Coronavirus - 22nd May 2021

Summary for Saturday, 22nd May

• From Sunday, people travelling from the UK will not be allowed to enter Germany
  
• The decision is down to a rise in cases of the Indian variant in the UK
  
• German citizens and residents, plus people with an exceptional reason, can still enter - but face a two-week quarantine
  
• But Spain is lifting restrictions for UK travellers from Monday
  
• In England, those aged 32 and 33 can book in for their first vaccine from today
  
• On Friday, nine Covid deaths were recorded in the UK, and 2,829 cases
  
• The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Rotterdam tonight, in front of a Covid-tested audience of 3,500
  

Welcome to the Covid-19 live page

Good morning from the UK, and welcome back to our rolling coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. The headlines this morning:

• From Sunday, travellers from the UK will be barred from entering Germany, due to a rise in the Indian variant in the UK
  
• German citizens and residents, plus people with exceptional reasons, will be allowed to enter - but face a two-week quarantine
  
• Spain is allowing UK travellers from Monday - but the country is on the UK's "amber" list, meaning the government says people should not take holidays there
  
• In England, 32 and 33-year-olds can now book their vaccines
  
• On Friday, nine Covid deaths were recorded in the UK, and another 2,829 cases
  

Germany to ban Brits amid variant spread

Germany's Public Health Institute has designated the UK as a virus variant area of concern.
From Sunday 23 May, people travelling to Germany from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland may only enter the country if they are a German citizen or resident.
Spouses and children under 18 of a German citizen or resident can also enter, as long as the household are travelling together.
Those with an urgent humanitarian reason such as an immediate family bereavement are also able to enter.
But anyone entering the country from the UK will have to quarantine for two weeks, even if they test negative for the coronavirus.
People who are only transferring from one flight to another will still be allowed in, however they must remain in the airport transit area.
Germany is still on the UK government's amber list - meaning travellers must quarantine at home for 10 days on return and take a pre-departure test and two post-arrival tests.

What is the situation with the Indian variant in the UK?

As we've reported, Germany is banning most UK travellers because of concern about the Indian variant in Britain. But how widespread is it?
The latest data on Thursday showed there had been 3,424 cases of the variant recorded in total in the UK - that's a rise of more 2,000 in a week.
Most were recorded in north-west England, particularly Bolton, but there have been clusters seen across the country.
Overall, Covid cases in the UK remain relatively low - 2,829 were reported on Friday, compared to more than 8,000 in Germany.
But as this chart shows, the proportion of Indian variant cases in the UK has increased - and is likely to be even higher now.

What is the virus situation in the UK?

As Germany bans almost all travellers from the UK, it's worth remembering that the virus situation in the UK is vastly improved from earlier in the year.
Cases are low, daily deaths are in single figures, more than 37m people had at least one vaccine, and there are fewer than 1,000 people in hospital with Covid-19.
However, there have been more than 2,000 cases of the faster-spreading Indian variant in the past week - which is why Germany has taken action.

What is the virus situation in Germany?

Duesseldorf's old town was bustling on Friday evening

As we have reported, Germany is banning people travelling from the UK due to the Indian variant.
From the UK side, Germany remains on the UK's amber list and the British government says people should only travel there in "exceptional circumstances".
So what do Germany's numbers look like?
On Saturday, the country reported another 7,082 cases and 170 Covid-related deaths.
Some 39.17% of the German population has received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, as of 21 May.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has reported more than 87,000 Covid-related deaths - that compares to more 127,000 in the UK.
It's important to note that how deaths are recorded may differ between countries.
Source: ourworldindata.org / Robert Koch Institute

Surge testing in west London begins

So-caled "surge" testing is under way in parts of west London after a rise in coronavirus cases linked to the Indian variant.
The additional PCR testing will be taking place over the coming days in postcodes within Harrow, Ealing, Hillingdon and Brent boroughs, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
Surge testing is designed to find Covid cases that may otherwise have been detected too late, or not been detected at all.
Those testing positive have been instructed to self-isolate and their contacts are being identified.
Surge testing has already been taking place in other parts of England including Blackburn, Bolton, Bedford, Leicester, and Kirklees.

