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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
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.
Omicron, the highly contagious coronavirus variant sweeping across the country, is driving the daily American death toll higher than during last fall’s Delta wave, with deaths likely to keep rising for days or even weeks.
The seven-day rolling average for daily new Covid deaths in the US has been climbing since mid-November, reaching 2,267 on Thursday and surpassing a September peak of 2,100 when delta was the dominant variant, the Associated Press reported.
Now Omicron is estimated to account for nearly all the virus circulating in the nation. And even though it causes less severe disease for most people, the fact that it is more transmissible means more people are falling ill and dying.
“Omicron will push us over a million deaths,” said Andrew Noymer, a public health professor at the University of California, Irvine. “That will cause a lot of soul searching. There will be a lot of discussion about what we could have done differently, how many of the deaths were preventable.”
Omicron symptoms are often milder, and some infected people show no symptoms, researchers agree. But like the flu, it can be deadly, especially for people who are older, have other health problems or who are unvaccinated.
“Importantly, ‘milder’ does not mean ‘mild,”’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said this week during a White House briefing.
Requiring three doses for full Covid vaccination would “send a clear signal that it is essential, rather than simply a matter of choice and personal responsibility”, a member of a World Health Organization advisory group said.Requiring three doses for full Covid vaccination would “send a clear signal that it is essential, rather than simply a matter of choice and personal responsibility”, a member of a World Health Organization advisory group said.
Though the national cabinet is still awaiting advice from Australia’s independent expert group on vaccination, Atagi, as to whether people should only be considered fully vaccinated against Covid after three doses, the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, had been pre-empting Atagi’s advice.Though the national cabinet is still awaiting advice from Australia’s independent expert group on vaccination, Atagi, as to whether people should only be considered fully vaccinated against Covid after three doses, the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, had been pre-empting Atagi’s advice.
“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully the confirmation of both Atagi and national cabinet later today will mean that everyone knows and understands that this is a three-dose project,” he said on Thursday.“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully the confirmation of both Atagi and national cabinet later today will mean that everyone knows and understands that this is a three-dose project,” he said on Thursday.
Given Atagi is yet to release its advice, the matter was not settled at a meeting of the national cabinet later that day.Given Atagi is yet to release its advice, the matter was not settled at a meeting of the national cabinet later that day.
But on Friday the New South Wales premier, Dominic Perrottet, backed Andrews, saying he thought the proposal “makes sense”, and that even without a decision by the national cabinet three doses should be required to be “up to date” with vaccination.But on Friday the New South Wales premier, Dominic Perrottet, backed Andrews, saying he thought the proposal “makes sense”, and that even without a decision by the national cabinet three doses should be required to be “up to date” with vaccination.
In England, an intensive care doctor who challenged the health secretary, Sajid Javid, over compulsory Covid vaccines for NHS staff has launched a legal bid against the government to end the policy.In England, an intensive care doctor who challenged the health secretary, Sajid Javid, over compulsory Covid vaccines for NHS staff has launched a legal bid against the government to end the policy.
Dr Steve James, who is unvaccinated and works as an anaesthetist at King’s College hospital, is seeking a judicial review with seven other medical professionals. It would look at the lawfulness of the decision to require health professionals to be jabbed.Dr Steve James, who is unvaccinated and works as an anaesthetist at King’s College hospital, is seeking a judicial review with seven other medical professionals. It would look at the lawfulness of the decision to require health professionals to be jabbed.
The government directive requires all NHS staff in England who have direct contact with patients to get two Covid-19 vaccinations by 1 April or risk losing their jobs. However, critics have argued that imposing a deadline could lead to staff shortages.The government directive requires all NHS staff in England who have direct contact with patients to get two Covid-19 vaccinations by 1 April or risk losing their jobs. However, critics have argued that imposing a deadline could lead to staff shortages.
Covid-free for almost two years, some Pacific island nations are suddenly struggling with an explosion in cases as the virus, thought in most cases to be the more transmissible variant Omicron, breaches the defences they had so successfully put up since the beginning of the pandemic.Covid-free for almost two years, some Pacific island nations are suddenly struggling with an explosion in cases as the virus, thought in most cases to be the more transmissible variant Omicron, breaches the defences they had so successfully put up since the beginning of the pandemic.
Kiribati, Samoa, Palau and Solomon Islands have all experienced outbreaks within the last three weeks. The countries have approached the arrival of the virus with different strategies, some imposing lockdowns while others rely on their high levels of vaccination for protection.Kiribati, Samoa, Palau and Solomon Islands have all experienced outbreaks within the last three weeks. The countries have approached the arrival of the virus with different strategies, some imposing lockdowns while others rely on their high levels of vaccination for protection.
Given their remoteness and the fragility of health systems there are nevertheless concerns about how they will cope, with many locals fearful.Given their remoteness and the fragility of health systems there are nevertheless concerns about how they will cope, with many locals fearful.
Hello. I’m Tom Ambrose and I’ll be bringing you all the latest Covid news from around the world over the next couple of hours.Hello. I’m Tom Ambrose and I’ll be bringing you all the latest Covid news from around the world over the next couple of hours.
We start with the news that Russia’s Covid deaths passed the 700,000 mark on Friday, according to Reuters’ calculations, based on new data from the Rosstat state statistics service.We start with the news that Russia’s Covid deaths passed the 700,000 mark on Friday, according to Reuters’ calculations, based on new data from the Rosstat state statistics service.
Rosstat said on Friday that 54,630 people died from Covid or related causes in December, after monthly coronavirus deaths hit a record high of nearly 90,000 in November and made Russia the country with the second highest number of deaths in the world after the United States.Rosstat said on Friday that 54,630 people died from Covid or related causes in December, after monthly coronavirus deaths hit a record high of nearly 90,000 in November and made Russia the country with the second highest number of deaths in the world after the United States.
This meant Russia’s overall pandemic death toll reached 701,703, according to Reuters’ calculations based on Rosstat figures up to the end of December and data from the coronavirus task force for January.This meant Russia’s overall pandemic death toll reached 701,703, according to Reuters’ calculations based on Rosstat figures up to the end of December and data from the coronavirus task force for January.
The fast spreading Omicron variant has not yet significantly affected the Russian death toll. The number of daily infections started to surge in January.The fast spreading Omicron variant has not yet significantly affected the Russian death toll. The number of daily infections started to surge in January.
Russia reported 98,040 new daily infections on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day, the coronavirus task force said.Russia reported 98,040 new daily infections on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day, the coronavirus task force said.
Reuters’ calculations also showed Russia recorded more than 895,000 excess deaths since the beginning of the outbreak in April 2020 to the end of December, when compared to average mortality in 2015-2019.Reuters’ calculations also showed Russia recorded more than 895,000 excess deaths since the beginning of the outbreak in April 2020 to the end of December, when compared to average mortality in 2015-2019.
SummarySummary
Here are the key events from today so far:Here are the key events from today so far:
Germany said the Omicron surge is ‘under control’ despite record infections. 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. Germany said the Omicron surge is “under control”, despite record infections. 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.
The UK reported 89,176 new cases and 277 Covid-linked deaths. 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.The UK reported 89,176 new cases and 277 Covid-linked deaths. 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.
England’s R number has dipped to between 0.7 and 0.9. 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 number has dipped to between 0.7 and 0.9. 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.
Hong Kong’s government has offered to compensate pet shops after ordering a cull last week of more than 2,000 hamsters for Covid reasons. The city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it would offer them a one-off payment of up to HK$30,000 (£2870).Hong Kong’s government has offered to compensate pet shops after ordering a cull last week of more than 2,000 hamsters for Covid reasons. The city’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it would offer them a one-off payment of up to HK$30,000 (£2870).
Italy has reported 143,898 Covid-related deaths today, compared with 155,697 the day before, the health ministry said. The number of deaths fell to 378 from 389. Italy has reported 143,898 Covid-related cases today, compared with 155,697 the day before, the health ministry said. The number of deaths fell to 378 from 389.
Scientists have said Boris Johnson’s failure to take enough action to get jabs to the 3 billion unvaccinated people worldwide means new variants will put thousands of lives at risk in the UK.Scientists have said Boris Johnson’s failure to take enough action to get jabs to the 3 billion unvaccinated people worldwide means new variants will put thousands of lives at risk in the UK.
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.
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.
The NHS is set to prescribe the antiviral pill Paxlovid for high-risk Covid patients from next month. 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.The NHS is set to prescribe the antiviral pill Paxlovid for high-risk Covid patients from next month. 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.
Theresa May has broken her silence on ‘partygate’ to express her anger and expectation of full accountability. In a letter to her local newspaper, the Maidenhead Advertiser, she wrote: “It is vital that those who set the rules, follow the rules … This is important for ensuring the necessary degree of trust between the public and government. Theresa May has broken her silence on “partygate” to express her anger and expectation of full accountability. In a letter to her local newspaper, the Maidenhead Advertiser, she wrote: “It is vital that those who set the rules, follow the rules … This is important for ensuring the necessary degree of trust between the public and government.”
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.
That’s all from me, Georgina Quach. My colleague Tom Ambrose will be here shortly to continue our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks for following along and I wish you all a restful weekend.That’s all from me, Georgina Quach. My colleague Tom Ambrose will be here shortly to continue our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks for following along and I wish you all a restful weekend.
Our science correspondent, Hannah Devlin, looks into a new technique could cost a 10th of a PCR test:Our science correspondent, Hannah Devlin, looks into a new technique could cost a 10th of a PCR test:
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.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 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.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 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.”“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.”
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.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 to 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 cases 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 daily deaths fell to 378 from 389 a day earlier.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 (£2,870).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 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”.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: