This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/jan/27/covid-news-live-johnson-vows-to-fight-on-despite-lockdown-party-outrage-moderna-begins-trial-of-omicron-specific-booster-shot

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
Covid live news: UK reports 96,871 cases and 338 deaths as England drops mask rules and other ‘plan B’ restrictions Covid live: boosters increase protection against death from Omicron in over-50s to 95% – UKHSA; UK records 338 deaths
(32 minutes later)
UK reports another 96,871 Covid cases and 338 deaths as compulsory use of face masks and work from home guidance ends in England Protection against death increases to around 95% two weeks after receiving a booster dose, UK health agency says; UK reports another 96,871 Covid cases
Today is the day that England drops all the Plan B restrictions which were put in place ahead of the expected wave of Omicron infections. Covid boosters increase protection against death from the Omicron variant to 95% in people aged 50 or over, the UK Health Security Agency said on Thursday.
The move means compulsory mask wearing in shops and on public transport, guidance to work from home and vaccine certificates will be scrapped in England. Last week the government changed guidance to remove face mask wearing in classrooms in secondary schools. The UKHSA said that around six months after a second dose of any of the Covid vaccines, protection against death with Omicron was around 60% in those aged 50 and over. However, this increased to around 95% two weeks after receiving a booster vaccine dose.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the success of the vaccine programme, coupled with a better understanding of treatment for the virus, is “allowing us to cautiously return to plan A, restoring more freedoms to this country”. UKHSA added that data continued to show high levels of protection against hospitalisation from the booster. Effectiveness against hospitalisation was around 90% for the Pfizer/BioNTech shot , dropping to 75% 10-14 weeks after the booster.
The move comes as the UK as a whole recorded 102,292 new daily Covid cases, with the week-on-week average being slightly down. There were 346 deaths recorded yesterday. For Moderna, effectiveness against hospitalisation was 90-95% up to 9 weeks after the booster.
Public health guidance urging people to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces if coming into contact strangers will remain in place, the Government said. It also said organisations will be able to choose if they will require Covid passes from those visiting their venues. “The evidence is clear - the vaccine helps to protect us all against the effects of Covid-19 and the booster is offering high levels of protection from hospitalisation and death in the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA.
While the scrapping of measures have been welcomed by some, others have urged people to “be considerate to those around them” when it comes to choosing to wear a face covering, and to “be respectful” of policies in certain settings. The UKHSA also issued an initial analysis of vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron sub-lineage called BA.2, which is growing in the UK and Denmark, finding a similar level of protection against symptomatic disease.
Both Sainsbury’s and John Lewis said their customers will be asked to wear masks, though the latter acknowledged it will ultimately come down to “personal choice”. “After two doses effectiveness was 9% and 13% respectively for BA.1 and BA.2, after 25+ weeks,” the UKHSA said. “This increased to 63% for BA.1 and 70% for BA.2 from two weeks following a booster vaccine.”
PA Media quote the British Retail Consortium saying the changes “will enable shopping to return to a more normal experience for customers, employees and businesses”. A vaccine expert has said the UK’s Covid focus should shift away from the booster programme and move towards urging the unvaccinated to get first doses, Nicola Davis reports.
But their chief executive Helen Dickinson added: “Retailers ask customers to be considerate to those around them when choosing whether to wear a face covering and to respect the decision of other customers.” Efforts to increase uptake of Covid jabs in the UK should be concentrated on reducing the number of unvaccinated people rather than booster jabs, a leading expert has said.
As Omicron spread rapidly around the country towards the end of 2021, health advisers and government ministers stressed that two doses “are not enough” to protect against the new variant, urging those eligible to take up a booster dose as soon as possible.
The message hit home: in an attempt to avert another dismal Christmas and protect their loved ones people dashed to get jabbed, with 968,665 booster or third vaccinations reported on 21 December alone. But uptake subsequently fell dramatically, with booster doses now bobbing about 50,000 a day.
Now a leading vaccine expert has said the focus should be placed on reducing the numbers of those who have yet to have even their first jab.
