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Covid news live: Children between five and 11 in Scotland to be offered jab; global cases fell 19% in last week – WHO Covid news live: UK reports 54,218 new cases; Switzerland to lift most curbs
(32 minutes later)
Latest updates: Nicola Sturgeon confirms Scotland will follow Wales in offering vaccinations to children; 16 millions cases reported globally last week Swiss shops, restaurants and cultural institutions will not require Covid certificate from Thursday; UK reports a further 199 Covid-linked deaths
Children between the ages of five and 11 in Scotland are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccination, Nicola Sturgeon has said.Children between the ages of five and 11 in Scotland are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccination, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Ministers have accepted draft recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).Ministers have accepted draft recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The first minister said:The first minister said:
Work is under way to determine how best to deliver vaccinations to children, Sturgeon said. In the meantime, parents and carers of children aged five to 11 do not need to do anything.Work is under way to determine how best to deliver vaccinations to children, Sturgeon said. In the meantime, parents and carers of children aged five to 11 do not need to do anything.
U.S. health officials said they are preparing for the next phase of the Covid-19 pandemic as Omicron-related cases decline, including updating CDC guidance on mask-wearing and shoring up U.S. testing capacity.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is weighing new guidance, including on when to wear face masks, the agency’s chief told reporters, adding that hospital capacity will be a key metric.
Tom Inglesby, the White House’s adviser for Covid-19 testing, also said the administration had issued a formal request for information to related companies about how to bolster the nation’s testing capacity, including details about supply-chain challenges and market volatility, Reuters reports.
The UK has reported 54,218 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, and a further 199 people have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test.The UK has reported 54,218 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, and a further 199 people have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
That is an increase on the 46,186 cases reported on Tuesday but down on the 68,214 cases reported on Wednesday last week. The UK reported 276 Covid-linked deaths last Wednesday.That is an increase on the 46,186 cases reported on Tuesday but down on the 68,214 cases reported on Wednesday last week. The UK reported 276 Covid-linked deaths last Wednesday.
From Prof Gabriel Leung, dean of the University of Hong Kong’s faculty of medicine on the worsening situation in the city that has been overwhelmed by cases in recent days:From Prof Gabriel Leung, dean of the University of Hong Kong’s faculty of medicine on the worsening situation in the city that has been overwhelmed by cases in recent days:
Hong Kong reported 4,285 coronavirus infections today, with more than 7,000 preliminary positive cases pending confirmation by health officials.Hong Kong reported 4,285 coronavirus infections today, with more than 7,000 preliminary positive cases pending confirmation by health officials.
More than 220 people have died in the city, with a three-year-old girl becoming the youngest fatality on Tuesday.More than 220 people have died in the city, with a three-year-old girl becoming the youngest fatality on Tuesday.
Here are the key events from today so far:Here are the key events from today so far:
The number of new coronavirus cases globally fell by 19% in the last week while the number of deaths remained stable, according to the World Health Organization. The Western Pacific was the only region to report a rise in new weekly cases, an increase of about 19%. The biggest drop was in south-east Asia, where new weekly cases fell by 37%.The number of new coronavirus cases globally fell by 19% in the last week while the number of deaths remained stable, according to the World Health Organization. The Western Pacific was the only region to report a rise in new weekly cases, an increase of about 19%. The biggest drop was in south-east Asia, where new weekly cases fell by 37%.
Switzerland will lift almost all its coronavirus pandemic restrictions from Thursday, the government confirmed today. Access to shops, restaurants and cultural institutions will no longer require a Covid certificate. Masks will no longer be required in shops, supermarkets and the workplace. Restrictions on private events will also be relaxed.Switzerland will lift almost all its coronavirus pandemic restrictions from Thursday, the government confirmed today. Access to shops, restaurants and cultural institutions will no longer require a Covid certificate. Masks will no longer be required in shops, supermarkets and the workplace. Restrictions on private events will also be relaxed.
Austria also announced that nearly all remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on 5 March, including scrapping an earlier closing time of midnight for bars and restaurants and allowing nightclubs to reopen. Unvaccinated people will be able to enter restaurants and non-essential shops if they have been tested.Austria also announced that nearly all remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on 5 March, including scrapping an earlier closing time of midnight for bars and restaurants and allowing nightclubs to reopen. Unvaccinated people will be able to enter restaurants and non-essential shops if they have been tested.
The Scottish government has confirmed it will offer Covid vaccinations to all children aged five to 11 years, adding to the pressure on UK ministers to do so in England. The Scottish decision follows an announcement on Tuesday from the devolved government in Wales that it would follow unpublished advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that all children in that age group should be jabbed.The Scottish government has confirmed it will offer Covid vaccinations to all children aged five to 11 years, adding to the pressure on UK ministers to do so in England. The Scottish decision follows an announcement on Tuesday from the devolved government in Wales that it would follow unpublished advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that all children in that age group should be jabbed.
Covid-19 infection levels have fallen slightly in England and Wales, but the trend is uncertain in Scotland and Northern Ireland, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).Covid-19 infection levels have fallen slightly in England and Wales, but the trend is uncertain in Scotland and Northern Ireland, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
China’s president, Xi Jinping, has told Hong Kong’s leaders that their “overriding mission” was to stabilise and control a worsening Covid outbreak, pro-Beijing media reported, as infected patients lay in beds outside overwhelmed hospitals.China’s president, Xi Jinping, has told Hong Kong’s leaders that their “overriding mission” was to stabilise and control a worsening Covid outbreak, pro-Beijing media reported, as infected patients lay in beds outside overwhelmed hospitals.
South Korea has once again reported a daily record of 90,443 new coronavirus cases for Wednesday, as numbers nearly doubled within a week amid the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.South Korea has once again reported a daily record of 90,443 new coronavirus cases for Wednesday, as numbers nearly doubled within a week amid the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.
Malaysia also reported a record 27,831 new infections today, the highest daily rise since the pandemic began, the health ministry said. The previous record was on 26 August last year, when daily cases hit 24,599.Malaysia also reported a record 27,831 new infections today, the highest daily rise since the pandemic began, the health ministry said. The previous record was on 26 August last year, when daily cases hit 24,599.
The Dutch government was inadequately prepared for the Covid pandemic and paid insufficient attention to the threat to people in care homes, an independent inquiry has found. The Dutch Safety Board said authorities in the Netherlands failed to protect the economy, education and culture in the early days of the pandemic, and in particular nursing homes where a “silent disaster” was allowed to unfold.The Dutch government was inadequately prepared for the Covid pandemic and paid insufficient attention to the threat to people in care homes, an independent inquiry has found. The Dutch Safety Board said authorities in the Netherlands failed to protect the economy, education and culture in the early days of the pandemic, and in particular nursing homes where a “silent disaster” was allowed to unfold.
About 3,000 British volunteers are being sought to take part in a study for Moderna’s Omicron booster vaccine.About 3,000 British volunteers are being sought to take part in a study for Moderna’s Omicron booster vaccine.
Two men have appeared in court in the UK accused of selling fake coronavirus test kits. The pair are accused of importing illegal Covid testing kits from China to sell in the UK during the early days of the pandemic when PPE and Covid testing was in short supply.Two men have appeared in court in the UK accused of selling fake coronavirus test kits. The pair are accused of importing illegal Covid testing kits from China to sell in the UK during the early days of the pandemic when PPE and Covid testing was in short supply.
The relatively short shelf life of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine is complicating the rollout to the world’s poorest nations, according to officials and internal World Health Organization (WHO) documents seen by Reuters. Some countries, particularly in Africa, are struggling to administer the excess doses donated by richer states that arrive with only a few months, and sometimes weeks, before their use-by date.The relatively short shelf life of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine is complicating the rollout to the world’s poorest nations, according to officials and internal World Health Organization (WHO) documents seen by Reuters. Some countries, particularly in Africa, are struggling to administer the excess doses donated by richer states that arrive with only a few months, and sometimes weeks, before their use-by date.
Covid-19 infection levels have fallen slightly in England and Wales, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).Covid-19 infection levels have fallen slightly in England and Wales, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In England, around one in 20 people are estimated to have had the virus in the week to 12 February, or 2.4 million people. That is slightly down from one in 19, or 2.8 million people, in the week to 5 February.In England, around one in 20 people are estimated to have had the virus in the week to 12 February, or 2.4 million people. That is slightly down from one in 19, or 2.8 million people, in the week to 5 February.
In Wales, around 112,600 people are estimated to have had the virus in the week to 12 February, compared to 121,200 in the week prior. The proportion remained unchanged at one in 25.In Wales, around 112,600 people are estimated to have had the virus in the week to 12 February, compared to 121,200 in the week prior. The proportion remained unchanged at one in 25.
Northern Ireland saw infections remain broadly level last week, at an estimated 146,600 people or one in 13, compared with 145,600 people - also one in 13 - the previous week.Northern Ireland saw infections remain broadly level last week, at an estimated 146,600 people or one in 13, compared with 145,600 people - also one in 13 - the previous week.
In Scotland, around 219,300 are estimated to have had the virus in the week to 12 February, up from 211,300 people – both the equivalent of around one in 25.In Scotland, around 219,300 are estimated to have had the virus in the week to 12 February, up from 211,300 people – both the equivalent of around one in 25.
Two men have appeared in court in the UK accused of selling fake coronavirus test kits.Two men have appeared in court in the UK accused of selling fake coronavirus test kits.
Ron Huss-Smickler, 40, of Branston Street and Steven Beckford, 38, entered not guilty pleas to fraud at Birmingham Crown Court and will be tried on 20 March.Ron Huss-Smickler, 40, of Branston Street and Steven Beckford, 38, entered not guilty pleas to fraud at Birmingham Crown Court and will be tried on 20 March.
The pair are accused of importing illegal Covid testing kits from China to sell in the UK during the early days of the pandemic when PPE and Covid testing was in short supply.The pair are accused of importing illegal Covid testing kits from China to sell in the UK during the early days of the pandemic when PPE and Covid testing was in short supply.
Both have been charged with one count of fraud by dishonestly gaining from the selling of the unregulated Covid tests and making profit from the sales.Both have been charged with one count of fraud by dishonestly gaining from the selling of the unregulated Covid tests and making profit from the sales.
Switzerland will lift almost all its coronavirus pandemic restrictions from Thursday, the government confirmed today.Switzerland will lift almost all its coronavirus pandemic restrictions from Thursday, the government confirmed today.
Shops, restaurants and cultural institutions will be freely accessible to people, with no requirement to show a Covid certificate. Masks will no longer be required in shops, supermarkets and the workplace. Restrictions on private events will also be relaxed.Shops, restaurants and cultural institutions will be freely accessible to people, with no requirement to show a Covid certificate. Masks will no longer be required in shops, supermarkets and the workplace. Restrictions on private events will also be relaxed.
People will still be required to wear masks on public transport and at healthcare facilities, and mandatory five-day isolation of people who have tested positive for coronavirus will also remain in effect until the end of March.People will still be required to wear masks on public transport and at healthcare facilities, and mandatory five-day isolation of people who have tested positive for coronavirus will also remain in effect until the end of March.
The Swiss government first announced the easing of restrictions two weeks ago, after it ended quarantine for people who come into contact with an infected person and turned a work-from-home order into a recommendation.The Swiss government first announced the easing of restrictions two weeks ago, after it ended quarantine for people who come into contact with an infected person and turned a work-from-home order into a recommendation.
In a statement, the government said:In a statement, the government said:
The relatively short shelf life of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine is complicating the rollout to the world’s poorest nations, according to officials and internal World Health Organization (WHO) documents seen by Reuters.The relatively short shelf life of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine is complicating the rollout to the world’s poorest nations, according to officials and internal World Health Organization (WHO) documents seen by Reuters.
Some countries, particularly in Africa, are receiving vaccines with short shelf lives from the Covax vaccine-sharing project and are struggling to administer the excess doses donated by richer states.Some countries, particularly in Africa, are receiving vaccines with short shelf lives from the Covax vaccine-sharing project and are struggling to administer the excess doses donated by richer states.
Two and a half months of shelf life is the minimum duration African countries estimate they need to administer the shots. But many vaccines are arriving with only a few months, and sometimes weeks, before their use-by date, meaning some countries have had to destroy expired doses.Two and a half months of shelf life is the minimum duration African countries estimate they need to administer the shots. But many vaccines are arriving with only a few months, and sometimes weeks, before their use-by date, meaning some countries have had to destroy expired doses.
The problem with a short shelf life largely concerns AstraZeneca, Covax’s second-biggest supplier after Pfizer, according to Covax data and officials. In an internal WHO document detailing vaccine stocks in several central and west African countries for the week ending 6 February, of the total expired doses declared by 19 listed African nations, about 1.3m were AstraZeneca, 280,000 Johnson & Johnson, 15,000 Moderna and 13,000 Russia’s Sputnik.The problem with a short shelf life largely concerns AstraZeneca, Covax’s second-biggest supplier after Pfizer, according to Covax data and officials. In an internal WHO document detailing vaccine stocks in several central and west African countries for the week ending 6 February, of the total expired doses declared by 19 listed African nations, about 1.3m were AstraZeneca, 280,000 Johnson & Johnson, 15,000 Moderna and 13,000 Russia’s Sputnik.
