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Covid live: Germany says Omicron surge ‘under control’ despite high cases; Russia reports record 98,040 infections Covid live: Germany says Omicron surge ‘under control’ despite high cases; Russia reports record 98,040 infections
(32 minutes later)
Germany’s health minister Karl Lauterbach says Omicron wave is below projections; Russia sets record daily caseload for eighth consecutive dayGermany’s health minister Karl Lauterbach says Omicron wave is below projections; Russia sets record daily caseload for eighth consecutive day
Germany’s surge in daily Covid cases remains “under control” despite a string of new infection records, the country’s health minister said on Friday.Germany’s surge in daily Covid cases remains “under control” despite a string of new infection records, the country’s health minister said on Friday.
AP reports:AP reports:
Authorities “have the Omicron wave under control at the moment,” said the health minister, Karl Lauterbach.Authorities “have the Omicron wave under control at the moment,” said the health minister, Karl Lauterbach.
Yet infections continue to rise steeply. On Thursday, new daily cases topped 200,000 for the first time. On Friday, the infection rate reached another record of 1,073 new cases per 100,000 residents in a week.Yet infections continue to rise steeply. On Thursday, new daily cases topped 200,000 for the first time. On Friday, the infection rate reached another record of 1,073 new cases per 100,000 residents in a week.
Lauterbach told reporters in Berlin that the infection rate among the elderly – many of whom remain unvaccinated – is much lower than the average. He said so far the Omicron variant surge is slightly below projections.Lauterbach told reporters in Berlin that the infection rate among the elderly – many of whom remain unvaccinated – is much lower than the average. He said so far the Omicron variant surge is slightly below projections.
Daily infections are expected to reach up to 400,000 before falling, likely in mid-February. The drop could come later the same month because of a mutation of Omicron known as BA.2, he added.Daily infections are expected to reach up to 400,000 before falling, likely in mid-February. The drop could come later the same month because of a mutation of Omicron known as BA.2, he added.
The government may ease restrictions “when the wave is broken”, and Lauterbach said that was “a very realistic perspective”.The government may ease restrictions “when the wave is broken”, and Lauterbach said that was “a very realistic perspective”.
The minister defended a recent change to its coronavirus regulations to reduce the amount of time someone is considered immune following a Covid infection.The minister defended a recent change to its coronavirus regulations to reduce the amount of time someone is considered immune following a Covid infection.
As of 15 January, the recovered status of someone who contracted Covid expires after three months. After that, the person is recommended to get a booster shot to be considered fully-vaccinated. Previously, the recovered status was valid for six months.As of 15 January, the recovered status of someone who contracted Covid expires after three months. After that, the person is recommended to get a booster shot to be considered fully-vaccinated. Previously, the recovered status was valid for six months.
Lauterbach said Germany is pushing for all other EU countries to do the same.Lauterbach said Germany is pushing for all other EU countries to do the same.
Roofers, beauticians and bar staff are among occupations in England with the lowest vaccination rates against Covid-19, official figures suggest.
About one in five (20.8%) roofers and tilers in England aged 18 to 64 have not had a vaccine, along with roughly the same proportion of complementary medicine professionals (20.9%) and beauticians (19.5%).
The Office for National Statistics figures are the first to estimate levels of non-vaccination among all working adults in England under the age of 65, as well as breaking down the figures according to how close employees are to each other – defined as being within an arm’s length or touching.
Other jobs that fall into this category and have comparatively high levels of non-vaccination include telesales workers (17.2%), bar staff (16.5%) and road construction operatives (16.1%).
For all jobs, regardless of the proximity of other employees, the highest level of non-vaccination was estimated to be among people working in “elementary construction occupations” – such as carrying building materials and digging trenches – with nearly one in four (23.2%) likely to have received no doses.
Some of the non-close-proximity jobs with high estimates of non-vaccination were scaffolders and riggers (22.3%), delivery operatives (19.6%) and packers, bottlers and canners (18.8%).
All figures are for vaccinations delivered up to 31 December, based on people recorded in the 2011 and 2021 censuses and registered with a GP.
The Winter Olympics are just around the corner ... what is life like in Beijing’s ‘closed loop’ bubble?The Winter Olympics are just around the corner ... what is life like in Beijing’s ‘closed loop’ bubble?
Our Taiwan correspondent, Helen Davidson, speaks to those affected by Beijing’s tough zero Covid strategy:Our Taiwan correspondent, Helen Davidson, speaks to those affected by Beijing’s tough zero Covid strategy:
Before Zhang Hua goes down for breakfast, he puts on a mask and rubber gloves. He leaves his hotel room, and walks through halls while keeping a safe distance from others. Then he boards a specially commissioned bus driven along dedicated lanes to his job assisting foreign broadcasters preparing for the Winter Olympics. Before Zhang Hua goes down for breakfast, he puts on a mask and rubber gloves. He leaves his hotel room and walks through halls while keeping a safe distance from others. Then he boards a specially commissioned bus driven along dedicated lanes to his job assisting foreign broadcasters preparing for the Winter Olympics.
In the media centre he takes his daily Covid test, and might eat a meal delivered by a robot. Depending on where he’s staying, Zhang may be allowed to visit his hotel gym later, or go to another hotel’s restaurant, but otherwise this is the only journey he can take.In the media centre he takes his daily Covid test, and might eat a meal delivered by a robot. Depending on where he’s staying, Zhang may be allowed to visit his hotel gym later, or go to another hotel’s restaurant, but otherwise this is the only journey he can take.
This is life inside one of the “closed loop” bubbles set up by China in an attempt to keep the Winter Olympics, which are due to begin on 4 February, Covid free. Zhang, who used a pseudonym, has been inside a bubble since 21 January.This is life inside one of the “closed loop” bubbles set up by China in an attempt to keep the Winter Olympics, which are due to begin on 4 February, Covid free. Zhang, who used a pseudonym, has been inside a bubble since 21 January.
“With the buses, going out is easy,” he told the Guardian. “It [the loop] doesn’t affect how we work much but it affects our lives, especially meals, and life is not as free as outside the loop.”“With the buses, going out is easy,” he told the Guardian. “It [the loop] doesn’t affect how we work much but it affects our lives, especially meals, and life is not as free as outside the loop.”
Throughout the pandemic, China’s government has maintained with large success a “zero Covid” strategy, assisted by strict border controls. The closed loop system is now tasked not only with keeping the Games as Covid-free as possible but also ensuring that the influx of 11,000 foreign athletes, officials, employees and guests, doesn’t spark a wider outbreak.Throughout the pandemic, China’s government has maintained with large success a “zero Covid” strategy, assisted by strict border controls. The closed loop system is now tasked not only with keeping the Games as Covid-free as possible but also ensuring that the influx of 11,000 foreign athletes, officials, employees and guests, doesn’t spark a wider outbreak.
What is the loop?What is the loop?
The “closed loop” system designed for the Games consists of three interconnected competition zone bubbles, where participants and employees will work or compete, eat and sleep, without ever coming into contact with the general population.The “closed loop” system designed for the Games consists of three interconnected competition zone bubbles, where participants and employees will work or compete, eat and sleep, without ever coming into contact with the general population.
The first covers Beijing’s city centre and the venues for ice competitions and the opening and closing ceremonies. The second is the suburban Yanqing site for Alpine skiing, snowmobile, and sledding events, and the third is way out in Zhangjiakou, 200km to the north-west in Hebei province, for the Nordic biathlon, freestyle skiing and snowboarding events.The first covers Beijing’s city centre and the venues for ice competitions and the opening and closing ceremonies. The second is the suburban Yanqing site for Alpine skiing, snowmobile, and sledding events, and the third is way out in Zhangjiakou, 200km to the north-west in Hebei province, for the Nordic biathlon, freestyle skiing and snowboarding events.
An antiviral pill for those most at risk of serious Covid-19 will be rolled out on the NHS from next month, the UK government has announced.An antiviral pill for those most at risk of serious Covid-19 will be rolled out on the NHS from next month, the UK government has announced.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the UK’s second antiviral, Paxlovid, also known as PF-07321332+ritonavir, will be made available to thousands of people with weakened immune systems from 10 February, with the aim of saving lives.The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the UK’s second antiviral, Paxlovid, also known as PF-07321332+ritonavir, will be made available to thousands of people with weakened immune systems from 10 February, with the aim of saving lives.
Clinical studies have found the drug, which is made by Pfizer, can cut the risk of hospital admission or death by 88% if given in the first five days of symptoms.Clinical studies have found the drug, which is made by Pfizer, can cut the risk of hospital admission or death by 88% if given in the first five days of symptoms.
This is a valuable breakthrough for people with weakened immune systems, who may not get maximum protection from vaccines. High-risk patients include those who are immunocompromised, cancer patients and those with Down’s syndrome.This is a valuable breakthrough for people with weakened immune systems, who may not get maximum protection from vaccines. High-risk patients include those who are immunocompromised, cancer patients and those with Down’s syndrome.
One other antiviral, molnupiravir, and the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab are already being given to high-risk patients, with nearly 10,000 people treated to date.One other antiviral, molnupiravir, and the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab are already being given to high-risk patients, with nearly 10,000 people treated to date.
According to the DHSC, the UK has procured more antivirals per head than any other country in Europe, with more than 4.98m courses ordered so far.According to the DHSC, the UK has procured more antivirals per head than any other country in Europe, with more than 4.98m courses ordered so far.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said:Health secretary Sajid Javid said:
People in the highest risk groups have already been informed by the NHS if they have a condition that will make them eligible to receive the treatments.People in the highest risk groups have already been informed by the NHS if they have a condition that will make them eligible to receive the treatments.
Theresa May, the UK’s former prime minister, has spoken out about No 10’s alleged rule-busting parties for the first time.Theresa May, the UK’s former prime minister, has spoken out about No 10’s alleged rule-busting parties for the first time.
May told constituents that “nobody is above the law” in a letter seen by her local newspaper.May told constituents that “nobody is above the law” in a letter seen by her local newspaper.
The Maidenhead Advertiser reported that May wrote:The Maidenhead Advertiser reported that May wrote:
The letter – sent before the Metropolitan police launched an inquiry into the alleged parties – referred to senior official Sue Gray’s investigation, which has now been delayed due to the criminal probe.The letter – sent before the Metropolitan police launched an inquiry into the alleged parties – referred to senior official Sue Gray’s investigation, which has now been delayed due to the criminal probe.
May said that “if there is evidence of deliberate or premeditated wrongdoing, I expect full accountability to follow”.May said that “if there is evidence of deliberate or premeditated wrongdoing, I expect full accountability to follow”.
She added:She added:
May has been a critic of Boris Johnson’s policies in the Commons.May has been a critic of Boris Johnson’s policies in the Commons.
For further updates and analysis of the saga, head over to our politics blog, anchored today by Nicola Slawson.For further updates and analysis of the saga, head over to our politics blog, anchored today by Nicola Slawson.
Reuters has a short report on promising signs the Covid pill molnupiravir works against the Omicron variant.Reuters has a short report on promising signs the Covid pill molnupiravir works against the Omicron variant.
Merck and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics said on Friday six lab studies showed that their experimental oral Covid-19 drug, molnupiravir, was active against the Omicron variant. The UK became the first country to approve the antiviral molnupiravir in November last year.Merck and partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics said on Friday six lab studies showed that their experimental oral Covid-19 drug, molnupiravir, was active against the Omicron variant. The UK became the first country to approve the antiviral molnupiravir in November last year.
Paxlovid from Pfizer and molnupiravir from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics were authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December. The pills could be a game-changer for the most vulnerable, because they can be taken at home twice a day for five days to prevent hospitalisation and death.Paxlovid from Pfizer and molnupiravir from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics were authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December. The pills could be a game-changer for the most vulnerable, because they can be taken at home twice a day for five days to prevent hospitalisation and death.
Molnupiravir works by interfering with the virus’ replication. This prevents it from multiplying, keeping virus levels low in the body and therefore reducing the severity of the disease.Molnupiravir works by interfering with the virus’ replication. This prevents it from multiplying, keeping virus levels low in the body and therefore reducing the severity of the disease.
In pictures: China gears up for Chinese New Year celebrations as the government warns families against travelIn pictures: China gears up for Chinese New Year celebrations as the government warns families against travel
Millions of Chinese are traveling to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year, the country’s biggest family holiday, despite a government plea to stay where they are as Beijing tries to contain coronavirus outbreaks, AP reports.Millions of Chinese are traveling to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year, the country’s biggest family holiday, despite a government plea to stay where they are as Beijing tries to contain coronavirus outbreaks, AP reports.
Some 260 million people traveled in the 10 days since the holiday rush started on 17 January, official figures show. The government forecasts a total of 1.2bn trips this during the holiday season, up 36% from a year ago.Some 260 million people traveled in the 10 days since the holiday rush started on 17 January, official figures show. The government forecasts a total of 1.2bn trips this during the holiday season, up 36% from a year ago.
“I know we are encouraged to spend the New Year in Beijing, but I haven’t been back home for three years,” said Wang Yilei, whose hometown is Tangshan, east of the capital. “My parents are getting old and they are looking forward to seeing me.”“I know we are encouraged to spend the New Year in Beijing, but I haven’t been back home for three years,” said Wang Yilei, whose hometown is Tangshan, east of the capital. “My parents are getting old and they are looking forward to seeing me.”
The Chinese capital, Beijing, is tightening controls to contain coronavirus outbreaks ahead of next week’s opening of the Winter Olympics. Authorities in Beijing have ordered mass testing for more than 2 million people in the Fengtai district following outbreaks there. Some families were ordered not to leave their homes.The Chinese capital, Beijing, is tightening controls to contain coronavirus outbreaks ahead of next week’s opening of the Winter Olympics. Authorities in Beijing have ordered mass testing for more than 2 million people in the Fengtai district following outbreaks there. Some families were ordered not to leave their homes.
“We should go back home for the New Year as long as we can, if the local prevention policies allow us to,” said Wu Jinpeng, a university student who was en route from the southern island of Hainan to his hometown near Beijing.“We should go back home for the New Year as long as we can, if the local prevention policies allow us to,” said Wu Jinpeng, a university student who was en route from the southern island of Hainan to his hometown near Beijing.
“I called the government hotline of my hometown and they said I can go back, as long as my health code is green,” said Sun Jinle, a bank employee from Qinhuangdao, east of Beijing.“I called the government hotline of my hometown and they said I can go back, as long as my health code is green,” said Sun Jinle, a bank employee from Qinhuangdao, east of Beijing.
A quick Reuters’ update here: Israel has signed a deal to buy 5m Covid vaccinations from Novavax, the country’s health ministry says.A quick Reuters’ update here: Israel has signed a deal to buy 5m Covid vaccinations from Novavax, the country’s health ministry says.
The vaccines are due to arrive in the country of about 9 million people in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.The vaccines are due to arrive in the country of about 9 million people in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.
Pope Francis has denounced Covid misinformation and the “distortion of reality based on fear”, calling for the media to ensure even those hardest to reach can access scientific information.Pope Francis has denounced Covid misinformation and the “distortion of reality based on fear”, calling for the media to ensure even those hardest to reach can access scientific information.
AP reports:AP reports:
Francis met with Catholic journalists who have formed a fact-checking network to try to combat misinformation about the pandemic. Francis has frequently called for responsible journalism that searches for the truth and respects individuals, and his meeting with the “Catholic fact-checking” media consortium furthered that message. Francis said:Francis met with Catholic journalists who have formed a fact-checking network to try to combat misinformation about the pandemic. Francis has frequently called for responsible journalism that searches for the truth and respects individuals, and his meeting with the “Catholic fact-checking” media consortium furthered that message. Francis said:
He said access to accurate information, based on scientific data, is a human right that must be guaranteed for those who are less equipped to determine the differences between fact and opinion online.He said access to accurate information, based on scientific data, is a human right that must be guaranteed for those who are less equipped to determine the differences between fact and opinion online.
Some Catholics, including some conservative US bishops and cardinals, have claimed that vaccines based on research that used cells derived from aborted foetuses were immoral, and have refused to get the jabs.Some Catholics, including some conservative US bishops and cardinals, have claimed that vaccines based on research that used cells derived from aborted foetuses were immoral, and have refused to get the jabs.
The Vatican’s doctrine office, however, has said it is “morally acceptable” for Catholics to receive Covid-19 vaccines, including those based on research that used cells derived from aborted foetuses. Francis and Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI have both had Pfizer jabs.The Vatican’s doctrine office, however, has said it is “morally acceptable” for Catholics to receive Covid-19 vaccines, including those based on research that used cells derived from aborted foetuses. Francis and Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI have both had Pfizer jabs.
Germany’s surge in daily Covid cases remains “under control” despite a string of new infection records, the country’s health minister said on Friday.Germany’s surge in daily Covid cases remains “under control” despite a string of new infection records, the country’s health minister said on Friday.
AP reports:AP reports:
Authorities “have the Omicron wave under control at the moment,” said the health minister, Karl Lauterbach.Authorities “have the Omicron wave under control at the moment,” said the health minister, Karl Lauterbach.
Yet infections continue to rise steeply. On Thursday, new daily cases topped 200,000 for the first time. On Friday, the infection rate reached another record of 1,073 new cases per 100,000 residents in a week.Yet infections continue to rise steeply. On Thursday, new daily cases topped 200,000 for the first time. On Friday, the infection rate reached another record of 1,073 new cases per 100,000 residents in a week.
Lauterbach told reporters in Berlin that the infection rate among the elderly – many of whom remain unvaccinated – is much lower than the average. He said so far the Omicron variant surge is slightly below projections.Lauterbach told reporters in Berlin that the infection rate among the elderly – many of whom remain unvaccinated – is much lower than the average. He said so far the Omicron variant surge is slightly below projections.
Daily infections are expected to reach up to 400,000 before falling, likely in mid-February. The drop could come later the same month because of a mutation of Omicron known as BA.2, he added.Daily infections are expected to reach up to 400,000 before falling, likely in mid-February. The drop could come later the same month because of a mutation of Omicron known as BA.2, he added.
The government may ease restrictions “when the wave is broken”, and Lauterbach said that was “a very realistic perspective”.The government may ease restrictions “when the wave is broken”, and Lauterbach said that was “a very realistic perspective”.
The minister defended a recent change to its coronavirus regulations to reduce the amount of time someone is considered immune following a Covid infection.The minister defended a recent change to its coronavirus regulations to reduce the amount of time someone is considered immune following a Covid infection.
As of 15 January, the recovered status of someone who contracted Covid expires after three months. After that, the person is recommended to get a booster shot to be considered fully-vaccinated. Previously, the recovered status was valid for six months.As of 15 January, the recovered status of someone who contracted Covid expires after three months. After that, the person is recommended to get a booster shot to be considered fully-vaccinated. Previously, the recovered status was valid for six months.
Lauterbach said Germany is pushing for all other EU countries to do the same.Lauterbach said Germany is pushing for all other EU countries to do the same.
First, on schools in England: The government exams chief has quelled worries about changes to GCSE and A-level exams giving certain pupils an advantage.First, on schools in England: The government exams chief has quelled worries about changes to GCSE and A-level exams giving certain pupils an advantage.
Because of the pandemic’s disruption to pupils’ learning, English school students will be assessed differently in 2022.Because of the pandemic’s disruption to pupils’ learning, English school students will be assessed differently in 2022.
The planned changes include:The planned changes include:
Pupils will be offered a choice of topics in some GCSE exams, including English literature, history, ancient history and geography.Pupils will be offered a choice of topics in some GCSE exams, including English literature, history, ancient history and geography.
Pupils will get advance information on the focus of exams to support students’ revision in subjects where there is not a choice of topics.Pupils will get advance information on the focus of exams to support students’ revision in subjects where there is not a choice of topics.
Changing requirements for practical science work and practical art and design assessments.Changing requirements for practical science work and practical art and design assessments.
Jo Saxton, head of Ofqual, the exams regulator, said these changes will not make exams easier for more able pupils.Jo Saxton, head of Ofqual, the exams regulator, said these changes will not make exams easier for more able pupils.
In a speech to the Sixth Form Colleges Association conference earlier in January, Saxton said that the release of advance information on the kinds of topics pupils will see in their exams would not advantage higher-ability pupils.In a speech to the Sixth Form Colleges Association conference earlier in January, Saxton said that the release of advance information on the kinds of topics pupils will see in their exams would not advantage higher-ability pupils.
Pupils will be given information on 7 February to help focus their revision to answer questions carrying more marks – higher-tariff questions – whereas advance information will not be provided for one- or two-mark questions.Pupils will be given information on 7 February to help focus their revision to answer questions carrying more marks – higher-tariff questions – whereas advance information will not be provided for one- or two-mark questions.
She said:She said:
But she added that questions carrying more marks did not necessarily mean “harder content”, as pupils of any ability gained marks across an exam paper.But she added that questions carrying more marks did not necessarily mean “harder content”, as pupils of any ability gained marks across an exam paper.
“We hope that the benefit of advance information will mean that students who suffered the most disruption, or those who are less able, may gain confidence to tackle elements of a paper that they might previously not have felt confident to try,” she announced.In 2020, the government initially planned to use an algorithm to determine pupils’ exam grades but was forced to U-turn over the issue and award grades assessed by pupils’ teachers instead, after thousands of pupils received grades well below what they had expected on A-level results’ day.“We hope that the benefit of advance information will mean that students who suffered the most disruption, or those who are less able, may gain confidence to tackle elements of a paper that they might previously not have felt confident to try,” she announced.In 2020, the government initially planned to use an algorithm to determine pupils’ exam grades but was forced to U-turn over the issue and award grades assessed by pupils’ teachers instead, after thousands of pupils received grades well below what they had expected on A-level results’ day.
Hello from London. I’m Georgina Quach, hopping on to the blog for the next eight hours – I’ll be bringing you Covid news from around the world. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work: email georgina.quach@theguardian.com or message @georginaquach on Twitter.Hello from London. I’m Georgina Quach, hopping on to the blog for the next eight hours – I’ll be bringing you Covid news from around the world. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work: email georgina.quach@theguardian.com or message @georginaquach on Twitter.
Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases surged to 98,040 on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day as the Omicron variant continued to spread, the government’s coronavirus task force said.Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases surged to 98,040 on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day as the Omicron variant continued to spread, the government’s coronavirus task force said.
The Philippines will grant quarantine-free entry to visitors from more than 150 countries provided they are vaccinated against Covid from 10 February, its government has said, in an effort to boost the tourism sector.The Philippines will grant quarantine-free entry to visitors from more than 150 countries provided they are vaccinated against Covid from 10 February, its government has said, in an effort to boost the tourism sector.
Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, with 98 deaths recorded, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant have been recorded in NSW.Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, with 98 deaths recorded, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant have been recorded in NSW.
Australia’s medical regulator has sounded the alarm on companies allegedly trying to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests (RATs) into the country, with federal police investigating claims one firm forged the authorisation of health minister Greg Hunt on forms.Australia’s medical regulator has sounded the alarm on companies allegedly trying to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests (RATs) into the country, with federal police investigating claims one firm forged the authorisation of health minister Greg Hunt on forms.
In the UK, Scotland Yard has said it has asked for references to matters it is now investigating to be removed from Sue Gray’s report into parties held in breach of lockdown restrictions at Downing Street.In the UK, Scotland Yard has said it has asked for references to matters it is now investigating to be removed from Sue Gray’s report into parties held in breach of lockdown restrictions at Downing Street.
A group of scientists have warned the UK government that allowing poorer countries to remain unvaccinated is a “reckless approach to public health”, meaning Covid variants are more likely to develop.A group of scientists have warned the UK government that allowing poorer countries to remain unvaccinated is a “reckless approach to public health”, meaning Covid variants are more likely to develop.
Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen in Wales from today as Covid restrictions are eased further. “Alert level zero” came into effect from 6am this morning.Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen in Wales from today as Covid restrictions are eased further. “Alert level zero” came into effect from 6am this morning.
The head of the Paris hospitals system has questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.The head of the Paris hospitals system has questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.
The Omicron variant now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey.The Omicron variant now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey.
The European Union ombudsman has criticised the European Commission for not disclosing text messages that the head of the EU executive, Ursula von der Leyen, exchanged with Pfizer chief, Albert Bourla, before sealing a Covid-19 vaccine deal.The European Union ombudsman has criticised the European Commission for not disclosing text messages that the head of the EU executive, Ursula von der Leyen, exchanged with Pfizer chief, Albert Bourla, before sealing a Covid-19 vaccine deal.
India detected over 250,000 new infections today, but health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country.India detected over 250,000 new infections today, but health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country.
Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid.Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid.
Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.
Nicola Slawson is in charge of our UK politics live blog today. Georgina Quach will be here shortly to take you through the day’s UK and world coronavirus news.Nicola Slawson is in charge of our UK politics live blog today. Georgina Quach will be here shortly to take you through the day’s UK and world coronavirus news.
I’m Martin Belam, and this is actually my last stint on the Covid blog for a while, as I will be covering the Winter Olympics and Paralympics over the next few weeks. You can sign up for my daily Beijing email briefing here. Thanks very much for reading, take care, and I will see you soon.I’m Martin Belam, and this is actually my last stint on the Covid blog for a while, as I will be covering the Winter Olympics and Paralympics over the next few weeks. You can sign up for my daily Beijing email briefing here. Thanks very much for reading, take care, and I will see you soon.
A quick snap from Reuters that a senior Japanese government official, deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid after showing symptoms, including fever.A quick snap from Reuters that a senior Japanese government official, deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid after showing symptoms, including fever.
The news was broken by the NTV television network. In the course of his job, Isozaki meets with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida relatively frequently, but the broadcaster gave no further details, including when the two of them last met.The news was broken by the NTV television network. In the course of his job, Isozaki meets with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida relatively frequently, but the broadcaster gave no further details, including when the two of them last met.
The Omicron coronavirus now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute (ISS) said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey. The previous survey from 3 January showed Omicron responsible for 81% of cases.The Omicron coronavirus now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute (ISS) said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey. The previous survey from 3 January showed Omicron responsible for 81% of cases.
“In Italy on 17 January, the Omicron variant was predominant, with an estimated prevalence of 95.8%, while Delta was at 4.2% of the sample tested”, the institute said in a statement.“In Italy on 17 January, the Omicron variant was predominant, with an estimated prevalence of 95.8%, while Delta was at 4.2% of the sample tested”, the institute said in a statement.
Reuters report from Milan that the analysis is based on 2,486 swabs tested in 124 laboratories and collected in all 21 Italian regions and autonomous provinces.Reuters report from Milan that the analysis is based on 2,486 swabs tested in 124 laboratories and collected in all 21 Italian regions and autonomous provinces.
Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.
Official figures show that the country already meets the three criteria, but ministry of public health spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati said it would still be between six months and a year before the government would be able to make the decision to start treating Covid-19 as an illness that is here to stay, like the flu or measles.Official figures show that the country already meets the three criteria, but ministry of public health spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati said it would still be between six months and a year before the government would be able to make the decision to start treating Covid-19 as an illness that is here to stay, like the flu or measles.
Associated Press report that among other things, he said data from all of Thailand’s provinces need to be checked, and authorities need to be sure that the figures remain at the current levels or improve before it can be declared endemic.Associated Press report that among other things, he said data from all of Thailand’s provinces need to be checked, and authorities need to be sure that the figures remain at the current levels or improve before it can be declared endemic.
The guidelines drawn up by the ministry’s National Communicable Disease Committee are made up of three criteria:The guidelines drawn up by the ministry’s National Communicable Disease Committee are made up of three criteria:
that there are fewer than 10,000 new cases per daythat there are fewer than 10,000 new cases per day
that the fatality rate is no higher than 0.1% of those who are admitted to the hospital with an infectionthat the fatality rate is no higher than 0.1% of those who are admitted to the hospital with an infection
and that more than 80% of at-risk people have had at least two vaccinationsand that more than 80% of at-risk people have had at least two vaccinations
Associated Press have a little more on the Philippines opening up to tourists again. The country will reopen its doors to travellers from more than 150 countries with visa-free privileges starting 10 February. Foreign travellers will no longer be required to quarantine in government-designated centres upon arrival if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative prior to arrival, officials said.Associated Press have a little more on the Philippines opening up to tourists again. The country will reopen its doors to travellers from more than 150 countries with visa-free privileges starting 10 February. Foreign travellers will no longer be required to quarantine in government-designated centres upon arrival if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative prior to arrival, officials said.
“We’re done with border control,” health under-secretary Rosario Vergeire told a news conference, adding that government focus has shifted to preventing community transmission of the Omicron variant, which has caused five deaths in the country so far.“We’re done with border control,” health under-secretary Rosario Vergeire told a news conference, adding that government focus has shifted to preventing community transmission of the Omicron variant, which has caused five deaths in the country so far.
Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said: “We are also aware that there is no room for complacency given the unpredictability of the virus. We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in all tourism establishments.”Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said: “We are also aware that there is no room for complacency given the unpredictability of the virus. We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in all tourism establishments.”
President Rodrigo Duterte warned that unvaccinated Filipinos who defy orders to stay at home could face arrest. Commuters who have not been vaccinated were also prohibited from public transport in the capital region of more than 13 million people unless on urgent errands, for at least up to the end of the month.President Rodrigo Duterte warned that unvaccinated Filipinos who defy orders to stay at home could face arrest. Commuters who have not been vaccinated were also prohibited from public transport in the capital region of more than 13 million people unless on urgent errands, for at least up to the end of the month.
It was Andrew Sparrow’s 2,500th UK politics live blog yesterday, so he has been allowed one day off. Nicola Slawson is at the helm today, and she is live now. You can follow that here.It was Andrew Sparrow’s 2,500th UK politics live blog yesterday, so he has been allowed one day off. Nicola Slawson is at the helm today, and she is live now. You can follow that here.
I will continue here with global coronavirus news, and the top Covid lines that emerge in the UK.I will continue here with global coronavirus news, and the top Covid lines that emerge in the UK.