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Covid live: Norway to tighten restrictions; SA president Ramaphosa has ‘mild symptoms’ after positive test Covid live: Norway to tighten restrictions; SA president Ramaphosa has ‘mild symptoms’ after positive test
(31 minutes later)
Norway to act amid record high infections and hospitalisations; 69-year-old South African president tested positive for Covid-19 on SundayNorway to act amid record high infections and hospitalisations; 69-year-old South African president tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday
Australia may manufacture mRNA vaccines for Covid-19 and other diseases by 2024 under an in-principle agreement struck with pharmaceutical giant Moderna, Sarah Martin reports.
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly and will become the dominant variant in the British capital in the next 48 hours.The UK’s Health Secretary Sajid Javid told parliament:
Denmark has said that Omicron is expected to become the dominant coronavirus variant this week, with new daily cases reaching around 10,000.The country’s Serum Institute has detected 3,437 Omicron cases since it was first detected in Denmark on 22 November.Denmark has said that Omicron is expected to become the dominant coronavirus variant this week, with new daily cases reaching around 10,000.The country’s Serum Institute has detected 3,437 Omicron cases since it was first detected in Denmark on 22 November.
In the UK, 54,661 people tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, while there were 38 deaths within 28 days of a positive death, and 926 people were admitted to hospital, official figures show.The weekly case tally was 9.2% higher than the preceding week, at 363,682.In the UK, 54,661 people tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, while there were 38 deaths within 28 days of a positive death, and 926 people were admitted to hospital, official figures show.The weekly case tally was 9.2% higher than the preceding week, at 363,682.
Cyprus will start vaccinating children between the ages of 5 to 11 as part of a package of new measures to curb a Covid surge following the first confirmed cases of the omicron variant on the island.Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela unveiled the additional measures, which included cutting the mandatory six-week waiting period for booster shots by two weeks, and tighter restrictions for infected individuals and close contacts.Associated Press reports:Hadjipantela said anyone diagnosed with the omicron variant or any other new mutation will have to undergo compulsory isolation at their usual residence. Close contacts will be required to undergo a rapid antigen test within 72 hours and a PCR test a week later. Booster shot recipients are exempted.Meanwhile, the country’s SafePass — or proof of vaccination — will be revoked as of Wednesday for anyone not receiving a booster shot within seven months of completing their inoculation.Also as of this week, unvaccinated people will be barred from attending christenings, weddings and hotel receptions on top of an earlier decision to exclude them from stadiums, cinemas, theaters and nightclubs.Cyprus will start vaccinating children between the ages of 5 to 11 as part of a package of new measures to curb a Covid surge following the first confirmed cases of the omicron variant on the island.Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela unveiled the additional measures, which included cutting the mandatory six-week waiting period for booster shots by two weeks, and tighter restrictions for infected individuals and close contacts.Associated Press reports:Hadjipantela said anyone diagnosed with the omicron variant or any other new mutation will have to undergo compulsory isolation at their usual residence. Close contacts will be required to undergo a rapid antigen test within 72 hours and a PCR test a week later. Booster shot recipients are exempted.Meanwhile, the country’s SafePass — or proof of vaccination — will be revoked as of Wednesday for anyone not receiving a booster shot within seven months of completing their inoculation.Also as of this week, unvaccinated people will be barred from attending christenings, weddings and hotel receptions on top of an earlier decision to exclude them from stadiums, cinemas, theaters and nightclubs.
There are calls in Germany for its vaccine advisory panel to overhaul the way it evaluates Covid-19 shots in a bid to tame soaring infections.Reuters reports:The panel of 18 appointees known as STIKO last week recommended vaccinations for limited numbers of children, including those at risk of developing severe Covid-19, but stopped short of a blanket recommendation for 5-11 year olds.That limited approval, combined with STIKO taking weeks to fall into line with Germany’s regional health ministers widening the eligibility for booster shots from September, has stoked a debate on whether the expert panel needs to be reorganised to speed up decisions to keep up with the of pace of the coronavirus.In recent weeks, Germany has been among the worst-hit countries in western Europe, with infection rates among school-age children twice as high as the all-age rate.There are calls in Germany for its vaccine advisory panel to overhaul the way it evaluates Covid-19 shots in a bid to tame soaring infections.Reuters reports:The panel of 18 appointees known as STIKO last week recommended vaccinations for limited numbers of children, including those at risk of developing severe Covid-19, but stopped short of a blanket recommendation for 5-11 year olds.That limited approval, combined with STIKO taking weeks to fall into line with Germany’s regional health ministers widening the eligibility for booster shots from September, has stoked a debate on whether the expert panel needs to be reorganised to speed up decisions to keep up with the of pace of the coronavirus.In recent weeks, Germany has been among the worst-hit countries in western Europe, with infection rates among school-age children twice as high as the all-age rate.
