KRAZY KATS

Welcome to Krazy Kats - a friendly informal online community discussing life issues that we care about. Open 24/7 for chat & chill. Come and join us!

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°1

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 11:08

    Summary for Monday, 24th May

    • British tourists can now enter Spain without any restrictions, but UK rules mean they must still take tests and quarantine when they're back
    • The number of flights available to Spain and other amber list countries has gone up by 300% in the last fortnight, figures show
    • Where Spain leads "others will follow", predicts travel consultancy boss Paul Charles
    • Statistics show overseas visitors to the UK fell by about three-quarters in 2020 - as did overseas travel by UK residents
    • Lockdown rules are easing in Northern Ireland - with indoor socialising in groups of up to six allowed and pubs reopening inside
    • In Wales, many families can visit loved ones in care homes again as rules are relaxed
    • The first direct international flight from Scotland since travel restrictions were relaxed has headed for Portugal
    • Extra help to encourage people to self-isolate - including a "buddying" scheme - is being trialled in nine areas of England
    • The number of coronavirus deaths in India passes 300,000, although experts say the number could be much higher


    Welcome to our live coverage.
    We'll be bringing you all the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic from the UK and world throughout the day.

    Latest headlines this morning


    • Nine areas in England will be part of a new government trial giving extra help to people who need to self-isolate. Under the scheme, there will be a "buddying" service for people needing mental health support and alternative accommodation for those in overcrowded homes. Read more here
    • It's lockdown easing day in Northern Ireland, where household visits and indoor hospitality can resume for the first time in months
    • Meanwhile in Wales, care home visits can resume for many more people. Until now, residents have been allowed only two visitors - but now more people can see their loved ones. However, it's still up to individual homes and local authorities to decide whether to allow visits
    • Scientists have suggested that sniffer dogs could be used to prevent Covid spreading as society reopens. As part of a trial, dogs were trained to recognise a distinctive odour produced by people with the virus, but undetectable to the human nose. The idea is that dogs could be used at large events or airports
    • The number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in India has moved past the 300,000 mark - and the country is now the epicentre of the global pandemic.


    Today so far from the Guardian:


    • The World Health Organization (WHO) has started its annual member states’ meeting this morning.
    • French President Emmanuel Macron called for the body to be empowered to visit countries rapidly in case of outbreaks with potential to spark a pandemic, and to access data.
    • In separate pre-recorded remarks, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for funding to be improved and backed the idea of a new international treaty to prevent pandemics.
    • Director-General Tedros Adhanom is speaking at the moment, and has said a “scandalous inequity” in vaccine distribution is perpetuating the pandemic.
    • India’s overall death toll from Covid crossed 300,000 on Monday, as it reported 4,454 deaths over the last 24 hours. Its daily coronavirus infections rose by 222,315.
    • Taiwan has recorded six new deaths from Covid-19, and several hundred more cases in the continuing outbreak.
    • Australia’s second most populous state of Victoria reported on Monday four new Covid-19 infections, all in the city of Melbourne, the first cases of community transmission in the state in nearly three months.
    • The International Olympic Committee’s insistence that “sacrifices” must be made to ensure the Games go ahead in Tokyo regardless of the coronavirus situation in Japan has sparked a backlash and more calls for them to be cancelled. Japan opened its first mass vaccination centres on Monday in a bid to speed up a cautious Covid-19 inoculation programme
    • Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an apology in the US after an image showed her to be apparently violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines at an East Lansing restaurant.
    • Prof Ravi Gupta has urged people to get a second vaccine dose, saying “a single dose is not particularly protective and that’s the situation that many adults find themselves in during a period of easing of restrictions”.
    • The UK has reported five new deaths with 28 days of a positive Covid test. That puts the seven-day average down to just over seven deaths per day.
    • The number of new daily coronavirus infections in Ukraine decreased to 1,334 cases over the past 24 hours, the lowest level since August 2020.
    • Bahrain is to suspend entry for India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal from 24 May.
    • Israel will end local Covid-19 restrictions following its vaccine rollout that has nearly stamped out new infections, the country’s health minister said.


