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Covid live news: Anti-vax mob targets UK opposition leader; Sweden eases travel curbs Covid news: Anti-vax mob targets UK opposition leader; Sweden eases travel curbs – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Police rescue Keir Starmer from protesters; Sweden move comes as country plans to remove Omicron restrictions on WednesdayPolice rescue Keir Starmer from protesters; Sweden move comes as country plans to remove Omicron restrictions on Wednesday
Staying with the UK for the moment, Boris Johnson has come under fresh pressure over the Jimmy Savile smear he aimed at Keir Starmer after the Labour leader had to be rescued by police from a mob of anti-vaxxers near parliament.Staying with the UK for the moment, Boris Johnson has come under fresh pressure over the Jimmy Savile smear he aimed at Keir Starmer after the Labour leader had to be rescued by police from a mob of anti-vaxxers near parliament.
Starmer faced baseless allegations of “protecting paedophiles” and chants about the sex offender from protesters before being bundled into a police car for protection, the Press Association reported.Starmer faced baseless allegations of “protecting paedophiles” and chants about the sex offender from protesters before being bundled into a police car for protection, the Press Association reported.
Johnson tweeted that the “behaviour directed” at the Labour leader was “absolutely disgraceful” but did not address the nature of the abuse.Johnson tweeted that the “behaviour directed” at the Labour leader was “absolutely disgraceful” but did not address the nature of the abuse.
Officers stepped in to protect the opposition leader as the group, some protesting against Covid measures, followed him from outside Scotland Yard.Officers stepped in to protect the opposition leader as the group, some protesting against Covid measures, followed him from outside Scotland Yard.
On at least two videos posted to social media, a man and a woman were heard shouting about Savile to the Labour leader, as he walked with the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy.On at least two videos posted to social media, a man and a woman were heard shouting about Savile to the Labour leader, as he walked with the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy.
At least one person was heard repeatedly shouting about “protecting paedophiles”.At least one person was heard repeatedly shouting about “protecting paedophiles”.
Last week, an under-pressure Johnson accused Starmer of having “used his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile” while director of public prosecutions (DPP).Last week, an under-pressure Johnson accused Starmer of having “used his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile” while director of public prosecutions (DPP).
That’s it from me, Helen Livingstone, for now. Please join us a little later for a new live feed where we will continue to cover the coronavirus crisis.
You can also keep up with the top headlines here.
I leave you with a summary of the latest developments from the past 24 hours:
Protesters against Covid vaccine mandates for truckers have defied government calls for them to end an 11-day occupation of Canada’s capital, a day after Ottawa’s mayor declared a state of emergency and promised to “get the city back”.
In the UK, MPs from all sides angrily rounded on Boris Johnson and accused him of whipping up political poison after the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, was set upon by protesters who accused him of protecting the paedophile Jimmy Savile. Johnson provoked widespread fury last week when he falsely suggested Starmer had protected Savile during his time as director of public prosecutions.
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 government has announced.
The German government is working on plans to relax coronavirus restrictions after the peak in new cases has passed, most likely by the end of February.
Australia will open its border for fully vaccinated tourists and all visa holders on 21 February, almost two years after borders were first closed.
Democratic leaders in the US Congress are holding a moment of silence on Monday to commemorate the 900,000 American lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Turkish prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former Olympic swimmer Derya Buyukuncu over tweets appearing to express relief that president Recep Tayyip Erdogan tested positive for Covid-19.
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 to 22 cases, but with a far higher number of tests being carried out.
Hong Kong has reported a record 614 cases and many of its residents have begun to crowd supermarkets in an effort to stock up on food and other necessities. One vegetable vendor told Reuters supplies had dropped by 30%.
Prof John Bell, 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.
Turkish prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for a former Olympic swimmer over tweets appearing to express relief that president Recep Tayyip Erdogan tested positive for Covid-19.Turkish prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for a former Olympic swimmer over tweets appearing to express relief that president Recep Tayyip Erdogan tested positive for Covid-19.
Erdogan, 67, said he had a “mild” infection on Saturday and was working from home.Erdogan, 67, said he had a “mild” infection on Saturday and was working from home.
He posted several tweets on Monday expressing thanks to leaders and officials who wished him well.He posted several tweets on Monday expressing thanks to leaders and officials who wished him well.
But an account believed by prosecutors to belong to Derya Buyukuncu – a six-time backstroke and butterfly Olympian – posted a tweet saying he was making extra pots of a sweet traditionally handed out at funerals.But an account believed by prosecutors to belong to Derya Buyukuncu – a six-time backstroke and butterfly Olympian – posted a tweet saying he was making extra pots of a sweet traditionally handed out at funerals.
The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office issued a warrant for Buyukuncu as part of an investigation into “criminal social media postings” about the president’s infection.The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office issued a warrant for Buyukuncu as part of an investigation into “criminal social media postings” about the president’s infection.
The crime of insulting the Turkish president is punishable by up to four years in jail.The crime of insulting the Turkish president is punishable by up to four years in jail.
The whereabouts of Buyukuncu, who has also starred in a popular Turkish reality TV show, were not immediately clear.The whereabouts of Buyukuncu, who has also starred in a popular Turkish reality TV show, were not immediately clear.
Prosecutors issued eight arrest warrants on Sunday in connection with posts about Erdogan’s health, detaining four people.Prosecutors issued eight arrest warrants on Sunday in connection with posts about Erdogan’s health, detaining four people.
Turkish officials have launched more than 160,000 investigations over alleged insults to the president since 2014, when Erdogan assumed the post after more than a decade as prime minister.Turkish officials have launched more than 160,000 investigations over alleged insults to the president since 2014, when Erdogan assumed the post after more than a decade as prime minister.
Courts have also handed down 3,625 jail sentences on insult charges.Courts have also handed down 3,625 jail sentences on insult charges.
Last month, well-known television journalist Sedef Kabas was arrested on insult charges for comments she made on air about Erdogan.Last month, well-known television journalist Sedef Kabas was arrested on insult charges for comments she made on air about Erdogan.
Erdogan, who has had three doses of a coronavirus vaccine, said on Twitter his symptoms “remained mild” after a routine doctor’s visit on Sunday.Erdogan, who has had three doses of a coronavirus vaccine, said on Twitter his symptoms “remained mild” after a routine doctor’s visit on Sunday.
“My wife - Mrs Emine - and I continue to work from home,” Erdogan wrote.“My wife - Mrs Emine - and I continue to work from home,” Erdogan wrote.
Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar announced on Sunday he had also tested positive for Covid-19 after accompanying Erdogan on a visit to Ukraine last week.Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar announced on Sunday he had also tested positive for Covid-19 after accompanying Erdogan on a visit to Ukraine last week.
Hello, this is Helen Livingstone taking over the blog from my colleague Tom Ambrose.Hello, this is Helen Livingstone taking over the blog from my colleague Tom Ambrose.
Democratic leaders in the US Congress are planning to hold a moment of silence on Monday to commemorate the 900,000 American lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.Democratic leaders in the US Congress are planning to hold a moment of silence on Monday to commemorate the 900,000 American lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will gather on the steps of the US Capitol building at 7 pm ET (0000 GMT), joined by congressional leadership and a bipartisan group of legislators, according to Pelosi’s office.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will gather on the steps of the US Capitol building at 7 pm ET (0000 GMT), joined by congressional leadership and a bipartisan group of legislators, according to Pelosi’s office.
The US reached the milestone of 900,000 deaths from Covid-19 on Friday, according to data collected by Reuters, totalling 906,017 deaths as of Monday.The US reached the milestone of 900,000 deaths from Covid-19 on Friday, according to data collected by Reuters, totalling 906,017 deaths as of Monday.
The figure marks an increase of more than 100,000 US Covid-19 fatalities since 12 December coinciding with a surge of infections and hospitalisations driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus.The figure marks an increase of more than 100,000 US Covid-19 fatalities since 12 December coinciding with a surge of infections and hospitalisations driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant of the virus.
Brazil recorded 66,583 new coronavirus cases and 428 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours, its health ministry confirmed on Monday.Brazil recorded 66,583 new coronavirus cases and 428 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours, its health ministry confirmed on Monday.
