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Covid live: fury after video about No 10 Christmas party emerges; early signs Omicron more transmissible Covid live: fury after video about No 10 Christmas party emerges; early signs Omicron more transmissible
(about 1 hour 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
Daily cases in South Korea have surpassed 7,000 for the first time since the start of the pandemic, the country’s prime minister Kim Boo-kyum said.
The Yonhap news agency quotes the PM at a government Covid-19 response meeting:
The Omicron variant can partially evade protection from the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, according to early data from South Africa.The Omicron variant can partially evade protection from the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, according to early data from South Africa.
Prof Alex Sigal, a professor at the Africa Health Research Institute, said there was “a very large drop” in neutralisation of the Omicron variant relative to an earlier strain.Prof Alex Sigal, a professor at the Africa Health Research Institute, said there was “a very large drop” in neutralisation of the Omicron variant relative to an earlier strain.
The lab tested blood from 12 people who had been vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine but had not received a booster shot.The lab tested blood from 12 people who had been vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine but had not received a booster shot.
Researchers found there was about a fortyfold reduction in vaccine-induced antibodies that could neutralise the Omicron variant.Researchers found there was about a fortyfold reduction in vaccine-induced antibodies that could neutralise the Omicron variant.
The preliminary data in the manuscript has not yet been peer-reviewed.The preliminary data in the manuscript has not yet been peer-reviewed.
The UK Department for Education has admitted it held a social gathering of staff last December in contravention to Covid social distancing rules.The UK Department for Education has admitted it held a social gathering of staff last December in contravention to Covid social distancing rules.
It comes after a report claimed that then education secretary Gavin Williamson threw a party where he delivered a short speech before officials and ministers knocked back glasses of wine.It comes after a report claimed that then education secretary Gavin Williamson threw a party where he delivered a short speech before officials and ministers knocked back glasses of wine.
Up to two dozen of Williamson’s staff gathered for “drinks and canapes” in the DfE cafe on 10 December, the Mirror reports. At the time, London was in tier 2, which banned any social mixing between households.Up to two dozen of Williamson’s staff gathered for “drinks and canapes” in the DfE cafe on 10 December, the Mirror reports. At the time, London was in tier 2, which banned any social mixing between households.
One source told the paper:One source told the paper:
While another said:While another said:
In response, a DfE spokesperson said:In response, a DfE spokesperson said:
Just a week before the party, Williamson urged people to take the “responsible approach” of following social distancing and self-isolation rules.Just a week before the party, Williamson urged people to take the “responsible approach” of following social distancing and self-isolation rules.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is reviewing video footage of senior UK No 10 officials discussing a Christmas party.The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is reviewing video footage of senior UK No 10 officials discussing a Christmas party.
A statement from the force said:A statement from the force said:
Preliminary and anecdotal evidence indicates that the Omicron variant likely has a higher degree of transmissibility but causes less severe illness, according to US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci.Preliminary and anecdotal evidence indicates that the Omicron variant likely has a higher degree of transmissibility but causes less severe illness, according to US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci.
Speaking during a White House coronavirus task force briefing today, he said:Speaking during a White House coronavirus task force briefing today, he said:
More data is expected next week, Fauci said, but it will take a few weeks to reach any definitive conclusions.More data is expected next week, Fauci said, but it will take a few weeks to reach any definitive conclusions.
The UK’s scientific and medical community have been responding to the leaked video showing senior Downing Street staff joking about holding a Christmas party just days after the event is alleged to have taken place last December.The UK’s scientific and medical community have been responding to the leaked video showing senior Downing Street staff joking about holding a Christmas party just days after the event is alleged to have taken place last December.
Trisha Greenhalgh, professor of primary care health sciences at the University of Oxford, slammed Boris Johnson’s then press secretary Allegra Stratton for laughing in the footage.Trisha Greenhalgh, professor of primary care health sciences at the University of Oxford, slammed Boris Johnson’s then press secretary Allegra Stratton for laughing in the footage.
Prof Christina Pagel, a member of the Independent Sage committee, said the video was “damning” and revealed the government’s hypocrisy while people were making enormous sacrifices.Prof Christina Pagel, a member of the Independent Sage committee, said the video was “damning” and revealed the government’s hypocrisy while people were making enormous sacrifices.
Loughborough University data analyst Dr Duncan Robertson said the leaked video could impact how the public heed public health measures and restrictions.Loughborough University data analyst Dr Duncan Robertson said the leaked video could impact how the public heed public health measures and restrictions.
The African Union has called for an urgent end to travel restrictions imposed on some of its member states.The African Union has called for an urgent end to travel restrictions imposed on some of its member states.
In a statement, the AU said the measures effectively penalise governments for timely data sharing in line with international health regulations, and could act “as a disincentive for information sharing in the future, potentially posing a threat to health security on the continent and globally”.In a statement, the AU said the measures effectively penalise governments for timely data sharing in line with international health regulations, and could act “as a disincentive for information sharing in the future, potentially posing a threat to health security on the continent and globally”.
Three Omicron cases have been confirmed in total, the Department of Health said. Two are from the same household in the greater Belfast area and a third unconnected case is in the South Eastern Trust area.Three Omicron cases have been confirmed in total, the Department of Health said. Two are from the same household in the greater Belfast area and a third unconnected case is in the South Eastern Trust area.
All three positive cases have a link to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, the department said, adding there is no current indication of wider community transmission present.All three positive cases have a link to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, the department said, adding there is no current indication of wider community transmission present.
The UK Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, called on Boris Johnson to “come clean and apologise” after TV footage emerged showing senior No 10 officials joking on camera about a Christmas party in lockdown last December.The UK Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, called on Boris Johnson to “come clean and apologise” after TV footage emerged showing senior No 10 officials joking on camera about a Christmas party in lockdown last December.
In the video obtained by ITV, an adviser to the PM is seen joking with Allegra Stratton, Johnson’s then press secretary, about “a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night”.In the video obtained by ITV, an adviser to the PM is seen joking with Allegra Stratton, Johnson’s then press secretary, about “a Downing Street Christmas party on Friday night”.
The footage was shot on 22 December 2020, just four days after the date on which multiple sources have said there was a staff party inside Downing Street, which would have contravened strict Covid regulations in place at the time.The footage was shot on 22 December 2020, just four days after the date on which multiple sources have said there was a staff party inside Downing Street, which would have contravened strict Covid regulations in place at the time.
Johnson’s spokesperson and several ministers have insisted that any event complied with Covid rules, without saying why, before the spokesperson changed stance on Monday, saying no party had taken place.Johnson’s spokesperson and several ministers have insisted that any event complied with Covid rules, without saying why, before the spokesperson changed stance on Monday, saying no party had taken place.
On Tuesday, Johnson’s spokesperson had reiterated that this was Downing Street’s view, saying: “I don’t think there is anything to add to what I have said previously. Our position has not changed.”On Tuesday, Johnson’s spokesperson had reiterated that this was Downing Street’s view, saying: “I don’t think there is anything to add to what I have said previously. Our position has not changed.”
But the video – recorded as part of preparations for planned daily televised briefings hosted by Stratton, which were later abandoned – will raise fresh questions about No 10’s version of events and increase pressure for a formal inquiry.But the video – recorded as part of preparations for planned daily televised briefings hosted by Stratton, which were later abandoned – will raise fresh questions about No 10’s version of events and increase pressure for a formal inquiry.
Starmer said that during the lockdown last December people followed rules “even when that meant being separated from their families, locked down and – tragically for many – unable to say goodbye to their loved ones”, adding:Starmer said that during the lockdown last December people followed rules “even when that meant being separated from their families, locked down and – tragically for many – unable to say goodbye to their loved ones”, adding:
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, described the video as “damning”, adding:Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, described the video as “damning”, adding:
Read the full story by my colleague Peter Walker here:Read the full story by my colleague Peter Walker here:
Hello, it’s Léonie Chao-Fong here, taking over from Lucy Campbell.Hello, it’s Léonie Chao-Fong here, taking over from Lucy Campbell.
A global trial of a Covid-19 vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline and Canada’s Medicago has produced “positive efficacy and safety results”, the companies announced. If approved, it would become the world’s first plant-based coronavirus vaccine.A global trial of a Covid-19 vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline and Canada’s Medicago has produced “positive efficacy and safety results”, the companies announced. If approved, it would become the world’s first plant-based coronavirus vaccine.
The late-stage trial, which studied 24,000 adults across six countries, found that the overall efficacy rate of the vaccine candidate was 71%, rising to 75.3% against the Delta variant.The late-stage trial, which studied 24,000 adults across six countries, found that the overall efficacy rate of the vaccine candidate was 71%, rising to 75.3% against the Delta variant.
The Omicron variant was not circulating at the time of the trial but GSK said it is planning to test the vaccine against the new strain.The Omicron variant was not circulating at the time of the trial but GSK said it is planning to test the vaccine against the new strain.
GSK and Medicago have sought approval from the UK’s MHRA watchdog, the US Food and Drug Administration, Canadian regulator Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO).GSK and Medicago have sought approval from the UK’s MHRA watchdog, the US Food and Drug Administration, Canadian regulator Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Before I hand over to my colleague shortly, here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today:Before I hand over to my colleague shortly, here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today:
Norway introduced stricter rules to limit the spread of Covid, including a cap on the number of visitors in private homes and shortening the hours bars and restaurants can serve alcohol. The country has seen a surge of Covid infections in recent weeks, followed by a rise in the number of hospitalisations. “We really wished we were done with the pandemic. But the situation is now so serious that we must put in place new measures to keep control,” the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre said. “Therefore it will be a different Christmas holiday this year as well,” he said. No more than 10 visitors will be allowed in private homes, and people must keep a distance of at least one metre from anyone who is not a member of their household. The serving of alcohol must stop at midnight every day, he added.Norway introduced stricter rules to limit the spread of Covid, including a cap on the number of visitors in private homes and shortening the hours bars and restaurants can serve alcohol. The country has seen a surge of Covid infections in recent weeks, followed by a rise in the number of hospitalisations. “We really wished we were done with the pandemic. But the situation is now so serious that we must put in place new measures to keep control,” the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre said. “Therefore it will be a different Christmas holiday this year as well,” he said. No more than 10 visitors will be allowed in private homes, and people must keep a distance of at least one metre from anyone who is not a member of their household. The serving of alcohol must stop at midnight every day, he added.
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. 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. Story here.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. 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. Story here.
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. “We need to work together to that the situation doesn’t get worse, so today we are presenting further precautionary measures,” the prime minister, Magdalena Andersson said. The measures will take effect from Wednesday.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. “We need to work together to that the situation doesn’t get worse, so today we are presenting further precautionary measures,” the prime minister, Magdalena Andersson said. The measures will take effect from Wednesday.
Nicola Sturgeon urged Scottish firms 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.Nicola Sturgeon urged Scottish firms 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.
The UK has reported a further 101 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, taking the total number of cases across the country to 437. Of the new cases, 72 were confirmed in England, 28 in Scotland, and one in Wales. There have been no new cases reported in Northern Ireland.The UK has reported a further 101 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, taking the total number of cases across the country to 437. Of the new cases, 72 were confirmed in England, 28 in Scotland, and one in Wales. There have been no new cases reported in Northern Ireland.
The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, said early indications suggest the Omicron variant is more transmissible than Delta. 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: “The prime minister said it was too early to draw conclusions on the characteristics of Omicron but early indications were that it is more transmissible than Delta.” 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.The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, said early indications suggest the Omicron variant is more transmissible than Delta. 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: “The prime minister said it was too early to draw conclusions on the characteristics of Omicron but early indications were that it is more transmissible than Delta.” 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.
The spread of Omicron in Wales is expected to reach its peak by the end of next month, the health minister, Eluned Morgan, said. She said: “We are expecting a significant wave of Omicron to hit Wales. The modelling suggests it will reach its peak by around the end of January, which is why there is an urgency in terms of getting people vaccinated and boosters done as soon as possible.”The spread of Omicron in Wales is expected to reach its peak by the end of next month, the health minister, Eluned Morgan, said. She said: “We are expecting a significant wave of Omicron to hit Wales. The modelling suggests it will reach its peak by around the end of January, which is why there is an urgency in terms of getting people vaccinated and boosters done as soon as possible.”
