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Covid live: five police injured in Dutch riots; UK rules out mandatory jabs as over-40s told to book boosters Covid live: five police injured in Dutch riots; UK rules out mandatory jabs as over-40s told to book boosters
(about 1 hour later)
Latest updates: 28 people detained in second night of anti-lockdown rioting; UK health secretary says vaccination must be voluntary as booking opens for adults over 40Latest updates: 28 people detained in second night of anti-lockdown rioting; UK health secretary says vaccination must be voluntary as booking opens for adults over 40
South Korea has reported more 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the fifth day in row amid doubts about the wisdom of lifting restrictions, Yonhap news agency reports.
It also announced 30 more deaths from Covid, bringing the death toll to 3,274
Yonhap says:
Booster jabs could be extended to all adults, the health secretary has suggested, as he urged 40-49-year-olds to come forward for their third dose of Covid vaccine from Monday.
The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has been asked to keep under review the timings and options for “revaccination” of adults.
It has already recommended that over-50s be given a third dose, and from Monday they will be joined by 40-49-year-olds, but Sajid Javid said he was awaiting advice on whether younger adults should also be included.
“If it makes sense to go further, we will. The latest data shows that the boosters are immensely effective,” he told BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, stressing he would follow JCVI advice.
Read the full story here:
Scientists are hopeful that the booster jabs rollout and immunity from the summertime spread of the more transmissible Delta coronavirus variant should help the UK escape the surge in infections seen in parts of Europe, PA reports.
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, one of those behind the creation of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, said it is “unlikely” the UK will see a rise similar to parts of Europe.
He told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show: “We’ve actually had some spread (of the virus) going on since the summer, and so I think it’s unlikely that we’re going to see the very sharp rise in the next few months that’s just been seen. We’re already ahead of that with this particular virus, the Delta variant.”
Professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, Linda Bauld, said while the picture remains “uncertain”, there are a number of factors which could help the UK avoid the situation seen in other countries.
She told Sky’s Trevor Phillips On Sunday programme: “We dealt with our Delta wave in the summer and early autumn. We’re still in it of course but not those big rises.
“And then the other features are around, unfortunately, because we’ve had high infections in the past, we’ve probably a bit more natural immunity in the population - as in immunity post-infection, particularly for younger groups who’ve not been eligible for vaccines.”
The vaccine rollouts are also slightly different in that the dosing gap between first and second doses in many of the European countries was smaller than in the UK, she said.
“So they’re certainly seeing waning now and they’ve also got, in some parts of the population, some pockets of hesitancy, which are causing real concern, so we may not be the same, but you know, it’s very uncertain.”
But she added there is an element of “grave concern actually in trying to determine whether there are differences in the situation in Europe, or whether it’s just a matter of time until this faces us here”.
Sir Andrew said reaching the point where the virus no longer spreads is “not going to be a thing”, saying the Covid-19 will be around “for decades”, but he added that vaccines are successfully slowing it down.
He said coronavirus remains “a major global public health problem”, but that in the UK “the balance is shifting because of the vaccine programme that has been in place”.
Sir Andrew said that, taking into account last year as to how the pandemic could unfold, vaccines might have prevented about 300,000 deaths in the UK.
There is already “quite a lot of immunity building” in younger age groups, he said, when asked about reports of plans to jab five-year-olds, while Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the current focus is the booster rollout and second jabs for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Professor Bauld said taking up booster offers and continuing to demonstrate cautious behaviour will help avoid winter being a “disaster” and a repeat of last Christmas.
Fifth-wave coronavirus infections in France are rising at an alarming rate, the government reported Sunday, with new daily Covid cases close to doubling over the past week, AFP reports.Fifth-wave coronavirus infections in France are rising at an alarming rate, the government reported Sunday, with new daily Covid cases close to doubling over the past week, AFP reports.
The seven-day average of new cases reached 17,153 on Saturday, up from 9,458 a week earlier, according to the health authorities, an increase of 81%.The seven-day average of new cases reached 17,153 on Saturday, up from 9,458 a week earlier, according to the health authorities, an increase of 81%.
“The fifth wave is starting at lightning speed,” government spokesman Gabrial Attal told media.“The fifth wave is starting at lightning speed,” government spokesman Gabrial Attal told media.
The latest seven-day increase is three times the average rise of cases recorded over the previous three weeks, indicating an exponential acceleration of infections.The latest seven-day increase is three times the average rise of cases recorded over the previous three weeks, indicating an exponential acceleration of infections.
For now the spike in infections has not led to a massive influx of Covid patients into hospitals, with the authorities attributing the limited number of intensive care patients to France’s high rate of vaccinations which appear highly effective against the most dangerous forms of Covid.For now the spike in infections has not led to a massive influx of Covid patients into hospitals, with the authorities attributing the limited number of intensive care patients to France’s high rate of vaccinations which appear highly effective against the most dangerous forms of Covid.
On Saturday, hospitals reported a total of 7,974 Covid patients in their care, with 1,333 of them in intensive treatment.On Saturday, hospitals reported a total of 7,974 Covid patients in their care, with 1,333 of them in intensive treatment.
This compares to 6,500 and 1,000, respectively, a month earlier.This compares to 6,500 and 1,000, respectively, a month earlier.
“There is a very strong increase in infections, but we also know that in France we have a very large vaccination cover,” he said. “We seem to be ahead of our neighbours concerning booster shots.”“There is a very strong increase in infections, but we also know that in France we have a very large vaccination cover,” he said. “We seem to be ahead of our neighbours concerning booster shots.”
France’s introduction of a health pass ahead of other countries in the summer was also helping to keep Covid in check, he said.France’s introduction of a health pass ahead of other countries in the summer was also helping to keep Covid in check, he said.
The health pass, required in French restaurants, cafes and many cultural venues, certifies that a person is fully vaccinated, has recently recovered from Covid, or has tested negative for the virus.The health pass, required in French restaurants, cafes and many cultural venues, certifies that a person is fully vaccinated, has recently recovered from Covid, or has tested negative for the virus.
The government continues to stand by its choice to “bring the weight of restrictions to bear on non-vaccinated people rather than vaccinated people”, Attal said.The government continues to stand by its choice to “bring the weight of restrictions to bear on non-vaccinated people rather than vaccinated people”, Attal said.
The pandemic has made it more difficult to send failed asylum seekers back to the countries from which they came, Sajid Javid has said, PA reports.The pandemic has made it more difficult to send failed asylum seekers back to the countries from which they came, Sajid Javid has said, PA reports.
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said on Sunday that at the current rate, more migrants will be travelling to Britain via the English Channel that there are voters in the Home Secretary’s constituency if the Government doesn’t act.Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said on Sunday that at the current rate, more migrants will be travelling to Britain via the English Channel that there are voters in the Home Secretary’s constituency if the Government doesn’t act.
And hundreds more people, including very young children, have made the dangerous Channel crossing to the UK over the weekend.And hundreds more people, including very young children, have made the dangerous Channel crossing to the UK over the weekend.
The health secretary Sajid Javid defended efforts and said Covid had made things more difficult.The health secretary Sajid Javid defended efforts and said Covid had made things more difficult.
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme:He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme:
Some Pacific countries will have less than a quarter of adults vaccinated by the end of the year, with predictions that Papua New Guinea will take five years to vaccinate just one-third of its population, undermining economic recovery and threatening huge loss of life across the region.Some Pacific countries will have less than a quarter of adults vaccinated by the end of the year, with predictions that Papua New Guinea will take five years to vaccinate just one-third of its population, undermining economic recovery and threatening huge loss of life across the region.
The predictions come from modelling released on Sunday by the Lowy Institute, which takes into account factors including access to vaccines, numbers of healthcare workers, urbanisation, topography and vaccine hesitancy to estimate when Pacific countries will hit key vaccine milestones.The predictions come from modelling released on Sunday by the Lowy Institute, which takes into account factors including access to vaccines, numbers of healthcare workers, urbanisation, topography and vaccine hesitancy to estimate when Pacific countries will hit key vaccine milestones.
The modelling reveals a divided region. Papua New Guinea, which is in the midst of a devastating Delta outbreak, currently has around 3% of its adult population vaccinated.The modelling reveals a divided region. Papua New Guinea, which is in the midst of a devastating Delta outbreak, currently has around 3% of its adult population vaccinated.
Solomon Islands is predicted to have just 23% of its adult population vaccinated by the end of the year, with Vanuatu predicted to have just 29% of adults fully vaccinated.Solomon Islands is predicted to have just 23% of its adult population vaccinated by the end of the year, with Vanuatu predicted to have just 29% of adults fully vaccinated.
See the full story here:See the full story here:
Here’s a summary of the main developments so far today:Here’s a summary of the main developments so far today:
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 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”.
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.
Bayern Munich have finned unvaccinated 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 finned unvaccinated 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.
Booster jabs will now show up on the NHS Covid pass, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed.Booster jabs will now show up on the NHS Covid pass, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed.
The number of arrests of anti-lockdown protesters in the Netherlands on Saturday has reached at least 40, according to Reuters.The number of arrests of anti-lockdown protesters in the Netherlands on Saturday has reached at least 40, according to Reuters.
Another 13 arrests were reported by police in two towns in the southern province of Limburg, while disturbances were also reported in the northern province of Flevoland.Another 13 arrests were reported by police in two towns in the southern province of Limburg, while disturbances were also reported in the northern province of Flevoland.
Eight people were detained in the town of Urk, where a testing station was torched earlier this year.Eight people were detained in the town of Urk, where a testing station was torched earlier this year.
Dutch police have arrested more than 30 people during anti-lockdown unrest in The Hague and other towns in the Netherlands that followed an “ orgy of violence” the previous night, AP reports.Dutch police have arrested more than 30 people during anti-lockdown unrest in The Hague and other towns in the Netherlands that followed an “ orgy of violence” the previous night, AP reports.
The violence by groups of youths in The Hague and elsewhere Saturday night wasn’t as serious as Friday night in Rotterdam, where police opened fire on rampaging rioters and arrested 51 people.The violence by groups of youths in The Hague and elsewhere Saturday night wasn’t as serious as Friday night in Rotterdam, where police opened fire on rampaging rioters and arrested 51 people.
Police said Sunday that they arrested 19 people in The Hague and used a water cannon to extinguish a fire on a street.Police said Sunday that they arrested 19 people in The Hague and used a water cannon to extinguish a fire on a street.
Two football matches in the country’s top professional league were briefly halted when fans — banned from matches under a partial lockdown in force in the Netherlands for a week — broke into stadiums in the towns of Alkmaar and Almelo.Two football matches in the country’s top professional league were briefly halted when fans — banned from matches under a partial lockdown in force in the Netherlands for a week — broke into stadiums in the towns of Alkmaar and Almelo.
In The Hague, police said five officers were injured as they tried to break up unrest by a group of youths who set at least two fires on streets and threw fireworks. Police said in a tweet that one rioter threw a rock at an ambulance carrying a patient to a hospital.In The Hague, police said five officers were injured as they tried to break up unrest by a group of youths who set at least two fires on streets and threw fireworks. Police said in a tweet that one rioter threw a rock at an ambulance carrying a patient to a hospital.
In the southern towns of Roermond and Stein, police said they arrested a total of 13 people for setting fires and throwing fireworks, and in the fishing village of Urk police arrested eight people for public order offenses, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.In the southern towns of Roermond and Stein, police said they arrested a total of 13 people for setting fires and throwing fireworks, and in the fishing village of Urk police arrested eight people for public order offenses, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.
Officers in Rotterdam arrested 51 people, about half of them minor, police said Saturday afternoon. One police officer was hospitalized with a leg injury sustained in the rioting, another was treated by ambulance staff and “countless” others suffered minor injuries.Officers in Rotterdam arrested 51 people, about half of them minor, police said Saturday afternoon. One police officer was hospitalized with a leg injury sustained in the rioting, another was treated by ambulance staff and “countless” others suffered minor injuries.
Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb called the rioting in his city an “orgy of violence” and said that “on a number of occasions the police felt it necessary to draw their weapons to defend themselves.”Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb called the rioting in his city an “orgy of violence” and said that “on a number of occasions the police felt it necessary to draw their weapons to defend themselves.”
Coronavirus vaccines might have prevented around 300,000 deaths in the UK, a scientist who helped create the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab has said.Coronavirus vaccines might have prevented around 300,000 deaths in the UK, a scientist who helped create the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab has said.
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard told the BBC’s Andrew Marr:Professor Sir Andrew Pollard told the BBC’s Andrew Marr:
Pollard also called for more vaccine for lower income countries.Pollard also called for more vaccine for lower income countries.
He said:He said:
And Pollard reckons it is “unlikely: the UK will see a sharp rise in Covid cases in the UK over the next few months.And Pollard reckons it is “unlikely: the UK will see a sharp rise in Covid cases in the UK over the next few months.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have finned unvaccinated players including the Germany-capped midfielder Joshua Kimmich, AFP reports citing Bild am Sonntag.Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have finned unvaccinated players including the Germany-capped midfielder Joshua Kimmich, AFP reports citing Bild am Sonntag.
Kimmich was sent into a second round of isolation on Friday because of a new coronavirus exposure. He had just been released on Tuesday from quarantine arising from contact with team-mate Niklas Suele who tested positive last week.Kimmich was sent into a second round of isolation on Friday because of a new coronavirus exposure. He had just been released on Tuesday from quarantine arising from contact with team-mate Niklas Suele who tested positive last week.
Kimmich, 26, has sparked a debate in Germany since revealing he opted not to be vaccinated due to “personal concerns”.Kimmich, 26, has sparked a debate in Germany since revealing he opted not to be vaccinated due to “personal concerns”.
Bayern bosses reportedly summoned him and four other unvaccinated teammates on Thursday to inform them of the pay cut when they are in isolation because they have not taken the jab, Bild said, quoting unnamed sources from the team.Bayern bosses reportedly summoned him and four other unvaccinated teammates on Thursday to inform them of the pay cut when they are in isolation because they have not taken the jab, Bild said, quoting unnamed sources from the team.
Under new rules taking effect from 1 November, employees who miss work because of a quarantine are no longer entitled to receive compensation if they are unvaccinated.Under new rules taking effect from 1 November, employees who miss work because of a quarantine are no longer entitled to receive compensation if they are unvaccinated.
Besides Kimmich, his teammates Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Michael Cuisance are also unvaccinated, Bild said.Besides Kimmich, his teammates Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Michael Cuisance are also unvaccinated, Bild said.
For Kimmich, whose annual pay reaches €20m, a week’s quarantine means earning losses of about €384,000.For Kimmich, whose annual pay reaches €20m, a week’s quarantine means earning losses of about €384,000.
Javid also told Marr that racial bias in oximeters may have caused unnecessary deaths from Covid.Javid also told Marr that racial bias in oximeters may have caused unnecessary deaths from Covid.
He said:He said:
Marr asked whether people have died of such inaccurate readings.Marr asked whether people have died of such inaccurate readings.
Javid said: “I think possibly Yes. I don’t have the full facts.”Javid said: “I think possibly Yes. I don’t have the full facts.”
He added:He added:
There’s more here about the review:There’s more here about the review:
The health secretary Sajid Javid says he would never accept mandatory Covid vaccination in the UK.The health secretary Sajid Javid says he would never accept mandatory Covid vaccination in the UK.
Asked on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show whether the UK would follow Austria’s example of making jabs compulsory, Javid said no.Asked on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show whether the UK would follow Austria’s example of making jabs compulsory, Javid said no.
He added: “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”.He added: “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’s comments came as over-40s were told they could book their booster jab from Monday. Children aged 16 and 17 can also book their second vaccine dose.Javid’s comments came as over-40s were told they could book their booster jab from Monday. Children aged 16 and 17 can also book their second vaccine dose.