Brazil has now registered over 26.6 million cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 632,621, according to ministry data.Brazil has now registered over 26.6 million cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 632,621, according to ministry data.
That’s it from me, Tom Ambrose, for today. My colleague Helen Livingstone will be along shortly to continue bringing you the latest coronavirus news.That’s it from me, Tom Ambrose, for today. My colleague Helen Livingstone will be along shortly to continue bringing you the latest coronavirus news.
Staying with the UK for the moment, Boris Johnson has come under fresh pressure over the Jimmy Savile smear he aimed at Keir Starmer after the Labour leader had to be rescued by police from a mob of anti-vaxxers near parliament.Staying with the UK for the moment, Boris Johnson has come under fresh pressure over the Jimmy Savile smear he aimed at Keir Starmer after the Labour leader had to be rescued by police from a mob of anti-vaxxers near parliament.
Starmer faced baseless allegations of “protecting paedophiles” and chants about the sex offender from protesters before being bundled into a police car for protection, the Press Association reported.Starmer faced baseless allegations of “protecting paedophiles” and chants about the sex offender from protesters before being bundled into a police car for protection, the Press Association reported.
Johnson tweeted that the “behaviour directed” at the Labour leader was “absolutely disgraceful” but did not address the nature of the abuse.Johnson tweeted that the “behaviour directed” at the Labour leader was “absolutely disgraceful” but did not address the nature of the abuse.
Officers stepped in to protect the opposition leader as the group, some protesting against Covid measures, followed him from outside Scotland Yard.Officers stepped in to protect the opposition leader as the group, some protesting against Covid measures, followed him from outside Scotland Yard.
On at least two videos posted to social media, a man and a woman were heard shouting about Savile to the Labour leader, as he walked with the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy.On at least two videos posted to social media, a man and a woman were heard shouting about Savile to the Labour leader, as he walked with the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy.
At least one person was heard repeatedly shouting about “protecting paedophiles”.At least one person was heard repeatedly shouting about “protecting paedophiles”.
Last week, an under-pressure Johnson accused Starmer of having “used his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile” while director of public prosecutions (DPP).Last week, an under-pressure Johnson accused Starmer of having “used his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile” while director of public prosecutions (DPP).
In the UK, MPs from all sides angrily rounded on Boris Johnson and accused him of whipping up political poison after the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, was set upon by protesters who accused him of protecting the paedophile Jimmy Savile.In the UK, MPs from all sides angrily rounded on Boris Johnson and accused him of whipping up political poison after the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, was set upon by protesters who accused him of protecting the paedophile Jimmy Savile.
Johnson provoked widespread fury last week when he suggested Starmer had protected Savile during his time as director of public prosecutions. The comments drew criticism from two former Tory chief whips and prompted the resignation of a long-serving aide.Johnson provoked widespread fury last week when he suggested Starmer had protected Savile during his time as director of public prosecutions. The comments drew criticism from two former Tory chief whips and prompted the resignation of a long-serving aide.
On Monday, Starmer and the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, had to be bundled into a police car after anti-vax protesters surrounded him near parliament with shouts of “traitor” and “Jimmy Savile”. One witness said a protester carried a hangman’s noose prop, which another protester had joked was for Starmer.On Monday, Starmer and the shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, had to be bundled into a police car after anti-vax protesters surrounded him near parliament with shouts of “traitor” and “Jimmy Savile”. One witness said a protester carried a hangman’s noose prop, which another protester had joked was for Starmer.
Lammy said it was “no surprise the conspiracy theorist thugs who harassed Keir Starmer and I repeated slurs we heard from Boris Johnson last week at the dispatch box. Intimidation, harassment and lies have no place in our democracy. And they won’t ever stop me doing my job.”Lammy said it was “no surprise the conspiracy theorist thugs who harassed Keir Starmer and I repeated slurs we heard from Boris Johnson last week at the dispatch box. Intimidation, harassment and lies have no place in our democracy. And they won’t ever stop me doing my job.”
The former chief whip Julian Smith, who has called on Johnson to apologise, described the events as appalling. “It is really important for our democracy and for his security that the false Savile slurs made against him are withdrawn in full.”The former chief whip Julian Smith, who has called on Johnson to apologise, described the events as appalling. “It is really important for our democracy and for his security that the false Savile slurs made against him are withdrawn in full.”
The German government is working on plans to relax coronavirus restrictions after the peak in new cases has passed, most likely by the end of February.The German government is working on plans to relax coronavirus restrictions after the peak in new cases has passed, most likely by the end of February.
Unlike some of its European neighbours, Germany still has many pandemic restrictions in place that exclude unvaccinated people from restaurants, public venues and some stores.Unlike some of its European neighbours, Germany still has many pandemic restrictions in place that exclude unvaccinated people from restaurants, public venues and some stores.
“Perspectives for opening are being developed,” government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann told reporters. She said the measures would be discussed at a meeting of federal and state officials on 16 February, but would only take effect when authorities can be sure that Germany’s health system won’t be overwhelmed.“Perspectives for opening are being developed,” government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann told reporters. She said the measures would be discussed at a meeting of federal and state officials on 16 February, but would only take effect when authorities can be sure that Germany’s health system won’t be overwhelmed.
“According to experts, that could be by mid-to-end February,” she said.“According to experts, that could be by mid-to-end February,” she said.
Germany has seen a sharp spike in newly confirmed cases in recent weeks due to the omicron variant.Germany has seen a sharp spike in newly confirmed cases in recent weeks due to the omicron variant.
Pharmacists in the country are scheduled to begin offering vaccinations Tuesday, after parliament changed the rules so that they, dentists and vets could also administer the shoots.Pharmacists in the country are scheduled to begin offering vaccinations Tuesday, after parliament changed the rules so that they, dentists and vets could also administer the shoots.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to six countries including Japan, Cuba, Libya, Armenia, Oman and the Democratic Republic of Congo over Covid cases.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to six countries including Japan, Cuba, Libya, Armenia, Oman and the Democratic Republic of Congo over Covid cases.
The CDC now lists more than 130 countries and territories with Covid cases as “Level Four: Very High.”The CDC now lists more than 130 countries and territories with Covid cases as “Level Four: Very High.”
It lists just over 50 countries as “Level Three: High,” discouraging non-essential travel by unvaccinated Americans.It lists just over 50 countries as “Level Three: High,” discouraging non-essential travel by unvaccinated Americans.
Protesters against Covid vaccine mandates for truckers have defied government calls for them to end an 11-day occupation of Canada’s capital, a day after the city’s mayor declared a state of emergency and promised to “get the city back”.Protesters against Covid vaccine mandates for truckers have defied government calls for them to end an 11-day occupation of Canada’s capital, a day after the city’s mayor declared a state of emergency and promised to “get the city back”.
Ottawa police have described the protest as a “siege” on the city, where hundreds of trucks and cars have blockaded the downtown areas. On Sunday, Mayor Jim Watson warned that officials were “losing this battle”, and a civil class-action lawsuit was filed against protesters over the incessant horn blasting and disruption to daily life.Ottawa police have described the protest as a “siege” on the city, where hundreds of trucks and cars have blockaded the downtown areas. On Sunday, Mayor Jim Watson warned that officials were “losing this battle”, and a civil class-action lawsuit was filed against protesters over the incessant horn blasting and disruption to daily life.
But on Monday morning a 10am deadline – which asked protesters to leave of their own volition or face damages of nearly C$10m (US$7.9m) – came and went with no sign that an end to the protest was at hand.But on Monday morning a 10am deadline – which asked protesters to leave of their own volition or face damages of nearly C$10m (US$7.9m) – came and went with no sign that an end to the protest was at hand.
Dozens of big-rig trucks, RVs and pickups remained parked in front of Parliament Hill and nearby streets, and protesters showed no signs of leaving.Dozens of big-rig trucks, RVs and pickups remained parked in front of Parliament Hill and nearby streets, and protesters showed no signs of leaving.
Hello. I’m Tom Ambrose and I’ll be bringing you all the latest Covid news throughout the next few hours.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.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.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.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.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.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.