    The latest from around Europe


    • Spain is welcoming UK tourists from today after the UK was added to a list of countries no longer requiring a PCR test on arrival. But travellers will still need to quarantine once they return to the UK as the government has classed Spain as an “amber” country and advised against all non-essential travel
    • A number of local health authorities in the Netherlands are offering vaccinations to homeless people from today. According to Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws, shelters and charities have managed to make contact with about 25,000 eligible people, with plans to vaccinate 10,000 within the first week
    • Lithuania has become the latest EU country to introduce a digital pass for citizens to record Covid-19 vaccinations, negative tests or recoveries from infection as the country eases restrictions. The “Freedom ID”, as it has been named, will be rolled out from Monday, allowing businesses to check the status of customers using a mobile app. The EU has agreed plans for a Covid certificate to end travel restrictions across all 27 member states, which is due to be rolled out by the end of June
    • Ukraine has recorded its lowest number of daily infections since last August, with 1,334 new cases announced on Monday. The country has recorded about 2.2 million cases and almost 50,000 deaths since the pandemic began.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°2

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 11:12

    The Papers: Cancer crisis and 80 flights a day to Spain

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Ae4d7e10

    "Cancer crisis risks replacing pandemic" is the Daily Telegraph's main headline.
    It says experts have sounded the alarm after more than 300,000 people in England missed urgent cancer checks in the past year.
    Meanwhile, thousands of British tourists are set to defy government advice and jet off on a Spanish holiday today, according to the Daily Mirror.
    It says each day this week 80 flights will leave the UK bound for Spain, which is on the UK government's amber list.
    The voice of the paper warns that if there's a postponement to the end of restrictions, currently set for 21 June, then the prime minister "may need a one-way ticket far from Britain".
    Read the full paper review here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°3

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:12

    Flights are up - but many flying empty

    Katie Prescott, Business correspondent
    The number of flights available to the amber-listed countries France, Greece, Italy and Spain has gone up by 300% in the two weeks since the government's traffic light system for travel came into force.
    However the aviation data analysts Cirium, who have published these numbers, say many planes are flying empty - or with very few passengers on board.
    This is because the airline industry, say insiders, is struggling to keep pace with government guidelines on travel.
    Flights were planned before the traffic light system was announced by ministers, in anticipation of a flood of bookings to popular holiday destinations.
    But government restrictions means demand hasn't been as strong as airlines expected.
    Official guidance is not to travel to amber-listed countries unless it is essential and a trip means 10 days quarantine on your return.
    As a result, many flights are operating with no or very few passengers on board.
    Some are being cancelled at short notice as travellers decide it is not worth the hassle and cost to get on board.
    It's expected the number of flights will now thin out to match the limited demand for tickets.

    Indoor hospitality and household visits back on in NI

    Last Monday was a big day for England, Scotland and Wales - now it's Northern Ireland's turn.
    Lockdown rules are easing in NI from today, with six people from two households now able to meet indoors in homes.
    Overnight stays are also permitted for the first time in many months, and hotels, B&Bs and other travel and tourism venues can reopen.
    Restaurants, cafes, bars and other hospitality venues can reopen indoors and, like the rest of the UK, non-essential travel is allowed and the traffic light system is in place.
    Also allowed from today:

    • Post wedding and civil partnership receptions permitted, with no restriction on top table but restriction of 10 at other tables
    • Removal of "stay local" message
    • Schools can resume extra-curricular activities, with indoor sports and outdoor inter-schools sports allowed
    • Indoor visitor attractions can reopen with mitigations, including amusement arcades, bingo halls, museums, galleries and cinemas
    • Indoor group exercise and training can resume, including soft play areas, leisure centres, gyms, swimming pools, equestrian centres, venues relating to motor sport and activity centres
    • Up to 500 spectators allowed at outdoor sport events or gatherings

    Read more on the rules: Your questions answered
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°4