Asked about the internal document, Dr Phiona Atuhebwe, a vaccine expert at WHO Africa, said:Asked about the internal document, Dr Phiona Atuhebwe, a vaccine expert at WHO Africa, said:
Taking into account only donated doses, which represent nearly half the billion vaccines distributed by Covax, about 30m AstraZeneca shots were rejected or deferred last year by poor nations, said Gavi, the nonprofit that co-runs Covax alongside the WHO.Taking into account only donated doses, which represent nearly half the billion vaccines distributed by Covax, about 30m AstraZeneca shots were rejected or deferred last year by poor nations, said Gavi, the nonprofit that co-runs Covax alongside the WHO.
Malaysia reported a record 27,831 new infections today, the highest daily rise since the pandemic began, the health ministry said. The previous record was on 26 August last year, when daily cases hit 24,599.Malaysia reported a record 27,831 new infections today, the highest daily rise since the pandemic began, the health ministry said. The previous record was on 26 August last year, when daily cases hit 24,599.
The new cases bring the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic to more than 3.1m, including more than 32,000 deaths.The new cases bring the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic to more than 3.1m, including more than 32,000 deaths.
From Malaysia’s Health-Director General Noor:From Malaysia’s Health-Director General Noor:
Our Europe correspondent, Jon Henley, on how the UK has lagged behind some countries in giving Covid-19 vaccinations to younger children:Our Europe correspondent, Jon Henley, on how the UK has lagged behind some countries in giving Covid-19 vaccinations to younger children:
Scotland and Wales have announced that they will offer Covid-19 vaccines to all 5-11 year olds, and the UK government is expected to announce a decision for England imminently. Northern Ireland has not yet followed suit.Scotland and Wales have announced that they will offer Covid-19 vaccines to all 5-11 year olds, and the UK government is expected to announce a decision for England imminently. Northern Ireland has not yet followed suit.
Britain has been slower than some other countries in offering the shots to this age group, so far only vaccinating vulnerable younger children.Britain has been slower than some other countries in offering the shots to this age group, so far only vaccinating vulnerable younger children.
Many EU member states began offering vaccination to all children aged five to 11 in December, but progress has been patchy, with authorities blaming hesitancy among parents and some doctors as well as mixed messaging from experts.Many EU member states began offering vaccination to all children aged five to 11 in December, but progress has been patchy, with authorities blaming hesitancy among parents and some doctors as well as mixed messaging from experts.
Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, said he has tested positive for Covid-19, a day after he returned from the United Arab Emirates, where he had accompanied the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on an official visit.Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, said he has tested positive for Covid-19, a day after he returned from the United Arab Emirates, where he had accompanied the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on an official visit.
Writing on Twitter, Çavuşoğlu, 54, said his symptoms were mild and that he planned to continue to work from home.Writing on Twitter, Çavuşoğlu, 54, said his symptoms were mild and that he planned to continue to work from home.
“Thankfully, my illness is mild. I will continue to work from home for a while without interrupting [my schedule],” he said.“Thankfully, my illness is mild. I will continue to work from home for a while without interrupting [my schedule],” he said.
The Dutch government was inadequately prepared for the Covid pandemic and paid insufficient attention to the threat to people in care homes, an independent inquiry has found.The Dutch government was inadequately prepared for the Covid pandemic and paid insufficient attention to the threat to people in care homes, an independent inquiry has found.
The Dutch Safety Board said authorities in the Netherlands “became overly fixated” on hospitals in the early days of the pandemic and failed to protect the economy, education, culture and in particular nursing homes where a “silent disaster” was allowed to unfold.The Dutch Safety Board said authorities in the Netherlands “became overly fixated” on hospitals in the early days of the pandemic and failed to protect the economy, education, culture and in particular nursing homes where a “silent disaster” was allowed to unfold.
The safety board’s chairman, the former finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, called the pandemic the country’s biggest social crisis in decades.The safety board’s chairman, the former finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, called the pandemic the country’s biggest social crisis in decades.
Dijsselbloem said:Dijsselbloem said:
The 313-page report singled out for criticism the head of the government’s outbreak management team, the infectious diseases expert Jaap van Dissel, for his position on the use of masks.The 313-page report singled out for criticism the head of the government’s outbreak management team, the infectious diseases expert Jaap van Dissel, for his position on the use of masks.
The Netherlands ordered the widespread use of masks far later than other European countries, and Van Dissel described the policy as “political” rather than a scientific choice. The inquiry said his remarks “undermined public trust in the government policy”, and the fact that “he himself openly doubted [masks’] usefulness did not help to maintain support”.The Netherlands ordered the widespread use of masks far later than other European countries, and Van Dissel described the policy as “political” rather than a scientific choice. The inquiry said his remarks “undermined public trust in the government policy”, and the fact that “he himself openly doubted [masks’] usefulness did not help to maintain support”.
The publication of the report came a day after the Dutch health minister, Ernst Kuipers, announced that the Netherlands would scrap almost all pandemic restrictions by 25 February.The publication of the report came a day after the Dutch health minister, Ernst Kuipers, announced that the Netherlands would scrap almost all pandemic restrictions by 25 February.
The Netherlands, with a population of 17 million, has reported 21,414 deaths and 5.8m Covid cases since the pandemic began. About 86.3% of adults have been vaccinated.The Netherlands, with a population of 17 million, has reported 21,414 deaths and 5.8m Covid cases since the pandemic began. About 86.3% of adults have been vaccinated.
Our Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, reports on the Scottish government’s decision to offer Covid vaccinations to all children aged five to 11.Our Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, reports on the Scottish government’s decision to offer Covid vaccinations to all children aged five to 11.
The Scottish government has confirmed it will offer Covid vaccinations to all children aged five to 11 years, adding to the pressure on UK ministers to do so in England.The Scottish government has confirmed it will offer Covid vaccinations to all children aged five to 11 years, adding to the pressure on UK ministers to do so in England.
The Scottish decision follows an announcement on Tuesday from the devolved government in Wales that it would follow unpublished advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that all children in that age group should be jabbed.The Scottish decision follows an announcement on Tuesday from the devolved government in Wales that it would follow unpublished advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that all children in that age group should be jabbed.
Scottish government officials have started conversations with health boards about how to deliver the vaccinations, following advice circulated by the JCVI to all the UK’s governments earlier this month.Scottish government officials have started conversations with health boards about how to deliver the vaccinations, following advice circulated by the JCVI to all the UK’s governments earlier this month.
The UK government, which runs health services in England but also oversees the UK-wide purchase and distribution of the vaccines, has delayed making a decision on the recommendation.The UK government, which runs health services in England but also oversees the UK-wide purchase and distribution of the vaccines, has delayed making a decision on the recommendation.
Ministers in all four governments normally immediately follow JCVI advice but on this occasion, with the Treasury pressing hard for steep cuts in Covid test spending, have decided the need to vaccinate children is not urgent.Ministers in all four governments normally immediately follow JCVI advice but on this occasion, with the Treasury pressing hard for steep cuts in Covid test spending, have decided the need to vaccinate children is not urgent.
Nearly all remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on 5 March, including scrapping an earlier closing time of midnight for bars and restaurants and allowing nightclubs to reopen, the Austrian chancellor, Karl Nehammer, said today.Nearly all remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted on 5 March, including scrapping an earlier closing time of midnight for bars and restaurants and allowing nightclubs to reopen, the Austrian chancellor, Karl Nehammer, said today.
The announcement follows news that unvaccinated people will be able to enter restaurants and non-essential shops if they have been tested. Access to highly vulnerable settings such as care homes and hospitals will remain restricted to people who have been vaccinated.The announcement follows news that unvaccinated people will be able to enter restaurants and non-essential shops if they have been tested. Access to highly vulnerable settings such as care homes and hospitals will remain restricted to people who have been vaccinated.
In addition, the FFP2 mask mandate will be relaxed and only required in vulnerable settings and in public transport, essential shops and pharmacies.In addition, the FFP2 mask mandate will be relaxed and only required in vulnerable settings and in public transport, essential shops and pharmacies.
Nehammer said that the pandemic was not yet over but the situation allowed Austria to open up step by step.Nehammer said that the pandemic was not yet over but the situation allowed Austria to open up step by step.
