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Covid live news: Canadian capital declares state of emergency over protests; Vietnam reopens schools after year-long closure Covid live news: Canadian capital declares state of emergency over protests; Vietnam reopens schools after year-long closure
(32 minutes later)
Residents furious as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions paralyse Canadian capital; more than 17 million Vietnamese students due to return to schoolResidents furious as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions paralyse Canadian capital; more than 17 million Vietnamese students due to return to school
The mayor of Canada’s capital has declared a state of emergency, AP reports, as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions continued to paralyse Ottawa’s downtown.The mayor of Canada’s capital has declared a state of emergency, AP reports, as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions continued to paralyse Ottawa’s downtown.
Jim Watson said the declaration highlighted the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.Jim Watson said the declaration highlighted the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.
Thousands of protesters descended on Ottawa again on the weekend, joining a hundred who had remained since last weekend. Residents of Ottawa are furious at the nonstop blaring of horns, traffic disruption and harassment and fear no end is in sight after the police chief called it a “siege” that he could not manage.Thousands of protesters descended on Ottawa again on the weekend, joining a hundred who had remained since last weekend. Residents of Ottawa are furious at the nonstop blaring of horns, traffic disruption and harassment and fear no end is in sight after the police chief called it a “siege” that he could not manage.
The “freedom truck convoy” has attracted support from many US Republicans including former president Donald Trump, who called the prime minister, Justin Trudeau, a “far-left lunatic” who has “destroyed Canada with insane Covid mandates”.The “freedom truck convoy” has attracted support from many US Republicans including former president Donald Trump, who called the prime minister, Justin Trudeau, a “far-left lunatic” who has “destroyed Canada with insane Covid mandates”.
Read more below:Read more below:
In a boost to encourage vaccination uptake, a children’s vaccination centre in the Philippines has enlisted entertainers dressed as Ironman, Captain America, and other characters as part of its coronavirus inoculation campaign. In a boost to encourage vaccination uptake, a children’s vaccination centre in the Philippines has enlisted entertainers dressed as Ironman, Captain America and other characters as part of its coronavirus inoculation campaign.
Filipino children have been particularly affected by containment measures in the Philippines, which kept schools closed for nearly two years and required young people to stay indoors under a strict lockdown.Filipino children have been particularly affected by containment measures in the Philippines, which kept schools closed for nearly two years and required young people to stay indoors under a strict lockdown.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The mayor of Canada’s capital has declared a state of emergency, AP reports, as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions continued to paralyse Ottawa’s downtown. Jim Watson said the declaration highlighted the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.The mayor of Canada’s capital has declared a state of emergency, AP reports, as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions continued to paralyse Ottawa’s downtown. Jim Watson said the declaration highlighted the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.
The prime minister of Papua New Guinea tested positive for Covid arriving in Beijing last week for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. James Marape was immediately given medical treatment, missed Friday’s ceremony and returned home on Sunday night, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.The prime minister of Papua New Guinea tested positive for Covid arriving in Beijing last week for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. James Marape was immediately given medical treatment, missed Friday’s ceremony and returned home on Sunday night, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.
An Oxford scientist who worked on the AstraZeneca vaccine has accused scientists and politicians of having “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging its reputation. Prof John Bell told the BBC: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”Saffron Cordery, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said Omicron has caused “really high levels of staff absence” – and that the problem is ongoing. She said that most recently around 70,000 staff had been absent across the NHS – 40% of whom were absent as a result of either Omicron of coronavirus measures.An Oxford scientist who worked on the AstraZeneca vaccine has accused scientists and politicians of having “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging its reputation. Prof John Bell told the BBC: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”Saffron Cordery, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said Omicron has caused “really high levels of staff absence” – and that the problem is ongoing. She said that most recently around 70,000 staff had been absent across the NHS – 40% of whom were absent as a result of either Omicron of coronavirus measures.
Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, has said he believes the NHS waiting list is going to grow even more due to 8-9 million people who have stayed away during the pandemic. Speaking on Sky News, he urged those who have stayed away to “please come forward”. He said “it’s hard to know” how long it’s going to take for the NHS to recover following Covid.Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, has said he believes the NHS waiting list is going to grow even more due to 8-9 million people who have stayed away during the pandemic. Speaking on Sky News, he urged those who have stayed away to “please come forward”. He said “it’s hard to know” how long it’s going to take for the NHS to recover following Covid.
Nigeria has received 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from Finland, Greece and Slovenia, with more EU donations set to arrive in the coming weeks, government officials said on Monday. Nigeria has received 2m doses of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine from Finland, Greece and Slovenia, with more EU donations set to arrive in the coming weeks, government officials said on Monday.
Russia has reported 171,905 new coronavirus cases in the pat 24 hours, and a further 609 deaths.Since the start of the pandemic, the country has now seen over 12.6 million cases and 329,000 deaths. Russia has reported 171,905 new coronavirus cases in the pat 24 hours, and a further 609 deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has now seen over 12.6 million cases and 329,000 deaths.
Nigeria has received 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from Finland, Greece and Slovenia, with more EU donations set to arrive in the coming weeks, government officials said on Monday.The vaccines are currently in a cold room at the airport of the west African nation’s capital, Abuja.Nigeria has received 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from Finland, Greece and Slovenia, with more EU donations set to arrive in the coming weeks, government officials said on Monday.The vaccines are currently in a cold room at the airport of the west African nation’s capital, Abuja.
“This batch of vaccines will expire in August 2023. So we have that ample time to administer before that time,” Faisal Shuaib, executive director of Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency, told reporters at an airport news conference.“This batch of vaccines will expire in August 2023. So we have that ample time to administer before that time,” Faisal Shuaib, executive director of Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency, told reporters at an airport news conference.
According to Our World in Data, as of 7 February, just 2.6% of Nigeria’s population has been fully vaccinated, compared to 53.9% of the world’s population.According to Our World in Data, as of 7 February, just 2.6% of Nigeria’s population has been fully vaccinated, compared to 53.9% of the world’s population.
Russia has reported 171,905 new coronavirus cases in the pat 24 hours, and a further 609 deaths.Russia has reported 171,905 new coronavirus cases in the pat 24 hours, and a further 609 deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, the country has now seen over 12.6 million cases and 329,000 deaths.Since the start of the pandemic, the country has now seen over 12.6 million cases and 329,000 deaths.
Amid the rising coronavirus cases seen in Hong Kong, Reuters has reported that many of its residents have began to crowd supermarkets in an effort to stock up on food and other necessities, having spoken to some residents involved. The city reported a record 614 coronavirus cases on Monday.Amid the rising coronavirus cases seen in Hong Kong, Reuters has reported that many of its residents have began to crowd supermarkets in an effort to stock up on food and other necessities, having spoken to some residents involved. The city reported a record 614 coronavirus cases on Monday.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The prime minister of Papua New Guinea tested positive for Covid arriving in Beijing last week for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. James Marape was immediately given medical treatment, missed Friday’s ceremony and returned home on Sunday night, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.The prime minister of Papua New Guinea tested positive for Covid arriving in Beijing last week for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. James Marape was immediately given medical treatment, missed Friday’s ceremony and returned home on Sunday night, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.
Northern Ireland has reported a significant increase in young people in mental health crisis seeking hospital help during the pandemic. Referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) from hospital emergency departments went up by 24% between 2019-20 and 2020-21, reports the BBC.Northern Ireland has reported a significant increase in young people in mental health crisis seeking hospital help during the pandemic. Referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) from hospital emergency departments went up by 24% between 2019-20 and 2020-21, reports the BBC.
Saffron Cordery, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said Omicron has caused “really high levels of staff absence” – and that the problem is ongoing. She said that most recently around 70,000 staff had been absent across the NHS – 40% of whom were absent as a result of either Omicron of coronavirus measures.Saffron Cordery, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said Omicron has caused “really high levels of staff absence” – and that the problem is ongoing. She said that most recently around 70,000 staff had been absent across the NHS – 40% of whom were absent as a result of either Omicron of coronavirus measures.