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:15

    First international flight from Scotland since easing takes off

    The first direct international flight from Scotland since travel restrictions were relaxed is due to arrive in Portugal very shortly.
    The 06:00 from Edinburgh to Faro is the first since the UK government's new traffic lights system came into effect.
    People travelling to countries that appear on the green list will not need to quarantine on their return but the Scottish government is still urging people not to travel internationally if they don't need to.
    There are about 120 passengers on the Edinburgh-Faro flight - mostly holidaymakers, plus some Scots returning to their second homes in Portugal for the first time in a year.
    Some of them admit they are more anxious than on previous trips but say that, after 14 months of travel restrictions, the trip is "well deserved".
    One holidaymaker tells BBC Scotland: "I think with the weather we get here, it's always nice to get away to a bit of sunshine.
    "Obviously with the restrictions you've got to think hard about it, but it's come at the right time so it will be good."

    Trial of self-isolation support in parts of England

    Pilot schemes are to be held to examine ways of supporting people to self-isolate in areas with higher coronavirus infection rates.
    These will include "buddying" services for people needing mental health support and alternative accommodation for those in overcrowded homes.
    Social care support and translation services will also be available, with the hope the schemes will encourage more people to get tested and self-isolate if required.
    Health Secretary Matt Hancock says it is "vital" in the fight against new Covid variants.
    The areas that will receive funding from a £12m pot for the pilots are Newham and Hackney in London; Yorkshire and Humber; Lancashire, Blackburn & Darwen, Blackpool; Greater Manchester; Cheshire and Merseyside; Royal Borough of Kingston; Peterborough, Fenland and South Holland; Somerset.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°5

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:19

    India marks 300,000 Covid deaths - but experts warn toll could be higher

    A grim milestone has been reached in India, where the country has now recorded more than 300,000 coronavirus deaths.
    Only two other countries have recorded more than 300,000 deaths - the US and Brazil.
    India is currently the epicentre of the world's pandemic, and has recorded 26 million cases, second only to the US.
    But experts warn the real number of deaths from Covid could be even higher since many are not officially recorded.
    Mortality data in India is poor and deaths at home often go unregistered, especially in rural areas.
    There are reports of journalists counting bodies at morgues themselves, to try to get a more accurate number. Some models speculate that about a million people may have actually died.
    Read more here.

    'Where Spain leads other countries will follow' - travel expert

    Spain is "setting an interesting precedent" by opening its borders to UK tourists today without requiring Covid vaccine certificates or negative tests, a travel expert says.
    Paul Charles, boss of travel consultancy PC Agency, tells the BBC: "Undoubtedly it's a surprising move that Spain is removing all restrictions to get into the country... where it leads others will follow.
    "You'll see other countries that say 'well if Spain is relaxing its restrictions so much we probably ought to do the same if we are to retain market share'."
    Charles says the move "shows how much Spain relies on the UK spending power... and other European countries are in the same position as well."
    He expects the next review of countries on the UK's traffic light system to see "only a small number" added to the green list and "the vast bulk of European countries will be added towards the end of June".
    He says on 7 June countries that "should have been added to the green list" first time round will be put on there, including Malta, Grenada, Barbados, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
    Charles says he is "pretty hopeful" that Germany will welcome UK visitors again "in a couple of weeks or so".

    Overseas visits to UK down by 73% in 2020

    We have been talking about travel today and some new figures released by the Office for National Statistics show the impact the pandemic has had on the number of visitors to the UK, which dropped by nearly three quarters in 2020.
    The data shows overseas residents made 11.1 million visits to the UK in 2020 - 73% fewer than in 2019.
    The figures also show overseas residents spent £6.2bn on their visits to the UK in 2020, 78% less than the previous year.
    Meanwhile, trips abroad made by people from the UK fell at a similar rate in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the ONS says.
    UK residents made 23.8 million visits abroad in 2020, down 74% on the previous year. They spent £13.8bn on visits abroad in 2020, 78% less than in 2019.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°6

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:27

    The latest from around Europe


    • As we’re reporting, Spain is welcoming UK tourists from today after the UK was added to a list of countries no longer requiring a PCR test on arrival. But travellers will still need to quarantine once they return to the UK as the government has classed Spain as an “amber” country and advised against all non-essential travel
    • A number of local health authorities in the Netherlands are offering vaccinations to homeless people from today. According to Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws, shelters and charities have managed to make contact with about 25,000 eligible people, with plans to vaccinate 10,000 within the first week
    • Lithuania has become the latest EU country to introduce a digital pass for citizens to record Covid-19 vaccinations, negative tests or recoveries from infection as the country eases restrictions. The “Freedom ID”, as it has been named, will be rolled out from Monday, allowing businesses to check the status of customers using a mobile app. The EU has agreed plans for a Covid certificate to end travel restrictions across all 27 member states, which is due to be rolled out by the end of June
    • Ukraine has recorded its lowest number of daily infections since last August, with 1,334 new cases announced on Monday. The country has recorded about 2.2 million cases and almost 50,000 deaths since the pandemic began.


    Sniffer dogs trained on socks to screen people for Covid

    Sniffer dogs could be used at airports or mass events to screen people for coronavirus, a new scientific trial has suggested.
    Dogs were trained to recognise a distinctive odour produced by people with the virus, but undetectable to the human nose - and picked up the vast majority of cases.
    Dr Claire Guest from the charity that trained the animals, says the dogs were given socks worn by people who had Covid so they could learn the smell.
    "Of people who had Covid, regardless of their viral loads - whether they were asymptomatic or symptomatic - the dogs were able to reliably detect they had the virus," she says.
    She says the dogs would be useful in places where people are passing through quickly, like airports, because of the speed at which the animals can work compared to the delays caused by tests.
    "Two dogs can screen 30 people very comfortably in half an hour," she says.
    Anyone who the dogs identify as having Covid will then get tested.
    Prof James Logan at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who led the research - which hasn't yet been peer-reviewed - says the results are exciting.
    He says although there is a chance of false positives and false negatives, with the dogs you could prevent onward transmission "almost double the amount you would if you were just self-isolating".
    "Certainly what we're not saying is that dogs would replace PCR testing or lateral flow testing, but they'd be an additional tool in the kit."
    The next step is seeing how well the dogs can do it in the real world. They could then be used to screen specific flights from high-risk countries, or at stadiums for big events.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°7

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:29

    Nigeria searches for 90 travellers over Covid breach

    The Nigerian authorities have declared 90 travellers who recently arrived from Brazil, India and Turkey as "health hazards" after they failed to observe health protocols meant to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
    They are wanted after failing to present themselves for Covid-19 tests and evaluation upon arrival, according to the presidential steering committee on Covid-19.
    The group includes 63 Nigerians and 27 foreigners who arrived between 8 May and 15 May. They arrived through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
    In a statement, the committee says the offenders face possible sanctions, including disabling of their travel passports for one year; cancellation of visas or permits of foreigners and prosecution.
    It says they pose considerable danger to public health for evading the mandatory seven-day quarantine for persons arriving from restricted countries.
    The travellers have been asked to present themselves to any public health office by Tuesday for immediate evaluation.
    Earlier this month, the committee issued an advisory for passengers arriving from the three countries.

    Swinney: Travellers must exercise due caution

    People travelling abroad must exercise "due caution" as international flights from Scotland resume, the country's deputy first minister says.
    John Swinney tells the BBC's Good Morning Scotland: "There are obviously many reasons why individuals have to travel, not all of it is about going on holiday, there can be essential family connections that people wish to pursue.
    "We're trying to create pathways for essential travel but our advice to people is that they should observe that essential travel element, that we should not be undertaking non-essential travel at this particular time."
    With travel routes to popular holiday destinations returning the deputy first minister says people have to make their personal choices but says the Scottish government is appealing to people "given the fragility of the situation we are in, to exercise due caution and to take steps which will minimise the risk of any circulation of the virus and to minimise travel that is not absolutely essential in the coming period".
    From today, the Scottish government is imposing temporary restrictions on travel to three areas in England which are dealing with outbreaks. These are Bedford, Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°8

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:32

    Covid success story Singapore tightens up rules

    For a long time, Singapore has been considered a Covid success story - just last month it topped the ranking as the best place to ride out the global pandemic.
    But now it is returning to a partial lockdown after highly infectious new variants entered the country.
    The government says cases are spreading fast with children being infected much more this time round. Schools are now shut and the message is to stay at home.
    People can only meet in groups of two, and dining in at food courts and restaurants is banned.
    It's almost certain the variants came through in the airport, says BBC journalist Nick Marsh, who is based there.
    "Cracks in the supposedly watertight quarantine system saw some airport workers infected then mixing with the general public," he says.
    "The question being asked by a lot of people here and in other parts of Asia, is if this can happen even in a safe place, like Singapore, what hope is there of gong back to normal life anytime soon?"