“I think the booster programme might have reached saturation and [it is] best to concentrate on those who had no vaccine at all – as their chance of dying is 11 times higher than vaccinated folks,” said Prof Beate Kampmann, director of the vaccine centre at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
More on this story here: UK Covid efforts should target unvaccinated, says expert
A very quick snap from Reuters.A very quick snap from Reuters.
Kuwait’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, Sheikh Hamad Jaber al-Ali al-Sabah, has contracted Covid, the Gulf state’s army said on Thursday. He was self-isolating at home and working remotely, it added.Kuwait’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, Sheikh Hamad Jaber al-Ali al-Sabah, has contracted Covid, the Gulf state’s army said on Thursday. He was self-isolating at home and working remotely, it added.
The UK has recorded another 96,871 new cases of Covid and a further 338 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the government’s coronavirus dashboard.The UK has recorded another 96,871 new cases of Covid and a further 338 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the government’s coronavirus dashboard.
That compares with 102,292 infections and 346 fatalities reported in the 24 hours prior.That compares with 102,292 infections and 346 fatalities reported in the 24 hours prior.
Greece will allow music in restaurants and bars again and extend their operating hours as it lifts some of the restrictions imposed last month now that Covid infections and the pressure on hospitals are easing, Reuters reports.Greece will allow music in restaurants and bars again and extend their operating hours as it lifts some of the restrictions imposed last month now that Covid infections and the pressure on hospitals are easing, Reuters reports.
The country last month forced bars, nightclubs and restaurants to close at midnight, with no standing customers and no music, following a surge of cases over the Christmas holidays due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.The country last month forced bars, nightclubs and restaurants to close at midnight, with no standing customers and no music, following a surge of cases over the Christmas holidays due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
“We have decided to scale back the restrictions, taking into consideration the course of the pandemic in terms of cases which have been declining in recent weeks,” the health minister Thanos Plevris said in a televised statement.“We have decided to scale back the restrictions, taking into consideration the course of the pandemic in terms of cases which have been declining in recent weeks,” the health minister Thanos Plevris said in a televised statement.
He said that despite ongoing pressure on the health system, the rate of hospital admissions and discharges and a shorter duration and less severe illness for the Omicron variant compared to Delta allowed authorities to ease the curbs.He said that despite ongoing pressure on the health system, the rate of hospital admissions and discharges and a shorter duration and less severe illness for the Omicron variant compared to Delta allowed authorities to ease the curbs.
Capacity restrictions will remain in place for sport events, while a double mask is mandatory in supermarkets and transport.Capacity restrictions will remain in place for sport events, while a double mask is mandatory in supermarkets and transport.
Greece reported 19,712 new cases on Thursday. Infections have been easing since a record high of around 50,000 in early January.Greece reported 19,712 new cases on Thursday. Infections have been easing since a record high of around 50,000 in early January.
A total of 23,083 deaths linked to Covid have been reported since February 2020 and 1,867,935 cases out of a population of 11 million people.A total of 23,083 deaths linked to Covid have been reported since February 2020 and 1,867,935 cases out of a population of 11 million people.
A group of vaccine-sceptic writers are generating revenues of at least $2.5m (£1.85m) a year from publishing newsletters for tens of thousands of followers on the online publishing platform Substack, according to research.A group of vaccine-sceptic writers are generating revenues of at least $2.5m (£1.85m) a year from publishing newsletters for tens of thousands of followers on the online publishing platform Substack, according to research.
My colleague Dan Milmo has the story: Anti-vaxxers making ‘at least $2.5m’ a year from publishing on SubstackMy colleague Dan Milmo has the story: Anti-vaxxers making ‘at least $2.5m’ a year from publishing on Substack
India’s capital announced the end of a weekend curfew and eased other stringent Covid restrictions on Thursday, with government data suggesting the country’s recent Omicron variant outbreak had slowed, AFP reports.India’s capital announced the end of a weekend curfew and eased other stringent Covid restrictions on Thursday, with government data suggesting the country’s recent Omicron variant outbreak had slowed, AFP reports.
Health authorities are still recording more than a quarter million cases across the country each day, but daily deaths have stayed a fraction of those seen last year.Health authorities are still recording more than a quarter million cases across the country each day, but daily deaths have stayed a fraction of those seen last year.
