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Covid live: Russian daily cases approach 100,000 in new record; Philippines to reopen to vaccinated tourists Covid live: Russian daily cases approach 100,000 in new record; Philippines to reopen to vaccinated tourists
(32 minutes later)
Russia sets record daily caseload for eighth consecutive day; people from 150 countries able to enter Philippines again from 10 FebruaryRussia sets record daily caseload for eighth consecutive day; people from 150 countries able to enter Philippines again from 10 February
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.
First, on schools in England: The government exams chief has quelled worries about changes to GCSE and A-level exams giving certain pupils an advantage.
Because of the pandemic’s disruption to pupils’ learning, English school students will be assessed differently in 2022.
The planned changes include:
Pupils will be offered a choice of topics in some GCSE exams, including English literature, history, ancient history and geography.
Pupils will get advance information on the focus of exams to support students’ revision in subjects where there is not a choice of topics.
Changing requirements for practical science work and practical art and design assessments.
Jo Saxton, head of Ofqual, the exams regulator, said these changes will not make exams easier for more able pupils.
In a speech to the Sixth Form Colleges Association conference earlier in January, Saxton said that the release of advance information on the kinds of topics pupils will see in their exams would not advantage higher-ability pupils.
Pupils will be given information on 7 February to help focus their revision to answer questions carrying more marks – higher-tariff questions – whereas advance information will not be provided for one- or two-mark questions.
She said:
But she added that questions carrying more marks did not necessarily mean “harder content”, as pupils of any ability gained marks across an exam paper.
“We hope that the benefit of advance information will mean that students who suffered the most disruption, or those who are less able, may gain confidence to tackle elements of a paper that they might previously not have felt confident to try,” she announced.In 2020, the government initially planned to use an algorithm to determine pupils’ exam grades but was forced to U-turn over the issue and award grades assessed by pupils’ teachers instead, after thousands of pupils received grades well below what they had expected on A-level results’ day.
Hello from London. I’m Georgina Quach, hopping on to the blog for the next eight hours – I’ll be bringing you Covid news from around the world. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work: email georgina.quach@theguardian.com or message @georginaquach on Twitter.
Russia’s daily Covid-19 cases surged to 98,040 on Friday, a new record high for the eighth consecutive day as the Omicron variant continued to spread, the government’s coronavirus task force said.
The Philippines will grant quarantine-free entry to visitors from more than 150 countries provided they are vaccinated against Covid from 10 February, its government has said, in an effort to boost the tourism sector.
Australia has recorded its deadliest day ever of the Covid pandemic, with 98 deaths recorded, as the first cases of the BA.2 descendant of the Omicron variant have been recorded in NSW.
Australia’s medical regulator has sounded the alarm on companies allegedly trying to bring unapproved rapid antigen tests (RATs) into the country, with federal police investigating claims one firm forged the authorisation of health minister Greg Hunt on forms.
In the UK, Scotland Yard has said it has asked for references to matters it is now investigating to be removed from Sue Gray’s report into parties held in breach of lockdown restrictions at Downing Street.
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.
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.
The head of the Paris hospitals system has questioned whether people who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid should continue to have their treatment covered by public health insurance.
The Omicron variant now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey.
The European Union ombudsman has criticised the European Commission for not disclosing text messages that the head of the EU executive Ursula von der Leyen exchanged with Pfizer chief Albert Bourla before sealing a Covid-19 vaccine deal.
India detected over 250,000 new infections today, but health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country.
Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid.
Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.
Nicola Slawson is in charge of our UK politics live blog today. Georgina Quach will be here shortly to take you through the day’s UK and world coronavirus news.
I’m Martin Belam, and this is actually my last stint on the Covid blog for a while. I will be covering the Winter Olympics and Paralympics over the next few weeks. You can sign up for my daily Beijing email briefing here. Thanks very much for reading, take care, and I will see you soon.
A quick snap from Reuters that a senior Japanese government official, deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid after showing symptoms, including fever.A quick snap from Reuters that a senior Japanese government official, deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki, has tested positive for Covid after showing symptoms, including fever.
The news was broken by the NTV television network. In the course of his job, Isozaki meets with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida relatively frequently, but the broadcaster gave no further details, including when the two of them last met.The news was broken by the NTV television network. In the course of his job, Isozaki meets with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida relatively frequently, but the broadcaster gave no further details, including when the two of them last met.
The Omicron coronavirus now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute (ISS) said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey. The previous survey from 3 January showed Omicron responsible for 81% of cases.The Omicron coronavirus now accounts for nearly all new infections in Italy, the National Health Institute (ISS) said, accounting for almost 96% of cases in a flash survey. The previous survey from 3 January showed Omicron responsible for 81% of cases.
“In Italy on 17 January, the Omicron variant was predominant, with an estimated prevalence of 95.8%, while Delta was at 4.2% of the sample tested”, the institute said in a statement.“In Italy on 17 January, the Omicron variant was predominant, with an estimated prevalence of 95.8%, while Delta was at 4.2% of the sample tested”, the institute said in a statement.
Reuters report from Milan that the analysis is based on 2,486 swabs tested in 124 laboratories and collected in all 21 Italian regions and autonomous provinces.Reuters report from Milan that the analysis is based on 2,486 swabs tested in 124 laboratories and collected in all 21 Italian regions and autonomous provinces.
Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.Health authorities in Thailand have approved new guidelines outlining the parameters for declaring the coronavirus pandemic an endemic disease.
Official figures show that the country already meets the three criteria, but ministry of public health spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati said it would still be between six months and a year before the government would be able to make the decision to start treating Covid-19 as an illness that is here to stay, like the flu or measles.Official figures show that the country already meets the three criteria, but ministry of public health spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati said it would still be between six months and a year before the government would be able to make the decision to start treating Covid-19 as an illness that is here to stay, like the flu or measles.
Associated Press report that among other things, he said data from all of Thailand’s provinces need to be checked, and authorities need to be sure that the figures remain at the current levels or improve before it can be declared endemic.Associated Press report that among other things, he said data from all of Thailand’s provinces need to be checked, and authorities need to be sure that the figures remain at the current levels or improve before it can be declared endemic.
The guidelines drawn up by the ministry’s National Communicable Disease Committee are made up of three criteria:The guidelines drawn up by the ministry’s National Communicable Disease Committee are made up of three criteria:
that there are fewer than 10,000 new cases per daythat there are fewer than 10,000 new cases per day
that the fatality rate is no higher than 0.1% of those who are admitted to the hospital with an infectionthat the fatality rate is no higher than 0.1% of those who are admitted to the hospital with an infection
and that more than 80% of at-risk people have had at least two vaccinationsand that more than 80% of at-risk people have had at least two vaccinations
Associated Press have a little more on the Philippines opening up to tourists again. The country will reopen its doors to travellers from more than 150 countries with visa-free privileges starting 10 February. Foreign travellers will no longer be required to quarantine in government-designated centres upon arrival if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative prior to arrival, officials said.Associated Press have a little more on the Philippines opening up to tourists again. The country will reopen its doors to travellers from more than 150 countries with visa-free privileges starting 10 February. Foreign travellers will no longer be required to quarantine in government-designated centres upon arrival if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative prior to arrival, officials said.
“We’re done with border control,” health under-secretary Rosario Vergeire told a news conference, adding that government focus has shifted to preventing community transmission of the Omicron variant, which has caused five deaths in the country so far.“We’re done with border control,” health under-secretary Rosario Vergeire told a news conference, adding that government focus has shifted to preventing community transmission of the Omicron variant, which has caused five deaths in the country so far.
Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said: “We are also aware that there is no room for complacency given the unpredictability of the virus. We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in all tourism establishments.”Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said: “We are also aware that there is no room for complacency given the unpredictability of the virus. We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in all tourism establishments.”
President Rodrigo Duterte warned that unvaccinated Filipinos who defy orders to stay at home could face arrest. Commuters who have not been vaccinated were also prohibited from public transport in the capital region of more than 13 million people unless on urgent errands, for at least up to the end of the month.President Rodrigo Duterte warned that unvaccinated Filipinos who defy orders to stay at home could face arrest. Commuters who have not been vaccinated were also prohibited from public transport in the capital region of more than 13 million people unless on urgent errands, for at least up to the end of the month.
It was Andrew Sparrow’s 2,500th UK politics live blog yesterday, so he has been allowed one day off. Nicola Slawson is at the helm today, and she is live now. You can follow that here.It was Andrew Sparrow’s 2,500th UK politics live blog yesterday, so he has been allowed one day off. Nicola Slawson is at the helm today, and she is live now. You can follow that here.
I will continue here with global coronavirus news, and the top Covid lines that emerge in the UK.I will continue here with global coronavirus news, and the top Covid lines that emerge in the UK.
The SNP’s Ian Blackford has been typically forthright in his views on the news this morning that the Met police have asked for details to be withdrawn from Sue Gray’s report.The SNP’s Ian Blackford has been typically forthright in his views on the news this morning that the Met police have asked for details to be withdrawn from Sue Gray’s report.
Reuters report from Brussels that the European Union ombudsman has criticised the European Commission for not disclosing text messages that the head of the EU executive Ursula von der Leyen exchanged with Pfizer chief Albert Bourla before sealing a Covid-19 vaccine deal.Reuters report from Brussels that the European Union ombudsman has criticised the European Commission for not disclosing text messages that the head of the EU executive Ursula von der Leyen exchanged with Pfizer chief Albert Bourla before sealing a Covid-19 vaccine deal.
In response to a public access request by a journalist, the Commission had said no record had been kept of such messages.In response to a public access request by a journalist, the Commission had said no record had been kept of such messages.
“The narrow way in which this public access request was treated meant that no attempt was made to identify if any text messages existed. This falls short of reasonable expectations of transparency and administrative standards in the Commission,” said ombudsman Emily O’Reilly, who also asked the Commission to check again for the relevant messages.“The narrow way in which this public access request was treated meant that no attempt was made to identify if any text messages existed. This falls short of reasonable expectations of transparency and administrative standards in the Commission,” said ombudsman Emily O’Reilly, who also asked the Commission to check again for the relevant messages.
India detected over 250,000 new infections today, but health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country.India detected over 250,000 new infections today, but health officials said there were signs of Covid infections plateauing in some parts of the country.
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.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.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.“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.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.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.“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.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.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.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: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.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.“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 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.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.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.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 reportRead 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]