    Spain 'not rushing' to restart foreign travel

    Spain's tourism minister has denied the country is rushing to open up to international travel as it begins welcoming UK tourists without proof of vaccines or negative tests from today.
    Fernando Valdés tells the BBC non-Spanish visitor numbers to his country have dropped by close to 85% in comparison with 2019.
    He says: "We are not trying to rush into this, we believe as other countries do, that the priortity is to tackle the virus, to tackle all related issues to the transmissions. We have learnt from the pandemic.
    "Worldwide we need to learn to work with the virus. We have learnt how to put in place tests, protection measures and other measures that give us the chance to gradually integrate international mobility in our schemes."

    Indian authorities investigate after mass funeral for horse

    Jill McGivering - South Asia editor
    The authorities in the south Indian state of Karnataka are investigating after hundreds of villagers violated coronavirus restrictions by parading through the streets during a mass funeral for a dead horse.
    Officials say they're now restricting the villagers' movements and testing them for the coronavirus.
    The horse was released into the village last week from a local Hindu ashram and, in a prayer ceremony, was dedicated to a local deity.
    Villagers hoped its presence would protect them from the coronavirus.
    But after several days of roaming freely, it died.
    Footage of Sunday's funeral showed crowds of people walking shoulder to shoulder, many without masks, then gathering for the final rites.
    Karnataka, and several of its neighbours, are subject to tight lockdown rules and public gatherings are forbidden.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°9

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:37

    Vaccine bus looks to tackle Indian variant

    A vaccine bus has been deployed to encourage people to have their coronavirus jab in areas where there are concerns over the Indian variant.
    The bus is currently in Bolton and will go to Blackburn this weekend - both places have some of the highest rates of coronavirus in the country and a surge in the Indian strain.
    Vaccine staff on the bus will offer jabs at mosques, colleges and leisure centres in the hope that making it more convenient will boost uptake.

    What are the foreign travel rules?

    With Spain now allowing Brits to travel without taking a Covid test on arrival it might be a good time to remind you of the UK rules on foreign trips.
    Despite the easing of the rules at the Spanish end the UK government says you should not visit most countries unless there are exceptional circumstances.
    It is legal for people across the UK to take foreign holidays but Welsh residents have been asked not to travel abroad.
    Spain is currently in the amber category of England's traffic light system meaning on your return you would be required to take a Covid test before departure as well as book and pay for tests on days two and eight of your return. You would also be required to quarantine for 10 days.
    People travelling from green list countries, such as Portugal and Iceland, have to take a test before departure and a test on day two of their return but do not need to quarantine.
    For red list countries you have to take a test before departure and quarantine at a government approved hotel for 10 days, which must be booked and paid for before travelling.
    You can read more here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°10

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:39

    What's been happening so far today?


    • People in nine areas of England will get more support to encourage them to self-isolate - for example alternative accommodation offered if they're living in crowded housing, or a "buddy" system for those who need mental health help. It's part of a government pilot aiming to increase the number of people self-isolating
    • It's lockdown easing day in Northern Ireland, where indoor socialising is now allowed in groups of up to six and hospitality can open inside. Here's the latest
    • Meanwhile in Wales, the number of people allowed to visit loved ones in care homes is being increased. However, it's still up to individual care homes and local authorities to change their rules
    • Spain has lifted travel rules for travellers from the UK (and Japan) from today - with no need for tourists to take a test before they arrive. However because it's still on the UK's amber list of countries, rules will apply for when people return
    • Cinema chain Cineworld has reported a "strong" weekend for ticket sales, after cinemas reopened in England, Scotland and Wales last week
    • A grim milestone has been reached in India, where now more than 300,000 people have died with the virus. Experts say that the true figure could be much higher. Only two other countries have recorded more than 300,000 deaths - the US and Brazil
    • And a new study suggests sniffer dogs trained to spot Covid could be used to screen people for the virus at airports or large events. The dogs were trained by smelling socks of people who'd had Covid and they got the vast majority correct.


    Nearly half of students met people indoors before rules changed - ONS

    Nearly half of students who have gone out say they have met up with people they do not live with indoors, new data shows.
    Experimental ONS figures released today found 92% of 1,129 students at English universities surveyed between 4 and 12 May said they had left their home or accommodation in the past seven days.
    Of those who had gone out at least once in the previous week, 47% said they had gone out to meet up indoors with friends or family that they do not live with.
    The survey was carried out before 17 May, when lockdown rules in England were relaxed to allow people to meet indoors in groups of six or two households, but people could still meet their support bubbles indoors.
    The findings show the rate has more than doubled since 21% reported doing the same in March, the ONS says.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°11

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:42

    Toronto's lockdown - a year without indoor dining

    If you're in the UK and relishing being back in restaurants and cafes, spare a thought for people living in Toronto in Canada with one of the longest indoor-dining bans in the world - more than 360 days.
    Ariel Teplitsky, a culture writer in the city says: "I'd do anything just to sit in a restaurant right now. It doesn't even matter what I'm eating or drinking. The last time that happened was early October, so I'm not fussy anymore.
    "Give me a plastic seat at a fast-food court and a mediocre burger, and I might even weep."
    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 26671310

    You've been unable to sit down to a meal in a Toronto restaurant for just over 360 of the days since the pandemic began. Compare that with Paris (over 260 days), London (259 days) or Hong Kong (two days).
    Toronto's lockdown has dragged on as Covid cases continued to climb this winter. Canada did not have a robust vaccine supply to quell the effects of variants, which led to a vicious third wave.
    Here's why Toronto had one of the world's longest lockdowns
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°12

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:46

    WHO must explore all possibilities of pandemic origins - No 10

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 F73d0910

    The World Health Organization's investigation into the origins of the pandemic needs to "explore all possible theories", Downing Street says, following reports that workers at Wuhan's virology laboratory were treated in hospital as far back as November 2019.
    A US intelligence report says three researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) sought hospital care a month before China reported the first cases of what became known as Covid-19, the Wall Street Journal reports.
    Asked about the report, the prime minister's official spokesman says: "The WHO investigation into the origins of the virus is ongoing and we have been clear throughout that it must be robust, transparent and independent.
    "The investigation needs to explore all possible theories on how Covid-19 made that jump from animals to humans and how it spread and that's vital to ensure we learn lessons from this crisis and prevent another global pandemic."

    Social distancing review could be pushed back by Indian variant

    The government could miss a target for publishing details of its plans for social distancing and coronavirus status certifications, due to the rise of the Indian variant.
    The reviews had been promised by the end of the month, ahead of announcements on whether step four of England's road map will go ahead on 21 June, but the timetable has been slipping in recent days.
    The prime minister's official spokesman says: "We will do it as soon as possible based on the latest data, which will help inform us what measures we can take around certification."
    The latest data on the Indian variant was needed and "that will allow us to make final decisions" on the issues, he says.
    "I think it's reasonable for a new variant such as this, and the need to gather as much data as possible to inform our decisions, it's right to take the time to get that information before making those final decisions."
    A decision on whether or not to proceed with step four on 21 June will be taken a week earlier on 14 June as planned, he says.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°13

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:52

    Rising numbers struggling to access NHS dentists in England

    Rising numbers of people in England are struggling to access NHS dentistry as the impact of the pandemic creates appointment backlogs, a leading patient watchdog is warning.
    Healthwatch England says it has seen calls and complaints rise by a fifth at the start of this year and some people had been asked to wait up to three years to see a dentist.
    But the government says work is under way to tackle the problems caused by the pandemic, such as opening extra urgent dental clinics prioritising vulnerable people and those in most need.
    Healthwatch England national director Imelda Redmond says the whole system needs reforming.
    Read more on this story.

