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Covid live: UK reports 89,176 new cases and 277 deaths; Hong Kong offers hamster reparations after ordering cull Covid live: UK reports 89,176 new cases and 277 deaths; Hong Kong offers hamster reparations after ordering cull
(32 minutes later)
UK cases and deaths fall day-on-day; Honk Kong government to compensate pet shops affected by culling of hamsters for Covid reasonsUK cases and deaths fall day-on-day; Honk Kong government to compensate pet shops affected by culling of hamsters for Covid reasons
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. On Friday, 89,176 new cases of coronavirus and 277 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in the UK, official statistics show. That compares with 96,871 cases and 338 deaths recorded a day earlier.
AP reports: Since early January, the number of confirmed Covid cases had been falling in the UK. But in recent days, the caseload has plateaued, with daily tallies hovering at about 90,000 cases.
Authorities “have the Omicron wave under control at the moment,” said the health minister, Karl Lauterbach. Should we be concerned? In some ways, this levelling-off is unsurprising. Booster jabs have been rapidly rolled out, and that partly explains why the Omicron wave peaked earlier this month. A recent booster reduces the chance of infection by close to three-quarters.
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. Secondly, at the start of the year, people weren’t mixing as much. Data from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggested that adults made just 2.7 contacts a day at the start of December, down from 3.5 in September.
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. As people have returned to work and school, social mixing has gone up, making infections more likely. Particularly high levels are now being seen in children.
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. Our science correspondent, Hannah Devlin, looks into a new technique could cost a 10th of a PCR test:
The government may ease restrictions “when the wave is broken”, and Lauterbach said that was “a very realistic perspective”. Scientists have developed a highly sensitive Covid test that relies only on low-tech kit and a smartphone, which could be used as a quicker, cheaper alternative to PCR testing.
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 team behind the 25-minute saliva test say it provides a highly reliable platform for testing in the workplace or at home. It requires a basic lab kit that includes a cardboard box, a small hot plate and LED light that can be produced for less than £75. The cost of running a test, including the reagents, is about a 10th of a PCR test and is also cheaper than a lateral flow test. The team’s findings are published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
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 new Covid variants emerge globally, testing and detection remain essential to pandemic control efforts,” said Dr Michael Mahan, of the University of California, Santa Barbara and lead author. “Nearly half the world’s population has a smartphone, and we believe that this holds exciting potential to provide fair and equal access to precision diagnostic medicine.”
Lauterbach said Germany is pushing for all other EU countries to do the same. The app, which is freely available, uses a smartphone’s camera to measure colour changes indicating a chemical reaction and determines a diagnosis in 25 minutes. When tested in 50 patients with Covid, it matched PCR testing for sensitivity. The same technique was also applied successfully to diagnosing flu infections.
Pubs in the UK are hoping Monday will see waves of drinkers return as plan B eases and Dry January ends.Pubs in the UK are hoping Monday will see waves of drinkers return as plan B eases and Dry January ends.
Our business reporter, Rob Davies, speaks with industry chiefs who are excited for ale houses to brim with punters again. Our business reporter, Rob Davies, speaks to industry chiefs who are excited for ale houses to brim with punters again.
In its nearly 500-year history, Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn has served beer under 21 monarchs, survived the English civil war and emerged unscathed from the Great Fire of London.In its nearly 500-year history, Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn has served beer under 21 monarchs, survived the English civil war and emerged unscathed from the Great Fire of London.
But few events have affected the pubs trade quite so profoundly as the Covid-19 pandemic.But few events have affected the pubs trade quite so profoundly as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lockdowns choked off trade for months at a time. Even once venues reopened, social distancing restrictions and work-from-home guidance left city centres deserted and ruined the key Christmas period.Lockdowns choked off trade for months at a time. Even once venues reopened, social distancing restrictions and work-from-home guidance left city centres deserted and ruined the key Christmas period.
“We’re a real ale house so people come from far and wide for our beers: regulars, office workers and tourists,” said Judith Norman, the historic pub’s landlady.“We’re a real ale house so people come from far and wide for our beers: regulars, office workers and tourists,” said Judith Norman, the historic pub’s landlady.
“Our regulars tried to support us through the pandemic but with working from home we were a lot quieter than normal.”“Our regulars tried to support us through the pandemic but with working from home we were a lot quieter than normal.”
At Fuller’s, the pub chain that owns Ye Olde Mitre, trade was down by as much as 70% at some of the city centre venues that rely heavily on after-work drinkers. Some had to shut their doors temporarily.At Fuller’s, the pub chain that owns Ye Olde Mitre, trade was down by as much as 70% at some of the city centre venues that rely heavily on after-work drinkers. Some had to shut their doors temporarily.
Now though, as plan B restrictions in England are eased, hope is returning at Ye Olde Mitre and elsewhere. Familiar faces are gradually resurfacing, dropping in for a pint after the odd office day here and there.Now though, as plan B restrictions in England are eased, hope is returning at Ye Olde Mitre and elsewhere. Familiar faces are gradually resurfacing, dropping in for a pint after the odd office day here and there.
“They’re easing themselves back in and we’re hoping they’ll return full time next week,” Norman said.“They’re easing themselves back in and we’re hoping they’ll return full time next week,” Norman said.
Italy has reported 143,898 Covid-related deaths today, compared with 155,697 the day before, the health ministry said. Italy has reported 143,898 Covid cases today, compared with 155,697 the day before, the health ministry said.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths fell to 378 from 389. Meanwhile, the number of daily deaths fell to 378 from 389 a day earlier.
Italy has registered 145,537 Covid-deaths since its outbreak emerged in February 2020, the second-highest toll in Europe after the UK and the ninth highest in the world.Italy has registered 145,537 Covid-deaths since its outbreak emerged in February 2020, the second-highest toll in Europe after the UK and the ninth highest in the world.
The country has reported 10.68m cases to date. Patients in hospital with coronavirus – not including those in intensive care – stood at 19,796 today, down from 19,853 a day earlier.The country has reported 10.68m cases to date. Patients in hospital with coronavirus – not including those in intensive care – stood at 19,796 today, down from 19,853 a day earlier.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong authorities sparked an animal rights’ row by ordering thousands of hamsters be surrendered for “disposal”, after traces of Covid were found on 11 animals in a pet shop. They also banned imports.Earlier this month, Hong Kong authorities sparked an animal rights’ row by ordering thousands of hamsters be surrendered for “disposal”, after traces of Covid were found on 11 animals in a pet shop. They also banned imports.
The government said on Friday it would compensate the pet shops affected by the culling of all hamsters on sale and tracing of people who had recently purchased them, Reuters reports.The government said on Friday it would compensate the pet shops affected by the culling of all hamsters on sale and tracing of people who had recently purchased them, Reuters reports.
The city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it would offer them a one-off payment of up to HK$30,000 (£2870). The city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it would offer them a one-off payment of up to HK$30,000 (£2,870).
“All these measures have affected the business of local pet shops selling hamsters,” the department said in an announcement, adding that payments would be made from the government’s anti-epidemic relief fund.“All these measures have affected the business of local pet shops selling hamsters,” the department said in an announcement, adding that payments would be made from the government’s anti-epidemic relief fund.
Last week, Hong Kong authorities enraged pet lovers with an order to cull about 2,200 hamsters after tracing an outbreak to a worker in a shop where 11 animals tested positive.Last week, Hong Kong authorities enraged pet lovers with an order to cull about 2,200 hamsters after tracing an outbreak to a worker in a shop where 11 animals tested positive.
People who had in recent weeks bought hamsters – popular apartment pets in the congested city – were ordered to surrender them for testing and what the government described as “humane dispatch”. People who in recent weeks had bought hamsters – popular apartment pets in the congested city – were ordered to surrender them for testing and what the government described as “humane dispatch”.
In recent days thousands of people have offered to adopt unwanted hamsters amid a public outcry against the government and its pandemic advisers, which the office of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam called irrational.In recent days thousands of people have offered to adopt unwanted hamsters amid a public outcry against the government and its pandemic advisers, which the office of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam called irrational.
The link between hamsters and human transmission remains inconclusive, but government officials have said the crackdown was still needed as a precautionary measure.The link between hamsters and human transmission remains inconclusive, but government officials have said the crackdown was still needed as a precautionary measure.
On Friday, 89,176 new cases of coronavirus and 277 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in the UK, official statistics show. That compares with 96,871 cases and 338 deaths recorded a day earlier.On Friday, 89,176 new cases of coronavirus and 277 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported in the UK, official statistics show. That compares with 96,871 cases and 338 deaths recorded a day earlier.
Since early January, the number of confirmed Covid cases had been falling in the UK. But in recent days, the caseload has plateaued, with daily tallies hovering at about 90,000 cases.Since early January, the number of confirmed Covid cases had been falling in the UK. But in recent days, the caseload has plateaued, with daily tallies hovering at about 90,000 cases.
Should we be concerned? In some ways, this levelling-off is unsurprising. Booster jabs have been rapidly rolled out, and that partly explains why the Omicron wave peaked earlier this month. A recent booster reduces the chance of infection by close to three-quarters.Should we be concerned? In some ways, this levelling-off is unsurprising. Booster jabs have been rapidly rolled out, and that partly explains why the Omicron wave peaked earlier this month. A recent booster reduces the chance of infection by close to three-quarters.
Secondly, at the start of the year, people weren’t mixing as much. Data from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggested that adults made just 2.7 contacts a day at the start of December, down from 3.5 in September.Secondly, at the start of the year, people weren’t mixing as much. Data from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggested that adults made just 2.7 contacts a day at the start of December, down from 3.5 in September.
As people have returned to work and school, social mixing has gone up, making infections more likely. Particularly high levels are now being seen in children.As people have returned to work and school, social mixing has gone up, making infections more likely. Particularly high levels are now being seen in children.
Sweden has decided against recommending Covid vaccines for children aged five to 11, the country’s health agency said, arguing that the benefits did not outweigh the risks.Sweden has decided against recommending Covid vaccines for children aged five to 11, the country’s health agency said, arguing that the benefits did not outweigh the risks.
“With the knowledge we have today, with a low risk for serious disease for kids, we don’t see any clear benefit with vaccinating them,” Health Agency official Britta Bjorkholm told a news conference.“With the knowledge we have today, with a low risk for serious disease for kids, we don’t see any clear benefit with vaccinating them,” Health Agency official Britta Bjorkholm told a news conference.
She added that the decision could be revisited if the research changed or if a new variant changed the pandemic. Children in high-risk groups can already get the vaccine.She added that the decision could be revisited if the research changed or if a new variant changed the pandemic. Children in high-risk groups can already get the vaccine.
Sweden recorded more than 40,000 new cases on 26 January, one of the highest daily numbers during the pandemic, despite limited testing.Sweden recorded more than 40,000 new cases on 26 January, one of the highest daily numbers during the pandemic, despite limited testing.
While the fourth wave has seen daily infection records shattered, healthcare is not under the same strain as during previous waves.While the fourth wave has seen daily infection records shattered, healthcare is not under the same strain as during previous waves.
My colleague Melissa Davey reported earlier Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant were recorded in New South Wales.My colleague Melissa Davey reported earlier Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant were recorded in New South Wales.
What is BA.2? Is it something to be worried about?What is BA.2? Is it something to be worried about?
Denmark, India, UK and northern Europe have recorded the most cases of BA.2, a descendant of Omicron. While it looks to be outcompeting the original Omicron strain, particularly in Denmark, there is no evidence of increased severity.Denmark, India, UK and northern Europe have recorded the most cases of BA.2, a descendant of Omicron. While it looks to be outcompeting the original Omicron strain, particularly in Denmark, there is no evidence of increased severity.
A report released on Thursday by the UK’s Health Security Agency offers some reassurance, suggesting that current vaccines protect against BA.2 just as well as they do against the original Omicron variant, with better protection against symptoms — an average of about 70% – two weeks after a booster.A report released on Thursday by the UK’s Health Security Agency offers some reassurance, suggesting that current vaccines protect against BA.2 just as well as they do against the original Omicron variant, with better protection against symptoms — an average of about 70% – two weeks after a booster.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
In pictures: Cases plateauing in parts of India but Omicron still on the riseIn pictures: Cases plateauing in parts of India but Omicron still on the rise
AP reports:AP reports:
Indian health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country but warned cases were still surging in other states, linked to a new, stealthier version of the Omicron variant.Indian health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country but warned cases were still surging in other states, linked to a new, stealthier version of the Omicron variant.
The country detected over 250,000 new infections on Friday, but Dr Vineeta Bal, who studies immune systems at the Indian Institute of Science Education Research in Pune city, warned this number is an underestimate.The country detected over 250,000 new infections on Friday, but Dr Vineeta Bal, who studies immune systems at the Indian Institute of Science Education Research in Pune city, warned this number is an underestimate.
She said that India’s pandemic efforts were still being marred by chronic issues like under-reporting of infections and patchy data, but minimising the number of people being treated in hospital was key.She said that India’s pandemic efforts were still being marred by chronic issues like under-reporting of infections and patchy data, but minimising the number of people being treated in hospital was key.
“And fortunately, so far, even in the good, the bad and the ugly ... it hasn’t gone out of hand,” said Bal.“And fortunately, so far, even in the good, the bad and the ugly ... it hasn’t gone out of hand,” said Bal.
Most of the cases were concentrated in 10 states, where over 90% of patients had mild symptoms and were being treated at home, Lav Agarwal, a federal health official, said at a media briefing. “Early indication of a plateau in cases are being reported in certain geographies,” Agarwal said on Thursday.Most of the cases were concentrated in 10 states, where over 90% of patients had mild symptoms and were being treated at home, Lav Agarwal, a federal health official, said at a media briefing. “Early indication of a plateau in cases are being reported in certain geographies,” Agarwal said on Thursday.
The rate of infection in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in the north, Maharashtra on the western coast, and West Bengal, Odisha in the east has begun dipping, he said.The rate of infection in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in the north, Maharashtra on the western coast, and West Bengal, Odisha in the east has begun dipping, he said.
However, cases are still rising in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu along with Gujarat and Rajasthan in the northwest.However, cases are still rising in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu along with Gujarat and Rajasthan in the northwest.
The dip in cases has prompted some local authorities to relax restrictions. In New Delhi, restaurants, bars, and cinemas can now run at half capacity.The dip in cases has prompted some local authorities to relax restrictions. In New Delhi, restaurants, bars, and cinemas can now run at half capacity.
More striking takings from the Office for National Statistics today. More than 350,000 new Covid cases each day were likely in early January, new ONS analysis has found.More striking takings from the Office for National Statistics today. More than 350,000 new Covid cases each day were likely in early January, new ONS analysis has found.
This average estimate is more than double the official number reported on the government’s virus dashboard over the same period.This average estimate is more than double the official number reported on the government’s virus dashboard over the same period.
The figure is down from nearly 500,000 new cases a day estimated for the end of December – though this was nearly three times the dashboard total.The figure is down from nearly 500,000 new cases a day estimated for the end of December – though this was nearly three times the dashboard total.
The analysis shows potentially how many new cases of coronavirus are still being missed in the official figures.The analysis shows potentially how many new cases of coronavirus are still being missed in the official figures.
An average of 163,600 new cases per day were recorded from 2 to 8 January, according to the dashboard.An average of 163,600 new cases per day were recorded from 2 to 8 January, according to the dashboard.
But the true number was likely to be nearer 358,500 a day, according to the ONS modelling, which was based on analysis of nose and throat swabs taken from a representative sample of more than 150,000 people in private households.But the true number was likely to be nearer 358,500 a day, according to the ONS modelling, which was based on analysis of nose and throat swabs taken from a representative sample of more than 150,000 people in private households.
The sharp difference in totals reflects the limitations of the dashboard, which only counts people who have reported themselves as testing positive for the virus.The sharp difference in totals reflects the limitations of the dashboard, which only counts people who have reported themselves as testing positive for the virus.
The figures from 2 to 8 January have only been published now due to the time needed to collect and process the data. The number of new cases reported by the government has always been lower than the level estimated by the ONS, but the gap has become wider since the arrival of the Omicron variant.The figures from 2 to 8 January have only been published now due to the time needed to collect and process the data. The number of new cases reported by the government has always been lower than the level estimated by the ONS, but the gap has become wider since the arrival of the Omicron variant.
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.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:
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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?
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.
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.
“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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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”.
She added:
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.
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.
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.
In 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.
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.”
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.
“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.
The vaccines are due to arrive in the country of about 9 million people in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.