Taiwan reports another 321 cases as 'surge' continues

Taiwan has reported another rise in Covid-19 cases - but the health minister insists the trend remains "stable".
Announcing 321 new cases on Saturday, Chen Shih-chung said the infections were concentrated in the northern part of the island, in and around Taipei.
He also confirmed another 400 infections over the past six days whose positive tests had been not included in previous reports, Reuters news agency reported.
Along with Singapore, Taiwan had been hailed a virus success story - seeing virtually zero or single-digit Covid cases since the start of the year.
But now the island is under a heightened state of alert with people asked to stay at home and many venues shut.
Taiwan has reported a total of 3,139 cases and 15 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Germany fears UK's Indian variant

Damien McGuinness - BBC News, Berlin
As biergartens and cafes open up in Germany this weekend, most travel from the UK is shutting down.
From Sunday people from Britain will be unable to enter Germany, unless they hold German citizenship or are residents of Germany. And anyone who is allowed to enter the country, will have to go into quarantine for two weeks.
Infection rates here have fallen dramatically over the past month, and 40% of the German population has had at least one dose of the vaccine. So officials say the third wave has been broken.
In Germany, the Indian variant currently makes up about 2% of new infections. But there are fears that if it spreads here, as it has in parts of the UK, the recent progress fighting the pandemic could be undermined.

What is the situation in Europe?

As we have reported today, cases in Russia are down from their peak in December and Germany has reopened its outdoor bars.
But how is the rest of the Europe doing? As this graphic shows, most countries' case rates are heading in the right direction.

Bangladesh asks UK and US for extra vaccine doses

Bangladesh has urged Britain and the US to provide doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine before it runs out, according to local newspaper reports.
Foreign minister A K Abdul Momen said the country desperately needs 1.6 million doses so that people can have their second jabs.
Bangladesh received around 10 million AstraZeneca jabs from India in recent months.
But its vaccination programme has run into trouble after Delhi banned exports due to its own worsening situation.
Since the start of the pandemic, Bangladesh has reported a total of 787,726 cases and 12,348 deaths.
As of 21 May, just 3.54% of the 166m population had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Sources: worldometers.info, ourworldindata.org, The Daily Star Bangladesh

Glasgow now only Scottish area under level 3 restrictions

As of today, Glasgow is the only Scottish area still under level three coronavirus restrictions, after Moray was downgraded to level two at midnight.
On Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said cases were continuing to rise in Glasgow despite "extensive public health measures" being deployed across the city.
She added that public health experts were "fairly certain" that the increase was being driven by the so-called Indian variant.
The city is expected to remain under level three for at least another week, with the rate of positive cases currently at 122.6 per 100,000 of the population - the highest in Scotland.
Under level three restrictions, groups of six people from two households can meet in cafés, pubs and restaurants - but alcohol can only be served outdoors.
Six people from six households can meet outside only. You cannot visit people in their homes.
In all other parts of Scotland, alcohol can be served indoors - until at least 22:30 BST, and limited numbers of people can meet inside private homes without social distancing.

Surge testing under way in North Tyneside

People in North Tyneside in north-east England are being urged to get tested amid a rise in cases linked to the new Indian variant.
Cases in the borough have risen from 22 to 53 per 100,000 over the last week, North Tyneside Council said.
Two extra mobile testing units in North Shields and Wallsend opened on Saturday. They will be open between 10:00 and 16:00 - and there is no need to book an appointment.
Surge testing is designed to find Covid cases that may otherwise have been detected too late, or not been detected at all.

Argentina starts new lockdown as cases soar

Argentina has begun a new nine-day lockdown amid a resurgence of coronavirus cases and a slow vaccine rollout.
President Alberto Fernández said the country was experiencing its worst moment of the pandemic.
It has recorded more than 35,000 new cases a day during the past week.
On Friday, Latin America and the Caribbean passed one million coronavirus deaths, almost 30% of the global total.
Nearly 90% of those fatalities have been recorded in five countries: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Peru.
Argentina's new lockdown allows supermarkets and essential businesses to remain open, but in-person school lessons will be suspended. Restaurants can only operate home delivery and pick-up services, and people may only go out until 18:00, staying in the vicinity of their home.
The government encouraged people to alert the authorities if they noticed their neighbours gathering or having parties.
The restrictions are operating for a relatively short period amid concerns about the impact on the informal workforce and poorer households with limited internet access.
Argentina's economy contracted by almost 10% last year, partly due to the lockdown.
"I am aware that these restrictions create difficulties," said President Fernández. But he added: "Faced with this reality, there is no choice but to choose the preservation of life."
Read more here.