Poland will introduce compulsory Covid vaccinations for doctors, teachers and security service personnel from 1 March, the health minister said, as he announced a raft of new measures to curb the spread of the virus. 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. 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. Niedzielski said that the government was also working on a draft law that would allow employers to check workers’ Covid test results.Poland will introduce compulsory Covid vaccinations for doctors, teachers and security service personnel from 1 March, the health minister said, as he announced a raft of new measures to curb the spread of the virus. 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. 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. Niedzielski said that the government was also working on a draft law that would allow employers to check workers’ Covid test results.
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. 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. 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. 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.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. 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. 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. 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.
Spain’s health commission approved vaccinations against Covid for children aged five 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, said.Spain’s health commission approved vaccinations against Covid for children aged five 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, said.
The Norwegian government introduced stricter rules on Tuesday to limit the spread of Covid, including a cap on the number of visitors in private homes and shortening the hours bars and restaurants can serve alcohol.The Norwegian government introduced stricter rules on Tuesday to limit the spread of Covid, including a cap on the number of visitors in private homes and shortening the hours bars and restaurants can serve alcohol.
The country has seen a surge of Covid infections in recent weeks, followed by a rise in the number of hospitalisations.The country has seen a surge of Covid infections in recent weeks, followed by a rise in the number of hospitalisations.
“We really wished we were done with the pandemic. But the situation is now so serious that we must put in place new measures to keep control,” the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, told a news conference.“We really wished we were done with the pandemic. But the situation is now so serious that we must put in place new measures to keep control,” the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, told a news conference.
“Therefore it will be a different Christmas holiday this year as well,” he said.“Therefore it will be a different Christmas holiday this year as well,” he said.
No more than 10 visitors will be allowed in private homes, and people must keep a distance of at least one metre from anyone who is not a member of their household. The serving of alcohol must stop at midnight every day, he added.No more than 10 visitors will be allowed in private homes, and people must keep a distance of at least one metre from anyone who is not a member of their household. The serving of alcohol must stop at midnight every day, he added.
Companies hit by the restrictions will receive compensations from the government, the finance minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, said.Companies hit by the restrictions will receive compensations from the government, the finance minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, said.
The government last week reimposed some restrictions on travellers, requiring that anyone arriving in the country must test for the coronavirus and that people wear face masks in most crowded places, but infections have still continued to rise.The government last week reimposed some restrictions on travellers, requiring that anyone arriving in the country must test for the coronavirus and that people wear face masks in most crowded places, but infections have still continued to rise.
France has registered a surge in Covid hospitalisations as a rise in new infections in mid-November translates into patient numbers.France has registered a surge in Covid hospitalisations as a rise in new infections in mid-November translates into patient numbers.
The health ministry reported that the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals rose by 618 to 12,714, the second-highest net one-day increase this year behind the net increase of 732 on 6 April when the patient tally was above 30,600.The health ministry reported that the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals rose by 618 to 12,714, the second-highest net one-day increase this year behind the net increase of 732 on 6 April when the patient tally was above 30,600.
Due to one of Europe’s highest vaccination rates, a rise in new cases now has less impact on hospital numbers than in the spring.Due to one of Europe’s highest vaccination rates, a rise in new cases now has less impact on hospital numbers than in the spring.
France also reported that the number of patients in intensive care units with Covid rose by 160 to 2,351, the second-highest increase this year. On 6 April, ICU numbers rose by 193 to 5,626.France also reported that the number of patients in intensive care units with Covid rose by 160 to 2,351, the second-highest increase this year. On 6 April, ICU numbers rose by 193 to 5,626.
On Monday, France reported a seven-day moving average of nearly 43,000 new infections per day, a new high for the year, but the rate of increase has been slowing for over two weeks.On Monday, France reported a seven-day moving average of nearly 43,000 new infections per day, a new high for the year, but the rate of increase has been slowing for over two weeks.