In a first step starting Saturday, proof of vaccination or recent recovery will no longer be required to attend events, go to restaurants, bars or hairdressers and various other activities. Proof of a negative test will suffice for those things.In a first step starting Saturday, proof of vaccination or recent recovery will no longer be required to attend events, go to restaurants, bars or hairdressers and various other activities. Proof of a negative test will suffice for those things.
From 5 March, nightclubs may reopen and restrictions on opening hours for restaurants and bars will end.From 5 March, nightclubs may reopen and restrictions on opening hours for restaurants and bars will end.
Austria became the first European country to make vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory for all adults on 1 February.Austria became the first European country to make vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory for all adults on 1 February.
An oral Covid antiviral drug from Merck may not be granted EU approval over “problematic data”, the Financial Times reports.An oral Covid antiviral drug from Merck may not be granted EU approval over “problematic data”, the Financial Times reports.
The drug, molnupiravir, has been authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the paper says the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is unlikely to grant conditional marketing authorisation to the drug.The drug, molnupiravir, has been authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the paper says the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is unlikely to grant conditional marketing authorisation to the drug.
A person familiar with the approval process told the FT that it was “possible” that molnupiravir would not receive approval at all. The EMA declined to comment on its ongoing review.A person familiar with the approval process told the FT that it was “possible” that molnupiravir would not receive approval at all. The EMA declined to comment on its ongoing review.
The EMA’s review of Merck’s pill, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has been delayed after trial data published in November showed the drug was significantly less effective than previously thought.The EMA’s review of Merck’s pill, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has been delayed after trial data published in November showed the drug was significantly less effective than previously thought.
Early data from a late-stage trial suggested the drug cut the risk of hospitalisation and death in half, but a subsequent analysis found its efficacy is at 30%.Early data from a late-stage trial suggested the drug cut the risk of hospitalisation and death in half, but a subsequent analysis found its efficacy is at 30%.
More on Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that all children aged between five and 11 in Scotland will be offered Covid vaccinations.More on Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that all children aged between five and 11 in Scotland will be offered Covid vaccinations.
The UK’s Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is yet to publish official guidance on giving jabs to all youngsters, but advised all four nations more than week ago that the vaccination programme should be expanded to younger children. As the Guardian has reported, the UK government delayed announcing its decision.The UK’s Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is yet to publish official guidance on giving jabs to all youngsters, but advised all four nations more than week ago that the vaccination programme should be expanded to younger children. As the Guardian has reported, the UK government delayed announcing its decision.
Today, Sturgeon said the Scottish government has received draft advice recommending the “universal vaccination” of children.Today, Sturgeon said the Scottish government has received draft advice recommending the “universal vaccination” of children.
The new advice does not affect children in this age group who are already being vaccinated due to medical conditions which place them at greater risk from the virus.The new advice does not affect children in this age group who are already being vaccinated due to medical conditions which place them at greater risk from the virus.
It comes after the Welsh government announced earlier this week that it will offer Covid vaccinations to all five- to 11-year olds.It comes after the Welsh government announced earlier this week that it will offer Covid vaccinations to all five- to 11-year olds.
Hello everyone, it’s Léonie Chao-Fong here again, taking over the live blog from Tom Ambrose to bring you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to get in touch on Twitter or via email.Hello everyone, it’s Léonie Chao-Fong here again, taking over the live blog from Tom Ambrose to bring you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic. Feel free to get in touch on Twitter or via email.
We start with the news that the number of new coronavirus cases globally fell by 19% in the last week while the number of deaths remained stable, according to the World Health Organization.We start with the news that the number of new coronavirus cases globally fell by 19% in the last week while the number of deaths remained stable, according to the World Health Organization.
In its weekly report on the pandemic, the UN health agency said just over 16m new Covid-19 infections and about 75,000 deaths were reported worldwide last week.In its weekly report on the pandemic, the UN health agency said just over 16m new Covid-19 infections and about 75,000 deaths were reported worldwide last week.
The Western Pacific was the only region to report a rise in new weekly cases, an increase of about 19%. The biggest drop was in south-east Asia, where new weekly cases fell by 37%.The Western Pacific was the only region to report a rise in new weekly cases, an increase of about 19%. The biggest drop was in south-east Asia, where new weekly cases fell by 37%.
The biggest number of new Covid cases was seen in Russia. Cases there and elsewhere in Eastern Europe have doubled in recent weeks, driven by a surge of the Omicron variant.The biggest number of new Covid cases was seen in Russia. Cases there and elsewhere in Eastern Europe have doubled in recent weeks, driven by a surge of the Omicron variant.