Local officials in Delhi decided to reopen restaurants, allow markets to operate at full capacity and lift an all-weekend curfew imposed at the start of January that kept nearly all residents confined to their homes.Local officials in Delhi decided to reopen restaurants, allow markets to operate at full capacity and lift an all-weekend curfew imposed at the start of January that kept nearly all residents confined to their homes.
“In view of the decline in positive cases, it was decided to gradually ease restrictions while ensuring adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour,” Delhi lieutenant governor, Anil Baijal, said.“In view of the decline in positive cases, it was decided to gradually ease restrictions while ensuring adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour,” Delhi lieutenant governor, Anil Baijal, said.
India recorded more than 285,000 new cases overnight – down substantially from the figures seen a week earlier – and 573 deaths.India recorded more than 285,000 new cases overnight – down substantially from the figures seen a week earlier – and 573 deaths.
“In the last five to seven days there is an early indication of Covid cases plateauing … but we need to observe and take precautions,” the health ministry official Lav Agarwal told a Thursday press conference.“In the last five to seven days there is an early indication of Covid cases plateauing … but we need to observe and take precautions,” the health ministry official Lav Agarwal told a Thursday press conference.
An overnight curfew will remain in effect for all the capital’s residents except essential workers.An overnight curfew will remain in effect for all the capital’s residents except essential workers.
The country was battered by a devastating Covid outbreak last year in which 200,000 people died in a matter of weeks, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.The country was battered by a devastating Covid outbreak last year in which 200,000 people died in a matter of weeks, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.
Since then India has administered more than 1.6bn vaccine doses and expanded its inoculation drive to teenagers, while giving booster shots to vulnerable people and frontline workers.Since then India has administered more than 1.6bn vaccine doses and expanded its inoculation drive to teenagers, while giving booster shots to vulnerable people and frontline workers.
Its current Covid wave comes just weeks before various sub-national elections including for Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state and home to 220 million people.Its current Covid wave comes just weeks before various sub-national elections including for Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state and home to 220 million people.
Election authorities have restricted public campaign rallies, normally teeming with huge crowds, over fears they could spread the virus.Election authorities have restricted public campaign rallies, normally teeming with huge crowds, over fears they could spread the virus.
The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has gone into isolation for five days after being exposed to someone with Covid.The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has gone into isolation for five days after being exposed to someone with Covid.
“I feel fine and will be working from home. Stay safe, everyone – and please get vaccinated,” Trudeau tweeted, adding that a rapid test result had come back negative.“I feel fine and will be working from home. Stay safe, everyone – and please get vaccinated,” Trudeau tweeted, adding that a rapid test result had come back negative.
The news means Trudeau, 50, will miss the reopening of parliament next Monday. Trudeau, who has been prime minister since November 2015, was reelected for a second time last September.The news means Trudeau, 50, will miss the reopening of parliament next Monday. Trudeau, who has been prime minister since November 2015, was reelected for a second time last September.
Trudeau went into isolation for two weeks in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for Covid.Trudeau went into isolation for two weeks in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for Covid.
Several Canadian cabinet ministers, including the foreign minister Mélanie Joly, have tested positive in the last few months.Several Canadian cabinet ministers, including the foreign minister Mélanie Joly, have tested positive in the last few months.
The UK government may not have the power to ban mask-wearing from schools in England, according to legal advice commissioned by the Good Law Project.The UK government may not have the power to ban mask-wearing from schools in England, according to legal advice commissioned by the Good Law Project.
Many secondary schools in England have persisted with the use of face masks by students, despite last week’s decision by the government to drop advice that masks be worn in classrooms.Many secondary schools in England have persisted with the use of face masks by students, despite last week’s decision by the government to drop advice that masks be worn in classrooms.
Ministers and a few MPs have said that masks should not now be worn, with the education secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, saying he would “vet” local public health requests to keep them.Ministers and a few MPs have said that masks should not now be worn, with the education secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, saying he would “vet” local public health requests to keep them.
However, the Good Law Project said the advice it received suggested the government would find it difficult to ban masks nationally:However, the Good Law Project said the advice it received suggested the government would find it difficult to ban masks nationally:
The charity said schools should record and justify their decision-making process when asking pupils and staff to continue wearing masks.The charity said schools should record and justify their decision-making process when asking pupils and staff to continue wearing masks.
