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Covid news live: Germany and Switzerland set to ease restrictions Covid news live: Germany and Switzerland set to ease restrictions
(32 minutes later)
German chancellor warns pandemic not over but says Omicron past its peak; Swiss shops and restaurants will not require Covid certificate from ThursdayGerman chancellor warns pandemic not over but says Omicron past its peak; Swiss shops and restaurants will not require Covid certificate from Thursday
Germany will ease Covid-19 restrictions as a wave of infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant seems to have passed its peak, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said on Wednesday, but he warned that the pandemic was not over yet.Germany will ease Covid-19 restrictions as a wave of infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant seems to have passed its peak, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said on Wednesday, but he warned that the pandemic was not over yet.
After a meeting with the heads of the federal states earlier on Wednesday, Scholz said Germany was ready to look forward with more confidence over coronavirus, Reuters reports.After a meeting with the heads of the federal states earlier on Wednesday, Scholz said Germany was ready to look forward with more confidence over coronavirus, Reuters reports.
“After these long two years, we deserve that things somehow improve again and it looks a bit like that’s exactly what we have in front of us,” Scholz told reporters after the meeting.“After these long two years, we deserve that things somehow improve again and it looks a bit like that’s exactly what we have in front of us,” Scholz told reporters after the meeting.
On Wednesday, Germany reported 219,972 new daily coronavirus cases, down 6% compared to the same day last week.On Wednesday, Germany reported 219,972 new daily coronavirus cases, down 6% compared to the same day last week.
The seven-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also dropped to 1,401 from 1,438 on Tuesday.The seven-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also dropped to 1,401 from 1,438 on Tuesday.
Children aged between five and 11 in England will be offered a Covid vaccine, the UK government has confirmed, after similar announcements from Wales and Scotland this week. The move was recommended by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which decided that the vaccination programme should be extended to younger children after lengthy discussions on the benefits and risks.
Germany will ease Covid-19 restrictions as a wave of infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant seems to have passed its peak, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said on Wednesday, but he warned that the pandemic was not over yet.
An Omicron-specific booster could be ready by August, the CEO of Moderna told Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mexico recorded 520 more deaths from Covid-19 on Wednesday, Reuters reports.
It brings the total death toll to 314,128, according to health ministry data.
People who catch Covid-19 are more likely to go on to suffer depression and anxiety, a study has suggested.
Experts said the research backs up previous findings but has a longer follow-up, with people tracked for a year, PA reports.
US researchers looked at data for 153,848 people who had experienced coronavirus and compared them with more than 560,000 with no history of Covid and a further large control group from before the pandemic.
The results showed that Covid-19 was associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, substance use and sleep problems, up to a year after infection.
Compared with the non-infected group, people with Covid-19 showed a 60% higher risk of a mental health diagnosis or needing a mental health prescription at the one-year point.
Anxiety rates were 35% higher among those who had had Covid and 39% higher for depression. People were also 55% more likely to use anti-depressants.
The leading US health officials said on Wednesday that the nation is moving closer to the point that Covid-19 is no longer a “constant crisis” as more cities, businesses and sports venues began lifting pandemic restrictions around the country.The leading US health officials said on Wednesday that the nation is moving closer to the point that Covid-19 is no longer a “constant crisis” as more cities, businesses and sports venues began lifting pandemic restrictions around the country.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Rochelle Walensky said during a White House briefing that the government is contemplating a change to its mask guidance in the coming weeks.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Rochelle Walensky said during a White House briefing that the government is contemplating a change to its mask guidance in the coming weeks.
Noting recent declines in Covid-19 cases, hospital admissions and deaths, she acknowledged “people are so eager” for health officials to ease masking rules and other measures designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.Noting recent declines in Covid-19 cases, hospital admissions and deaths, she acknowledged “people are so eager” for health officials to ease masking rules and other measures designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
An Omicron-specific booster could be ready by August, the CEO of Moderna told Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab.An Omicron-specific booster could be ready by August, the CEO of Moderna told Reuters, but the firm is still gathering clinical data to determine whether that vaccine would offer better protection than a new dose of the existing jab.
Last month the US biotech firm began clinical trials for a booster dose designed to target Omicron but initial results from studies in monkeys show the jab may not offer stronger protection than a new dose of the existing vaccine.Last month the US biotech firm began clinical trials for a booster dose designed to target Omicron but initial results from studies in monkeys show the jab may not offer stronger protection than a new dose of the existing vaccine.
The company’s chief executive Stephane Bancel said the company aimed to have a booster ready by August 2022, before next autumn when he said more vulnerable people may need it.The company’s chief executive Stephane Bancel said the company aimed to have a booster ready by August 2022, before next autumn when he said more vulnerable people may need it.