The number of deaths rose by 38% in the Middle East and by about one-third in the Western Pacific.The number of deaths rose by 38% in the Middle East and by about one-third in the Western Pacific.
WHO’s Africa director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said last week there was “light at the end of the tunnel” for the continent and that even despite low vaccination rates, Africa was transitioning from the acute pandemic phase.WHO’s Africa director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said last week there was “light at the end of the tunnel” for the continent and that even despite low vaccination rates, Africa was transitioning from the acute pandemic phase.
Her comments contrasted sharply with warnings from WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has said repeatedly the pandemic is not over and is premature for countries to think that the end might be imminent.Her comments contrasted sharply with warnings from WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has said repeatedly the pandemic is not over and is premature for countries to think that the end might be imminent.
Children between the ages of five and 11 in Scotland are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccination, Nicola Sturgeon has said.Children between the ages of five and 11 in Scotland are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccination, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Ministers have accepted draft recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).Ministers have accepted draft recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The first minister said:The first minister said:
Work is under way to determine how best to deliver vaccinations to children, Sturgeon said. In the meantime, parents and carers of children aged five to 11 do not need to do anything.Work is under way to determine how best to deliver vaccinations to children, Sturgeon said. In the meantime, parents and carers of children aged five to 11 do not need to do anything.
Here is a round-up of today’s top Covid news stories so far:Here is a round-up of today’s top Covid news stories so far:
Russia reported an increase in Covid infections on Wednesday, with a total of 179,284 new infections and 748 deaths reported over the last 24 hours.Russia reported an increase in Covid infections on Wednesday, with a total of 179,284 new infections and 748 deaths reported over the last 24 hours.
China’s president, Xi Jinping, has told Hong Kong’s leaders that their “overriding mission” was to stabilise and control a worsening Covid outbreak, pro-Beijing media reported, as infected patients lay in beds outside overwhelmed hospitals.China’s president, Xi Jinping, has told Hong Kong’s leaders that their “overriding mission” was to stabilise and control a worsening Covid outbreak, pro-Beijing media reported, as infected patients lay in beds outside overwhelmed hospitals.
South Korea has once again reported a daily record of 90,443 new coronavirus cases for Wednesday, as numbers nearly doubled within a week amid the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.South Korea has once again reported a daily record of 90,443 new coronavirus cases for Wednesday, as numbers nearly doubled within a week amid the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.
A Japanese government delay in rolling out Covid booster shots left it more vulnerable than other rich countries when the Omicron variant brought a surge of deaths, say experts, local governments and a former vaccine czar.A Japanese government delay in rolling out Covid booster shots left it more vulnerable than other rich countries when the Omicron variant brought a surge of deaths, say experts, local governments and a former vaccine czar.
About 3,000 British volunteers are being sought to take part in a study for Moderna’s Omicron booster vaccine.About 3,000 British volunteers are being sought to take part in a study for Moderna’s Omicron booster vaccine.
South Korea will distribute free coronavirus rapid test kits at elementary schools and nursing homes starting next week.South Korea will distribute free coronavirus rapid test kits at elementary schools and nursing homes starting next week.
British ministers’ plans to scale back free PCR Covid tests could weaken the UK’s defences if a new variant of the virus emerges that results in “significant new waves” of cases, a group representing local public health chiefs has warned.British ministers’ plans to scale back free PCR Covid tests could weaken the UK’s defences if a new variant of the virus emerges that results in “significant new waves” of cases, a group representing local public health chiefs has warned.
Italian doctors will take part in a two-day strike from 1 March against what they called an “unbearable workload” amid the Covid pandemic, Italy’s news agency ANSA reported.Italian doctors will take part in a two-day strike from 1 March against what they called an “unbearable workload” amid the Covid pandemic, Italy’s news agency ANSA reported.
The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Organising Committee said on Wednesday that two new Covid cases were detected among Games-related personnel on 15 February.The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Organising Committee said on Wednesday that two new Covid cases were detected among Games-related personnel on 15 February.
That’s it from me, Tom Ambrose, for today. I’ll be back tomorrow but my colleague Léonie Chao-Fong will be along shortly to take over the global Covid live blog. Goodbye for now.That’s it from me, Tom Ambrose, for today. I’ll be back tomorrow but my colleague Léonie Chao-Fong will be along shortly to take over the global Covid live blog. Goodbye for now.