Schools may want to take into account local rates of infection and vaccination, vulnerabilities in the school population and community, and advice from local authorities, among other things.Schools may want to take into account local rates of infection and vaccination, vulnerabilities in the school population and community, and advice from local authorities, among other things.
A very quick snap from PA.A very quick snap from PA.
Jonathan Chew, 24, has pleaded guilty at Westminster magistrates court to a charge of intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to England’s chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty. The incident took place in St James’s Park, London, in June last year.Jonathan Chew, 24, has pleaded guilty at Westminster magistrates court to a charge of intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to England’s chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty. The incident took place in St James’s Park, London, in June last year.
More than half of all patients with Covid-19 in hospital trusts in England are being treated primarily for something else, PA reports.More than half of all patients with Covid-19 in hospital trusts in England are being treated primarily for something else, PA reports.
New figures show that of the 13,023 patients reported as having the virus on 25 January, 6,767 (52%) were not being treated principally for Covid.New figures show that of the 13,023 patients reported as having the virus on 25 January, 6,767 (52%) were not being treated principally for Covid.
This is the highest proportion since these figures were first published in June 2021, and is up from 26% at the start of December.This is the highest proportion since these figures were first published in June 2021, and is up from 26% at the start of December.
In London the figure was as high as 64% of patients, while in eastern England it was 62%. Both the Midlands (54%) and south-west England (51%) were also above 50%.In London the figure was as high as 64% of patients, while in eastern England it was 62%. Both the Midlands (54%) and south-west England (51%) were also above 50%.
But other regions in England had slightly lower levels, with north-east England and Yorkshire at 46%, south-east England 45% and north-west England 43%.But other regions in England had slightly lower levels, with north-east England and Yorkshire at 46%, south-east England 45% and north-west England 43%.
All hospital patients who have tested positive for Covid need to be treated separately from those who do not have the virus, regardless of whether they are in hospital primarily for Covid or not.All hospital patients who have tested positive for Covid need to be treated separately from those who do not have the virus, regardless of whether they are in hospital primarily for Covid or not.
But the growing proportion of patients who are in hospital “with” Covid rather than “for” Covid is another sign that the current wave of the virus has not led to the same sort of pressure on critical care as in previous waves.But the growing proportion of patients who are in hospital “with” Covid rather than “for” Covid is another sign that the current wave of the virus has not led to the same sort of pressure on critical care as in previous waves.
A total of 501 patients in all hospitals in England were in mechanical ventilation beds on 25 January, compared with 773 at the start of December – and well below the 3,736 recorded at the peak of the second wave on 24 January last year.A total of 501 patients in all hospitals in England were in mechanical ventilation beds on 25 January, compared with 773 at the start of December – and well below the 3,736 recorded at the peak of the second wave on 24 January last year.
Separate figures published on Thursday show that nearly one in five patients (18%) arriving at hospitals in England by ambulance last week waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E departments.Separate figures published on Thursday show that nearly one in five patients (18%) arriving at hospitals in England by ambulance last week waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E departments.
This is unchanged from the previous week, but is down from 23% of arrivals delayed for half an hour or more in the week to 9 January.This is unchanged from the previous week, but is down from 23% of arrivals delayed for half an hour or more in the week to 9 January.
About 7% of arrivals took more than 60 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams – also unchanged on the previous week.A handover delay does not always mean a patient has waited in the ambulance.About 7% of arrivals took more than 60 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams – also unchanged on the previous week.A handover delay does not always mean a patient has waited in the ambulance.
They may have been moved into an A&E department, but staff were not available to complete the handover.They may have been moved into an A&E department, but staff were not available to complete the handover.
Analysis of the NHS England data by the PA news agency shows that both University Hospitals Bristol & Weston and University Hospitals Plymouth reported the highest proportion of ambulance handovers that were delayed by at least 30 minutes last week (54%), followed by North West Anglia and Shrewsbury & Telford (both 53%) and Gloucestershire (51%).Analysis of the NHS England data by the PA news agency shows that both University Hospitals Bristol & Weston and University Hospitals Plymouth reported the highest proportion of ambulance handovers that were delayed by at least 30 minutes last week (54%), followed by North West Anglia and Shrewsbury & Telford (both 53%) and Gloucestershire (51%).