At least 200,000 Covid-19 vaccines have expired in Senegal without being used in the past two months and another 200,000 will expire at the end of December due to slow demand.At least 200,000 Covid-19 vaccines have expired in Senegal without being used in the past two months and another 200,000 will expire at the end of December due to slow demand.
Reuters reports:African governments have been calling for more Covid-19 vaccines to help catch up with richer regions, where vaccine rollouts have been humming along for more than a year.Yet, as the pace of supply has picked up in recent weeks some countries have struggled to keep pace. Logistical problems, the short shelf life of vaccines that arrive from donors, and vaccine hesitancy have all kept doses from reaching arms.Up to 1 million Cpvid-19 vaccines expired in Nigeria last month, Reuters revealed.“The main problem is vaccine hesitation,” said Ousseynou Badiane, who is in charge of Senegal’s vaccine rollout. “The number of cases is decreasing. They ask: ‘why is it important to get vaccinated if the illness is not there now’?”Senegal is currently vaccinating between 1,000 and 2,000 people per day, Badiane told Reuters, down from 15,000 during the summer. At this pace, it cannot use all the vaccines it has. Part of the problem is the short shelf life of vaccines that arrive from donors that include the United States and China.Reuters reports:African governments have been calling for more Covid-19 vaccines to help catch up with richer regions, where vaccine rollouts have been humming along for more than a year.Yet, as the pace of supply has picked up in recent weeks some countries have struggled to keep pace. Logistical problems, the short shelf life of vaccines that arrive from donors, and vaccine hesitancy have all kept doses from reaching arms.Up to 1 million Cpvid-19 vaccines expired in Nigeria last month, Reuters revealed.“The main problem is vaccine hesitation,” said Ousseynou Badiane, who is in charge of Senegal’s vaccine rollout. “The number of cases is decreasing. They ask: ‘why is it important to get vaccinated if the illness is not there now’?”Senegal is currently vaccinating between 1,000 and 2,000 people per day, Badiane told Reuters, down from 15,000 during the summer. At this pace, it cannot use all the vaccines it has. Part of the problem is the short shelf life of vaccines that arrive from donors that include the United States and China.
Our science correspondent Linda Geddes has written about whether lateral flow Covid tests can be trusted in the face of the Omicron variant.Our science correspondent Linda Geddes has written about whether lateral flow Covid tests can be trusted in the face of the Omicron variant.
She writes that the emergence of Omicron has thrown a spanner in the works:She writes that the emergence of Omicron has thrown a spanner in the works:
You can read her full analysis here:You can read her full analysis here:
An update from the Guardian’s China correspondent, Vincent Ni, on the situation in the country.An update from the Guardian’s China correspondent, Vincent Ni, on the situation in the country.
China has reported its first Omicron case in the northern city of Tianjin, as the country’s eastern province of Zhejiang has been battling a rise in new infections of Delta variant in recent weeks.China has reported its first Omicron case in the northern city of Tianjin, as the country’s eastern province of Zhejiang has been battling a rise in new infections of Delta variant in recent weeks.
The Chinese authorities on Sunday reported that the Omicron case was detected from a traveller from overseas. They said that the patient is now being quarantined and treated in a designated hospital. The Chinese authorities reported that the Omicron case was detected from an overseas returnee, who showed no symptoms upon arrival on 9 December. The patient is now being quarantined and treated in a designated hospital.
The arrival of Omicron – thought to be a more transmissible variant than Delta - comes as the eastern Zhejiang province – a province with more than 65 million population – is battling against its first domestic cluster outbreak this year.The arrival of Omicron – thought to be a more transmissible variant than Delta - comes as the eastern Zhejiang province – a province with more than 65 million population – is battling against its first domestic cluster outbreak this year.
Among the 80 new locally transmitted cases with symptoms in mainland China on 12 December, 74 were identified in Zhejiang. In October, the province reported just one local case.Among the 80 new locally transmitted cases with symptoms in mainland China on 12 December, 74 were identified in Zhejiang. In October, the province reported just one local case.
The outbreak in Zhejiang – home to the e-commerce giant Alibaba - has led more than a dozen publicly listed companies to halt production on Monday. Their shares fell sharply as a result.The outbreak in Zhejiang – home to the e-commerce giant Alibaba - has led more than a dozen publicly listed companies to halt production on Monday. Their shares fell sharply as a result.
The companies said they they would comply with the anti-virus control measures imposed by the local government, which will decide when production can be resumed. The companies said that they would comply with the anti-virus control measures imposed by the local government, which will decide when production can be resumed.
Among the worst-affected cities in Zhejiang province is Shaoxing. Since 5 December, 123 of the 192 cases detected in the province were from the city of 5 million. A mass testing programme is under way.Among the worst-affected cities in Zhejiang province is Shaoxing. Since 5 December, 123 of the 192 cases detected in the province were from the city of 5 million. A mass testing programme is under way.
The Chinese authorities reported that the Omicron case was detected from an overseas returnee, who showed no symptoms upon arrival on 9 December. The patient is now being quarantined and treated in a designated hospital.
Reuters has published some facts and figures on the Covax programme, which is backed by the World Health Organization and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), and aims to deliver vaccines to poorer countries.Reuters has published some facts and figures on the Covax programme, which is backed by the World Health Organization and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), and aims to deliver vaccines to poorer countries.
The programme has delivered more than 610m Covid-19 vaccine doses to 144 countries, Gavi data shows.The programme has delivered more than 610m Covid-19 vaccine doses to 144 countries, Gavi data shows.
But in September, the 2021 delivery target was cut by nearly 30% to 1.425bn doses.But in September, the 2021 delivery target was cut by nearly 30% to 1.425bn doses.
China has detected its first Omicron case, in a traveller arriving from overseas in the northern port city of Tianjin, state-run Tianjin Daily reports.China has detected its first Omicron case, in a traveller arriving from overseas in the northern port city of Tianjin, state-run Tianjin Daily reports.
The traveller arrived in the city on 9 December and is being treated in isolation in hospital.The traveller arrived in the city on 9 December and is being treated in isolation in hospital.
Hungary has detected its first two cases of Omicron, according to state television.Hungary has detected its first two cases of Omicron, according to state television.
Denmark is pushing forward its vaccine programme to enable everyone over 40 to receive a third booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.This would mean that everyone aged 40 and above can get the vaccine four and a half months after the second jab, the country’s health authority said. Reuters reports:Denmark is pushing forward its vaccine programme to enable everyone over 40 to receive a third booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.This would mean that everyone aged 40 and above can get the vaccine four and a half months after the second jab, the country’s health authority said. Reuters reports:
A third dose is “safe and effective” as soon as three months after the initial vaccine course, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said last week.A third dose is “safe and effective” as soon as three months after the initial vaccine course, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said last week.
Denmark is second worldwide only to the UK in confirmed cases of Omicron, with both countries having extensive sequencing of samples to detect variants quickly.Denmark is second worldwide only to the UK in confirmed cases of Omicron, with both countries having extensive sequencing of samples to detect variants quickly.
Russia’s parliament is abandoning a draft bill that would have required people travelling by plane or train to present QR codes showing proof of immunity to Covid-19.Reuters reported that the U-turn came in response to strong public opposition to the proposal, which would effectively have forced people to get vaccinated - or show that they had caught the disease and recovered - in order to travel around the country.Russia has the third highest death toll from Covid-19 after the United States and Brazil, and the Kremlin has expressed frequent frustration at the slow public uptake of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine.Russia’s parliament is abandoning a draft bill that would have required people travelling by plane or train to present QR codes showing proof of immunity to Covid-19.Reuters reported that the U-turn came in response to strong public opposition to the proposal, which would effectively have forced people to get vaccinated - or show that they had caught the disease and recovered - in order to travel around the country.Russia has the third highest death toll from Covid-19 after the United States and Brazil, and the Kremlin has expressed frequent frustration at the slow public uptake of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine.
British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Monday the first patient had died after contracting the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Sky News reports.The Guardian’s full report is here:British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Monday the first patient had died after contracting the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Sky News reports.The Guardian’s full report is here:
Norway will further tighten its coronavirus restrictions this week in order to limit the spread of the virus, Reuters reports.Norway will further tighten its coronavirus restrictions this week in order to limit the spread of the virus, Reuters reports.
Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre told Norwegian news agency NTB on Monday.Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre told Norwegian news agency NTB on Monday.
Norway is setting record highs both in terms of new Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations, partly due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.A news conference will be held at 8pm CET tonight to outline the measures.Norway is setting record highs both in terms of new Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations, partly due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.A news conference will be held at 8pm CET tonight to outline the measures.