Moderna’s vaccines use mRNA technology to provoke an immune response, similar to the shot developed by Pfizer/BioNTech.Moderna’s vaccines use mRNA technology to provoke an immune response, similar to the shot developed by Pfizer/BioNTech.
“We believe a booster will be needed. I don’t know yet if it is going to be the existing vaccine, Omicron-only, or bivalent: Omicron and existing vaccine, two mRNA in one dose.”“We believe a booster will be needed. I don’t know yet if it is going to be the existing vaccine, Omicron-only, or bivalent: Omicron and existing vaccine, two mRNA in one dose.”
Bancel also confirmed that under the best-case scenario, Moderna would have ready by August 2023 a so-called pan-vaccine which would protect simultaneously against Covid-19, flu and other respiratory diseases.Bancel also confirmed that under the best-case scenario, Moderna would have ready by August 2023 a so-called pan-vaccine which would protect simultaneously against Covid-19, flu and other respiratory diseases.
Here is the full story on Canada’s public safety minister citing ties between protesters occupying the country’s capital and a group of far-right extremists who were charged earlier this week in the border town of Coutts, Alberta, over an alleged plot to kill police officers.Here is the full story on Canada’s public safety minister citing ties between protesters occupying the country’s capital and a group of far-right extremists who were charged earlier this week in the border town of Coutts, Alberta, over an alleged plot to kill police officers.
“Several of the individuals at Coutts have strong ties to a far-right extreme organization with leaders who are in Ottawa,” the minister, Marco Medicino, told reporters on Wednesday.“Several of the individuals at Coutts have strong ties to a far-right extreme organization with leaders who are in Ottawa,” the minister, Marco Medicino, told reporters on Wednesday.
Medicino’s comments are likely to further stoke fears that extremist elements are present in a nationwide spate of unrest which began as a protest against Covid-19 health mandates but has embraced a broad range of anti-government grievances.Medicino’s comments are likely to further stoke fears that extremist elements are present in a nationwide spate of unrest which began as a protest against Covid-19 health mandates but has embraced a broad range of anti-government grievances.
Brazil had 147,734 new cases of coronavirus reported in the past 24 hours and 1,085 deaths, its health ministry said on Wednesday.Brazil had 147,734 new cases of coronavirus reported in the past 24 hours and 1,085 deaths, its health ministry said on Wednesday.
The South American country has now registered 27,806,786 cases since the pandemic began while the official death toll has risen to 640,774, Reuters reports.The South American country has now registered 27,806,786 cases since the pandemic began while the official death toll has risen to 640,774, Reuters reports.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued president Joe Biden’s administration on Wednesday over a government mandate requiring that masks be worn at US airports and on airplanes and other transit modes.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued president Joe Biden’s administration on Wednesday over a government mandate requiring that masks be worn at US airports and on airplanes and other transit modes.
Paxton and US Representative Beth Van Duyne jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention transit mask rules, which have been in place since February 2021, Reuters reports.Paxton and US Representative Beth Van Duyne jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention transit mask rules, which have been in place since February 2021, Reuters reports.
The current mask requirements are set to expire on 18 March, though they previously have been extended several times.The current mask requirements are set to expire on 18 March, though they previously have been extended several times.
Children aged five to 11 in England, Wales and Scotland will be offered protection against Covid, meaning millions more will be eligible for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.Children aged five to 11 in England, Wales and Scotland will be offered protection against Covid, meaning millions more will be eligible for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine, given at one-third the dose of adults, was approved as safe and effective for children by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in December. But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation previously recommended the vaccine only for vulnerable five- to 11-year-olds.The Pfizer vaccine, given at one-third the dose of adults, was approved as safe and effective for children by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in December. But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation previously recommended the vaccine only for vulnerable five- to 11-year-olds.
Millions of children aged five to 11 have been vaccinated in other countries, such as the US and countries in Europe.Millions of children aged five to 11 have been vaccinated in other countries, such as the US and countries in Europe.
Five parents share their reactions:Five parents share their reactions:
Spanish sports grounds will be able to return to 100% capacity for the first time since the pandemic next month, health chiefs said.
“From the weekend of March 4, sporting events, both outdoors and indoors, will see their capacities raised to 100%, given the satisfactory evolution of all the epidemiological indicators,” said health minister Carolina Darias.
However, she warned that wearing masks will remain compulsory and that it will still be forbidden to smoke, drink or eat during sporting events.
At the end of December, Spanish authorities reduced crowd limits to 75% and 50% indoors to combat rising cases of Covid-19, AFP reports.
Police in the Canadian capital Ottawa started warning truck drivers blockading the downtown core that they should depart or face arrest, part of a promised crackdown to end a three-week-old protest over Covid restrictions.Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said: “We need to be clear eyed about the seriousness of these incidents ... several of the individuals at Coutts have strong ties to a far-right extreme organization with leaders who are in Ottawa,” Mendicino told reporters. “We’re talking about a group that is organized, agile, knowledgeable and driven by an extremist ideology.”
Police in the province of Alberta this week arrested 13 people linked to a border blockade at the town of Coutts and seized guns. Four members of the group have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
Sir Keir Starmer has said ending free coronavirus testing in England “is a mistake” which would increase the risk of Covid transmissions.
The Labour leader was commenting after reports first emerged on Tuesday that free lateral flow (LFT) and PCR tests are set to be scrapped next week.
The change would mean everyone - including vulnerable people, children and health and care workers - would have to pay to access tests for the virus, PA reports.
Sir Keir said: “I think ending free testing is a mistake. Covid isn’t going away.
“And if you take away free tests then that will diminish the likelihood of that and make it worse in the long run.”
France has reported 98,735 new coronavirus cases, Reuters reports. The country also reported that 3,126 people are in intensive care units for Covid-19, down by 109. France also reported 107,913 coronavirus deaths up by 243.
School leaders in England welcomed the announcement on vaccinations for five to 11-year-olds but would have liked to see greater urgency to try to reduce disruption to education in primary schools.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We are pleased that the health secretary has accepted the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that Covid vaccinations can be offered to all children aged five to 11 in England.
“Coronavirus infection rates among this age group have been very high in recent months, with a knock-on serious impact on both pupil and staff absence at primary schools.
“It’s also currently unclear as to whether or not primary schools will be expected to play a role in this vaccination programmes. We await further details on that.”
Germany will ease Covid-19 restrictions as a wave of infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant seems to have passed its peak, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said on Wednesday, but he warned that the pandemic was not over yet.
After a meeting with the heads of the federal states earlier on Wednesday, Scholz said Germany was ready to look forward with more confidence over coronavirus, Reuters reports.
“After these long two years, we deserve that things somehow improve again and it looks a bit like that’s exactly what we have in front of us,” Scholz told reporters after the meeting.
On Wednesday, Germany reported 219,972 new daily coronavirus cases, down 6% compared to the same day last week.
The seven-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also dropped to 1,401 from 1,438 on Tuesday.
In a reversal of its previous policy, the Coachella music festival in the US will not require Covid-19 vaccination, testing or masking when it resumes this April in southern California, the organisers said.
The hugely popular festival saw up to 125,000 attendees leading up to the start of pandemic, during which it was cancelled three times.
New Covid-19 infections across the Americas region fell by 31% in the last week, marking a sixth successive week of declines, but deaths are still on the rise, up 5.6%, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said.
Half of the region’s 34,000 deaths were reported in the United States, as countries across the region saw deaths surge after a rise in hospitalisations and intensive care admissions driven by the easily spread Omicron variant of the virus.
Covid deaths tend to lag new infections and hospitalisations by a few weeks, which is why they continue to rise as cases fall, Reuters reports.
In South America, Brazil registered the highest numbers of deaths, setting a record for the current wave.
“Undoubtedly, Omicron overtook us,” the PAHO director, Carissa Etienne, said in a briefing, noting that the tools developed to fight the pandemic are not working as well to stop transmission of the more contagious variant.
A drop in Covid-19 testing rates is likely contributing to a decline in reported cases even as deaths are rising, the World Health Organization said.
“The bigger concern right now, I think, is the still increasing number of deaths,” the technical lead on Covid-19, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, said.
“In the last week alone, almost 75,000 people died reported to us and we know that that is an underestimate,” she said.
The countries claiming that their transmission has dropped from two to six weeks ago have likely seen a drop in testing rates, according to the WHO’s emergencies chief, Mike Ryan, Reuters reports.
The Welsh health minister, Eluned Morgan, has accused the UK government of delaying an announcement on giving vaccinations for five- to 11-year-olds to make maximum political capital out of it.
Morgan announced on Tuesday that Wales would press ahead with vaccinating younger children after the JCVI recommended the move.
Asked by the Guardian why Boris Johnson’s administration had delayed, she said: “The guess is the UK government wanted to pleat this into their long-term plan for living with Covid and wanted a significant announcement in that plan.
“That’s not a good enough reason for us to postpone. We didn’t want to dance to the timetable being set by what worked for the UK government.
“Our job is public protection, it’s not to march in step with whatever the UK government decides is their political priorities.
“There’s definitely a frustration with the UK government … and a sense that the response to the pandemic in England is being driven by politics and not by public health and safety.”
Morgan also expressed concern at the prospect of the UK government ending free Covid tests, insisting such a move would be “premature”.
Morgan said: “There’s an air in England that it [Covid] is all over; that is not our understanding.”