Bristol & Weston and Plymouth also topped the list for the proportion of arrivals that were delayed by more than an hour (37%), followed by University Hospitals of Leicester (33%), Gloucestershire (31%) and North Bristol (29%).Bristol & Weston and Plymouth also topped the list for the proportion of arrivals that were delayed by more than an hour (37%), followed by University Hospitals of Leicester (33%), Gloucestershire (31%) and North Bristol (29%).
There were 85,467 arrivals at A&E by ambulance in the week to 23 January, up almost 2,000 on the previous week and the busiest seven days since the start of December, NHS England said.There were 85,467 arrivals at A&E by ambulance in the week to 23 January, up almost 2,000 on the previous week and the busiest seven days since the start of December, NHS England said.
Ambulance handover delays are likely to have been influenced by the volume of patients who were medically fit but who were not able to be discharged.Ambulance handover delays are likely to have been influenced by the volume of patients who were medically fit but who were not able to be discharged.
On average more than half of inpatients (59%) fit to be discharged each day last week did not leave hospital, for reasons such as a lack of space in care homes or pending an agreement with local social services over levels of support.On average more than half of inpatients (59%) fit to be discharged each day last week did not leave hospital, for reasons such as a lack of space in care homes or pending an agreement with local social services over levels of support.
On 23 January, the most recent date for which figures are available, out of 18,075 patients in England who were medically fit to leave, 12,984 (72%) were still in hospital.On 23 January, the most recent date for which figures are available, out of 18,075 patients in England who were medically fit to leave, 12,984 (72%) were still in hospital.
Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, the body that represents health trusts in England, said the figures showed hospitals were “operating under sustained pressure”, despite the recent fall in the Covid cases. She said:Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, the body that represents health trusts in England, said the figures showed hospitals were “operating under sustained pressure”, despite the recent fall in the Covid cases. She said:
An average of 30,375 NHS staff at hospital trusts in England were ill with coronavirus or having to self-isolate each day in the week to 23 January – down 15% on the previous week, but still nearly double the level just before Christmas.An average of 30,375 NHS staff at hospital trusts in England were ill with coronavirus or having to self-isolate each day in the week to 23 January – down 15% on the previous week, but still nearly double the level just before Christmas.
Booster shots could reduce future hospitalisations in Europe by at least half a million, the European Union’s public health agency said on Thursday, even as the Omicron variant spreads at an unprecedented pace.Booster shots could reduce future hospitalisations in Europe by at least half a million, the European Union’s public health agency said on Thursday, even as the Omicron variant spreads at an unprecedented pace.
“The current uptake of a booster dose achieved by early January may reduce future Omicron hospital admissions by 500,000-800,000 [in Europe],” the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) said.“The current uptake of a booster dose achieved by early January may reduce future Omicron hospital admissions by 500,000-800,000 [in Europe],” the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) said.
The figures cover the 27-nation EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.The figures cover the 27-nation EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Currently about 70% of the EU’s population of 450 million has had two doses of a Covid vaccine and half of them have received a booster.Currently about 70% of the EU’s population of 450 million has had two doses of a Covid vaccine and half of them have received a booster.
“Extending the booster programme to all previously vaccinated individuals could reduce admissions by another 300,000-500,000,” the ECDC said.“Extending the booster programme to all previously vaccinated individuals could reduce admissions by another 300,000-500,000,” the ECDC said.
Although Omicron cases are increasing at an unprecedented speed across the continent, with infection rates three times as high as the highest peak so far, many countries may already be at a turning point, the EU said.Although Omicron cases are increasing at an unprecedented speed across the continent, with infection rates three times as high as the highest peak so far, many countries may already be at a turning point, the EU said.
“Whilst in some member states, the peak of infection appears to have been reached recently, the pandemic is not over,” the EU health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said.“Whilst in some member states, the peak of infection appears to have been reached recently, the pandemic is not over,” the EU health commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, said.
A group of German, Austrian and Swiss immigrants has implanted an ideologically driven settlement in one of Paraguay’s poorest regions, William Costa reports.A group of German, Austrian and Swiss immigrants has implanted an ideologically driven settlement in one of Paraguay’s poorest regions, William Costa reports.
A 1,600-hectare (4,000-acre) gated community, dubbed El Paraíso Verde, or The Green Paradise, is being carved out of the fertile red earth of Caazapá, one of Paraguay’s poorest regions.A 1,600-hectare (4,000-acre) gated community, dubbed El Paraíso Verde, or The Green Paradise, is being carved out of the fertile red earth of Caazapá, one of Paraguay’s poorest regions.
The community’s population – consisting mainly of German, Austrian and Swiss immigrants – will eventually swell from 150 to 3,000, according to the owners.The community’s population – consisting mainly of German, Austrian and Swiss immigrants – will eventually swell from 150 to 3,000, according to the owners.
The project’s website bills it as “by far the largest urbanisation and settlement project in South America”, describing the colony as a refuge from “socialist trends of current economic and political situations worldwide” – as well as “5G, chemtrails, fluoridated water, mandatory vaccinations and healthcare mandates”.The project’s website bills it as “by far the largest urbanisation and settlement project in South America”, describing the colony as a refuge from “socialist trends of current economic and political situations worldwide” – as well as “5G, chemtrails, fluoridated water, mandatory vaccinations and healthcare mandates”.
Immigration to the colony has stepped up since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with residents interviewed on its YouTube channel attributing their move to scepticism about the virus and vaccines.Immigration to the colony has stepped up since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with residents interviewed on its YouTube channel attributing their move to scepticism about the virus and vaccines.
Caazapá, a rural region dominated by cattle ranching in the heart of lush eastern Paraguay, saw a jump from four new German residents in 2019 to 101 in 2021, according to official figures. “Anti-vaxxer” immigrants have also been reported settling in other parts of Paraguay.Caazapá, a rural region dominated by cattle ranching in the heart of lush eastern Paraguay, saw a jump from four new German residents in 2019 to 101 in 2021, according to official figures. “Anti-vaxxer” immigrants have also been reported settling in other parts of Paraguay.
One German citizen who lives nearby and who does business with Paraíso Verde, cited discredited conspiracy theories about coronavirus vaccines to explain the surge. They claimed that Paraguay’s accommodating immigration laws have proved attractive to Germans who want to “escape the matrix” and flee the “deep state and one world order”.One German citizen who lives nearby and who does business with Paraíso Verde, cited discredited conspiracy theories about coronavirus vaccines to explain the surge. They claimed that Paraguay’s accommodating immigration laws have proved attractive to Germans who want to “escape the matrix” and flee the “deep state and one world order”.
“Many older people are coming. They understand that many people are dying in care homes [after vaccination],” said the German, who asked not to be named. “And the others, in their 40s, are trying to bring their children over here to escape.”“Many older people are coming. They understand that many people are dying in care homes [after vaccination],” said the German, who asked not to be named. “And the others, in their 40s, are trying to bring their children over here to escape.”
But the appearance of an insular colony of Europeans has been watched with concern by some in the nearby the regional capital, also named Caazapá.But the appearance of an insular colony of Europeans has been watched with concern by some in the nearby the regional capital, also named Caazapá.
“Why are they here? We don’t know, but we want to find out,” said Rodney Mereles, a former municipal councillor.“Why are they here? We don’t know, but we want to find out,” said Rodney Mereles, a former municipal councillor.
On its YouTube channel, Paraíso Verde shares videos describing the pandemic which has killed some 5.5 million people as “non-existent”, promoting false, dangerous Covid “miracle cures”, and advertising Paraguay as a country without pandemic restrictions – despite the government’s clear health protocols.On its YouTube channel, Paraíso Verde shares videos describing the pandemic which has killed some 5.5 million people as “non-existent”, promoting false, dangerous Covid “miracle cures”, and advertising Paraguay as a country without pandemic restrictions – despite the government’s clear health protocols.
Even as Paraguay recorded the world’s highest Covid death rate per capita in June 2021, the colony shared videos of large parties in violation of restrictions.Even as Paraguay recorded the world’s highest Covid death rate per capita in June 2021, the colony shared videos of large parties in violation of restrictions.