Latest developments in the UK and around the world

If you’re just joining us, here are the latest headlines:

• More than 50m Covid jabs have been administered in England, Health Secretary Matt Hancock says
  
• People aged 32 and 33 in England are being invited to book their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine
  
• Wider surge testing has begun in parts of west London and North Tyneside after a rise in cases linked to new India variant
  
• The Scottish government says it’s working to rectify a security flaw which could allow people to edit Covid vaccination status certificates
  
• Germany has banned people from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland travelling to the country from Sunday, as it designates the UK a virus variant area of concern
  
• Taiwan has reported another 321 Covid-19 cases as "surge" continues - but the health minister insists the trend remains "stable"
  
• Argentina is beginning a new nine-day lockdown amid a resurgence of coronavirus cases and a slow vaccine rollout – cases soared by more than 35,000 a day during the past week
  

Malaysia boosts Covid spending as cases surge

Malaysia will increase its coronavirus healthcare spending by another 200 million ringgit (£34 million) as it battles a surge in cases, the state news agency reports.
The money brings the country's total healthcare funding to fight Covid-19 to 1 billion ringgit, along with a further 5 billion ringgit put aside in April for the roll out of vaccines, the Bernama agency reported.
The funds will increase the capacity of intensive care units and provide more beds.
"Provisions will also be increased to upgrade equipment, medicines and related consumables and the appointment of medical officers on contract basis, including retirees," Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.
Health authorities have reported 6,320 new coronavirus cases, bringing the nation's total to 505,115. Another 50 deaths were recorded.
A total of 2,149 people have died of Covid-19 in Malaysia.

Fans back for non-league finals day

Football fans are back at Wembley today for the finals of the FA Vase and the FA Trophy - also known as non-league finals day.
The Vase finalists, Binfield and Warrington Rylands, were allowed 1,500 fans each.
The Trophy finalists, Hereford and Hornchurch, are allowed 3,000 each.
The 2020 non-league finals day - which took place on 3 May this year because of the pandemic - was closed to spectators.
Warrington won today's Vase final 3-2, while the Trophy final kicks off later.
Football fans across England are now being allowed into games, including in the Premier League - but only in limited numbers.

Last season's finals - held three weeks ago - were behind closed doors, but today limited numbers were allowed in


Binfield fans made the relatively short trip to Wembley from Berkshire

Mauritania extends night-time curfew

Mauritania has extended its night-time curfew to start at midnight every night and last until 6 am local time, media outlets have reported.
The curfew in the north-west African country was extended by two hours and will take effect today, state TVM said.
The decision was taken at a meeting of Mauritania's coronavirus pandemic committee, which was chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal and other government officials.
The committee meeting concluded "that the epidemiological situation in the country is still stable, despite slight rises in the infection curve that appear intermittently here and there", the channel added.
A total of 458 people have lost their lives to Covid-19 in Mauritania.

Philippines investigating illegal sale of Covid shots and slots

The Philippines is investigating reports that people have been illegally selling coronavirus jabs or their vaccine slots for financial gain.
The government has reminded the public that the vaccines are free.
Police learned of the illegal activity on social media where people were offering vaccine slots for as much as 15,000 pesos (£221), Philippine police chief Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.
"The sale of Covid-19 vaccines that have been granted emergency use authorisation is illegal," Eleazar said.
He has ordered police to investigate who is behind the scams.
"Those who are engaged in the unauthorised sale of anti-Covid vaccines, we ask you to stop what you are doing," the government's coronavirus task force said in a statement.
"The long arm of the law will soon catch up on you."

India tells social media firms to remove 'India variant'

India's government has instructed social media companies to remove any content that refers to the "Indian variant" of Covid-19.
The IT ministry said the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the variant as B.1.617 and any reference to "Indian" was false.
Geographical terms have been used to describe a number of other variants, including the UK and Brazil.
India's government has faced criticism over its handling of Covid-19.
It also drew anger last month after it ordered Twitter to remove posts critical of some of its actions during the pandemic.
The country has been hit hard by the new variant since late March and is now second only to the US in terms of overall infections, at more than 26 million, according to Johns Hopkins University research.
Covid-related deaths are close to 300,000, behind only the US and Brazil - although some experts believe India's fatalities could be considerably higher.

• Read more here
  

 

UK reports 2,694 more cases

There have been a further 2,694 cases of Covid in the UK, the latest government figures show.
Another six deaths within 28 days of a positive test have also been announced.

Covid deaths drop in Italy

Italy has reported 125 coronavirus-related deaths, down from 218 on Friday, the health ministry said.
The daily tally of new infections fell to 4,717 from 5,218. As recently as March, daily cases were topping 25,000.
Italy lifted quarantine restrictions for travellers arriving from European and Schengen zone countries, Britain and Israel from 15 May.
But it is still on the UK's amber list - meaning people from the UK are being told not to take holidays there.

Argentina in lockdown

Argentina has begun a new nine-day lockdown amid a resurgence of coronavirus cases and a slow vaccine rollout.
President Alberto Fernández said the country was experiencing its worst moment of the pandemic.
It has recorded more than 35,000 new cases a day during the past week.
On Friday, Latin America and the Caribbean passed one million coronavirus deaths, almost 30% of the global total.

Two people juggle on an empty street in Buenos Aires


Police control the movement of people in the capital


A person walks next to a deserted railway station

What’s been happening around the world today?

We’ll be ending our live coverage for today shortly but, before we go, here’s a reminder of today’s main coronavirus headlines from the UK and around the world:

• More than 50 million coronavirus vaccine doses have now been given in England - and people aged 32 and 33 in England are being invited to book their first dose
  
• Wider surge testing has begun in parts of west London and North Tyneside after a rise in cases linked to new Indian variant
  
• The UK reports another six Covid deaths, and 2,694 new cases
  
• The Scottish government says it’s working to rectify a security flaw which could allow people to edit Covid vaccination status certificates
  
• Germany is banning people from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland travelling to the country from Sunday, as it designates the UK a virus variant area of concern
  
• Argentina begins a new nine-day lockdown amid a resurgence of coronavirus cases and a slow vaccine rollout
  
• People aged 32 and 33 in England are now eligible to book their vaccine appointment, the NHS has announced. People aged 33 will receive texts inviting them to book a vaccination from Saturday, and 32-year-olds will receive a message from Monday.
  
• A Vietnamese health ministry research centre is in talks with Russia to manufacture the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine domestically. The country is also in negotiations to buy Sputnik doses from Russia for domestic use before producing them itself.
  
• Dozens of countries have revised a proposal for vaccine patent waivers at the World Trade Organization, calling for other vital medical equipment such as coronavirus treatments and personal protective equipment to be included too.
  
• India’s coronavirus outbreak has stabilised in some parts of the country, a government official said, although daily deaths continue to reach staggering numbers. Government data showed 257,299 new cases and 4,194 deaths on Saturday. At the beginning of May, the country was reporting more than 400,000 daily infections.
  
• Surge testing is being rolled out in the London boroughs of Harrow, Ealing, Hillingdon and Brent after cases were identified of the variant first discovered in India. NHS test and trace is providing additional testing and genomic sequencing in education settings and targeted areas across the four boroughs.
  
• Germany will ban Britons from entering the country from Sunday after the UK was classified as a virus variant area of concern. As of midnight on 23 May, people travelling to Germany from Great Britain and Northern Ireland may only enter the country if they are a German citizen or resident.
  
• Malaysia has reported a further 6,320 coronavirus cases amid a recent surge in infections, as well as 50 new deaths. Saturday’s figures compare with 4,140 cases and 44 deaths a week today.
  
• Scotland and Wales have sent vital medical equipment to India as the country battles a coronavirus outbreak that has overwhelmed healthcare services. Scotland sent 100 oxygen concentrators and 40 ventilators, while the country received 638 oxygen concentrators and 351 ventilators from Wales. Both shipments will be distributed by the Indian Red Cross.
  

Thanks for reading

That's the end of today's Covid-19 live page - we'll be back again on Sunday morning with more rolling coverage.
Our writers today were Victoria Lindrea, Jo Couzens, and George Wright, and the editor was Owen Amos.