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Covid live: UK reports 40,004 new cases and 61 new deaths; Brussels protest turns violent Covid live: UK reports 40,004 new cases and 61 new deaths; Brussels protest turns violent
(31 minutes later)
Latest updates: tens of thousands of people march in Belgian capital against Covid measure; UK health secretary says vaccination must be voluntaryLatest updates: tens of thousands of people march in Belgian capital against Covid measure; UK health secretary says vaccination must be voluntary
German politicians are debating making Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for citizens in light of soaring infections and low inoculation rates.
Several members of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc said on Sunday that federal and state governments should introduce compulsory vaccinations soon as other efforts to push up Germany’s low inoculation rate of just 68% have failed.
“We’ve reached a point at which we must clearly say that we need de facto compulsory vaccination and a lockdown for the unvaccinated,” Tilman Kuban, head of the youth wing of Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), wrote in Die Welt newspaper.
Bavarian State Premier Markus Soeder called for a quick decision to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory while Schleswig-Holstein State Premier Daniel Guenther said authorities should at least discuss such a step to increase the pressure on unvaccinated citizens.
Danyal Bayaz, an influential member of the Greens and Finance Minister in the southwestern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg where infection rates are very high, said it would be a mistake at this point of the pandemic to rule out compulsory vaccination.
The Greens are currently in talks with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the libertarian Free Democrats (FDP) to form a three-way coalition government on the federal level, Reuters reports.
The three parties are in the final stages of sealing a coalition agreement which would pave the way for outgoing Finance Minister Olaf Scholz from the SPD to succeed Merkel as chancellor in the first half of December.
Scholz has said he wants a debate about whether to make vaccination compulsory for health care workers and geriatric nurses. FDP members have voiced their objections to such a step as the party puts a bigger emphasis on individual freedom.
Hello I’m Samantha Lock taking over from colleague Jem Bartholomew from over here in Sydney, Australia.Hello I’m Samantha Lock taking over from colleague Jem Bartholomew from over here in Sydney, Australia.
First up, some news out of Austria for you.First up, some news out of Austria for you.
The European nation has clamped down on public life from Monday as its fourth national Covid-19 lockdown began, making it the first western European country to reimpose the measure in the face of surging coronavirus infections.The European nation has clamped down on public life from Monday as its fourth national Covid-19 lockdown began, making it the first western European country to reimpose the measure in the face of surging coronavirus infections.
This lockdown is similar to previous ones but is the first introduced since vaccines became widely available. Most places people gather, like restaurants, cafes, bars, theatres, non-essential shops and hairdressers cannot open their doors for 10 days initially and maybe as many as 20, the government says.This lockdown is similar to previous ones but is the first introduced since vaccines became widely available. Most places people gather, like restaurants, cafes, bars, theatres, non-essential shops and hairdressers cannot open their doors for 10 days initially and maybe as many as 20, the government says.
Christmas markets must also shut but ski lifts can remain open to the vaccinated. Hotels will, however, close to tourists not already staying there when the lockdown began.Christmas markets must also shut but ski lifts can remain open to the vaccinated. Hotels will, however, close to tourists not already staying there when the lockdown began.
“It is a situation where we have to react now,” Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein told ORF TV on Sunday night, Reuters reports.“It is a situation where we have to react now,” Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein told ORF TV on Sunday night, Reuters reports.
“A lockdown, a relatively tough method, a sledgehammer, is the only option to reduce the numbers (of infections) here.”“A lockdown, a relatively tough method, a sledgehammer, is the only option to reduce the numbers (of infections) here.”
The conservative-led government imposed a lockdown on the unvaccinated last week but daily infections kept extending far above the previous peak reached a year ago and intensive care beds are running short.The conservative-led government imposed a lockdown on the unvaccinated last week but daily infections kept extending far above the previous peak reached a year ago and intensive care beds are running short.
