps is the UK government minister doing the media round this morning – he’s the transport secretary and it is mostly about trains so far. If there are any Covid lines that emerge I will bring them to you. Here is a reminder of the latest numbers in the UK.
The change in the number of people testing positive in the UK is that the numbers are up 14.5% week-on-week. Deaths are down 9.8% week-on-week, and hospitalisations are down week-on-week by 2.9%.The change in the number of people testing positive in the UK is that the numbers are up 14.5% week-on-week. Deaths are down 9.8% week-on-week, and hospitalisations are down week-on-week by 2.9%.
France will not follow its European neighbours imposing Covid lockdowns on unvaccinated people because of the success of its health pass in curbing the virus’s spread, president Emmanuel Macron has said.France will not follow its European neighbours imposing Covid lockdowns on unvaccinated people because of the success of its health pass in curbing the virus’s spread, president Emmanuel Macron has said.
Europe has again found itself at the centre of the pandemic, prompting some countries including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to reintroduce restrictions in the run-up to Christmas. Debate has also been ignited over whether vaccines alone are enough to tame Covid.Europe has again found itself at the centre of the pandemic, prompting some countries including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to reintroduce restrictions in the run-up to Christmas. Debate has also been ignited over whether vaccines alone are enough to tame Covid.
“Those countries locking down the non-vaccinated are those which have not put in place the [health] pass. Therefore this step is not necessary in France,” Macron told La Voix du Nord newspaper in an interview published on Thursday.“Those countries locking down the non-vaccinated are those which have not put in place the [health] pass. Therefore this step is not necessary in France,” Macron told La Voix du Nord newspaper in an interview published on Thursday.
In France, proof of vaccination or a recent negative test is required for entry into restaurants, cafes and cinemas and for other activities such as taking long-distance trains.In France, proof of vaccination or a recent negative test is required for entry into restaurants, cafes and cinemas and for other activities such as taking long-distance trains.
The first known patient to become ill with Covid-19 was a vendor in a Wuhan animal market, a scientist has claimed in a report published on Thursday.The first known patient to become ill with Covid-19 was a vendor in a Wuhan animal market, a scientist has claimed in a report published on Thursday.
Dr Michael Worobey, a leading expert in tracing the evolution of viruses at the University of Arizona, believes the World Health Organization inquiry was incorrect in its early chronology of the pandemic.Dr Michael Worobey, a leading expert in tracing the evolution of viruses at the University of Arizona, believes the World Health Organization inquiry was incorrect in its early chronology of the pandemic.
Worobey came upon timeline discrepancies by combing through what had already been made public in medical journals, as well as video interviews in a Chinese news outlet with people believed to have the first two documented infections, the New York Times was first to report.Worobey came upon timeline discrepancies by combing through what had already been made public in medical journals, as well as video interviews in a Chinese news outlet with people believed to have the first two documented infections, the New York Times was first to report.
He argues that the vendor’s ties to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, as well as a new analysis of the earliest hospitalised patients’ connections to the market, strongly suggest that the pandemic began there and not with an accountant who lived many miles away.He argues that the vendor’s ties to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, as well as a new analysis of the earliest hospitalised patients’ connections to the market, strongly suggest that the pandemic began there and not with an accountant who lived many miles away.
The report has been published in the prestigious journal Science.The report has been published in the prestigious journal Science.
Hi. I’m Samantha Lock and welcome back to our Covid blog where I’ll be giving you a rundown of all the latest developments from across the world.Hi. I’m Samantha Lock and welcome back to our Covid blog where I’ll be giving you a rundown of all the latest developments from across the world.
New research published on Thursday hopes to shed more light on the topic of Covid’s origins and indicates the first case of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, was actually days later than previously believed and at an animal market.New research published on Thursday hopes to shed more light on the topic of Covid’s origins and indicates the first case of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, was actually days later than previously believed and at an animal market.
The original patient is believed to have been a woman who worked in the market, according to virologist Michael Worobey.The original patient is believed to have been a woman who worked in the market, according to virologist Michael Worobey.