UK vaccination centres have been overwhelmed with demand for the booster vaccination, which is a key tool in the country’s bid to stem a “tidal wave” of Omicron.UK vaccination centres have been overwhelmed with demand for the booster vaccination, which is a key tool in the country’s bid to stem a “tidal wave” of Omicron.
The NHS website has crashed under the scale of demand, while long queues have been reported outside vaccinations centres around the country.On Sunday night, the prime minister Boris Johnson unveiled plans to vaccinate 1 million people per day – higher than any time so far in the campaign – to limit the variant’s rapid spread and avoid reintroducing restrictions that would have onerous implications for society and the economy.Rachel Hall here taking over from Martin Belam for the rest of the day. Please do get in touch if there’s anything we’ve missed, or if you have any ideas for coverage. You can reach me at rachel.hall@theguardian.com.The focus on this blog is the biggest global coronavirus stories, but there’s more UK-specific news on our UK Covid blog.The NHS website has crashed under the scale of demand, while long queues have been reported outside vaccinations centres around the country.On Sunday night, the prime minister Boris Johnson unveiled plans to vaccinate 1 million people per day – higher than any time so far in the campaign – to limit the variant’s rapid spread and avoid reintroducing restrictions that would have onerous implications for society and the economy.Rachel Hall here taking over from Martin Belam for the rest of the day. Please do get in touch if there’s anything we’ve missed, or if you have any ideas for coverage. You can reach me at rachel.hall@theguardian.com.The focus on this blog is the biggest global coronavirus stories, but there’s more UK-specific news on our UK Covid blog.
Thailand will halve to three months the time between administering a second Covid-19 vaccine shot and a booster, health officials have said, to try to strengthen immunity in anticipation of a local spread of the Omicron variant.Thailand will halve to three months the time between administering a second Covid-19 vaccine shot and a booster, health officials have said, to try to strengthen immunity in anticipation of a local spread of the Omicron variant.
South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa, 69, tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, though is showing only mild symptoms, the presidency said.South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa, 69, tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday, though is showing only mild symptoms, the presidency said.
Indonesia will start administering Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged six to 11 on Tuesday.Indonesia will start administering Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged six to 11 on Tuesday.
Australia’s most isolated state – Western Australia – will fully reopen its borders on 5 February after almost two years sealed off from Covid and the world. The Western Australian premier, Mark McGowan, announced on Monday plans to allow interstate and international travellers to enter the state without quarantine from midnight on 5 February, when the state was expected to hit its 90% fully vaccinated target.Australia’s most isolated state – Western Australia – will fully reopen its borders on 5 February after almost two years sealed off from Covid and the world. The Western Australian premier, Mark McGowan, announced on Monday plans to allow interstate and international travellers to enter the state without quarantine from midnight on 5 February, when the state was expected to hit its 90% fully vaccinated target.
Russia says it has detected Omicron in 16 people who returned from South Africa. The Interfax news agency cited deputy prime minister Tatiana Golikova giving the figures. Pakistan has also detected its first confirmed Omicron case.Russia says it has detected Omicron in 16 people who returned from South Africa. The Interfax news agency cited deputy prime minister Tatiana Golikova giving the figures. Pakistan has also detected its first confirmed Omicron case.
New work from home guidance takes effect in England today, following recently tightened coronavirus guidance. British prime minister Boris Johnson is gambling on an unprecedented ramping up of vaccinations, rolling out 1m booster jabs a day to stem an incoming “tidal wave of Omicron” and avoid imposing further restrictions.New work from home guidance takes effect in England today, following recently tightened coronavirus guidance. British prime minister Boris Johnson is gambling on an unprecedented ramping up of vaccinations, rolling out 1m booster jabs a day to stem an incoming “tidal wave of Omicron” and avoid imposing further restrictions.
New Zealand health authorities are investigating claims that a man received up to 10 Covid-19 vaccination doses in one day on behalf of other people, believed to be skirting tough restrictions on the unvaccinated.New Zealand health authorities are investigating claims that a man received up to 10 Covid-19 vaccination doses in one day on behalf of other people, believed to be skirting tough restrictions on the unvaccinated.
That is it from me, Martin Belam, today. You can look forward to the company of Rachel Hall to take you through the rest of the day’s global Covid news. Andrew Sparrow has our combined UK Covid and politics live blog. I will see you tomorrow.That is it from me, Martin Belam, today. You can look forward to the company of Rachel Hall to take you through the rest of the day’s global Covid news. Andrew Sparrow has our combined UK Covid and politics live blog. I will see you tomorrow.