On Friday, the government announced it was reimposing a full lockdown as of Monday and would make it compulsory to get vaccinated as of 1 February.On Friday, the government announced it was reimposing a full lockdown as of Monday and would make it compulsory to get vaccinated as of 1 February.
Thought-provoking opinion article here from an anonymous NHS respiratory consultant in the UK.Thought-provoking opinion article here from an anonymous NHS respiratory consultant in the UK.
They discuss how the “selfish” decisions of the unvaccinated are hard to sympathise with, despite a medical professional’s typical instinct to treat patients without judgement.They discuss how the “selfish” decisions of the unvaccinated are hard to sympathise with, despite a medical professional’s typical instinct to treat patients without judgement.
Full story here: “ICU is full of the unvaccinated – my patience with them is wearing thin”Full story here: “ICU is full of the unvaccinated – my patience with them is wearing thin”
The New York Times reports on the toll on US hospital staff from the pandemic and a recent rise in hospitalisations.The New York Times reports on the toll on US hospital staff from the pandemic and a recent rise in hospitalisations.
The state of Michigan has seen Covid cases up 78% over the last two weeks, according to the NYT database, with hospitlisations jumping 46% over the same period – the second-worst percentage rise in the country behind New Hampshire.The state of Michigan has seen Covid cases up 78% over the last two weeks, according to the NYT database, with hospitlisations jumping 46% over the same period – the second-worst percentage rise in the country behind New Hampshire.
The surge in hospitalisations are exerting further strain on an already-creaking medical system – with staff morale taking a pummelling by the new wave.The surge in hospitalisations are exerting further strain on an already-creaking medical system – with staff morale taking a pummelling by the new wave.
NYT reporter Vimal Patel has the full story here.NYT reporter Vimal Patel has the full story here.
The US Marine Corps has the worst vaccination record among US military branches, Reuters reports, with thousands of active-duty staff set to miss a 28 November deadline for personnel to be fully vaccinated.The US Marine Corps has the worst vaccination record among US military branches, Reuters reports, with thousands of active-duty staff set to miss a 28 November deadline for personnel to be fully vaccinated.
The Marine Corps recorded 91% of active personnel fully vaccinated and 94% part-vaccinated by Wednesday, it said in a statement on Sunday.The Marine Corps recorded 91% of active personnel fully vaccinated and 94% part-vaccinated by Wednesday, it said in a statement on Sunday.
That trails behind the US Navy (96.7% fully-jabbed), the Air Force (96.4%) and the Army (93%).That trails behind the US Navy (96.7% fully-jabbed), the Air Force (96.4%) and the Army (93%).
Reuters has the details:Reuters has the details:
Brazil registered 5,126 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, down from 14,642 new infections last Saturday.Brazil registered 5,126 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, down from 14,642 new infections last Saturday.
The country reported a further 72 Covid-related deaths on Sunday, Reuters reports. The seven-day average for Covid deaths is now 197.The country reported a further 72 Covid-related deaths on Sunday, Reuters reports. The seven-day average for Covid deaths is now 197.
Brazil has the second-highest Covid deaths in the world, behind the US, with coronavirus-related deaths over 600,000. Daily deaths peaked in April this year – when they reached heights of 3,000 people dying a day – before falling gradually over summer and autumn.Brazil has the second-highest Covid deaths in the world, behind the US, with coronavirus-related deaths over 600,000. Daily deaths peaked in April this year – when they reached heights of 3,000 people dying a day – before falling gradually over summer and autumn.
After the World Health Organisation said it is “very worried” about a fresh wave of European infections, here’s the data visualised across continent.After the World Health Organisation said it is “very worried” about a fresh wave of European infections, here’s the data visualised across continent.
WHO regional director Dr Hans Kluge warned that 500,000 more deaths could be recorded by March unless urgent action is taken.WHO regional director Dr Hans Kluge warned that 500,000 more deaths could be recorded by March unless urgent action is taken.