As Europe once again finds itself back at the epicentre of the pandemic, some countries have introduced restrictions on those who are on unvaccinated in the run-up to Christmas.As Europe once again finds itself back at the epicentre of the pandemic, some countries have introduced restrictions on those who are on unvaccinated in the run-up to Christmas.
However, France has said it will not be following suit because of the success of its health pass in curbing the virus’ spread.However, France has said it will not be following suit because of the success of its health pass in curbing the virus’ spread.
“Those countries locking down the non-vaccinated are those which have not put in place the (health) pass. Therefore this step is not necessary in France,” president Emmanuel Macron told a local paper on Thursday.“Those countries locking down the non-vaccinated are those which have not put in place the (health) pass. Therefore this step is not necessary in France,” president Emmanuel Macron told a local paper on Thursday.
Covid origins: The first known Covid case originated was a vendor at a Wuhan wet market, a leading virus expert has claimed in a report published on Thursday.Covid origins: The first known Covid case originated was a vendor at a Wuhan wet market, a leading virus expert has claimed in a report published on Thursday.
Germany will limit large parts of public life in areas where hospitals are becoming dangerously full of coronavirus patients to those who have either been vaccinated or have recovered from the illness, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.Germany will limit large parts of public life in areas where hospitals are becoming dangerously full of coronavirus patients to those who have either been vaccinated or have recovered from the illness, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.
Saxony, the German region hit hardest by the country’s fourth wave of coronavirus, is considering a partial lockdown.Saxony, the German region hit hardest by the country’s fourth wave of coronavirus, is considering a partial lockdown.
Austria may impose a full Covid lockdown as infections are still rising despite the lockdown for the unvaccinated.Austria may impose a full Covid lockdown as infections are still rising despite the lockdown for the unvaccinated.
Greece expands restrictions for the unvaccinated, prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned during a televised address urging citizens to get vaccinated against Covid-19.Greece expands restrictions for the unvaccinated, prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned during a televised address urging citizens to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The UK reported another 46,807 Covid cases and a further 199 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.The UK reported another 46,807 Covid cases and a further 199 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
Hungary will make a booster shot mandatory for all healthcare workers and will require protective mask wearing in most enclosed places from Saturday, Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff said.Hungary will make a booster shot mandatory for all healthcare workers and will require protective mask wearing in most enclosed places from Saturday, Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff said.
Slovakia will impose stricter measures for people who have not been vaccinated against coronavirus amid a surge in infections and hospital admissions, prime minister Eduard Heger said.Slovakia will impose stricter measures for people who have not been vaccinated against coronavirus amid a surge in infections and hospital admissions, prime minister Eduard Heger said.
Brazil has recorded 12,301 new cases of coronavirus reported in the past 24 hours, and 293 deaths from Covid, the health ministry said on Thursday.Brazil has recorded 12,301 new cases of coronavirus reported in the past 24 hours, and 293 deaths from Covid, the health ministry said on Thursday.
The US state of Florida has banned schools and businesses from requiring vaccination against Covid as Republican governor Ron DeSantis signed the new laws.The US state of Florida has banned schools and businesses from requiring vaccination against Covid as Republican governor Ron DeSantis signed the new laws.
Canada will announce on Friday it is authorising the use of Pfizer’s Covid vaccine in children aged between five and 11, a government source said on Thursday.Canada will announce on Friday it is authorising the use of Pfizer’s Covid vaccine in children aged between five and 11, a government source said on Thursday.
India has approved the export of 20m doses of the Novavax Covid vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India (SII) to Indonesia, according to a government document seen by Reuters and a government source.India has approved the export of 20m doses of the Novavax Covid vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India (SII) to Indonesia, according to a government document seen by Reuters and a government source.
The Philippines has approved a plan to allow entry soon to foreign tourists vaccinated against Covid-19, its tourism ministry said on Friday, following moves by other south-east Asian countries to relax travel curbs.The Philippines has approved a plan to allow entry soon to foreign tourists vaccinated against Covid-19, its tourism ministry said on Friday, following moves by other south-east Asian countries to relax travel curbs.