This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2021/dec/07/covid-news-live-omicron-likely-to-become-dominant-variant-harvard-researcher-says-france-to-close-nightclubs

The article has changed 43 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 22 Version 23
Covid live: Early signs Omicron more transmissible than Delta, UK PM says; Spain clears jabs for 5- to 11-year-olds Covid live: Early signs Omicron more transmissible than Delta, UK PM says; Spain clears jabs for 5- to 11-year-olds
(32 minutes later)
Early indications Omicron more transmissible than Delta, says Boris Johnson; Spain approves vaccination against Covid of children aged 5 to 11Early indications Omicron more transmissible than Delta, says Boris Johnson; Spain approves vaccination against Covid of children aged 5 to 11
Modern society has largely exiled death to the outskirts of existence, but Covid-19 has forced us all to confront it. Our relationship to the planet, each other and time itself can never be the same again.
Here is the long read from Jacqueline Rose: Life after death: how the pandemic has transformed our psychic landscape
Poland will introduce compulsory Covid vaccinations for doctors, teachers and security service personnel from 1 March, the health minister said on Tuesday, as he announced a raft of new measures designed to curb the spread of the virus.Poland will introduce compulsory Covid vaccinations for doctors, teachers and security service personnel from 1 March, the health minister said on Tuesday, as he announced a raft of new measures designed to curb the spread of the virus.
While the number of daily coronavirus cases in the European Union’s largest eastern member has stabilised, it remains at a high level and authorities fear that the new Omicron variant could trigger a rise in infections.While the number of daily coronavirus cases in the European Union’s largest eastern member has stabilised, it remains at a high level and authorities fear that the new Omicron variant could trigger a rise in infections.
“There are no signals of a clear downward trend, and... there is a risk that the Omicron mutation will appear,” Adam Niedzielski told a news conference. “These two factors require us to take decisive action.”“There are no signals of a clear downward trend, and... there is a risk that the Omicron mutation will appear,” Adam Niedzielski told a news conference. “These two factors require us to take decisive action.”
Poland has not reported any cases of the Omicron variant yet.Poland has not reported any cases of the Omicron variant yet.
Niedzielski said the limit on the number of people allowed in public spaces such as restaurants and cinemas would be lowered to 30%, not including vaccinated people, from the current 50%.Niedzielski said the limit on the number of people allowed in public spaces such as restaurants and cinemas would be lowered to 30%, not including vaccinated people, from the current 50%.
Businesses will also be required to check customers’ Covid certificates.Businesses will also be required to check customers’ Covid certificates.
Nightclubs will be closed from 15 December and on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day only 100 people will be allowed to enter, not counting those who have been vaccinated.Nightclubs will be closed from 15 December and on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day only 100 people will be allowed to enter, not counting those who have been vaccinated.
Additionally, travellers from outside the European Union’s Schengen passport-free zone will need to show a negative test result from 15 December and schools will return to distance learning for periods just before and after the Christmas holiday.Additionally, travellers from outside the European Union’s Schengen passport-free zone will need to show a negative test result from 15 December and schools will return to distance learning for periods just before and after the Christmas holiday.
Niedzielski said that the government was also working on a draft law that would allow employers to check workers’ Covid test results.Niedzielski said that the government was also working on a draft law that would allow employers to check workers’ Covid test results.
The country of around 38 million has so far reported 3,704,040 cases of the coronavirus and 86,205 deaths.The country of around 38 million has so far reported 3,704,040 cases of the coronavirus and 86,205 deaths.
Switzerland will deploy up to 2,500 military personnel to help regional authorities cope with the coronavirus pandemic, the government said, again tapping the armed forces to support the health care system as Covid cases rise.Switzerland will deploy up to 2,500 military personnel to help regional authorities cope with the coronavirus pandemic, the government said, again tapping the armed forces to support the health care system as Covid cases rise.
Switzerland and tiny neighbour Liechtenstein have reported more than 1 million confirmed cases of Covid and nearly 11,300 deaths since the pandemic began.Switzerland and tiny neighbour Liechtenstein have reported more than 1 million confirmed cases of Covid and nearly 11,300 deaths since the pandemic began.
Cases have been on the rise again, straining some hospitals as the Swiss government tries to keep the economy open amid what it calls a “critical” situation.Cases have been on the rise again, straining some hospitals as the Swiss government tries to keep the economy open amid what it calls a “critical” situation.