Anthony Fauci, the US federal government’s chief medical adviser, warned on Sunday that time is running out to prevent a “dangerous” new surge in cases from overwhelming the upcoming holiday season.Anthony Fauci, the US federal government’s chief medical adviser, warned on Sunday that time is running out to prevent a “dangerous” new surge in cases from overwhelming the upcoming holiday season.
The US is reporting a jump in Covid cases for the first time in weeks and there are fears Thanksgiving on 25 November will turbocharge infections, as families travel across the nation to celebrate together.The US is reporting a jump in Covid cases for the first time in weeks and there are fears Thanksgiving on 25 November will turbocharge infections, as families travel across the nation to celebrate together.
The daily average of new cases has risen 29% in the last 14 days, according to analysis by the New York Times.The daily average of new cases has risen 29% in the last 14 days, according to analysis by the New York Times.
Fauci urged unvaccinated Americans to go get jabbed on CNN:Fauci urged unvaccinated Americans to go get jabbed on CNN:
Read the full report here from my colleague Richard Luscombe in Miami, Florida.Read the full report here from my colleague Richard Luscombe in Miami, Florida.
Bulgaria reported 1,455 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, showing signs the country’s epidemic is decreasing after new daily infections peaked at 6,816 on 26 October. Bulgaria saw a spike in cases amid late-October and early-November.Bulgaria reported 1,455 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, showing signs the country’s epidemic is decreasing after new daily infections peaked at 6,816 on 26 October. Bulgaria saw a spike in cases amid late-October and early-November.
A further 56 people died from Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours, local media reported, taking the seven-day average to 137 deaths a day. (Reported figures tend to be lower at weekends.)A further 56 people died from Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours, local media reported, taking the seven-day average to 137 deaths a day. (Reported figures tend to be lower at weekends.)
England’s flagship test-and-trace service is still spending more than £1m a day on private consultants, official figures reveal weeks after UK MPs lambasted it as an “eye-watering” waste of taxpayers’ money that is failing to cut Covid infection levels.England’s flagship test-and-trace service is still spending more than £1m a day on private consultants, official figures reveal weeks after UK MPs lambasted it as an “eye-watering” waste of taxpayers’ money that is failing to cut Covid infection levels.
My colleague Andrew Gregory has the full report here.My colleague Andrew Gregory has the full report here.
France reported 19,749 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, a 58% jump from 12,496 a week ago.France reported 19,749 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, a 58% jump from 12,496 a week ago.
A further 15 people died from Covid-related causes in French hospitals on Sunday. The seven-day average is now 44 coronavirus-related deaths a day.A further 15 people died from Covid-related causes in French hospitals on Sunday. The seven-day average is now 44 coronavirus-related deaths a day.
There are 1,339 people in intenstive care with Covid in French hospitals, up 6 in the past 24 hours.There are 1,339 people in intenstive care with Covid in French hospitals, up 6 in the past 24 hours.
Government spokesman Gabrial Attal told media “the fifth wave is starting at lightning speed.” For the wider context on France and its battle with a surging wave of infections see our earlier post here (11:49am GMT).Government spokesman Gabrial Attal told media “the fifth wave is starting at lightning speed.” For the wider context on France and its battle with a surging wave of infections see our earlier post here (11:49am GMT).
Poland reported 18,883 fresh coronavirus infections on Sunday, according to local media Polskie Radio, up 31% from 14,448 a week ago.Poland reported 18,883 fresh coronavirus infections on Sunday, according to local media Polskie Radio, up 31% from 14,448 a week ago.
A further 41 deaths were recorded, down from the 382 deaths yesterday – which gave Poland the world’s second-highest death toll on Saturday behind Russia, according to AFP. (Weekends often mean lower reporting numbers.)A further 41 deaths were recorded, down from the 382 deaths yesterday – which gave Poland the world’s second-highest death toll on Saturday behind Russia, according to AFP. (Weekends often mean lower reporting numbers.)
The country has maintained an upwards trajectory of cases since the start of October; the WHO has warned of a worrying acceleration in European Covid infections.The country has maintained an upwards trajectory of cases since the start of October; the WHO has warned of a worrying acceleration in European Covid infections.
The New York Times has published some really interesting reporting on a new part of all our lives – the nasal swab test.The New York Times has published some really interesting reporting on a new part of all our lives – the nasal swab test.
Out of the various nasal swab test methods, the article reports, the nasopharyngeal swab is the gold standard – with an accuracy of 98%, compared to 82-88% for shallower swabs. Here’s how the anatomy works:Out of the various nasal swab test methods, the article reports, the nasopharyngeal swab is the gold standard – with an accuracy of 98%, compared to 82-88% for shallower swabs. Here’s how the anatomy works:
Read the full story here from NYT reporters Livia Albeck-Ripka and John Yoon.Read the full story here from NYT reporters Livia Albeck-Ripka and John Yoon.
Italy reported 9,709 new Covid infections on Sunday, up from 7,565 new cases a week ago.Italy reported 9,709 new Covid infections on Sunday, up from 7,565 new cases a week ago.
The health ministry also said 46 people died from coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the seven-day average to 57 deaths a day – up from 42 two weeks ago.The health ministry also said 46 people died from coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the seven-day average to 57 deaths a day – up from 42 two weeks ago.
While Italy has not reported case rates per 100,000 as high as Germany, Austria the UK or Netherlands recently, the World Health Organisation said yesterday it is “very worried” about the surge of Covid across Europe as the continent battles a fresh wave of infections.While Italy has not reported case rates per 100,000 as high as Germany, Austria the UK or Netherlands recently, the World Health Organisation said yesterday it is “very worried” about the surge of Covid across Europe as the continent battles a fresh wave of infections.
Italy faced protests in Rome this weekend – at the ancient Circus Maximus chariot-racing ground – against the coutnry’s “green pass” certificates (vaccination, negative test or virus antibodies) required at workplaces, venues and on public transport, which the government has banked on to suppress the virus.Italy faced protests in Rome this weekend – at the ancient Circus Maximus chariot-racing ground – against the coutnry’s “green pass” certificates (vaccination, negative test or virus antibodies) required at workplaces, venues and on public transport, which the government has banked on to suppress the virus.
The US vaccine drive has kicked up a gear in recent weeks, reports the New York Times.The US vaccine drive has kicked up a gear in recent weeks, reports the New York Times.
The US is now administering about 1.5 million vaccine doses a day, compared with 1.3 million two weeks ago, according to the Times’s Covid tracker, which draws on data form the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Census Bureau.The US is now administering about 1.5 million vaccine doses a day, compared with 1.3 million two weeks ago, according to the Times’s Covid tracker, which draws on data form the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Census Bureau.
Booster and third doses are powering the uptick.Booster and third doses are powering the uptick.
Across the country, 82% of people aged 18 and over are jabbed with at least one dose, while 71% are fully vaccinated.Across the country, 82% of people aged 18 and over are jabbed with at least one dose, while 71% are fully vaccinated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been revaccinated against Covid, Russian news agencies reported Sunday.Russian President Vladimir Putin has been revaccinated against Covid, Russian news agencies reported Sunday.
“Today, on your recommendation and that of your colleagues, I got another vaccination, Sputnik Light. This is called revaccination,” Putin said at a meeting with the deputy director of the Gamaleya Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology.“Today, on your recommendation and that of your colleagues, I got another vaccination, Sputnik Light. This is called revaccination,” Putin said at a meeting with the deputy director of the Gamaleya Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
The Russian president said in June he’d been inolculated with the Sputnik V vaccine.The Russian president said in June he’d been inolculated with the Sputnik V vaccine.
Here’s that UK Covid case data visualised. As you can see, new daily infections have been above 30,000 for the last few months. Today’s figure jumped above 40,000 again, as on Thursday and Friday.Here’s that UK Covid case data visualised. As you can see, new daily infections have been above 30,000 for the last few months. Today’s figure jumped above 40,000 again, as on Thursday and Friday.
The UK has reported another 40,004 cases, which is 937 fewer than Saturday’s figure, but 3,487 more than last Sunday’s figure.The UK has reported another 40,004 cases, which is 937 fewer than Saturday’s figure, but 3,487 more than last Sunday’s figure.
A further 61 deaths were also recorded.A further 61 deaths were also recorded.
Here’s a summary of the main developments today:Here’s a summary of the main developments today:
Riot police in Brussels clashed with people protesting on Sunday at new Covid restrictions in Belgium. Police fired water cannon and tear gas in response to a group of participants throwing projectiles. At least 35,000 took part in the demonstration against a ban on unvaccinated people from restaurants and other venues.Riot police in Brussels clashed with people protesting on Sunday at new Covid restrictions in Belgium. Police fired water cannon and tear gas in response to a group of participants throwing projectiles. At least 35,000 took part in the demonstration against a ban on unvaccinated people from restaurants and other venues.
Five police officers were injured and at least 40 people were arrested in anti-lockdown protests in the Netherlands on Saturday. The worst violence occurred in the Hague on Saturday night following what the mayor of Rotterdam described as a “orgy of violence” in the country’s second city on Friday night.Five police officers were injured and at least 40 people were arrested in anti-lockdown protests in the Netherlands on Saturday. The worst violence occurred in the Hague on Saturday night following what the mayor of Rotterdam described as a “orgy of violence” in the country’s second city on Friday night.
The French government has warned that Covid is spreading at “lighting speed”. The seven-day average of new cases in France reached 17,153 on Saturday, an increase of 81%.The French government has warned that Covid is spreading at “lighting speed”. The seven-day average of new cases in France reached 17,153 on Saturday, an increase of 81%.
The health secretary Sajid Javid has warned that racial bias in medical devices, such as oximeters, may have caused unnecessary deaths from Covid. The issue will be investigated as part of a review Javid ordered into systemic racism and bias in medical devices, procedures and textbooks.The health secretary Sajid Javid has warned that racial bias in medical devices, such as oximeters, may have caused unnecessary deaths from Covid. The issue will be investigated as part of a review Javid ordered into systemic racism and bias in medical devices, procedures and textbooks.
Javid has ruled out introducing mandatory Covid vaccination in the UK, as the government in Austria has imposed. He told the BBC: “We are fortunate in this country, although we have vaccine hesitancy, it’s a lot lower than other countries in Europe. It should be a positive choice”. Javid also said booster jabs could be extended to all adults.Javid has ruled out introducing mandatory Covid vaccination in the UK, as the government in Austria has imposed. He told the BBC: “We are fortunate in this country, although we have vaccine hesitancy, it’s a lot lower than other countries in Europe. It should be a positive choice”. Javid also said booster jabs could be extended to all adults.
Bayern Munich have fined and quarantined five players including the German international midfielder Joshua Kimmich. Bayern bosses summoned Kimmich and four other unvaccinated teammates to inform them of a pay cut when they are in isolation because they have not taken the jab.Bayern Munich have fined and quarantined five players including the German international midfielder Joshua Kimmich. Bayern bosses summoned Kimmich and four other unvaccinated teammates to inform them of a pay cut when they are in isolation because they have not taken the jab.
From Monday, people aged 40-49 in England will be able to book a Covid jab, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed. Sixteen and 17-year-olds will also be able to book in for their second jab.From Monday, people aged 40-49 in England will be able to book a Covid jab, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed. Sixteen and 17-year-olds will also be able to book in for their second jab.
Russia has reported a 1,252 deaths from Covid - following a record 1,254 deaths on Saturday. Russia also reported 36,970 new cases compared to 37,120 on Saturday.Russia has reported a 1,252 deaths from Covid - following a record 1,254 deaths on Saturday. Russia also reported 36,970 new cases compared to 37,120 on Saturday.