An Oxford scientist who worked on the AstraZeneca vaccine has accused scientists and politicians of having “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging its reputation. Prof John Bell told the BBC: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”An Oxford scientist who worked on the AstraZeneca vaccine has accused scientists and politicians of having “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging its reputation. Prof John Bell told the BBC: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”
Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, has said he believes the NHS waiting list is going to grow even more due to 8-9 million people who have stayed away during the pandemic. Speaking on Sky News, he urged those who have stayed away to “please come forward”. He said “it’s hard to know” how long it’s going to take for the NHS to recover following Covid.Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, has said he believes the NHS waiting list is going to grow even more due to 8-9 million people who have stayed away during the pandemic. Speaking on Sky News, he urged those who have stayed away to “please come forward”. He said “it’s hard to know” how long it’s going to take for the NHS to recover following Covid.
The mayor of Canada’s capital has declared a state of emergency, AP reports, as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions continued to paralyse Ottawa’s downtown. Jim Watson said the declaration highlighted the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.The mayor of Canada’s capital has declared a state of emergency, AP reports, as protesters opposed to Covid-19 restrictions continued to paralyse Ottawa’s downtown. Jim Watson said the declaration highlighted the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government. It gives the city some additional powers around procurement and how it delivers services, which could help purchase equipment required by frontline workers and first responders.
Handing over the blog to Tobi Thomas now. Thanks for reading.Handing over the blog to Tobi Thomas now. Thanks for reading.
Good morning, I’m taking over the coronavirus live blog from my colleague from now, if you would like to get in touch please do email tobi.thoma@theguardian.com. Thank you!Good morning, I’m taking over the coronavirus live blog from my colleague from now, if you would like to get in touch please do email tobi.thoma@theguardian.com. Thank you!
The prime minister of Papua New Guinea tested positive for Covid when he arrived in Beijing last week for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, reports the Associated Press.The prime minister of Papua New Guinea tested positive for Covid when he arrived in Beijing last week for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, reports the Associated Press.
James Marape was immediately given medical treatment, missed Friday’s ceremony and returned home on Sunday night, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.James Marape was immediately given medical treatment, missed Friday’s ceremony and returned home on Sunday night, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.
He held a meeting with Chinese premier Li Keqiang via video link while he was in Beijing, the spokesperson said. Marape’s current condition is unknown.He held a meeting with Chinese premier Li Keqiang via video link while he was in Beijing, the spokesperson said. Marape’s current condition is unknown.
It comes as Papua New Guinea, where less than 4% of the population is vaccinated, is seeing a surge of Omicron cases.It comes as Papua New Guinea, where less than 4% of the population is vaccinated, is seeing a surge of Omicron cases.
Northern Ireland has reported a significant increase in young people in mental health crisis seeking hospital help during the pandemic.Northern Ireland has reported a significant increase in young people in mental health crisis seeking hospital help during the pandemic.
Referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) from hospital emergency departments went up by 24% between 2019-20 and 2020-21, reports the BBC.Referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) from hospital emergency departments went up by 24% between 2019-20 and 2020-21, reports the BBC.
Northern Ireland’s commissioner for children and young people, Koulla Yiasouma, told the broadcaster:Northern Ireland’s commissioner for children and young people, Koulla Yiasouma, told the broadcaster:
Nearly two years after it was introduced, the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has lifted a coronavirus curfew on motorcycle taxis known as boda bodas.Nearly two years after it was introduced, the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has lifted a coronavirus curfew on motorcycle taxis known as boda bodas.
They were banned from operating between 7pm and 5am in March 2020 amid rising Covid cases.They were banned from operating between 7pm and 5am in March 2020 amid rising Covid cases.
From 6pm today, the president has tweeted that operators can restart work:From 6pm today, the president has tweeted that operators can restart work:
More from Christopher Knaus on the announcement that Australia (see also 05:55) is to open its borders to fully vaccinated tourists and all visa holders:More from Christopher Knaus on the announcement that Australia (see also 05:55) is to open its borders to fully vaccinated tourists and all visa holders:
Here’s more from Caroline Davies on Prof John Bell’s comments that doubts cast over AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” (see also 07:52).Here’s more from Caroline Davies on Prof John Bell’s comments that doubts cast over AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” (see also 07:52).
Andrew Sparrow’s UK politics blog is now up and running:Andrew Sparrow’s UK politics blog is now up and running:
This blog will continue with global Covid news.This blog will continue with global Covid news.
More on the NHS backlog:More on the NHS backlog:
The NHS Confederation chief executive, Matthew Taylor, has warned of the dangers of setting “unrealistic” targets for tackling the backlog.The NHS Confederation chief executive, Matthew Taylor, has warned of the dangers of setting “unrealistic” targets for tackling the backlog.
He said that there are already “millions on the waiting list” but that they do not know how many additional people “ought to be” but did not come forward because of Covid.He said that there are already “millions on the waiting list” but that they do not know how many additional people “ought to be” but did not come forward because of Covid.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today:He told BBC Radio 4’s Today:
Saffron Cordery, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said Omicron has caused “really high levels of staff absence” – and that the problem is ongoing.Saffron Cordery, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said Omicron has caused “really high levels of staff absence” – and that the problem is ongoing.
She said that most recently around 70,000 staff had been absent across the NHS – 40% of whom were absent as a result of either Omicron of coronavirus measures.She said that most recently around 70,000 staff had been absent across the NHS – 40% of whom were absent as a result of either Omicron of coronavirus measures.
“That’s a very high level of staff away from their frontline jobs,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today. And said that the problem with absence “persists”.“That’s a very high level of staff away from their frontline jobs,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today. And said that the problem with absence “persists”.
She said it was important that NHS leaders see the full government plan to tackle the backlog “as quickly as possible” to tackle the “very long waiting lists which built up during the pandemic”.She said it was important that NHS leaders see the full government plan to tackle the backlog “as quickly as possible” to tackle the “very long waiting lists which built up during the pandemic”.
The UK health secretary, Sajid Javid, said the government has recognised that about 19,300 social care staff have left their jobs as a result of the government’s mandatory vaccination policy, reports PA Media.The UK health secretary, Sajid Javid, said the government has recognised that about 19,300 social care staff have left their jobs as a result of the government’s mandatory vaccination policy, reports PA Media.
The government has since said it would revoke the rules.The government has since said it would revoke the rules.
“That’s still a significant number, but that the whole purpose of mandatory jabs when we introduced that was about patient safety, and when we had the Delta variant … it was much more deadly, much more dangerous, and it was right that we did everything we could to protect people that are more vulnerable than the rest of society,” he said.“That’s still a significant number, but that the whole purpose of mandatory jabs when we introduced that was about patient safety, and when we had the Delta variant … it was much more deadly, much more dangerous, and it was right that we did everything we could to protect people that are more vulnerable than the rest of society,” he said.
“So there’s no regrets about that, it was absolutely the right policy.”“So there’s no regrets about that, it was absolutely the right policy.”
Asked whether they would be able to reapply for their former jobs, Javid said they would be able to when the law has changed.Asked whether they would be able to reapply for their former jobs, Javid said they would be able to when the law has changed.
An Oxford scientist who worked on the AstraZeneca vaccine has accused scientists and politicians of having “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging its reputation.An Oxford scientist who worked on the AstraZeneca vaccine has accused scientists and politicians of having “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging its reputation.
Prof John Bell told the BBC: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”Prof John Bell told the BBC: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”
He also said: “I think bad behaviour from scientists and from politicians has probably killed hundreds of thousands of people – and that they cannot be proud of.”He also said: “I think bad behaviour from scientists and from politicians has probably killed hundreds of thousands of people – and that they cannot be proud of.”
Alternatives to the vaccine were recommended to people aged under 40 in the UK due to a link to very rare blood clots.Alternatives to the vaccine were recommended to people aged under 40 in the UK due to a link to very rare blood clots.
Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand put their use of the vaccine on hold due to fears over blood clots.Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand put their use of the vaccine on hold due to fears over blood clots.
In the UK, the vaccine has not played a central role in the booster campaign. According to the BBC, it was used for just 48,000 of more than 37m booster jabs.In the UK, the vaccine has not played a central role in the booster campaign. According to the BBC, it was used for just 48,000 of more than 37m booster jabs.