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/28/covid-news-live-uk-awaits-partygate-report-paris-hospitals-chief-sparks-debate-over-care-for-unvaccinated

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Covid live: Germany says Omicron surge ‘under control’; England’s R number dips to between 0.7 and 0.9 Covid live: Germany says Omicron surge ‘under control’; England’s R number dips to between 0.7 and 0.9
(32 minutes later)
Germany’s health minister Karl Lauterbach says Omicron wave is below projections; England’s R number falls from 0.8 to 1.1 last weekGermany’s health minister Karl Lauterbach says Omicron wave is below projections; England’s R number falls from 0.8 to 1.1 last week
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.
Here’s Nicola Sturgeon’s take on the latest Sue Gray report developments. The Metropolitan Police says it has asked for the report to make minimal reference to Downing Street events it is investigating. This means the public will face a longer wait. Here’s Nicola Sturgeon’s take on the latest Sue Gray report developments. The Met says it has asked for the report to make minimal reference to Downing Street events it is investigating. This means the public will face a longer wait.
Scotland’s first minister tweeted:Scotland’s first minister tweeted:
Our health editor Andrew Gregory reports on another challenge to Boris Johnson’s credibility:Our health editor Andrew Gregory reports on another challenge to Boris Johnson’s credibility:
More than 300 leading scientists, health experts and academics have said Boris Johnson’s failure to sufficiently boost vaccination levels worldwide means new variants will put thousands of lives at risk in the UK.More than 300 leading scientists, health experts and academics have said Boris Johnson’s failure to sufficiently boost vaccination levels worldwide means new variants will put thousands of lives at risk in the UK.
“We write to you as scientists, academics, and public health experts concerned about the emergence of the Omicron variant and the threat that future variants may pose to public health, the NHS, and the UK’s vaccination programme,” they said in a two-page letter delivered to 10 Downing Street.“We write to you as scientists, academics, and public health experts concerned about the emergence of the Omicron variant and the threat that future variants may pose to public health, the NHS, and the UK’s vaccination programme,” they said in a two-page letter delivered to 10 Downing Street.
“Vaccinating the vast majority of the world’s population is the best way to prevent Sars-CoV-2 from mutating. However, as the UK has provided booster doses to up to 1 million people every day, more than 3 billion people across the world have yet to receive their first dose. More boosters have been delivered in rich countries than the total number of all doses administered so far in poorer nations.“Vaccinating the vast majority of the world’s population is the best way to prevent Sars-CoV-2 from mutating. However, as the UK has provided booster doses to up to 1 million people every day, more than 3 billion people across the world have yet to receive their first dose. More boosters have been delivered in rich countries than the total number of all doses administered so far in poorer nations.
“Allowing huge numbers of people in low- and middle-income countries to remain unvaccinated is a reckless approach to public health that creates conditions where new Sars-CoV-2 variants of concern are more likely to develop.”“Allowing huge numbers of people in low- and middle-income countries to remain unvaccinated is a reckless approach to public health that creates conditions where new Sars-CoV-2 variants of concern are more likely to develop.”
The prime minister has robustly defended his record on the pandemic this week while awaiting the findings of the Sue Gray report on the “partygate” scandal, insisting he “got the big calls right” on the biggest global health crisis in a century.The prime minister has robustly defended his record on the pandemic this week while awaiting the findings of the Sue Gray report on the “partygate” scandal, insisting he “got the big calls right” on the biggest global health crisis in a century.
Laura Merson, a signatory of the letter and associate director of the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory at the University of Oxford, said protection provided by boosters would be “critically limited” while most of the world remained unvaccinated.Laura Merson, a signatory of the letter and associate director of the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory at the University of Oxford, said protection provided by boosters would be “critically limited” while most of the world remained unvaccinated.
“The easing of plan B restrictions may give the impression that the pandemic is coming to an end,” she said. “But this won’t be over until we address the risk of new variants at the root – in populations that have not had access to vaccines.”“The easing of plan B restrictions may give the impression that the pandemic is coming to an end,” she said. “But this won’t be over until we address the risk of new variants at the root – in populations that have not had access to vaccines.”
England’s R rate has fallen from last week and is now between 0.7 to 0.9, official statistics show. Last week, the figure was estimated to be between 0.8 and 1.1, while it was 1.1 - 1.5 in the week before that. England’s R rate has fallen from last week and is now between 0.7 to 0.9, official statistics show. Last week, the figure was estimated to be between 0.8 and 1.1, while it was 1.1-1.5 in the week before that.
An R value between 0.7 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between seven and nine other people.An R value between 0.7 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between seven and nine other people.
It comes after England moved back to its Plan A Covid restrictions on Thursday 27 January, meaning face masks are no longer required by law.It comes after England moved back to its Plan A Covid restrictions on Thursday 27 January, meaning face masks are no longer required by law.
Venues and events are also no longer legally obliged to ask people for a Covid pass, while work-from-home rules were scrapped last week.Venues and events are also no longer legally obliged to ask people for a Covid pass, while work-from-home rules were scrapped last week.
Claims shared on social media, including by the former Brexit secretary David Davis, that the true number of deaths in England and Wales caused by Covid could be 17,000 have been debunked as “spurious” and factually incorrect by the Office for National Statistics.Claims shared on social media, including by the former Brexit secretary David Davis, that the true number of deaths in England and Wales caused by Covid could be 17,000 have been debunked as “spurious” and factually incorrect by the Office for National Statistics.
The ONS responded after tweets by Davis suggesting that the figure 17,371 represented the death toll in people with no other underlying causes. Davis tweeted: “Up to the end of September 2021, the official count of the deaths of people with Covid was 137,133.” He added a freedom of information (FoI) request indicated only 17,371 of those deaths occurred in people with no underlying causes.The ONS responded after tweets by Davis suggesting that the figure 17,371 represented the death toll in people with no other underlying causes. Davis tweeted: “Up to the end of September 2021, the official count of the deaths of people with Covid was 137,133.” He added a freedom of information (FoI) request indicated only 17,371 of those deaths occurred in people with no underlying causes.
The FoI request to the ONS asked for all deaths in which Covid had been given as the sole cause on the death certificate, which is about a tenth of the generally stated toll.The FoI request to the ONS asked for all deaths in which Covid had been given as the sole cause on the death certificate, which is about a tenth of the generally stated toll.
James Tucker, an analyst at the ONS, said that to suggest the lower figure “represents the real extent of deaths from the virus is both factually incorrect and highly misleading”. It was common for Covid victims to have had a pre-existing health condition, but that did not mean they were at “imminent risk of dying from that condition, or even considered to have reduced life expectancy”, he wrote in a blog.James Tucker, an analyst at the ONS, said that to suggest the lower figure “represents the real extent of deaths from the virus is both factually incorrect and highly misleading”. It was common for Covid victims to have had a pre-existing health condition, but that did not mean they were at “imminent risk of dying from that condition, or even considered to have reduced life expectancy”, he wrote in a blog.
Tucker wrote:Tucker wrote:
Roofers, beauticians and bar staff are among occupations in England with the lowest vaccination rates against Covid-19, official figures suggest.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%).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.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%).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.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%).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.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.