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Covid live: early signs Omicron more transmissible, UK PM says; Scottish firms urged to let staff work from home Covid live: early signs Omicron more transmissible, UK PM says; Scottish firms urged to let staff work from home
(31 minutes later)
Early indications Omicron more transmissible than Delta, says Boris Johnson; Nicola Sturgeon says staff should work from home until mid-JanuaryEarly indications Omicron more transmissible than Delta, says Boris Johnson; Nicola Sturgeon says staff should work from home until mid-January
Scientists have identified a “stealth” version of the Omicron variant which cannot be detected with the routine tests that public health officials are using to track its spread around the world, my colleagues Ian Sample and Peter Walker report.
The stealth variant has many mutations in common with standard Omicron, but it lacks a particular genetic change that allows lab-based PCR tests to be used as a rough and ready means of flagging up probable cases.
Researchers say it is too early to know whether the new form of Omicron will spread in the same way as the standard Omicron variant, but that the “stealthy” version is genetically distinct and so may well behave differently.
The stealth variant was first spotted among Covid virus genomes submitted in recent days from South Africa, Australia and Canada, but the difficulty in detecting the variant means it may already have spread more widely. Among the few dozen cases identified so far, none are in the UK.
Read the full story here: Scientists find ‘stealth’ version of Omicron not identifiable with PCR test
Britain’s lockdown drinking habits may have had fatal consequences. Deaths caused by alcohol in 2020 increased by almost 19%, marking the biggest rise since records began, according to the Office for National Statistics.
There were 8,974 deaths from alcohol specific causes registered in the 12 month period, up from 7,565 deaths in 2019 – the highest year-on-year increase since the data series began in 2001. It bucks a trend in which fatalities from alcohol remained stable for the previous seven years.
In England, the number of people drinking more than 14 units a week increased after the first national lockdown, according to surveys by Public Health England (PHE), and has remained at similar levels since. As pubs shut, drinking at home soared, with off-licence sales of beer rising 31% and spirits 26% compared with 2019.
Dr James Tucker, the head of the government’s data quality hub, said:
Close to eight out of 10 of the deaths were from alcoholic liver disease and although alcohol-related cirrhosis can take a decade or more to develop, most deaths occur as a result of acute-on-chronic liver failure owing to recent alcohol intake, a PHE study in July found.
Scotland and Northern Ireland continued to have the highest rates of alcohol deaths, but the fastest rises were in Wales and England. The sharpest rise in deaths in England was in the West Midlands, followed by the south-west and London. Nearly twice as many men died as women, which is consistent with previous years.
Read the full story here: Britain’s drinking deaths rose at record rate in pandemic
Omicron has spread across Denmark, health authorities said on Tuesday after registering large outbreaks of the variant in the east and west of the country.Omicron has spread across Denmark, health authorities said on Tuesday after registering large outbreaks of the variant in the east and west of the country.
“We now have society-wide infection with the Omicron variant,” director of the Danish Patient Safety Authority, Anette Lykke Petri, told reporters.“We now have society-wide infection with the Omicron variant,” director of the Danish Patient Safety Authority, Anette Lykke Petri, told reporters.
Denmark has so far registered a total of 398 Omicron cases.Denmark has so far registered a total of 398 Omicron cases.
Sweden will roll out a raft of measures to curb rising Covid infections, urging renewed social distancing, home-working and the use of face masks on public transport, the government said on Tuesday.Sweden will roll out a raft of measures to curb rising Covid infections, urging renewed social distancing, home-working and the use of face masks on public transport, the government said on Tuesday.
“We see an increased spread of infection, but still from low levels,” the prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, told a news conference. The measures will take effect from Wednesday.“We see an increased spread of infection, but still from low levels,” the prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, told a news conference. The measures will take effect from Wednesday.
“We need to work together to that the situation doesn’t get worse, so today we are presenting further precautionary measures,” Andersson said.“We need to work together to that the situation doesn’t get worse, so today we are presenting further precautionary measures,” Andersson said.
Cases in Sweden have started to rise in recent weeks after a relatively calm autumn.Cases in Sweden have started to rise in recent weeks after a relatively calm autumn.
Hospitalisations and the number of patients requiring intensive care are still among the lowest per capita in Europe but have also started to creep up.Hospitalisations and the number of patients requiring intensive care are still among the lowest per capita in Europe but have also started to creep up.
There will be no changes this week to 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”.There will be no changes this week to 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.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.].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 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”.She said health officials estimate the “R” number associated with the new variant may be well over 2, and that there are 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: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 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 where 130 Covid cases were reported.That includes 17 Omicron cases reported in Oslo, many of them linked to a super-spreader event at a nightclub where 130 Covid cases were reported.
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 on the same day last week.In the last 24 hours, Norway reported 4,117 new infections, an increase of 1,240 on 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 that some guests had recently returned from South Africa and may have been infected there.It appears 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 Hotspur FC’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 Hotspur FC’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 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 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 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 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 five- to 11-year-olds will start next week in Europe.Official rollout of vaccines for five- to 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 US has given the green light to mix and match, while the World Health Organization is assessing the approach.The US 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.