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Covid live: early signs Omicron more transmissible, Boris Johnson says, as UK reports another 101 cases of variant Covid live: early signs Omicron more transmissible, UK PM says; Scottish firms urged to let staff work from home
(32 minutes later)
Early indications Omicron more transmissible than Delta, says Boris Johnson; UK reports another 101 Omicron cases, bringing total to 437 Early indications Omicron more transmissible than Delta, says Boris Johnson; Nicola Sturgeon says staff should work from home until mid-January
There will be no changes this week to current Covid restrictions in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has said, while telling the Scottish public “it is time for all of us to go back to basics”.
She urged employers to ensure that all staff who can are working from home until the middle of January, telling people to do a lateral flow test “on every occasion” they intend to mix with others over the festive season, whether at work, socialising or going shopping.
At her regular Covid briefing to MSPs, Sturgeon confirmed 99 cases of the Omicron variant in Scotland, an increase of 28 since yesterday [see 2.47pm.].
She said health officials estimate the R number associated with the new variant may be well over 2, and that there are now confirmed cases in nine of Scotland’s 14 health board areas, “suggesting that community transmission is becoming more widespread, and possibly more sustained, across the country”.
Underlining the significance of this speed of increase, Sturgeon warned:
The UK has reported a further 101 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, the UK Health Security Agency said on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases across the country to 437.The UK has reported a further 101 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, the UK Health Security Agency said on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases across the country to 437.
Of the 101 new cases, 72 were confirmed in England, 28 in Scotland, and one in Wales. There have been no new cases reported in Northern Ireland.Of the 101 new cases, 72 were confirmed in England, 28 in Scotland, and one in Wales. There have been no new cases reported in Northern Ireland.
Earlier, the prime minister, Boris Johnson, said early indications suggest the variant is more transmissible than Delta [see 12.23pm.].Earlier, the prime minister, Boris Johnson, said early indications suggest the variant is more transmissible than Delta [see 12.23pm.].
Johnson made the comment as he updated his team of ministers on the latest Covid situation at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning.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.
Confirming that a total of 99 Omicron cases have so far been found in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs on Tuesday that the R number of the new variant could be above two.Confirming that a total of 99 Omicron cases have so far been found in Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs on Tuesday that the R number of the new variant could be above two.
The first minister said:
The spread of Omicron is expected to reach its peak by the end of next month, the Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan has said.The spread of Omicron is expected to reach its peak by the end of next month, the Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan has said.
She told a press briefing in Cardiff:She told a press briefing in Cardiff:
Morgan said health boards are again setting up more vaccination centres, including walk-in and drive-through clinics with longer opening hours. Local government officials, firefighters and students are to provide support to the clinics and Morgan called for volunteers to come forward.Morgan said health boards are again setting up more vaccination centres, including walk-in and drive-through clinics with longer opening hours. Local government officials, firefighters and students are to provide support to the clinics and Morgan called for volunteers to come forward.
No new restrictions have been introduced in Wales in response to the new variant, but the first minister, Mark Drakeford, is due to announce the Labour-controlled government’s latest coronavirus review on Friday.No new restrictions have been introduced in Wales in response to the new variant, but the first minister, Mark Drakeford, is due to announce the Labour-controlled government’s latest coronavirus review on Friday.
The Welsh Conservatives are worried that the government could extend its vaccine passport scheme (which currently affects settings such as nightclubs) to other hospitality businesses.The Welsh Conservatives are worried that the government could extend its vaccine passport scheme (which currently affects settings such as nightclubs) to other hospitality businesses.
The shadow health minister, Russell George, said:The shadow health minister, Russell George, said:
Concern has been growing in Norway over a sharp rise in coronavirus infections across the country, including 29 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant.Concern has been growing in Norway over a sharp rise in coronavirus infections across the country, including 29 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant.
That includes 17 Omicron cases reported in Oslo, many of them linked to a super-spreader event at a nightclub which has seen 130 Covid cases.That includes 17 Omicron cases reported in Oslo, many of them linked to a super-spreader event at a nightclub which has seen 130 Covid cases.
Amid concern over rising hospitalisations, combined with the impending flu season, the Norwegian government is expected to announce new restrictions on Tuesday evening.Amid concern over rising hospitalisations, combined with the impending flu season, the Norwegian government is expected to announce new restrictions on Tuesday evening.
In the last 24 hours, Norway reported 4,117 new infections, an increase of 1,240 more than the same day last week.In the last 24 hours, Norway reported 4,117 new infections, an increase of 1,240 more than the same day last week.
Most striking, however, has been the outbreak linked to a Christmas dinner at Oslo’s Louise nightclub. There were 130 Covid cases recorded from the event, with Norwegian media quoting Tine Ravlo, an infection control doctor, suggesting that perhaps half could be Omicron.Most striking, however, has been the outbreak linked to a Christmas dinner at Oslo’s Louise nightclub. There were 130 Covid cases recorded from the event, with Norwegian media quoting Tine Ravlo, an infection control doctor, suggesting that perhaps half could be Omicron.
The club had been booked by Scatec, a renewable-energy company, for its Christmas party, despite the fact that only vaccinated employees were invited and had been required to take a rapid Covid test the day before.The club had been booked by Scatec, a renewable-energy company, for its Christmas party, despite the fact that only vaccinated employees were invited and had been required to take a rapid Covid test the day before.
It appears now that some guests had recently returned from South Africa and may have been infected there.It appears now that some guests had recently returned from South Africa and may have been infected there.
In this instalment of the Guardian’s Lost to the virus series, Sirin Kale tells the story of Michele Brown, a mother-of-two who carefully shielded until the UK government said it was safe to see friends and family. She was fully vaccinated against Covid, but had a suppressed immune system and had no idea how her existing conditions could affect her. She died last July at the age of 58.In this instalment of the Guardian’s Lost to the virus series, Sirin Kale tells the story of Michele Brown, a mother-of-two who carefully shielded until the UK government said it was safe to see friends and family. She was fully vaccinated against Covid, but had a suppressed immune system and had no idea how her existing conditions could affect her. She died last July at the age of 58.
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.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 landscapeHere 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.