Last week, it tightened rules on wearing masks and producing a certificate to prove a person is vaccinated or has recovered from the virus.Last week, it tightened rules on wearing masks and producing a certificate to prove a person is vaccinated or has recovered from the virus.
Switzerland, which used the military twice last year to help out, will let cantons request help to care for or transport patients and to support vaccinations if their civil defence, fire department and private-sector resources are inadequate.Switzerland, which used the military twice last year to help out, will let cantons request help to care for or transport patients and to support vaccinations if their civil defence, fire department and private-sector resources are inadequate.
The government said it would will ask parliament to approve the measure, that will run until 31 March.The government said it would will ask parliament to approve the measure, that will run until 31 March.
Nearly 79% of hospital intensive care units are now occupied, of which patients with coronavirus account for just over 30%.Nearly 79% of hospital intensive care units are now occupied, of which patients with coronavirus account for just over 30%.
Only 66% of the Swiss population - or three out of four people aged 12 or older - is fully vaccinated, despite repeated public campaigns to encourage holdouts to get jabbed.Only 66% of the Swiss population - or three out of four people aged 12 or older - is fully vaccinated, despite repeated public campaigns to encourage holdouts to get jabbed.
Tottenham’s plans for a busy period of games have been hurt by a coronavirus outbreak at the club. A number of first-team players and two members of the coaching staff have reportedly tested positive ahead of further PCR tests on Tuesday.Tottenham’s plans for a busy period of games have been hurt by a coronavirus outbreak at the club. A number of first-team players and two members of the coaching staff have reportedly tested positive ahead of further PCR tests on Tuesday.
With a must-win Europa Conference League game against Rennes on Thursday and then Premier League games at Brighton and Leicester, Spurs’ preparations look set to be severely impacted.With a must-win Europa Conference League game against Rennes on Thursday and then Premier League games at Brighton and Leicester, Spurs’ preparations look set to be severely impacted.
Get the full story here: Tottenham games under threat following Covid outbreak at clubGet the full story here: Tottenham games under threat following Covid outbreak at club
Denmark’s health minister, Magnus Heunicke, has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating in a hotel in Brussels, the ministry said in a statement.Denmark’s health minister, Magnus Heunicke, has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating in a hotel in Brussels, the ministry said in a statement.
Heunicke had stayed in his hotel room and not been in contact with other ministers, Denmark’s permanent representation in the EU told Reuters.Heunicke had stayed in his hotel room and not been in contact with other ministers, Denmark’s permanent representation in the EU told Reuters.
The early indications are that the Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible than Delta, the UK prime minister has said.The early indications are that the Omicron variant appears to be more transmissible than Delta, the UK prime minister has said.
Boris Johnson made the comment as he updated his team of ministers on the latest Covid situation at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.Boris Johnson made the comment as he updated his team of ministers on the latest Covid situation at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.
Giving an account of the meeting, the prime minister’s official spokesman said:Giving an account of the meeting, the prime minister’s official spokesman said:
But the spokesman said there was no debate around the cabinet table on whether to introduce ‘Plan B’ of the government’s plans to control the virus this winter.But the spokesman said there was no debate around the cabinet table on whether to introduce ‘Plan B’ of the government’s plans to control the virus this winter.
As of Monday, 336 cases of Omicron have been identified in the UK - 261 in England, 71 in Scotland and four in Wales.As of Monday, 336 cases of Omicron have been identified in the UK - 261 in England, 71 in Scotland and four in Wales.
The health secretary, Sajid Javid, told MPs on Monday that cases of Omicron in people without any travel history have been confirmed in the UK, meaning it is now being transmitted within the community.The health secretary, Sajid Javid, told MPs on Monday that cases of Omicron in people without any travel history have been confirmed in the UK, meaning it is now being transmitted within the community.
EU health agencies have recommended that Covid vaccines be mixed and matched for both initial courses and booster doses as the region battles rising cases ahead of Christmas, Reuters reports.EU health agencies have recommended that Covid vaccines be mixed and matched for both initial courses and booster doses as the region battles rising cases ahead of Christmas, Reuters reports.
Evidence suggests that the combination of viral vector vaccines and mRNA vaccines produces good levels of antibodies against the coronavirus, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in a joint statement on Tuesday.Evidence suggests that the combination of viral vector vaccines and mRNA vaccines produces good levels of antibodies against the coronavirus, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
Such an approach “may offer flexibility in terms of vaccination options, particularly to reduce the impact on the vaccine rollout should a vaccine not be available for any reason”, the EMA and ECDC said, while urging people to get fully vaccinated.Such an approach “may offer flexibility in terms of vaccination options, particularly to reduce the impact on the vaccine rollout should a vaccine not be available for any reason”, the EMA and ECDC said, while urging people to get fully vaccinated.
Their endorsement comes after a major study on Monday said a first dose of AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech shots followed by a Moderna vaccine nine weeks later induced a better immune response.Their endorsement comes after a major study on Monday said a first dose of AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech shots followed by a Moderna vaccine nine weeks later induced a better immune response.
However, the EMA and ECDC said more research was needed to support the use of mixing and matching in people with weak immune systems, such as older people and those with chronic conditions like cancer, and for two-dose mRNA vaccine regimens.However, the EMA and ECDC said more research was needed to support the use of mixing and matching in people with weak immune systems, such as older people and those with chronic conditions like cancer, and for two-dose mRNA vaccine regimens.
Longevity of protection offered by vaccines has been under scrutiny and the world is scrambling to trace the Omicron variant as governments impose fresh restrictions, and speed up rollouts of vaccines to children and booster doses.Longevity of protection offered by vaccines has been under scrutiny and the world is scrambling to trace the Omicron variant as governments impose fresh restrictions, and speed up rollouts of vaccines to children and booster doses.
Official rollout of vaccines for 5-11 year olds will start next week in Europe.Official rollout of vaccines for 5-11 year olds will start next week in Europe.
The EMA and ECDC recommendations are also meant to help EU member states with their own vaccination campaigns before any formal EU-wide approval as the health agencies continue studying data on mixing vaccines.The EMA and ECDC recommendations are also meant to help EU member states with their own vaccination campaigns before any formal EU-wide approval as the health agencies continue studying data on mixing vaccines.
The United States has given the green light to mix and match, while the World Health Organization is assessing the approach.The United States has given the green light to mix and match, while the World Health Organization is assessing the approach.
The EMA and ECDC’s review did not consider vaccines that are not approved in the European Union. Covid shots from AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have been authorised for use in the bloc.The EMA and ECDC’s review did not consider vaccines that are not approved in the European Union. Covid shots from AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have been authorised for use in the bloc.
Many countries have deployed a mix and match well before robust data was available as nations faced soaring infection numbers, low supplies and slow immunisation over some safety concerns.Many countries have deployed a mix and match well before robust data was available as nations faced soaring infection numbers, low supplies and slow immunisation over some safety concerns.
Spain’s health commission has approved vaccinations against Covid for children aged 5 to 11, following a recommendation by the European Union’s health regulator late last month.Spain’s health commission has approved vaccinations against Covid for children aged 5 to 11, following a recommendation by the European Union’s health regulator late last month.
Spanish authorities expect to start vaccinating children on 13 December as the first doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine are expected arrive, the health minister, Carolina Darias, told reporters in Brussels, where she was attending a meeting of EU health ministers on Tuesday.Spanish authorities expect to start vaccinating children on 13 December as the first doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine are expected arrive, the health minister, Carolina Darias, told reporters in Brussels, where she was attending a meeting of EU health ministers on Tuesday.
The decision comes as Spain, with a nationwide vaccination rate of nearly 80%, seeks to address an acceleration of Covid cases.The decision comes as Spain, with a nationwide vaccination rate of nearly 80%, seeks to address an acceleration of Covid cases.
Inoculating children and young people, who can unwittingly transmit the virus to others, is considered a critical step towards taming the pandemic.Inoculating children and young people, who can unwittingly transmit the virus to others, is considered a critical step towards taming the pandemic.
EU countries such as Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic have already approved vaccinations for children under 12.EU countries such as Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic have already approved vaccinations for children under 12.
Uganda has detected cases of the Omicron variant in travellers coming into the country, the first infections to be reported in east Africa, AFP reports.Uganda has detected cases of the Omicron variant in travellers coming into the country, the first infections to be reported in east Africa, AFP reports.
The cases were detected in people screened at Entebbe International airport who flew in from five different countries, Ugandan medical authorities said in a statement.The cases were detected in people screened at Entebbe International airport who flew in from five different countries, Ugandan medical authorities said in a statement.
Five had come from Nigeria, two from South Africa and two from the United Arab Emirates. The others had travelled from the Netherlands and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.Five had come from Nigeria, two from South Africa and two from the United Arab Emirates. The others had travelled from the Netherlands and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Two weeks after first being identified in South Africa, Omicron has been found in about 40 countries around the world.Two weeks after first being identified in South Africa, Omicron has been found in about 40 countries around the world.
Some European governments have reintroduced tough measures, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing, while travel restrictions, mostly targeting southern Africa, have also come into force.Some European governments have reintroduced tough measures, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing, while travel restrictions, mostly targeting southern Africa, have also come into force.
Uganda has been spared the worst of the pandemic after imposing some of the first and strictest containment measures on the continent.Uganda has been spared the worst of the pandemic after imposing some of the first and strictest containment measures on the continent.
The country has recorded 127,708 infections, of which 3,258 have been fatal, according to the health ministry. But, as in other countries in the region, inoculation has been slow due in part to hesitancy surrounding the jabs and poor access to vaccines.The country has recorded 127,708 infections, of which 3,258 have been fatal, according to the health ministry. But, as in other countries in the region, inoculation has been slow due in part to hesitancy surrounding the jabs and poor access to vaccines.
The country of 45 million people has vaccinated only 7.6 million people, according to the latest government figures.The country of 45 million people has vaccinated only 7.6 million people, according to the latest government figures.
Wales’ health minister has said booster vaccinations will be offered to all eligible adults by the end of January.Wales’ health minister has said booster vaccinations will be offered to all eligible adults by the end of January.
PA Media reports that Eluned Morgan MS confirmed people would still be called in priority order of age and vulnerability, but stressed the importance of people coming forward when contacted to “extend their protection”.PA Media reports that Eluned Morgan MS confirmed people would still be called in priority order of age and vulnerability, but stressed the importance of people coming forward when contacted to “extend their protection”.
NHS Wales is said to be giving more than 19,000 jabs a day after ramping up the booster programme in response to the spread of the Omicron variant.NHS Wales is said to be giving more than 19,000 jabs a day after ramping up the booster programme in response to the spread of the Omicron variant.
The Welsh government said it was aiming in the coming weeks to almost double the rate vaccinations are being administered to more than 200,000 a week.The Welsh government said it was aiming in the coming weeks to almost double the rate vaccinations are being administered to more than 200,000 a week.
Five million vaccines have so far been administered in Wales.Five million vaccines have so far been administered in Wales.
Health boards are again setting up more vaccination centres, including walk-in and drive-through clinics with longer opening hours. Local government, fire services and students will then provide support to the clinics, along with volunteers.Health boards are again setting up more vaccination centres, including walk-in and drive-through clinics with longer opening hours. Local government, fire services and students will then provide support to the clinics, along with volunteers.
Meanwhile, the minister said a request for assistance has been sent to the military.Meanwhile, the minister said a request for assistance has been sent to the military.
Morgan will hold a press conference on Tuesday with the deputy chief medical officer, Dr Gillian Richardson, about the progress of the booster rollout.Morgan will hold a press conference on Tuesday with the deputy chief medical officer, Dr Gillian Richardson, about the progress of the booster rollout.
She said:She said:
Hundreds of cases of the new Omicron variant have now been confirmed in the UK and experts have called for a renewed focus on vaccination rates.Hundreds of cases of the new Omicron variant have now been confirmed in the UK and experts have called for a renewed focus on vaccination rates.
As of 4 December, just over eight in 10 people aged 12 or older UK-wide had received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency, while 89% had received a first dose.As of 4 December, just over eight in 10 people aged 12 or older UK-wide had received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency, while 89% had received a first dose.
This means about 6 million eligible people may still be unvaccinated, based on ONS population figures as opposed to counts of GP records. So who are they?This means about 6 million eligible people may still be unvaccinated, based on ONS population figures as opposed to counts of GP records. So who are they?
My colleagues Niamh McIntrye and Tobi Thomas have examined the data, which shows disparities in uptake across age, region and ethnicity.My colleagues Niamh McIntrye and Tobi Thomas have examined the data, which shows disparities in uptake across age, region and ethnicity.
Read their report here: As many as 6 million eligible Britons may not have had a Covid jab. Who are they?Read their report here: As many as 6 million eligible Britons may not have had a Covid jab. Who are they?
Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
Prof Tim Spector, from the Covid Zoe app, said that in about 10 days’ time the UK could have more cases of Omicron than some countries it had put on the travel red list. The professor of genetic epidemiology said: “The official estimates are about 350-odd Omicron cases, and because the current testing is missing a lot of those, it’s probably at least 1,000 to 2,000 I would guess at the moment.”Prof Tim Spector, from the Covid Zoe app, said that in about 10 days’ time the UK could have more cases of Omicron than some countries it had put on the travel red list. The professor of genetic epidemiology said: “The official estimates are about 350-odd Omicron cases, and because the current testing is missing a lot of those, it’s probably at least 1,000 to 2,000 I would guess at the moment.”
Dr Jeffrey Barrett, director of the Covid-19 genomics initiative at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, has agreed that Omicron would take over from Delta in the UK as the dominant variant of coronavirus “within a matter of weeks”. He said: “I think we can now say that this variant is spreading faster in the UK than the Delta variant at the same time, and that’s something that I think was unclear until very recently.”Dr Jeffrey Barrett, director of the Covid-19 genomics initiative at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, has agreed that Omicron would take over from Delta in the UK as the dominant variant of coronavirus “within a matter of weeks”. He said: “I think we can now say that this variant is spreading faster in the UK than the Delta variant at the same time, and that’s something that I think was unclear until very recently.”
Austria’s general lockdown will be lifted on Sunday as planned – however, restrictions will stay in place for the unvaccinated.Austria’s general lockdown will be lifted on Sunday as planned – however, restrictions will stay in place for the unvaccinated.
Germany’s outgoing health minister Jens Spahn said travel curbs that limit arrivals to the European Union are important until more is known about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.Germany’s outgoing health minister Jens Spahn said travel curbs that limit arrivals to the European Union are important until more is known about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “We are facing a very challenging epidemiological situation in all members states with the Covid-19 pandemic, made especially challenging with the appearance of the Omicron variant.”EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “We are facing a very challenging epidemiological situation in all members states with the Covid-19 pandemic, made especially challenging with the appearance of the Omicron variant.”
She said she would urge ministers to step up vaccinations and, when necessary, to promote other non-pharmaceutical measures, such as requiring the wearing of masks and social distancing.She said she would urge ministers to step up vaccinations and, when necessary, to promote other non-pharmaceutical measures, such as requiring the wearing of masks and social distancing.
In France, it is hoped a combination of vaccination booster shots and more rigorous social distancing will avoid the need for renewed lockdowns or curfews. Nightclubs will be shut for four weeks and requirements for mask-wearing in schools will be tightened.In France, it is hoped a combination of vaccination booster shots and more rigorous social distancing will avoid the need for renewed lockdowns or curfews. Nightclubs will be shut for four weeks and requirements for mask-wearing in schools will be tightened.
The Netherlands is drafting in soldiers to support hospitals as Covid cases surge.The Netherlands is drafting in soldiers to support hospitals as Covid cases surge.
The Office of National Statistics says that from the week ending 13 March 2020 to the week ending 26 November 2021, the number of excess deaths above the five-year average in England and Wales was 128,740.The Office of National Statistics says that from the week ending 13 March 2020 to the week ending 26 November 2021, the number of excess deaths above the five-year average in England and Wales was 128,740.
The UK’s justice secretary Dominc Raab has insisted that, regarding the allegations of a Christmas party last year at Downing Street while the rest of London was in tier three Covid restrictions, “there was no party, and there were no rules breached”. Raab also insisted “We don’t think plan B is required. Why? Because of the success of the vaccine programme.”The UK’s justice secretary Dominc Raab has insisted that, regarding the allegations of a Christmas party last year at Downing Street while the rest of London was in tier three Covid restrictions, “there was no party, and there were no rules breached”. Raab also insisted “We don’t think plan B is required. Why? Because of the success of the vaccine programme.”
UK hospitals have cancelled at least 13,000 operations over the last two months as they struggle to cope with record demand for NHS care and people sick with Covid-19.UK hospitals have cancelled at least 13,000 operations over the last two months as they struggle to cope with record demand for NHS care and people sick with Covid-19.
GSK has released new data from early-stage studies, citing that its antibody-based Covid-19 therapy with US partner Vir is effective against all mutations of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.GSK has released new data from early-stage studies, citing that its antibody-based Covid-19 therapy with US partner Vir is effective against all mutations of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.
New York City has expanded its array of Covid-19 mandates on Monday, setting vaccine requirements for children as young as five. This is on top of the mandates required for all private employees.New York City has expanded its array of Covid-19 mandates on Monday, setting vaccine requirements for children as young as five. This is on top of the mandates required for all private employees.
People in US counties that voted for Donald Trump are nearly three times more likely to die from Covid-19 than those who live in counties that voted for Joe Biden.People in US counties that voted for Donald Trump are nearly three times more likely to die from Covid-19 than those who live in counties that voted for Joe Biden.
In Australia, senior health officials have rejected claims made by Queensland senator Gerard Rennick that Covid-19 vaccinations amount to “experimenting” on children after the Liberal senator questioned the safety of the vaccine for children aged five to 11 in a Senate inquiry.In Australia, senior health officials have rejected claims made by Queensland senator Gerard Rennick that Covid-19 vaccinations amount to “experimenting” on children after the Liberal senator questioned the safety of the vaccine for children aged five to 11 in a Senate inquiry.
More than 40 countries have confirmed the presence of Omicron. Our Science Weekly podcast today explores what we know about the new variant.More than 40 countries have confirmed the presence of Omicron. Our Science Weekly podcast today explores what we know about the new variant.
Lucy Campbell will be here shortly to guide you through the rest of the day’s Covid news from the UK and the rest of the world.Lucy Campbell will be here shortly to guide you through the rest of the day’s Covid news from the UK and the rest of the world.
Head of the World Health Organization’s Europe division, Hans Kluge, has been giving a press briefing this morning. Here are some of the key lines to come out of itHead of the World Health Organization’s Europe division, Hans Kluge, has been giving a press briefing this morning. Here are some of the key lines to come out of it
Kluge said mandatory vaccinations against the coronavirus are an “absolute last resort” and “only applicable when all feasible options to improve vaccination uptake have been exhausted.”Kluge said mandatory vaccinations against the coronavirus are an “absolute last resort” and “only applicable when all feasible options to improve vaccination uptake have been exhausted.”
He also said that vaccine mandates should not contribute to inequalities in accessing healthcare.He also said that vaccine mandates should not contribute to inequalities in accessing healthcare.
He reiterated that it is yet to be seen with the Omicron variant where it will be more transmissible, or whether it will lead to milder cases of Covid-19.He reiterated that it is yet to be seen with the Omicron variant where it will be more transmissible, or whether it will lead to milder cases of Covid-19.
He said that we now know that vaccine-driven immunity wanes after around 30 weeks.He said that we now know that vaccine-driven immunity wanes after around 30 weeks.
Here is an updated map illustrating the severity of Covid caseloads across Europe at the moment.Here is an updated map illustrating the severity of Covid caseloads across Europe at the moment.
A quick snap from Reuters here that unvaccinated people will remain in lockdown when Austria’s general lockdown lifts on Sunday, new chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed this morning, the day after he took office.A quick snap from Reuters here that unvaccinated people will remain in lockdown when Austria’s general lockdown lifts on Sunday, new chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed this morning, the day after he took office.
It was no longer a question of whether the general lockdown would end on Sunday as planned but how, and consultations on that would take place on Wednesday, Nehammer told a news conference.It was no longer a question of whether the general lockdown would end on Sunday as planned but how, and consultations on that would take place on Wednesday, Nehammer told a news conference.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) weekly deaths bulletin for England and Wales has been released this morning, as it always is on a Tuesday. Here are the key findings:The Office for National Statistics (ONS) weekly deaths bulletin for England and Wales has been released this morning, as it always is on a Tuesday. Here are the key findings:
In the week ending 26 November 2021, 11,467 deaths were registered; this was 636 fewer deaths than the previous week and 10.5% above the five-year average (1,087 more deaths).In the week ending 26 November 2021, 11,467 deaths were registered; this was 636 fewer deaths than the previous week and 10.5% above the five-year average (1,087 more deaths).
Of the deaths registered, 817 mentioned “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, accounting for 7.1% of all deaths; this was a decrease in the number of deaths compared with the previous week (952 deaths, 7.9% of all deaths).Of the deaths registered, 817 mentioned “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, accounting for 7.1% of all deaths; this was a decrease in the number of deaths compared with the previous week (952 deaths, 7.9% of all deaths).
From the week ending 13 March 2020 to the week ending 26 November 2021, the number of excess deaths above the five-year average in England and Wales was 128,740.From the week ending 13 March 2020 to the week ending 26 November 2021, the number of excess deaths above the five-year average in England and Wales was 128,740.