Here is the full story: German-speaking Covid denialists seek to build paradise in ParaguayHere is the full story: German-speaking Covid denialists seek to build paradise in Paraguay
The UK government’s announcement that care home residents in England will be allowed unlimited visitors from next week has been met with joyous reactions from loved ones, Rob Booth reports.The UK government’s announcement that care home residents in England will be allowed unlimited visitors from next week has been met with joyous reactions from loved ones, Rob Booth reports.
Families have reacted with elation to the government’s announcement that English care homes will allow unlimited visitors for residents from next week.Families have reacted with elation to the government’s announcement that English care homes will allow unlimited visitors for residents from next week.
“It’s absolutely fantastic news,” said Penny Hutchinson, whose mother, Yvonne Williamson, 81, lives in Summerfield House care home in Halifax. “Everyone is delighted. It means we are being listened to.”“It’s absolutely fantastic news,” said Penny Hutchinson, whose mother, Yvonne Williamson, 81, lives in Summerfield House care home in Halifax. “Everyone is delighted. It means we are being listened to.”
The rule change, placing no limits on the number of visitors, means Williamson will be able to see her grandchildren, Lucy, 23, and Kristian, 18, for the first time in two years. While there was a limit of three named visitors, those roles went to her three children.The rule change, placing no limits on the number of visitors, means Williamson will be able to see her grandchildren, Lucy, 23, and Kristian, 18, for the first time in two years. While there was a limit of three named visitors, those roles went to her three children.
However, the reunion will have to be delayed because, in common with hundreds of other care homes, Summerfield House is tackling an outbreak of Omicron, which means visitors are limited to a single pre-nominated essential caregiver. Care homes will still have to follow outbreak management rules after next week’s rule changes, albeit for 14 rather than 28 days, as has been the case.However, the reunion will have to be delayed because, in common with hundreds of other care homes, Summerfield House is tackling an outbreak of Omicron, which means visitors are limited to a single pre-nominated essential caregiver. Care homes will still have to follow outbreak management rules after next week’s rule changes, albeit for 14 rather than 28 days, as has been the case.
“We are still pushing for a law so we can’t lock care home residents away without at least one visitor,” Williamson said.“We are still pushing for a law so we can’t lock care home residents away without at least one visitor,” Williamson said.
Campaign groups such as Rights for Residents have been calling for the government to enshrine the status of “essential caregiver” in law so care homes can never again go into full lockdown.Campaign groups such as Rights for Residents have been calling for the government to enshrine the status of “essential caregiver” in law so care homes can never again go into full lockdown.
They argue that what would be known as “Gloria’s law” – named after the mother of the care visits campaigner and actor Ruthie Henshall – is a basic human right and say isolation has caused misery as care homes locked their doors to prevent infection spread. It has left families only able to talk to loved ones through plastic screens or bedroom windows.They argue that what would be known as “Gloria’s law” – named after the mother of the care visits campaigner and actor Ruthie Henshall – is a basic human right and say isolation has caused misery as care homes locked their doors to prevent infection spread. It has left families only able to talk to loved ones through plastic screens or bedroom windows.
Birgit Clark, whose daughter Franziska, 26, has severe learning difficulties and lives in a care home in Cheshire, said there would be “fireworks going off” if she was allowed back into her daughter’s home. She has not been inside the home for close to two years, although she has seen her daughter outdoors and taken her on trips.Birgit Clark, whose daughter Franziska, 26, has severe learning difficulties and lives in a care home in Cheshire, said there would be “fireworks going off” if she was allowed back into her daughter’s home. She has not been inside the home for close to two years, although she has seen her daughter outdoors and taken her on trips.
But while the guidelines say there is no limit to the number of visitors from Monday, the reality is the home must consult with the local authority health protection team, she says.But while the guidelines say there is no limit to the number of visitors from Monday, the reality is the home must consult with the local authority health protection team, she says.
“They want to open up,” said Clark. “They understand how important it is to have family life. The mental health of the residents has suffered badly. It is loneliness. So I am hoping we are going to get there.”“They want to open up,” said Clark. “They understand how important it is to have family life. The mental health of the residents has suffered badly. It is loneliness. So I am hoping we are going to get there.”