    Half of appointments missed at Glasgow mass vaccine hub

    About half the people who were due to get a Covid jab at a mass vaccination centre in Glasgow failed to turn up over the weekend.
    The BBC has learned a "considerable" number of no shows were recorded on both Saturday and Sunday at the Hydro.
    The venue can administer a minimum of 4,000 vaccinations each day, with a capacity to scale up to 10,000.
    Glasgow has the highest coronavirus rates in the country at 133 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to 20 May.
    It is the only council area in Scotland under level three Covid restrictions and people aged 18 to 39 in certain postcode areas are being offered jabs early to tackle surging cases.
    You can read more on this story here.

    Public 'should be worried' about Covid resurgence

    People "should be worried" about a resurgence in Covid, the Welsh government's chief medical officer says.
    Dr Frank Atherton says a spike in the Indian variant to "around 57" cases from 28 last Thursday is "something we need to watch very carefully".
    He says most of these cases were in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, although they have been identified in all health board areas apart from Powys.
    He says measures such as social distancing and using face coverings were "the things that keep us safe" and there was a risk the situation could "go into reverse" if those measures were relaxed.
    "The public should be worried about the resurgence in coronavirus in general really," he says. "We have a small number of cases - 57 at the moment of the so-called Indian variant - but that will be an underestimate and I expect the numbers to rise."
    Read more.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°14

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 19:56

    More than 250 pupils isolating at Welsh school

    More than 250 pupils are isolating after 26 people tested positive for coronavirus at a Welsh school.
    In total 267 out of about 400 pupils have been sent home from West Park Primary, in Porthcawl, south Wales.
    Bridgend Council says parents have "been advised to remain alert" and online learning is being arranged.
    A spokesman says four staff and 22 pupils had tested positive. They say "all staff and most pupils" in year one were affected.
    There were also cases among pupils "in nursery, reception, year two and year three″, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.
    The council says 68 brothers and sisters of the pupils sent home have also been told to isolate, meaning a total of 335 people are home learning.

    Indian couple charter plane for mid-air wedding

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 6bfe7e10

    There are reports in India that a couple chartered a plane to hold a mid-air wedding with more than 160 guests in an effort to escape Covid restrictions.
    Video footage posted on social media appears to show the couple and their guests packed into a hired jet.
    The state of Tamil Nadu, where the flight is said to have originated, recently imposed tougher restrictions, limiting weddings to 50 guests.
    India's aviation authority has launched an investigation, reports say.
    An official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation tells the Times of India the SpiceJet staff aboard the flight had been taken off duty.
    A SpiceJet spokesperson tells the Indian Express the Boeing 737 was booked from Madurai to Bangalore by a travel agent for a trip after a wedding.
    The spokesperson says the client was "clearly briefed on Covid guidelines to be followed and denied permission for any activity to be performed on board".
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°15

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 20:01

    Breaking News

    Further three deaths reported in the UK

    A further three deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test have been reported across the UK.
    There were also a further 2,439 positive cases identified, according to the latest figures.
    An additional 126,357 people received their first dose of a vaccination, while 252,139 received a second jab.


    Three hotspots account for nearly half Indian variant in England

    Chris Jeavans - BBC News
    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 258f3b10

    Bolton, Blackburn and Bedford accounted for almost 900 cases of the variant first identified in India, in the latest week of available data.
    Genomic analysis by the Sanger Institute for the week of 9-15 May, found a total of 1,900 cases of the B.1.617.2 variant across England.
    Of these, 611 were in Bolton, 145 in Blackburn with Darwen and 126 in Bedford.
    All regions of England saw some cases of the variant, with numbers and rates generally highest in the North West - as seen on this map.
    Sequencing positive coronavirus test results to find out which variant they contain takes several days so there is always a lag in the data.
    However, this picture is broadly similar to the findings Public Health England put out at the weekend.
    PHE also found almost half of all the coronavirus cases it had sequenced in the most recent week were B.1.617.2 and that prevalence of the variant had risen rapidly.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°16

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 20:05

    How big can weddings be this summer?

    Northern Ireland is the latest UK nation to update its rules on weddings.
    From today, there is no government limit on the number of people allowed at wedding ceremonies in NI. But that doesn't mean you can have unlimited numbers - instead, the limit depends on how many people each venue can safely accommodate.
    Face masks must also be worn by guests in the ceremony, and while receptions can go ahead, there are some rules.
    Tables must be no bigger than 10 guests (except for the top table), the wedding couple can only have one dance and live music is not allowed.
    The rules in England and Wales currently limit the total number of people to 30, while in Scotland the limit is 50 providing people can socially distance.
    For more information on the latest rules, head here.

    'No plan B' over fans at Hampden

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 73823410

    There is no "plan B" for fans inside Hampden at Euro 2020 if Glasgow remains in Scottish government level three restrictions, says the Scottish Football Association.
    Doubts exist over whether supporters will still be allowed in for the four matches at Scotland's national stadium.
    A minimum crowd of 12,000 has been agreed with Uefa for those games, but no fans were allowed to attend Saturday's Scottish Cup final.
    "The games will be at Hampden," says SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell.
    "There can't be any plan B in terms of spectators because of ticket sales and stadium processes and all of those things, but hopefully we don't need to get to that point."
    Maxwell says the SFA is in daily contact with the Scottish government about the Covid-19 situation in Glasgow. The local authority area is currently the only one in Scotland in level three, meaning large crowds are prohibited in the city.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°17

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 20:11

    'Concern' over Covid rise in Clackmannanshire

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 D92d6e10

    Clackmannanshire has overtaken Glasgow City as having the highest Covid rate in Scotland.
    New figures show the region had a seven-day average rate of 139.7 cases per 100,000 people compared to Glasgow City's 136.8.
    The equivalent case rate for the whole of the UK is 23 per 100,000 people
    Glasgow is the only part of Scotland under level three Covid restrictions.
    Health Secretary Humza Yousaf says: "Clackmannanshire has a really small population, so even four, five, six households testing positive can really make the numbers look like they're shooting up. But it is a concerning situation."
    Residents have been encouraged to take a Covid test and extra test facilities have been set up. You can read more here.

    School closes over Covid cases

    A secondary school in Middlesbrough is closing for the rest of the week following a number of positive Covid cases.
    Students at The King's Academy in Coulby Newham will continue their learning online after Middlesbrough Council closed the school after Covid infections were found in all year groups.
    A mobile testing unit will soon be set up in the grounds with all students and staff encouraged to have a PCR test.
    Principal David Dawes says: "We've acted quickly in response to a small number of cases. We will always put the safety of the wider community first."
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°18

    Coronavirus - 24th May 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 24th May 2021

    Post by Kitkat Mon 24 May 2021, 20:14

    Here's a reminder of today's headlines

    We're about to bring our coverage to a close but here is a little reminder of some of today's headlines from around the world:

    • The head of the World Health Organization says the uneven distribution of vaccines is "scandalous" and says all health workers and elderly people worldwide could be vaccinated by now
    • UK travellers to Spain no longer have to take a test on arrival after the country eased restrictions on arrivals. But the UK government still recommends against travelling to Spain which is on its amber list
    • The first international flight out of Scotland since lockdown measures eased arrived in Portugal with some 120 passengers
    • In Northern Ireland restaurants, cafes, bars and other hospitality venues began operating indoors again today in another sign of a return to normality
    • The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in India has passed 300,000 as the country continues to grapple with a deadly surge of the virus
    • Back in the UK shopper numbers are almost three quarters lower than before the pandemic despite the reopening of retail businesses.


    Thank you for joining us

    And that's it from us today.
    This coverage has been brought to you by Francesca Gillett, Doug Faulkner, Jennifer Meierhans, Rob Corp and James Clarke.
    Thanks for joining us and we will be back again tomorrow to bring you the latest coronavirus news from across the world.
    • Back to top
    « View previous topic · View next topic »

      Current date/time is Sun 28 Apr 2024, 07:50