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Coronavirus live news: UK reports 57,623 cases and 45 Covid-linked deaths; Vietnam reopens schools Covid live news: UK reports 57,623 new cases; Sweden to lift travel restrictions for European visitors
(about 2 hours later)
UK government updates Covid dashboard; more than 17 million Vietnamese students due to return to school UK also records 45 Covid-related deaths; Sweden move comes as country plans to remove Omicron curbs on Wednesday
On Monday, the UK recorded a further 57,623 coronavirus cases and 45 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.On Monday, the UK recorded a further 57,623 coronavirus cases and 45 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
These figures brings the total number of coronavirus deaths within 28 days of a positive test to be 158,363, while there as been a total of 17,866,632 total cases.These figures brings the total number of coronavirus deaths within 28 days of a positive test to be 158,363, while there as been a total of 17,866,632 total cases.
Hello. I’m Tom Ambrose and I’ll be bringing you all the latest Covid news throughout the next few hours.
Let’s start with the news that, in the US, the governors of New Jersey and Delaware have said their states would lift school mask mandates in the coming weeks.
The change signals a desire by at least some Democratic state governors, including New Jersey’s Phil Murphy and Delaware’s John Carney, to take their states off emergency footing and shift toward policies that treat the virus as part of normal life.
By no longer requiring students, teachers and administrators to wear masks in schools to wear masks, the governors are also seeking to blunt one of the most divisive issues of the pandemic, Reuters reported.
Republican leaders in some states, including Florida and Texas, have banned mask mandates in schools, while Democrats have generally encouraged the policy to help stall new infection.
In New Jersey, where the number of new cases have decreased over the past two weeks, Governor Murphy announced the state would lift its school mask mandate on 7 March.
The anti-vaccine parents of a boy in need of a blood transfusion, before undergoing a delicate heart surgery, have refused to receive blood for their child from Covid-vaccinated donors. The couple, both from Modena, in the North of Italy, informed the Bologna’s Sant’Orsola Hospital that they were “adamant that our child will only get unvaccinated blood”.The anti-vaccine parents of a boy in need of a blood transfusion, before undergoing a delicate heart surgery, have refused to receive blood for their child from Covid-vaccinated donors. The couple, both from Modena, in the North of Italy, informed the Bologna’s Sant’Orsola Hospital that they were “adamant that our child will only get unvaccinated blood”.
A judge’s ruling is expected by Tuesday, Italian news agency ANSA reported.A judge’s ruling is expected by Tuesday, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Meanwhile, in just 1 month, five unvaccinated members of a family from Enna, in Sicily, have died after contracting COVID-19. The victims are the 80-year-old father, who died at the end of December at home, shortly after the arrival of an ambulance, followed by the 78-year-old mother. Their 50-year-old son and his two sisters aged 55 and 52, died a few weeks later, in a hospital in Enna where the rest of the family had been admitted.Meanwhile, in just 1 month, five unvaccinated members of a family from Enna, in Sicily, have died after contracting COVID-19. The victims are the 80-year-old father, who died at the end of December at home, shortly after the arrival of an ambulance, followed by the 78-year-old mother. Their 50-year-old son and his two sisters aged 55 and 52, died a few weeks later, in a hospital in Enna where the rest of the family had been admitted.
France reported on Monday that there are 3,622 patients in intensive care units with coronavirus, an increase by 45 as of yesterday.France reported on Monday that there are 3,622 patients in intensive care units with coronavirus, an increase by 45 as of yesterday.
The country has also reported a total of 105,520 coronavirus deaths in hospital.The country has also reported a total of 105,520 coronavirus deaths in hospital.
Sweden will lift its travel restrictions for foreign nationals travelling to Sweden from Nordic countries and the rest of the European Union and European Economic Area from Wednesday, the Swedish government has announced.Sweden will lift its travel restrictions for foreign nationals travelling to Sweden from Nordic countries and the rest of the European Union and European Economic Area from Wednesday, the Swedish government has announced.
The travel bans, which were introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus, will be lifted on the same day that Sweden is due to lift pandemic restrictions that had been extended last month.The travel bans, which were introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus, will be lifted on the same day that Sweden is due to lift pandemic restrictions that had been extended last month.
On Monday, the UK recorded a further 57,623 coronavirus cases and 45 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.On Monday, the UK recorded a further 57,623 coronavirus cases and 45 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
These figures brings the total number of coronavirus deaths within 28 days of a positive test to be 158,363, while there as been a total of 17,866,632 total cases.These figures brings the total number of coronavirus deaths within 28 days of a positive test to be 158,363, while there as been a total of 17,866,632 total cases.
Italy has recorded a further 326 coronavirus deaths and 41,247 new cases. This brings the total death toll to over 149,000.Italy has recorded a further 326 coronavirus deaths and 41,247 new cases. This brings the total death toll to over 149,000.
The number of positive Covid-19 cases in the English Premier League, the most watched sports league in the world, has doubled in a week, but with a far higher number of tests being carried out, PA Media reports.The number of positive Covid-19 cases in the English Premier League, the most watched sports league in the world, has doubled in a week, but with a far higher number of tests being carried out, PA Media reports.
The league announced on Monday there were 22 positive results returned from tests on 6,685 players and staff at the top-flight football clubs between 31 January and 6 February.The league announced on Monday there were 22 positive results returned from tests on 6,685 players and staff at the top-flight football clubs between 31 January and 6 February.
That was a 100 per cent increase on the previous week, however, only 1,947 players and staff were tested then, with some stars benefiting from a winter break while others were away on international duty outside Europe.That was a 100 per cent increase on the previous week, however, only 1,947 players and staff were tested then, with some stars benefiting from a winter break while others were away on international duty outside Europe.
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 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.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!