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Covid live: Mainland China reports first Omicron cases; Norway to tighten restrictions Covid live: Mainland China reports first Omicron cases; Norway to tighten restrictions
(31 minutes later)
First confirmed Omicron case in China is detected in Tianjin; Norway to act amid record high infections and hospitalisationsFirst confirmed Omicron case in China is detected in Tianjin; Norway to act amid record high infections and hospitalisations
Norway will ban the serving of alcohol in bars and restaurants, impose stricter rules in schools and speed up vaccination as part of new efforts to curb the outbreak of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the government said on Monday.
“For many this will feel like a lockdown, if not of society then of their lives and of their livelihoods,” prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told a news conference.
The move comes after the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) warned on Monday that restrictions must be tightened to avoid up to 300,000 people contracting Covid every day.
The institute added that there could be up to 200 hospital admissions daily unless stricter measures were put in place.
On Monday, Norway logged 358 hospitalisations with Covid, a new daily record.
Night clubs in England will have to ask revellers who prefer using their Covid pass to gain entry instead of doing a lateral flow test to show proof that they have had a booster jab as part of future plans, the British health secretary has said.
Sajid Javid told parliament on Monday that it is the government’s intention to include proof of a booster jab, once all adults have had a chance to get theirs. He said:
MPs are due to vote on Tuesday on the requirement for NHS Covid passes showing a person’s vaccine details or test results in England, which would come into effect from Wednesday.
But Javid said it was “misleading” to say MPs are being asked to vote on “vaccine passports”.
He said:
The NHS in England was put onto a crisis footing on Monday night as hospitals were told to discharge as many patients as possible ahead of a potential Omicron-driven surge in Covid cases.The NHS in England was put onto a crisis footing on Monday night as hospitals were told to discharge as many patients as possible ahead of a potential Omicron-driven surge in Covid cases.
Anyone possible should be discharged to care homes, hospices, their own homes and hotels before Christmas in order to free up beds, amid warnings that January could see hospitals caring for even greater numbers of patients than they did at the worst point of the pandemic back in January.Anyone possible should be discharged to care homes, hospices, their own homes and hotels before Christmas in order to free up beds, amid warnings that January could see hospitals caring for even greater numbers of patients than they did at the worst point of the pandemic back in January.
Hospitals and GPs have also been told to scale back the normal services they provide, and limit care to those needing urgent attention, so NHS staff can be freed up to deliver boosters, in a letter from NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and medical director Prof Stephen Powis, who said the service is now facing a major threat classes as a Level 4 “national incident”.Hospitals and GPs have also been told to scale back the normal services they provide, and limit care to those needing urgent attention, so NHS staff can be freed up to deliver boosters, in a letter from NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and medical director Prof Stephen Powis, who said the service is now facing a major threat classes as a Level 4 “national incident”.
Hospitals will undertake fewer non-urgent operations but “highest clinical priority patients”, including people with cancer and those who have been waiting a long time, will be given priority.Hospitals will undertake fewer non-urgent operations but “highest clinical priority patients”, including people with cancer and those who have been waiting a long time, will be given priority.
They have also been told to take ambulance-borne patients into A&E quicker so that paramedics can get back on the road to answer more 999 calls, speed up efforts to bring in nurses from overseas to help tackle the NHS’s lack of staff and send as many patients as possible for surgery at private hospitals.They have also been told to take ambulance-borne patients into A&E quicker so that paramedics can get back on the road to answer more 999 calls, speed up efforts to bring in nurses from overseas to help tackle the NHS’s lack of staff and send as many patients as possible for surgery at private hospitals.
It is understood that 386,000 people in England booked booster jabs – almost 50,000 an hour – during the course of Monday, the first day after Boris Johnson’s appeal to the public to get fully vaccinated as a matter of urgency. However, sources concede that health service bosses do not know when they will be able to hit the 1m jabs a day the prime minister has said are needed.It is understood that 386,000 people in England booked booster jabs – almost 50,000 an hour – during the course of Monday, the first day after Boris Johnson’s appeal to the public to get fully vaccinated as a matter of urgency. However, sources concede that health service bosses do not know when they will be able to hit the 1m jabs a day the prime minister has said are needed.
Travel restrictions imposed on people coming to the UK should be removed given how widespread the Omicron variant is in the country, the British health secretary suggested on Monday.Travel restrictions imposed on people coming to the UK should be removed given how widespread the Omicron variant is in the country, the British health secretary suggested on Monday.
PA reports:PA reports:
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour party, has backed the government’s moves to ramp up the Covid booster jab programme as he warned the NHS is in danger of being “overwhelmed” by the emergence of the new Omicron variant.Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour party, has backed the government’s moves to ramp up the Covid booster jab programme as he warned the NHS is in danger of being “overwhelmed” by the emergence of the new Omicron variant.
Starmer said that it was essential to put the national interest first as he urged people to “stick to the rules” and get their top-up injections.Starmer said that it was essential to put the national interest first as he urged people to “stick to the rules” and get their top-up injections.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that every eligible adult in England was to be offered a third dose of the vaccine by the end of December.Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that every eligible adult in England was to be offered a third dose of the vaccine by the end of December.
In a televised address in response, Starmer said ministers should have acted sooner in the face of the threat from the fast-spreading Omicron strain.In a televised address in response, Starmer said ministers should have acted sooner in the face of the threat from the fast-spreading Omicron strain.
He said:He said:
Sir Keir said delivering the accelerated booster jab programme would be a “big challenge” but that he was confident the public would rise to meet it.Sir Keir said delivering the accelerated booster jab programme would be a “big challenge” but that he was confident the public would rise to meet it.
Hello, I’m Jedidajah Otte and I’ll be taking over now. Feel free to get in touch if you would like to flag anything you think is relevant to our coverage, I’m on Twitter @JedySays or you can email me.Hello, I’m Jedidajah Otte and I’ll be taking over now. Feel free to get in touch if you would like to flag anything you think is relevant to our coverage, I’m on Twitter @JedySays or you can email me.
Nigeria will destroy around 1 million expired Covid-19 vaccines, the head of its primary care agency has said.Nigeria will destroy around 1 million expired Covid-19 vaccines, the head of its primary care agency has said.
It’s been a quieter day today as Omicron continues its spread around the world, but the blog has still posted about lots of important developments.It’s been a quieter day today as Omicron continues its spread around the world, but the blog has still posted about lots of important developments.
Cyprus introduced new measures to curb a Covid surge, including vaccinations for 11-15 year olds, isolation for cases and close contacts, and bringing forward boosters.Cyprus introduced new measures to curb a Covid surge, including vaccinations for 11-15 year olds, isolation for cases and close contacts, and bringing forward boosters.
China reported its first Omicron case in the northern city of Tianjin from an overseas returnee.China reported its first Omicron case in the northern city of Tianjin from an overseas returnee.
The UK reported its first patient to have died from Omicron, as the government issued a warning to the public not to assume the variant is less dangerous than other strains. Citizens are rushing to get their booster jabs to protect themselves against the new variant, which is poised to replace Delta as the dominant strain in the UK, with queues round the block for vaccination centres and the NHS website crashing under the demand for appointments.The UK reported its first patient to have died from Omicron, as the government issued a warning to the public not to assume the variant is less dangerous than other strains. Citizens are rushing to get their booster jabs to protect themselves against the new variant, which is poised to replace Delta as the dominant strain in the UK, with queues round the block for vaccination centres and the NHS website crashing under the demand for appointments.
Norway announced plans to introduce new restrictions, which will be unveiled at a press conference tonight.Norway announced plans to introduce new restrictions, which will be unveiled at a press conference tonight.
Rachel Hall here signing out for the rest of the day. Thanks for following and for sharing your tips and insights with me. The global Covid blog will continue this evening, in Jedidajah Otte’s capable hands.Rachel Hall here signing out for the rest of the day. Thanks for following and for sharing your tips and insights with me. The global Covid blog will continue this evening, in Jedidajah Otte’s capable hands.
Italy reported 98 coronavirus-related deaths on Monday against 66 the day before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections fell to 12,712 from 19,215.Reuters reports:Italy has registered 134,929 deaths linked to Covid-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the ninth-highest in the world. The country has reported 5.24 million cases to date.Patients in hospital with Covid-19 - not including those in intensive care - stood at 6,951 on Monday, up from 6,697 a day earlier.There were 60 new admissions to intensive care units, up from 54 on Sunday. The total number of intensive care patients increased to 856 from a previous 829.Some 313,536 tests for COVID-19 were carried out in the past day, compared with a previous 501,815, the health ministry said.Italy reported 98 coronavirus-related deaths on Monday against 66 the day before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections fell to 12,712 from 19,215.Reuters reports:Italy has registered 134,929 deaths linked to Covid-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the ninth-highest in the world. The country has reported 5.24 million cases to date.Patients in hospital with Covid-19 - not including those in intensive care - stood at 6,951 on Monday, up from 6,697 a day earlier.There were 60 new admissions to intensive care units, up from 54 on Sunday. The total number of intensive care patients increased to 856 from a previous 829.Some 313,536 tests for COVID-19 were carried out in the past day, compared with a previous 501,815, the health ministry said.
Reuters have published a handy summary of key developments today in the spread of Omicron.EuropeReuters have published a handy summary of key developments today in the spread of Omicron.Europe
Britain reported at least one death from the Omicron variant, the first publicly confirmed death globally, and urged people to get booster shots.Britain reported at least one death from the Omicron variant, the first publicly confirmed death globally, and urged people to get booster shots.
Britain’s health secretary said the Omicron variant will become the dominant variant in the capital in the next 48 hours, while Denmark expects it to become dominant this week.Britain’s health secretary said the Omicron variant will become the dominant variant in the capital in the next 48 hours, while Denmark expects it to become dominant this week.
Norway will further tighten restrictions in a bid to limit an expected surge of Omicron, its prime minister said.Norway will further tighten restrictions in a bid to limit an expected surge of Omicron, its prime minister said.
Middle east and AfricaMiddle east and Africa
The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has the world’s lowest vaccination rate at roughly 0.1%, urged people to get inoculated after the Omicron variant was detected there and as cases increase exponentially.The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has the world’s lowest vaccination rate at roughly 0.1%, urged people to get inoculated after the Omicron variant was detected there and as cases increase exponentially.
Around 400,000 Covid-19 vaccines are set to expire in Senegal by end-December, the head of its immunisation programme said, as the country faces logistical problems, short shelf life and vaccine hesitancy.Around 400,000 Covid-19 vaccines are set to expire in Senegal by end-December, the head of its immunisation programme said, as the country faces logistical problems, short shelf life and vaccine hesitancy.
Ghana’s main international airport operator said it will fine airlines $3,500 for every passenger they bring in that is not vaccinated or that tests positive on arrival.Ghana’s main international airport operator said it will fine airlines $3,500 for every passenger they bring in that is not vaccinated or that tests positive on arrival.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who tested positive on Sunday, is still showing mild symptoms, his office said.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who tested positive on Sunday, is still showing mild symptoms, his office said.
Emma Raducanu, the 19-year-old British champion of the U.S. Open, tested positive and will miss this week’s exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.Emma Raducanu, the 19-year-old British champion of the U.S. Open, tested positive and will miss this week’s exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.
Asia-PacificAsia-Pacific
Major Chinese manufacturing province Zhejiang is fighting its first cluster this year, with hundreds of thousands of citizens in quarantine and virus-hit areas suspending business operations, cutting flights and cancelling events.Major Chinese manufacturing province Zhejiang is fighting its first cluster this year, with hundreds of thousands of citizens in quarantine and virus-hit areas suspending business operations, cutting flights and cancelling events.
Health authorities in Tianjin have detected mainland China’s first Omicron case, state media reported.Health authorities in Tianjin have detected mainland China’s first Omicron case, state media reported.
Eight Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were sentenced to up to 14 months in prison for a Tiananmen vigil last year, which the police had banned citing coronavirus restrictions.Eight Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were sentenced to up to 14 months in prison for a Tiananmen vigil last year, which the police had banned citing coronavirus restrictions.
New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement rejected Sunday’s “no” vote, in which over half of voters abstained after France declined to delay the ballot to allow for a mourning period following a surge in infections.New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement rejected Sunday’s “no” vote, in which over half of voters abstained after France declined to delay the ballot to allow for a mourning period following a surge in infections.
AmericasAmericas
The United States crossed 50 million cases on Sunday, according to Reuters tally.The United States crossed 50 million cases on Sunday, according to Reuters tally.
Catholic pilgrims estimated at over 1.5 million people gathered in Mexico City on Sunday for the annual Virgin of Guadalupe gathering after festivities were cancelled last year.Catholic pilgrims estimated at over 1.5 million people gathered in Mexico City on Sunday for the annual Virgin of Guadalupe gathering after festivities were cancelled last year.
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ruled on Saturday the country must demand proof of vaccination for visitors seeking entry, a day after hackers hit the health ministry website targeting vaccination data.A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ruled on Saturday the country must demand proof of vaccination for visitors seeking entry, a day after hackers hit the health ministry website targeting vaccination data.
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.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: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: