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Covid news live: UK awaits ‘partygate’ report; Paris hospitals chief sparks debate over care for unvaccinated Covid news live: UK awaits ‘partygate’ report; Paris hospitals chief sparks debate over care for unvaccinated
(32 minutes later)
Boris Johnson told it’s ‘time for the truth to be released’ as British MPs call on PM to publish long-awaited report; hospitals head questions whether treatment of unvaccinated should be covered by French public purseBoris Johnson told it’s ‘time for the truth to be released’ as British MPs call on PM to publish long-awaited report; hospitals head questions whether treatment of unvaccinated should be covered by French public purse
London’s Metropolitan Police have issued a statement regarding the publication of Sue Gray’s report, in an attempt to clarify from their side what they have asked. They say: Scotland Yard has said it has asked for references to matters it is now investigating to be removed from Sue Gray’s report into parties held in breach of lockdown restrictions at Downing Street.
“For the events the Met is investigating, we asked for minimal reference to be made in the Cabinet Office report,” the Metropolitan police said in a statement on Friday morning.
“The Met did not ask for any limitations on other events in the report, or for the report to be delayed, but we have had ongoing contact with the Cabinet Office, including on the content of the report, to avoid any prejudice to our investigation.”
The force issued the statement in response to questions from journalists about any role it had played in seeking to delay the report.
Officials in the Cabinet Office are still wrangling over the final version of Sue Gray’s findings on a string of alleged Covid rule-breaking parties in Downing Street and other parts of government.
Despite anticipation reaching fever pitch earlier this week that the report on which the prime minister’s premiership could hang was close to completion, its publication was delayed when Scotland Yard opened its own investigation.
Read more here: Met asked for ‘minimal reference’ to No 10 investigation in Sue Gray report
India detected over 250,000 new infections today, but health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country.
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.
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.
“Early indication of a plateau in cases are being reported in certain geographies,” said Agarwal.
Associated Press report he said that the number of people who needed oxygen support or had to be hospitalised during the current surge was lower than in the one fuelled by the delta variant last year.
The dip in cases has prompted some local authorities to relax restrictions. In New Delhi, restaurants, bars, and movie theatres can now run at half capacity. Health experts cautioned that with restrictions loosening, infections were likely to increase.
“This is a balance that we always have to play with,” said Dr Jacob John, who studies viruses at the Christian Medical College in southern Vellore city.
Over half of India’s population is fully vaccinated. And around 20% are waiting for a second shot. India started giving a booster shot to some vulnerable groups earlier in January, but health officials said that there has been no discussion about whether booster shots were necessary for the wider population.
What details are contained in Sue Gray’s report is for the senior civil servant and the police to “work out between them”, a Government minister has said.
It came after Scotland Yard asked for the Whitehall inquiry into allegations of lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street to make only “minimal reference” to the events being investigated by police.
Technology minister Chris Philp, asked on ITV’s Good Morning Britain programme about the development, said: “I saw that report just a few minutes ago. PA Media quote him saying:
Scotland Yard has said it has asked for references to matters it is now investigating to be removed from Sue Gray’s report into parties held in breach of lockdown restrictions at Downing Street.
“For the events the Met is investigating, we asked for minimal reference to be made in the Cabinet Office report,” the Metropolitan police said in a statement on Friday morning.
“The Met did not ask for any limitations on other events in the report, or for the report to be delayed, but we have had ongoing contact with the Cabinet Office, including on the content of the report, to avoid any prejudice to our investigation.”
The force issued the statement in response to questions from journalists about any role it had played in seeking to delay the report.
Officials in the Cabinet Office are still wrangling over the final version of Sue Gray’s findings on a string of alleged Covid rule-breaking parties in Downing Street and other parts of government.
Despite anticipation reaching fever pitch earlier this week that the report on which the prime minister’s premiership could hang was close to completion, its publication was delayed when Scotland Yard opened its own investigation.
Read more here: Met asked for ‘minimal reference’ to No 10 investigation in Sue Gray report
Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases surged to 98,040 on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day as the Omicron variant continued to spread, the government’s coronavirus task force said.Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases surged to 98,040 on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day as the Omicron variant continued to spread, the government’s coronavirus task force said.
Reuters report that the number of new infections was a significant jump from the 88,816 reported on Thursday. Officials also said that 673 people had died in the last 24 hours.Reuters report that the number of new infections was a significant jump from the 88,816 reported on Thursday. Officials also said that 673 people had died in the last 24 hours.
Both Robert Peston and Tom Newton-Dunn are making the same point in the UK, that if the long-awaited Sue Gray report is only able to make “minimal reference” to anything that is potentially criminal and being investigated by the Met police, it casts a doubt on whether it can be published at all in a satisfactory manner until the police have completed their investigation.Both Robert Peston and Tom Newton-Dunn are making the same point in the UK, that if the long-awaited Sue Gray report is only able to make “minimal reference” to anything that is potentially criminal and being investigated by the Met police, it casts a doubt on whether it can be published at all in a satisfactory manner until the police have completed their investigation.
In the UK, the opposition shadow secretary for Scotland, Labour’s Ian Murray, has been asked about the consequences of that Met statement about the Sue Gray report. They have said they did not ask for the publication to be delayed, but have said “For the events the Met is investigating, we asked for minimal reference to be made in the Cabinet Office report.” [see 7.54am]In the UK, the opposition shadow secretary for Scotland, Labour’s Ian Murray, has been asked about the consequences of that Met statement about the Sue Gray report. They have said they did not ask for the publication to be delayed, but have said “For the events the Met is investigating, we asked for minimal reference to be made in the Cabinet Office report.” [see 7.54am]
Murray told Sky News “What it does tell us is that there are items in the Sue Gray report that are now part of a criminal investigation, and therefore it’s pretty clear that the report contains very serious information about law breaking in Downing Street by the Prime Minister and his team. And that in itself is an incredibly serious allegation.Murray told Sky News “What it does tell us is that there are items in the Sue Gray report that are now part of a criminal investigation, and therefore it’s pretty clear that the report contains very serious information about law breaking in Downing Street by the Prime Minister and his team. And that in itself is an incredibly serious allegation.
“We know that there have been parties in Downing Street, we’ve seen the photographs, we’ve seen the emails to invite people to it. We’ve seen all the excuses the Prime Minister has given – I think he’s up to his sixth excuse now. All the way from not knowing that was a party, to not knowing parties were taking place, to not be invited to parties he was pictured at, to being ambushed by a cake. It’s getting more and more ridiculous by the day.“We know that there have been parties in Downing Street, we’ve seen the photographs, we’ve seen the emails to invite people to it. We’ve seen all the excuses the Prime Minister has given – I think he’s up to his sixth excuse now. All the way from not knowing that was a party, to not knowing parties were taking place, to not be invited to parties he was pictured at, to being ambushed by a cake. It’s getting more and more ridiculous by the day.
“We do need to see the Sue Gray report, but the very serious thing from that Metropolitan police statement earlier is there’s quite clearly allegations of criminality in the Sue Gray report, and that’s why they’re being asked to have minimal reference to them.“We do need to see the Sue Gray report, but the very serious thing from that Metropolitan police statement earlier is there’s quite clearly allegations of criminality in the Sue Gray report, and that’s why they’re being asked to have minimal reference to them.
“I think it waters down the Sue Gray report. We want it published in full. We want all the evidence published in full as well, so that there can be complete transparency.“I think it waters down the Sue Gray report. We want it published in full. We want all the evidence published in full as well, so that there can be complete transparency.
“And it’s quite clear throughout this whole saga, that whilst the government is paralysed by this ‘Partygate’ agenda that the big issues of the day, in terms of the country, are not being addressed. The only way to resolve that is for the prime minister to do the decent thing.“And it’s quite clear throughout this whole saga, that whilst the government is paralysed by this ‘Partygate’ agenda that the big issues of the day, in terms of the country, are not being addressed. The only way to resolve that is for the prime minister to do the decent thing.
Associated Press today have a follow up on their story from yesterday about the allegations of abuse and racism levelled at Dr Takeshi Kasai, who heads up the Western Pacific section of the World Health Organization (WHO).Associated Press today have a follow up on their story from yesterday about the allegations of abuse and racism levelled at Dr Takeshi Kasai, who heads up the Western Pacific section of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Today AP report that Japan’s government has said it will watch the WHO’s investigation into the Japanese official, but denied it inappropriately received sensitive vaccine information from him.Today AP report that Japan’s government has said it will watch the WHO’s investigation into the Japanese official, but denied it inappropriately received sensitive vaccine information from him.
Koichiro Matsumoto, deputy cabinet secretary for public affairs at the prime minister’s office in Japan, told the AP on Friday the government understands the WHO is taking appropriate steps.Koichiro Matsumoto, deputy cabinet secretary for public affairs at the prime minister’s office in Japan, told the AP on Friday the government understands the WHO is taking appropriate steps.
“There is no truth (to the allegation) that the Japanese government inappropriately accepted sensitive information related to our vaccine contributions,” he said.“There is no truth (to the allegation) that the Japanese government inappropriately accepted sensitive information related to our vaccine contributions,” he said.
He said Japan takes seriously the importance of maintaining equal and fair access to safe, effective and high-quality vaccines for all countries and regions, and that the Japanese government has been providing support through cooperation with Covax, an international cooperative program formed to make sure low- and middle-income countries have fair access to Covid-19 vaccines, as well as with WHO and related governments.He said Japan takes seriously the importance of maintaining equal and fair access to safe, effective and high-quality vaccines for all countries and regions, and that the Japanese government has been providing support through cooperation with Covax, an international cooperative program formed to make sure low- and middle-income countries have fair access to Covid-19 vaccines, as well as with WHO and related governments.
WHO staffers have alleged that Kasai engaged in unethical, racist and abusive behaviour, undermining their efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic, according to an internal complaint filed last October.WHO staffers have alleged that Kasai engaged in unethical, racist and abusive behaviour, undermining their efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic, according to an internal complaint filed last October.
The complaints were also emailed to senior WHO leaders last week and describe a “toxic atmosphere” with “a culture of systemic bullying” at WHO’s regional headquarters in the Philippines. Recordings obtained by the AP also showed that Kasai made derogatory remarks to his staff during meetings based on nationality. Kasai denied the allegations.The complaints were also emailed to senior WHO leaders last week and describe a “toxic atmosphere” with “a culture of systemic bullying” at WHO’s regional headquarters in the Philippines. Recordings obtained by the AP also showed that Kasai made derogatory remarks to his staff during meetings based on nationality. Kasai denied the allegations.
Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell offers this instant analysis of the consequences of that statement by London’s Met Police [see 7.54am]Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell offers this instant analysis of the consequences of that statement by London’s Met Police [see 7.54am]
Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen in Wales from today as Covid restrictions are eased further and “alert level zero” came into effect from 6am this morning.Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen in Wales from today as Covid restrictions are eased further and “alert level zero” came into effect from 6am this morning.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said in a statement overnight:First Minister Mark Drakeford said in a statement overnight:
Covid passes will remain for nightclubs, as well as for large indoor events, concert halls, cinema and theatre visits in Wales.Covid passes will remain for nightclubs, as well as for large indoor events, concert halls, cinema and theatre visits in Wales.
Other changes today include the dropping of the “rule of six” and 2m social distancing in workplaces, and bars and pubs will no longer have to be table service only.Other changes today include the dropping of the “rule of six” and 2m social distancing in workplaces, and bars and pubs will no longer have to be table service only.
London’s Metropolitan Police have issued a statement regarding the publication of Sue Gray’s report, in an attempt to clarify from their side what they have asked. They say:London’s Metropolitan Police have issued a statement regarding the publication of Sue Gray’s report, in an attempt to clarify from their side what they have asked. They say:
Australia’s medical regulator has sounded the alarm on companies allegedly trying to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests (RATs) into Australia, with federal police investigating claims one firm forged the authorisation of health minister Greg Hunt on forms.Australia’s medical regulator has sounded the alarm on companies allegedly trying to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests (RATs) into Australia, with federal police investigating claims one firm forged the authorisation of health minister Greg Hunt on forms.
Many millions of rapid tests are due to arrive in Australia in coming weeks to fulfil large orders placed by state and federal governments. But local supply in Australia is patchy at best, with chemists saying supply is not keeping up with the huge demand for rapid tests among citizens, businesses and community groups.Many millions of rapid tests are due to arrive in Australia in coming weeks to fulfil large orders placed by state and federal governments. But local supply in Australia is patchy at best, with chemists saying supply is not keeping up with the huge demand for rapid tests among citizens, businesses and community groups.
“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police are investigating false documentation allegedly used to support the illegal importation and supply of unapproved rapid antigen tests for Covid-19,” the TGA said in a statement on Friday.“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police are investigating false documentation allegedly used to support the illegal importation and supply of unapproved rapid antigen tests for Covid-19,” the TGA said in a statement on Friday.
“The letter, claimed to have been issued by minister Hunt, appears to provide a NSW based company with an exemption from the requirement to include their product in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods prior to importation and supply in Australia.“The letter, claimed to have been issued by minister Hunt, appears to provide a NSW based company with an exemption from the requirement to include their product in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods prior to importation and supply in Australia.
“No special exemptions to import or supply unapproved rapid antigen tests have been granted by the TGA.”“No special exemptions to import or supply unapproved rapid antigen tests have been granted by the TGA.”
It is unclear if any of the unapproved rapid tests have made it into Australia, or have been offered for sale. The TGA did not name the company it says is under investigation.It is unclear if any of the unapproved rapid tests have made it into Australia, or have been offered for sale. The TGA did not name the company it says is under investigation.
Read more of Josh Butler’s report here: Companies allegedly forged documents to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests into Australia, TGA saysRead more of Josh Butler’s report here: Companies allegedly forged documents to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests into Australia, TGA says
I must confess that when I went into journalism I under-estimated the number of times I would end up typing out the words “ambushed by cake”, but Politico’s London Playbook this morning has a twist in that tale. They write:I must confess that when I went into journalism I under-estimated the number of times I would end up typing out the words “ambushed by cake”, but Politico’s London Playbook this morning has a twist in that tale. They write:
Earlier this week in parliament, Conservative leader of the house Jacob Rees-Mogg tried to deflect from the whole story by dismissing it as a Labour and media obsession with cakeEarlier this week in parliament, Conservative leader of the house Jacob Rees-Mogg tried to deflect from the whole story by dismissing it as a Labour and media obsession with cake
It is important to remember that the story isn’t really whether there was cake or not, it is about the prime minister being at the despatch box on 8 December and saying “I have been repeatedly assured that the rules were not broken. I repeat that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken.”It is important to remember that the story isn’t really whether there was cake or not, it is about the prime minister being at the despatch box on 8 December and saying “I have been repeatedly assured that the rules were not broken. I repeat that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken.”
Boris Johnson then told Sky News on 13 December “I can tell you once again that I certainly broke no rules … all that is being looked into.”Boris Johnson then told Sky News on 13 December “I can tell you once again that I certainly broke no rules … all that is being looked into.”
All the evidence that has emerged since, including a photograph of Johnson in the Downing Street garden and the story of the cake ambush, suggest that those statements may have been knowingly untrue.All the evidence that has emerged since, including a photograph of Johnson in the Downing Street garden and the story of the cake ambush, suggest that those statements may have been knowingly untrue.
Technology minister Chris Philp is the person on the airwaves in the UK for the government today. He said on Sky News just now that he spoke to someone at Downing Street about half an hour ago, and at that point he was given no indication that they had yet received Sue Gray’s long-awaited reported into the allegations of lockdown parties at Downing Street.Technology minister Chris Philp is the person on the airwaves in the UK for the government today. He said on Sky News just now that he spoke to someone at Downing Street about half an hour ago, and at that point he was given no indication that they had yet received Sue Gray’s long-awaited reported into the allegations of lockdown parties at Downing Street.
The Philippines will grant entry to visitors vaccinated against Covid from 10 February, its government has said, in an effort to boost the tourism sector.The Philippines will grant entry to visitors vaccinated against Covid from 10 February, its government has said, in an effort to boost the tourism sector.
The archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands had planned to reopen in December, but that was aborted over concerns about the Omicron variant. Citizens of 150 countries that have visa-free entry to the Philippines will be allowed to enter.The archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands had planned to reopen in December, but that was aborted over concerns about the Omicron variant. Citizens of 150 countries that have visa-free entry to the Philippines will be allowed to enter.
Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said in a statement that the move “will contribute significantly to job restoration, primarily in tourism-dependent communities, and in the reopening of businesses that have earlier shut down.”Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said in a statement that the move “will contribute significantly to job restoration, primarily in tourism-dependent communities, and in the reopening of businesses that have earlier shut down.”
Reuters report Puyat also said the government will remove quarantine requirements for returning Filipinos from 1 February, and for foreign tourists from 10 February, but they must be vaccinated and test negative for Covid.Reuters report Puyat also said the government will remove quarantine requirements for returning Filipinos from 1 February, and for foreign tourists from 10 February, but they must be vaccinated and test negative for Covid.
Hello, it is Martin Belam here in London. I’m taking over from Samantha Lock for the next few hours, with all the Covid news from around the world and the UK. I’ll bring you the latest quotes from whoever has been sent out by the government to say “I can’t comment on that until the Sue Gray report is published” in due course.Hello, it is Martin Belam here in London. I’m taking over from Samantha Lock for the next few hours, with all the Covid news from around the world and the UK. I’ll bring you the latest quotes from whoever has been sent out by the government to say “I can’t comment on that until the Sue Gray report is published” in due course.
Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, with 98 deaths recorded, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant have been recorded in NSW.Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, with 98 deaths recorded, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant have been recorded in NSW.
There are now 35 cases of BA.2 in Australia overall including in Tasmania, ACT, Queensland, WA and Victoria.There are now 35 cases of BA.2 in Australia overall including in Tasmania, ACT, Queensland, WA and Victoria.
Of the new deaths, 39 were recorded in Victoria, 35 in NSW, 18 in Queensland, and one in the ACT. The previous one-day high was on 21 January, when 88 deaths were recorded.Of the new deaths, 39 were recorded in Victoria, 35 in NSW, 18 in Queensland, and one in the ACT. The previous one-day high was on 21 January, when 88 deaths were recorded.
While overall cases are plateauing, the country’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Prof Alison McMillan, said death rates were set to remain high for some time:While overall cases are plateauing, the country’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Prof Alison McMillan, said death rates were set to remain high for some time:
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
The head of the Paris hospitals system has questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.The head of the Paris hospitals system has questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.
The remarks have set off a fierce debate in the country.The remarks have set off a fierce debate in the country.
Under France’s universal healthcare system, all Covid patients who end up in intensive care are fully covered for their treatment, which costs about 3,000 euros per day and typically lasts a week to 10 days.Under France’s universal healthcare system, all Covid patients who end up in intensive care are fully covered for their treatment, which costs about 3,000 euros per day and typically lasts a week to 10 days.
Paris AP-HP hospitals system chief Martin Hirsch said:Paris AP-HP hospitals system chief Martin Hirsch said:
Hirsch said he raised the issue because health costs are exploding and that the irresponsible behaviour of some should not jeopardise the availability of the system for everyone else.Hirsch said he raised the issue because health costs are exploding and that the irresponsible behaviour of some should not jeopardise the availability of the system for everyone else.
Hello it’s Samantha Lock back with you on the blog as we unpack all the latest international Covid developments.Hello it’s Samantha Lock back with you on the blog as we unpack all the latest international Covid developments.
Let’s begin with some news hitting the headlines in France where the head of the Paris hospitals system questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.Let’s begin with some news hitting the headlines in France where the head of the Paris hospitals system questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.
“When free and efficient drugs are available, should people be able to renounce it without consequences ... while we struggle to take care of other patients?” Paris AP-HP hospitals system chief Martin Hirsch said on French television on Wednesday.“When free and efficient drugs are available, should people be able to renounce it without consequences ... while we struggle to take care of other patients?” Paris AP-HP hospitals system chief Martin Hirsch said on French television on Wednesday.
The remarks have set off a fierce debate in the country. Hirsch said he raised the issue because health costs are exploding and that the irresponsible behaviour of some should not jeopardise the availability of the system for everyone else.The remarks have set off a fierce debate in the country. Hirsch said he raised the issue because health costs are exploding and that the irresponsible behaviour of some should not jeopardise the availability of the system for everyone else.
A group of scientists have warned the UK government that by allowing poorer countries to remain unvaccinated is a “reckless approach to public health”, meaning Covid variants are more likely to develop.A group of scientists have warned the UK government that by allowing poorer countries to remain unvaccinated is a “reckless approach to public health”, meaning Covid variants are more likely to develop.
A letter signed by more than 300 experts, including 13 members of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) in a personal capacity, says vaccinating most of the world’s population is “the best way” to prevent coronavirus mutations. It says vaccines will “not be effective” at stopping new variants unless the UK ensures more people in poorer countries are jabbed.A letter signed by more than 300 experts, including 13 members of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) in a personal capacity, says vaccinating most of the world’s population is “the best way” to prevent coronavirus mutations. It says vaccines will “not be effective” at stopping new variants unless the UK ensures more people in poorer countries are jabbed.
Here’s a quick recap of all the international Covid developments:Here’s a quick recap of all the international Covid developments:
Europe:Europe:
England is going back to its “Plan A” Covid strategy by lifting virus restrictions, with commuters back to the office, masks no longer required in enclosed places and vaccine passports shelved.England is going back to its “Plan A” Covid strategy by lifting virus restrictions, with commuters back to the office, masks no longer required in enclosed places and vaccine passports shelved.
The EU’s drug regulator gave the green light to Pfizer Inc’s antiviral Covid-19 pill for treating adults at risk of severe illness.The EU’s drug regulator gave the green light to Pfizer Inc’s antiviral Covid-19 pill for treating adults at risk of severe illness.
Booster shots could reduce future hospitalisations in Europe by at least half a million, the EU’s public health agency said.Booster shots could reduce future hospitalisations in Europe by at least half a million, the EU’s public health agency said.
Finland will begin gradually easing restrictions from 1 February instead of mid-February as initially planned.Finland will begin gradually easing restrictions from 1 February instead of mid-February as initially planned.
The head of the Paris hospitals system has set off a fierce debate by questioning whether people who refuse to be vaccinated should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.The head of the Paris hospitals system has set off a fierce debate by questioning whether people who refuse to be vaccinated should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.
Spain’s north-eastern Catalonia region drops the need for a Covid passport to enter restaurants, bars and gyms.Spain’s north-eastern Catalonia region drops the need for a Covid passport to enter restaurants, bars and gyms.
Sweden’s health authority says it will not recommend Covid-19 jabs for all five to 11 year olds, the country again choosing a different Covid policy to much of Europe.Sweden’s health authority says it will not recommend Covid-19 jabs for all five to 11 year olds, the country again choosing a different Covid policy to much of Europe.
Many more Covid restrictions are being lifted on Friday in Wales, allowing nightclubs to reopen and some rules on social distancing to be scrapped.Many more Covid restrictions are being lifted on Friday in Wales, allowing nightclubs to reopen and some rules on social distancing to be scrapped.
Asia:Asia:
Hong Kong will shorten its 21-day quarantine requirement to 14 days for incoming travellers starting from 5 February.Hong Kong will shorten its 21-day quarantine requirement to 14 days for incoming travellers starting from 5 February.
New Delhi ends a weekend curfew, reopens restaurants and allows markets to operate at full capacity, as the Omicron variant outbreak slows.New Delhi ends a weekend curfew, reopens restaurants and allows markets to operate at full capacity, as the Omicron variant outbreak slows.
Americas:Americas:
Canadian truck drivers are meeting in Ottawa to protest a federal government vaccine mandate.Canadian truck drivers are meeting in Ottawa to protest a federal government vaccine mandate.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says he has been exposed to Covid-19 and will isolate for five days, in accordance with health rules for vaccinated people.Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says he has been exposed to Covid-19 and will isolate for five days, in accordance with health rules for vaccinated people.
The US government’s main health agency is failing to meet its responsibilities for leading the national response to public health emergencies, including the coronavirus pandemic, a federal watchdog said Thursday.The US government’s main health agency is failing to meet its responsibilities for leading the national response to public health emergencies, including the coronavirus pandemic, a federal watchdog said Thursday.
Middle East:Middle East:
A United Arab Emirates medical convoy of one million Covid-19 vaccines reached the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing, state news agency WAM said.A United Arab Emirates medical convoy of one million Covid-19 vaccines reached the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing, state news agency WAM said.
Morocco will reopen its airspace for international flights starting Feb. 7, the state news agency (MAP) reported on Thursday.Morocco will reopen its airspace for international flights starting Feb. 7, the state news agency (MAP) reported on Thursday.
Covid-19 boosters increase protection against death from the Omicron variant to 95% in people aged 50 or over, the UK Health Security Agency said.Covid-19 boosters increase protection against death from the Omicron variant to 95% in people aged 50 or over, the UK Health Security Agency said.
China’s Walvax Biotechnology has recruited most of the 28,000 participants needed for a large clinical trial of its mRNA Covid-19 vaccine candidate, a senior company official said.China’s Walvax Biotechnology has recruited most of the 28,000 participants needed for a large clinical trial of its mRNA Covid-19 vaccine candidate, a senior company official said.