The full story is here: ‘Absolutely fantastic’: families’ joy at opening up of English care homesThe full story is here: ‘Absolutely fantastic’: families’ joy at opening up of English care homes
There has been a sharp drop in one-off sexual encounters during the Covid pandemic, researchers say, but more people are enjoying friends with benefits and getting experimental in bed.There has been a sharp drop in one-off sexual encounters during the Covid pandemic, researchers say, but more people are enjoying friends with benefits and getting experimental in bed.
My colleague Zoe Williams has the story: How Covid killed the one-night stand – and made us all kinkierMy colleague Zoe Williams has the story: How Covid killed the one-night stand – and made us all kinkier
NHS absences due to Covid-19 are falling much faster in London and the north-west than in other parts of the country, particularly the Midlands, my colleagues Niamh McIntyre and Pamela Duncan report.NHS absences due to Covid-19 are falling much faster in London and the north-west than in other parts of the country, particularly the Midlands, my colleagues Niamh McIntyre and Pamela Duncan report.
New figures show the number of NHS London staff off sick with Covid was close to 3,000 on an average day in the week to 23 January or 47% of its Omicron peak.However, in the Midlands, there are close to 7,500 staff off sick with Covid, or 69% of the region’s lowest staffing levels in the Omicron wave. Absences in NHS East of England and the South East region are both running at 65% of their Omicron peaks respectively.Across NHS England Covid absences have fallen again, the latest figures show, down 15% on the previous week.There were just over 30,000 NHS staff absent due to Covid in the week to 23 January, compared to 35,000 last week. This is the second week in a row where absences have fallen, down from a winter peak of 46,000 on average at the start of January. In the past week the North West region saw a 25% drop-off in staff absences while NHS London reported a 22% drop. This compares with a 13% fall in the Midlands and an 11% drop in the North East and Yorkshire, 8% in the South West and 6% in the South East region.New figures show the number of NHS London staff off sick with Covid was close to 3,000 on an average day in the week to 23 January or 47% of its Omicron peak.However, in the Midlands, there are close to 7,500 staff off sick with Covid, or 69% of the region’s lowest staffing levels in the Omicron wave. Absences in NHS East of England and the South East region are both running at 65% of their Omicron peaks respectively.Across NHS England Covid absences have fallen again, the latest figures show, down 15% on the previous week.There were just over 30,000 NHS staff absent due to Covid in the week to 23 January, compared to 35,000 last week. This is the second week in a row where absences have fallen, down from a winter peak of 46,000 on average at the start of January. In the past week the North West region saw a 25% drop-off in staff absences while NHS London reported a 22% drop. This compares with a 13% fall in the Midlands and an 11% drop in the North East and Yorkshire, 8% in the South West and 6% in the South East region.
Staff absences due to all causes remains high across NHS England with more than 72,000 staff absent due to sickness each day last week on average, down from a peak of 88,000 in early January but significantly higher than in early December when they were running at 60,000. Separate figures published today show that the number of ambulance callouts grew substantially in the latest week with 2,000 more callouts than the previous week, to 85,467, the highest in the winter to date. The proportion of occupied beds in the NHS remained stable in the week to 23 January at 91.6%. Pressure in hospitals remains high, with 93% of adult general and acute beds occupied over last week, and paediatric general and acute beds seeing an almost 3 percentage point increase in occupancy the previous week to this past week.NHS England’s national medical director, Prof Stephen Powis, said that it was positive to see more NHS staff back at work but that pressure on the NHS remained intense. He said:Staff absences due to all causes remains high across NHS England with more than 72,000 staff absent due to sickness each day last week on average, down from a peak of 88,000 in early January but significantly higher than in early December when they were running at 60,000. Separate figures published today show that the number of ambulance callouts grew substantially in the latest week with 2,000 more callouts than the previous week, to 85,467, the highest in the winter to date. The proportion of occupied beds in the NHS remained stable in the week to 23 January at 91.6%. Pressure in hospitals remains high, with 93% of adult general and acute beds occupied over last week, and paediatric general and acute beds seeing an almost 3 percentage point increase in occupancy the previous week to this past week.NHS England’s national medical director, Prof Stephen Powis, said that it was positive to see more NHS staff back at work but that pressure on the NHS remained intense. He said: