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Covid news live: England drops all ‘plan B’ restrictions; Moderna begins trial of Omicron-specific booster shot Covid news live: England drops all ‘plan B’ restrictions; Moderna begins trial of Omicron-specific booster shot
(32 minutes later)
Compulsory use of face masks, vaccine certificates and work from home guidance all ended in England; Moderna follows Pfizer in launching trial to target OmicronCompulsory use of face masks, vaccine certificates and work from home guidance all ended in England; Moderna follows Pfizer in launching trial to target Omicron
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.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.
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 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.
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”.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”.
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.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.
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.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.
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.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.
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”.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”.
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”.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”.
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.”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.”
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. 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.
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 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 saw a 25% dropoff in staff absences while NHS London reported a 22% drop. This compares to 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. Families have reacted with elation to the government’s announcement that English care homes will allow unlimited visitors for residents from next week.
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: “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.
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.
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.
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.
“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 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.
My 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.
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:
Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.Good morning from London. I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
England has dropped all plan B restrictions from today. The decision 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 mask wearing in classrooms in secondary schools.England has dropped all plan B restrictions from today. The decision 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 mask wearing in classrooms in secondary schools.
Care home residents in England can receive unlimited visitors from Monday as restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant of coronavirus are eased, the Department of Health has said. Care homes in England will have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days, and self-isolation periods will be cut from 15 days to 10 days for those who test positive – with further reductions if they test negative on days five and six.Care home residents in England can receive unlimited visitors from Monday as restrictions to tackle the Omicron variant of coronavirus are eased, the Department of Health has said. Care homes in England will have to follow outbreak management rules for 14 rather than 28 days, and self-isolation periods will be cut from 15 days to 10 days for those who test positive – with further reductions if they test negative on days five and six.
We are still waiting for the publication of Sue Gray’s report into allegations of partying during lockdown at Downing Street and in Whitehall. Andrew Sparrow’s live blog has the latest on that saga.We are still waiting for the publication of Sue Gray’s report into allegations of partying during lockdown at Downing Street and in Whitehall. Andrew Sparrow’s live blog has the latest on that saga.
Travel companies are reporting a bounce back in bookings in the UK, with easyJet and Saga predicting a summer surge as the impact of Omicron on consumer confidence wanes, and the government’s move to lift testing and travel restrictions pushes capacity back to near pre-pandemic levels.Travel companies are reporting a bounce back in bookings in the UK, with easyJet and Saga predicting a summer surge as the impact of Omicron on consumer confidence wanes, and the government’s move to lift testing and travel restrictions pushes capacity back to near pre-pandemic levels.
Moderna says it has started a mid-stage study, testing a booster dose of its Covid-19 vaccine specifically designed to target the Omicron variant, a day after rival Pfizer launched a similar trial.Moderna says it has started a mid-stage study, testing a booster dose of its Covid-19 vaccine specifically designed to target the Omicron variant, a day after rival Pfizer launched a similar trial.
Germany’s Omicron wave continues apace, as the country again set another record number of daily new infections, crossing the 200,000 threshold for the first time.Germany’s Omicron wave continues apace, as the country again set another record number of daily new infections, crossing the 200,000 threshold for the first time.
Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases rose to 88,816 on Thursday, a new record high for the seventh consecutive day as the Omicron variant was identified in new regions, officials said.Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases rose to 88,816 on Thursday, a new record high for the seventh consecutive day as the Omicron variant was identified in new regions, officials said.
Poland has set another new daily Covid caseload record, at 57,659. The country’s defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak has tweeted that he has tested positive.Poland has set another new daily Covid caseload record, at 57,659. The country’s defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak has tweeted that he has tested positive.
Hong Kong will shorten its 21-day quarantine requirement to 14 days for incoming travellers starting from 5 February.Hong Kong will shorten its 21-day quarantine requirement to 14 days for incoming travellers starting from 5 February.
Current and former staffers have accused the top director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific of racist, unethical and abusive behaviour that has undermined the UN health agency’s efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Dr Takeshi Kasai denies the allegations, which are said to have been raised by more than 30 staffers.Current and former staffers have accused the top director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific of racist, unethical and abusive behaviour that has undermined the UN health agency’s efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Dr Takeshi Kasai denies the allegations, which are said to have been raised by more than 30 staffers.
Australia’s expert immunisation advisers are still considering whether to expand the definition of “fully vaccinated” to mean three Covid jabs, while some state and territory leaders have indicated they may be approaching the peak of their Omicron waves.Australia’s expert immunisation advisers are still considering whether to expand the definition of “fully vaccinated” to mean three Covid jabs, while some state and territory leaders have indicated they may be approaching the peak of their Omicron waves.
Israel’s government has said in a report marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day that protesters against Covid-19 measures who liken themselves to Jews under Nazi persecution are stoking global antisemitism.Israel’s government has said in a report marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day that protesters against Covid-19 measures who liken themselves to Jews under Nazi persecution are stoking global antisemitism.
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 new 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 new research.
Lucy Campbell will be here shortly to take you through the rest of the day’s Covid news from the UK and around the world. Andrew Sparrow has got all the latest UK politics. And I’m off to host a special 40th anniversary edition of our rather silly Thursday quiz.Lucy Campbell will be here shortly to take you through the rest of the day’s Covid news from the UK and around the world. Andrew Sparrow has got all the latest UK politics. And I’m off to host a special 40th anniversary edition of our rather silly Thursday quiz.
Martin Quin Pollard reports from Beijing for Reuters that with just over a week until the Winter Olympic Games begin, teams are frantically trying to ensure that athletes stay virus-free to get past Beijing’s strict checks and make it to the start line.Martin Quin Pollard reports from Beijing for Reuters that with just over a week until the Winter Olympic Games begin, teams are frantically trying to ensure that athletes stay virus-free to get past Beijing’s strict checks and make it to the start line.
Several teams have reported positive cases of Covid-19 among their athletes and coaching staff this week just days before their scheduled departures for China, throwing careful preparations into disarray.Several teams have reported positive cases of Covid-19 among their athletes and coaching staff this week just days before their scheduled departures for China, throwing careful preparations into disarray.
Norway’s ski federation said it was delaying the team’s departure to Beijing, scheduled for Thursday, by at least four days, after a coach and two competitors tested positive.Norway’s ski federation said it was delaying the team’s departure to Beijing, scheduled for Thursday, by at least four days, after a coach and two competitors tested positive.
The US bobsleigh competitor Josh Williamson missed his flight with his teammates this week after a positive test, he said on social media Wednesday, though he will still compete if he can both get enough negative tests and catch a flight in time.The US bobsleigh competitor Josh Williamson missed his flight with his teammates this week after a positive test, he said on social media Wednesday, though he will still compete if he can both get enough negative tests and catch a flight in time.
On Monday, Beijing 2022 slightly eased its Covid-19 measures by adjusting the cycle threshold (CT) of PCR tests so that only those with a CT of less than 35 will be deemed positive, making it easier to test negative, although that applies only once athletes arrive in Beijing.On Monday, Beijing 2022 slightly eased its Covid-19 measures by adjusting the cycle threshold (CT) of PCR tests so that only those with a CT of less than 35 will be deemed positive, making it easier to test negative, although that applies only once athletes arrive in Beijing.
To minimise risks, Beijing 2022 has introduced a “closed loop” system which restricts all Games participants to certain zones in and around venues and accommodation, creating a bubble that separates them from the local population.To minimise risks, Beijing 2022 has introduced a “closed loop” system which restricts all Games participants to certain zones in and around venues and accommodation, creating a bubble that separates them from the local population.
The organisers have reported 129 positive cases among Games-related personnel between 4 January, when the loop began operations, and 26 January.The organisers have reported 129 positive cases among Games-related personnel between 4 January, when the loop began operations, and 26 January.
Athletes must provide proof of two negative tests within 96 hours of their departure for China to get permission to fly and then test every day while there, and close contacts of those infected can be forced to isolate. Close contacts can still compete but are subject to extra restrictions and tests.Athletes must provide proof of two negative tests within 96 hours of their departure for China to get permission to fly and then test every day while there, and close contacts of those infected can be forced to isolate. Close contacts can still compete but are subject to extra restrictions and tests.
“The main concern in the pandemic situation for us is a matter of getting there safely rather than the bubble itself,” the German Olympic Sports Confederation told Reuters.“The main concern in the pandemic situation for us is a matter of getting there safely rather than the bubble itself,” the German Olympic Sports Confederation told Reuters.
Australia’s expert immunisation advisers are still considering whether to expand the definition of “fully vaccinated” to mean three Covid jabs, while some state and territory leaders have indicated they may be approaching the peak of their Omicron waves.Australia’s expert immunisation advisers are still considering whether to expand the definition of “fully vaccinated” to mean three Covid jabs, while some state and territory leaders have indicated they may be approaching the peak of their Omicron waves.
National cabinet met for the 65th time on Thursday, with the capacity of the health system, the vaccine rollout and supply chains topping the agenda. As he did prior to last week’s meeting, Daniel Andrews raised his support for mandating a third or booster dose in order for an Australian to be considered fully vaccinated.National cabinet met for the 65th time on Thursday, with the capacity of the health system, the vaccine rollout and supply chains topping the agenda. As he did prior to last week’s meeting, Daniel Andrews raised his support for mandating a third or booster dose in order for an Australian to be considered fully vaccinated.
“This is not a two-dose thing, or two doses and a bonus,” he told reporters on Thursday as Victoria recorded 15 deaths and 13,755 new infections.“This is not a two-dose thing, or two doses and a bonus,” he told reporters on Thursday as Victoria recorded 15 deaths and 13,755 new infections.
“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully the confirmation of both Atagi and national cabinet later today will mean that everyone knows and understands that this is a three-dose project.”“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully the confirmation of both Atagi and national cabinet later today will mean that everyone knows and understands that this is a three-dose project.”
Andrews said he believed it “will be very soon be three doses to get the green tick” to enter restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and beauty services. But the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi) is still considering its stance, with federal government sources indicating that advice will be finalised soon.Andrews said he believed it “will be very soon be three doses to get the green tick” to enter restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and beauty services. But the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi) is still considering its stance, with federal government sources indicating that advice will be finalised soon.
Read more of Josh Butler and Daniel Hurst’s report here: Booster jab not yet required to be ‘fully vaxxed’ in Australia as national cabinet anticipates Omicron peakRead more of Josh Butler and Daniel Hurst’s report here: Booster jab not yet required to be ‘fully vaxxed’ in Australia as national cabinet anticipates Omicron peak
Reuters reports that the rising number of infections in Germany – where cases exceeded 200,000 in a day for the first time today – has led to staffing shortages in sectors including logistics, healthcare and child care.Reuters reports that the rising number of infections in Germany – where cases exceeded 200,000 in a day for the first time today – has led to staffing shortages in sectors including logistics, healthcare and child care.
The airline group Lufthansa’s cargo arm said a staffing crunch at its hub in Frankfurt meant it was currently unable to handle sorting of loose freight from the United States, Canada and Europe.The airline group Lufthansa’s cargo arm said a staffing crunch at its hub in Frankfurt meant it was currently unable to handle sorting of loose freight from the United States, Canada and Europe.
“Despite comprehensive preventative measures, we are now clearly feeling the rising infection numbers,” Lufthansa Cargo said, adding that up to 15% of cargo at Frankfurt was affected by delays.“Despite comprehensive preventative measures, we are now clearly feeling the rising infection numbers,” Lufthansa Cargo said, adding that up to 15% of cargo at Frankfurt was affected by delays.
It said its flight schedule was unaffected, as was transportation of time-sensitive goods such as organs for transplants or temperature-controlled cargo. Rival DHL said its operations in Frankfurt and Leipzig were still running smoothly.It said its flight schedule was unaffected, as was transportation of time-sensitive goods such as organs for transplants or temperature-controlled cargo. Rival DHL said its operations in Frankfurt and Leipzig were still running smoothly.
The German Hospitals Federation had warned earlier this week that three-quarters of hospitals were reporting higher than usual numbers of staff out on sick leave.The German Hospitals Federation had warned earlier this week that three-quarters of hospitals were reporting higher than usual numbers of staff out on sick leave.
Hong Kong will shorten its 21-day quarantine requirement to 14 days for incoming travellers starting from 5 February, its leader, Carrie Lam, has said. Reuters reports that it is a move that comes after months of pressure from financial executives and foreign diplomats who said the rule was eroding the city’s competitiveness.Hong Kong will shorten its 21-day quarantine requirement to 14 days for incoming travellers starting from 5 February, its leader, Carrie Lam, has said. Reuters reports that it is a move that comes after months of pressure from financial executives and foreign diplomats who said the rule was eroding the city’s competitiveness.
Currently Hong Kong residents returning from more than 160 countries have to quarantine for 21 days at their own cost in designated hotels.Currently Hong Kong residents returning from more than 160 countries have to quarantine for 21 days at their own cost in designated hotels.
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 new 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 new research.
Prominent figures in the anti-vaccine movement including Dr Joseph Mercola and Alex Berenson have large followings on Substack, which has more than 1 million paying subscribers who sign up for individual newsletters from an array of authors who include novelist Salman Rushdie, the writer-musician Patti Smith and former Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings.Prominent figures in the anti-vaccine movement including Dr Joseph Mercola and Alex Berenson have large followings on Substack, which has more than 1 million paying subscribers who sign up for individual newsletters from an array of authors who include novelist Salman Rushdie, the writer-musician Patti Smith and former Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings.
Mercola, a US alternative medicine doctor and prolific producer of anti-vaccine content, and Alex Berenson, a journalist banned from Twitter last year after questioning the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, are among five vaccine sceptics on the platform who earn themselves and Substack a minimum of $2.5m a year from their newsletters. Under Substack’s business model, writers keep about 90% of the subscription income, with the platform taking 10% and the payment company Stripe charging the writers 3% of their take.Mercola, a US alternative medicine doctor and prolific producer of anti-vaccine content, and Alex Berenson, a journalist banned from Twitter last year after questioning the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, are among five vaccine sceptics on the platform who earn themselves and Substack a minimum of $2.5m a year from their newsletters. Under Substack’s business model, writers keep about 90% of the subscription income, with the platform taking 10% and the payment company Stripe charging the writers 3% of their take.
Research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a campaign group, showed that Mercola’s newsletters made a minimum of $1m a year from charging subscribers an annual fee of $50, with Berenson making at least $1.2m from charging people $60. Three other vaccine sceptic newsletters, from the tech entrepreneur Steven Kirsch, virologist Robert Malone and anonymous writer Eugyppius, generate about $300,000 between them.Research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a campaign group, showed that Mercola’s newsletters made a minimum of $1m a year from charging subscribers an annual fee of $50, with Berenson making at least $1.2m from charging people $60. Three other vaccine sceptic newsletters, from the tech entrepreneur Steven Kirsch, virologist Robert Malone and anonymous writer Eugyppius, generate about $300,000 between them.
Read more of Dan Milmo’s report here: Anti-vaxxers making ‘at least $2.5m’ a year from publishing on SubstackRead more of Dan Milmo’s report here: Anti-vaxxers making ‘at least $2.5m’ a year from publishing on Substack
Travel companies are reporting a bounce back in bookings, with easyJet and Saga predicting a summer surge as the impact of Omicron on consumer confidence wanes, and the government’s move to lift testing and travel restrictions pushes capacity back to near pre-pandemic levels.Travel companies are reporting a bounce back in bookings, with easyJet and Saga predicting a summer surge as the impact of Omicron on consumer confidence wanes, and the government’s move to lift testing and travel restrictions pushes capacity back to near pre-pandemic levels.
easyJet said it expected Omicron to continue to have an impact over its short-term performance. However, the airline said that customers looked to rebook, rather than cancel, which would help boost its performance.easyJet said it expected Omicron to continue to have an impact over its short-term performance. However, the airline said that customers looked to rebook, rather than cancel, which would help boost its performance.
“We see a strong summer ahead, with pent-up demand that will see easyJet returning to near 2019 levels of capacity, with UK beach and leisure routes performing particularly well,” said Johan Lundgren, the chief executive of easyJet.“We see a strong summer ahead, with pent-up demand that will see easyJet returning to near 2019 levels of capacity, with UK beach and leisure routes performing particularly well,” said Johan Lundgren, the chief executive of easyJet.
Saga, the travel and insurance group specialising in products and holidays for over-50s, said it had seen strong bookings for its cruises in the period from 1 August to 26 January.Saga, the travel and insurance group specialising in products and holidays for over-50s, said it had seen strong bookings for its cruises in the period from 1 August to 26 January.
The company said that for this 2022-2023 financial year, which runs from 27 January, cruises had a booking load factor of 86% in its first half and 73% for the full year.The company said that for this 2022-2023 financial year, which runs from 27 January, cruises had a booking load factor of 86% in its first half and 73% for the full year.
“While Omicron has impacted travel bookings through December and January, our outlook for cruises in 2022-2023 and beyond is positive,” said Euan Sutherland, the chief executive of Saga.“While Omicron has impacted travel bookings through December and January, our outlook for cruises in 2022-2023 and beyond is positive,” said Euan Sutherland, the chief executive of Saga.
Read more of Mark Sweney’s report here: UK travel industry forecasts summer boom amid surge in holiday bookingsRead more of Mark Sweney’s report here: UK travel industry forecasts summer boom amid surge in holiday bookings
My colleague Kalyeena Makortoff has a rundown here of six UK firms that have handed bonuses to executives or payouts to shareholders despite refusing to refund taxpayers for support, including business rates relief and the furlough job retention scheme.My colleague Kalyeena Makortoff has a rundown here of six UK firms that have handed bonuses to executives or payouts to shareholders despite refusing to refund taxpayers for support, including business rates relief and the furlough job retention scheme.
A very quick snap from Reuters confirming that Poland has set another new daily Covid caseload record, at 57,659. The deputy health minister there yesterday warned that the country could soon see case numbers over 60,000 each day.A very quick snap from Reuters confirming that Poland has set another new daily Covid caseload record, at 57,659. The deputy health minister there yesterday warned that the country could soon see case numbers over 60,000 each day.