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 - 1st June 2021

    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°1

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 14:46

    Summary for Tuesday, 1st June

    • Zero daily Covid deaths are announced in UK for first time since the pandemic began
    • Cases remain above 3,000 amid concerns over the Delta variant first found in India
    • Glasgow will see restrictions ease slightly from Saturday after 277 days of tough restrictions
    • But many parts of Scotland will not proceed to the next step of the country's roadmap out of lockdown
    • First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says easing must pause in much of Scotland's central belt
    • She says there is not an "all size fits all" policy as other areas proceed to the lower level one curbs
    • Meanwhile, a scientist says the idea the "job is done is wrong" on the coronavirus pandemic in the UK
    • Prof Adam Finn warns many are still vulnerable and unlocking too soon could require a U-turn later
    • Peru has more than doubled its Covid death toll following a review, making it the country with the world's highest death rate per capita
    • In Sweden, bar opening hours are extended as curbs ease, as Italy sees a return to indoor dining

    Hello and welcome to our live coverage of coronavirus developments this Tuesday.
    We will be bringing you updates from the UK and around the world throughout the day.

    Latest headlines from the UK

    Here are some of the main developments in the UK this morning:


    Idea the job is done in the UK is wrong – scientist

    Today Programme - BBC Radio 4
    The UK remains vulnerable despite the success of its vaccination programme, a leading scientist says, as he warns that easing all curbs on 21 June, as planned in England, could lead to a U-turn.
    Prof Adam Finn, who sits on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, tells BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “the idea the job is done is wrong” with large numbers still unvaccinated.
    "There's vulnerability across the country. The idea that somehow the job is done, is wrong," he says.
    "We've still got a lot of people out there who've neither had this virus... nor yet been immunized, and that's why we're in a vulnerable position right now.”
    He says while there are people who are fed up of worrying about easing restrictions a more infectious virus will “reach people who are vulnerable - those who did not make a good response to the vaccine, those who have not yet had their doses".
    Finn adds "that will be a problem for everyone because in the end it will be worse economically as well as for public health if we end up having to shut down again”.

    What are the latest global developments?

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 C30fc310
    Health workers in Peru are fighting against the world's highest Covid death rate

    Here are some of the latest Covid updates from around the world:

    • Nearly 171 million cases of Covid have been reported worldwide since the pandemic began, according to Johns Hopkins University data
    • The global death toll has also climbed to over 3.5 million. The US, India and Brazil continue to have the highest number of cases and deaths
    • After a review of official data, Peru now has the world’s largest Covid death rate per capita, overtaking Hungary
    • The number of deaths has more than doubled in the Latin American country, from 69,342 to 180,282
    • The World Health Organization has announced a new naming system for variants of Covid-19, aiming to simplify discussions and remove stigmas around the names
    • The UK variant, for instance, has been re-labelled as Alpha, and the Indian variant, Delta
    • The European Commission – the EU’s executive body – has proposed that member states exempt vaccinated travellers from having to quarantine between EU nations
    • The exemption would depend on the use of an EU Digital Covid Certificate – a form with a QR code showing people’s vaccination status – which is on track to be ready by the end of June
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°2

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 19:26

    Situation ‘very delicately balanced’, says ex-chief scientist

    BBC Breakfast
    Prof Sir Mark Walport, the former chief scientific adviser, says the situation in the UK is “very delicately balanced” and we need more data ahead of the proposed 21 June release from restrictions in England.
    He tells BBC Breakfast the number of infections are going up and the B.1.617.2 variant - first identified in India and now known as "Delta" - is becoming dominant.
    But on a positive note hospitalisations, he says, do not seem to be rising - “if anything they are coming down”.
    He says he hopes that it is not the beginning of a third wave but says it is “not impossible”.
    "I'm afraid that weeks before the prime minister has to make the difficult decision it is going to be necessary to bring in the data," Walport adds.

    Peru revises death toll to reveal world’s highest Covid death rate

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 6031ef10

    Peru’s Covid death toll has more than doubled after a review of official figures – giving it the world’s highest death rate per capita, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
    The official number of deaths has jumped from 69,342 to 180,282, in line with so-called excess death figures – a measure of how many more people are dying than would be expected, based on historic data.
    Prime Minister Violeta Bermudez told reporters it was “our duty to make public this updated information".
    The new figures put Peru’s Covid death toll at more than 500 per 100,000 people, overtaking Hungary, which previously had the world’s highest rate.
    Peru has been one of the worst-hit countries in Latin America, resulting in an overstretched healthcare system and a lack of oxygen.
    Read more here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°3

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 19:30

    Stuffy classrooms and workplaces among causes of Lancashire's rising infections

    Today Programme - BBC Radio 4
    A lack of ventilation in workplaces and schools is one of the problems amid Lancashire's rising coronavirus infections, its public health director Dr Sakthi Karunanithi says.
    Karunanithi outlines some of the potential causes of surging case numbers there:

    • the more transmissible form of the virus, first identified in India, and now spreading in parts of Lancashire
    • many people in hotspot areas not being fully vaccinated due to lack of access or hesitancy
    • and gatherings in settings that are not fully ventilated such as workplaces or schools, and the "vulnerable socio-economic environment"

    On the latter, he says some places have not been prioritised for faster protection, despite some having been seen as hotspots during the first and second wave of the pandemic.
    To keep the transmission of the virus low, Karunanithi tells BBC Radio 4's Today programme it would make sense to "space the lifting of restrictions in a way that more of the vulnerable populations get two vaccinations first".
    But he says the easing of lockdown is not just about reducing infections, with factors such as the economy and education also needing to be considered.

    Analysis: A true picture emerges in Peru

    Will Grant - BBC News
    Peruvians had long suspected they weren't getting the true picture of the country's dire coronavirus situation from the government.
    The revised figure for Covid-19 related deaths shows they were right to be doubtful. In fact, the government has admitted the real number is more than twice the previous figure.
    A government working group of experts, formed to analyse Peru's data, published the revised figures after establishing broader criteria by which deaths from coronavirus were recorded.
    Now that the narrower definition has been abandoned, the country's per capita death toll is in fact much higher than Brazil's.
    Such a figure coincides more closely to the anecdotal evidence coming from hospitals and intensive care units across the country and with the images of cemeteries struggling to find space for the high number of burials each day.
    Meanwhile, the process of vaccination has been slow and beset with difficulties across most of South America.
    Read more here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°4

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 19:38

    India reports lowest daily Covid case rise since 8 April

    India's health ministry has reported 127,510 new cases of coronavirus over the last 24 hours - its lowest daily rise since 8 April - as deaths rose by 2,795.
    The south Asian nation's tally now stands at 28.2 million infections and 331,895 deaths.
    India is grappling with one of the world's largest outbreaks, with has been severely over-stretching the country's healthcare system.
    But the new figures will provide hope the country is over the peak of its latest wave of infections.

    EU hopes to make holidays easier with Covid app

    Today Programme - BBC Radio 4
    The EU's ambassador to the UK says he hopes those wanting to holiday in Europe later this summer will find the process a lot easier.
    Joao Vale de Almeida tells BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I hope many, many British citizens will come to our countries and I hope many EU citizens will visit the UK."
    He says that the bloc wants a digital Covid certificate to pave the way for less stressful travel.
    "We're hopeful that some time later in the summer, around July, we could be in a situation where travel and tourism will be made a lot easier," he adds.

    What would moving to level one mean for Scotland?

    Nicola Sturgeon is due to update Scotland later on whether the country can move into level one restrictions
    But what does this involve?
    Among the changes that come with level one are:

    • Up to six people from three households to meet inside and stay overnight
    • There is no need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home
    • Travel around Scotland is permitted but you cannot enter somewhere with level three restrictions
    • You can also travel to other parts of the UK as long as you follow their rules
    • Shops and leisure attractions are open, including soft play and funfairs, but nightclubs and adult entertainment remain closed

    According to the Scottish government's roadmap all areas in level two are due to move down a step on 7 June.
    But Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has warned there may been a delay for parts of the country where Covid cases are rising rapidly.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°5

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 19:41

    The latest updates from Europe


    • Sweden is loosening restrictions today, with bars and pubs allowed to stay open two hours later in the evening, and cinemas, theatres and other indoor venues allowed to hold up to 50 people, with social distancing measures in place. Outdoor sports arenas are also reopening
    • Italy is also easing its rules, with restaurants beginning to serve customers indoors, and sports stadiums welcoming spectators – albeit at a lower capacity. On Sunday, the country recorded its lowest number of daily cases since October
    • In Turkey, the daily overnight curfew will begin an hour later from today and restaurants will reopen to a limited number of customers. The country went into lockdown for three weeks in late April following a spike in cases
    • Germany has pledged to crack down on fraud at coronavirus testing centres, after reports emerged that a some had been claiming government funding for tests that had not been carried out
    • France opened up Covid-19 vaccines to all adults on Monday, in what Prime Minister Jean Castex described as a symbolic day. President Emmanuel Macron was among those who received a jab, tweeting: “Vaccinated!”


    Germany lowers Covid risk level

    Jenny Hill - BBC Berlin correspondent
    Germany has lowered its coronavirus risk assessment from very high to high.
    It’s the first time in six months that the Robert Koch Institute, which advises the government on its pandemic response, has lowered the assessment.
    But the country’s health minister warned that, while the situation was improving, Germany was still in the middle of the pandemic.
    Jens Spahn said that up to 90% of those who wanted a vaccine should receive one by the middle of July.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°6

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 19:45

    First flight for Heathrow's new dedicated red list terminal

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 4d9e8610

    A flight from Mumbai, India, is due to be the first to arrive at Heathrow's Terminal 3 - which has been opened as a dedicated terminal for arrivals from high risk countries.
    There are 43 countries on the red list but direct flights are permitted from only a few of them, including India.
    Heathrow says its top priority is protecting the public and helping reduce the risk of new variants.
    Anyone who has been in a red list country in the previous 10 days is required to pay for quarantine in a hotel for 10 nights after their arrival.
    However, there has been concern at reports that travellers from red list areas were mixing with other passengers in immigration halls, where they could be waiting for several hours on occasion.

    Iraq reports first black fungus death

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 36dc5210
    Mucor mould is found in soil, plants, manure and decaying fruits

    Iraqi health officials have registered the country's first death from mucormycosis, known as black fungus, which is linked to a Covid treatment.
    The fungus was detected in a patient in the country's Dhi Qar Province, according to local media, and three other cases have been confirmed.
    Mucormycosis is a very rare infection caused by exposure to mucor mould which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables.
    It's believed that the fungus, which has an overall mortality rate of 50%, may be being triggered by the use of steroids - a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients.
    Doctors first reported a wave of mucormycosis cases in India, which is grappling with in one of the world's worst Covid outbreaks.
    Read more about the condition here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°7

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 19:49

    First athletes arrive in Japan for Tokyo Olympics

    Members of Australia's women's softball team have become the first international athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics.
    The team has been vaccinated against Covid-19 and will be tested for the virus every day. None tested positive for coronavirus upon entry to the country.
    The athletes will attend a training camp in the city of Ota before moving to the Athletes' Village in Tokyo on 17 July.
    The Games were due to be held in 2020, but were delayed to 23 July this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Japan itself is battling a surge in Covid cases.
    Organisers are set to decide this month how many spectators - if any - will be allowed to attend the major sports event.
    Read more here.

    Analysis: Has there been a rise in hospital admissions?

    Robert Cuffe - BBC head of statistics
    In most of the UK, cases are rising gradually while hospital admissions are flat or falling. But Scotland and the North West of England tell a different story.
    Cases in both areas have been doubling roughly every fortnight across the last month.
    And admissions are following, doubling roughly monthly in the North West and every fortnight in Scotland.
    London too is seeing rising cases and admissions, albeit more slowly.
    And we are still seeing small numbers: in all three areas the number of people in hospital with coronavirus is less than 5% of what it was at the end of January.
    Vaccines reduce the number of people with coronavirus who get really ill.
    But as cases go up, inevitably some people end up in hospital.
    The key question for those analysing the data between now and 14 June is, how much of this is part of what we expected and planned for as society opens up again, and how much is the variant?
    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 10923510
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°8

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:02

    The latest headlines in the UK

    Apologies for the gremlins in our system which slowed down our posts this morning. Let's get back up to speed with the latest headlines in the UK this Tuesday afternoon:

    • The success of the UK's vaccination programme does not mean that the battle with Covid is over, a leading scientist has warned amid calls to delay ending restrictions in England on 21 June
    • A lack of ventilation in workplaces and schools is one of the factors behind Lancashire's rising coronavirus infections, its public health director [url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-57313078?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=60b5e6b4e7130202defa3f8c%26Stuffy classrooms and workplaces among causes of Lancashire%27s rising]has said[/url]
    • Boris Johnson has a "moral duty" to share some of the UK's coronavirus vaccines with developing nations to prevent a "humanitarian disaster", MPs and peers have said
    • The economy in Northern Ireland should return to its pre-Covid level of output by the first half of 2023, according to a group of economists
    • Russia has announced that it will allow flights to the UK to resume from 2 June, but travel restrictions to Turkey and Tanzania have been extended for another three weeks
    • We'll shortly be hearing from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about whether Scotland can move to level one restrictions


    Latest developments from across the world

    Let's catch up with what's been happening around the world:

    • Peru has more than doubled its Covid death toll following a review, making it the country with the world's highest death rate per capita, according to Johns Hopkins University data
    • India's health ministry has reported 127,510 new cases of coronavirus over the last 24 hours - its lowest daily rise since 8 April - as deaths rose by 2,795
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) is renaming Covid variants with Greek letters in an attempt to simplify discussions and remove stigma
    • The EU's ambassador to the UK says he hopes those wanting to holiday in Europe later this summer will find the process a lot easier, with many British citizens coming to the EU and many EU citizens visiting the UK
    • Poland said it will offer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to children as young as 12
    • Germany has lowered its coronavirus risk assessment from very high to high - for the first time in six months
    • Iraq has recorded its first death from mucormycosis, known as black fungus, which is linked to a Covid treatment
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°9

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:05

    Analysis: Have lockdowns made a lasting impact on air pollution?

    Mark Kinver - Environment reporter, BBC News
    After much of the world went into lockdown last year, the impact on air quality could be seen with the naked eye.
    In India, people took to social media to post images of clear skies after an estimated of 90% road journeys were stopped.
    Air pollution kills an estimated seven million people a year, and is one of the most devastating forms of environmental damage.
    So what has been the impact of the world's lockdowns?
    Unfortunately, the World Meterological Organization (WMO) say the global response to the pandemic has had little impact on the continued rise in atmospheric concentrations of CO2.
    Although carbon emissions fell dramatically this year as a result of lockdowns cutting transport usage and industry production, data from the WMO showed that it had only marginally slowed the overall rise in concentrations.
    Despite the calls to build back greener, it seemed as if the priority was business-as-normal, regardless of the cost.
    Read Mark's full analysis here.

    The city locked down for nine months

    When Nicola Sturgeon makes a statement about restrictions in the Scottish Parliament from 14:00 BST, one city will be paying close attention.
    While reopening has been happening across most parts of the UK, Glasgow is nearing nine months under some of the strictest curbs.
    People are forbidden from mixing in each other's homes, pubs are closed for indoor drinking and no one is allowed to visit or leave the city without good reason.
    Rising case rates driven by the variant first found in India have seen restrictions remain in Glasgow, while rules ease across the rest of Scotland.
    Glasgow is currently in level three of Scotland's restrictions system, while most of the mainland is in level two and many of the islands level one.
    You can read more about the situation in the city here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°10

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:09

    Explained: What are Scotland's coronavirus levels?

    Ahead of the announcement of what rules easing can take place in Scotland here is a reminder of the nation's coronavirus levels.

    • Level zero (nearly normal) - hospitality operates "almost normally" - subject to rules on physical distancing, limits on numbers and table service
    • Level one (medium) - no need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home, travel around Scotland is permitted and you can also travel to other parts of the UK as long as you follow their rules
    • Level two (high) - no need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home, travel around Scotland is permitted but you cannot enter somewhere with level three restrictions. You can also go to other parts of the UK. Shops and leisure attractions are open, but soft play, funfairs and nightclubs remain closed
    • Level three (very high) - six people from two households can gather at an indoor public place such as a cafe or restaurant, groups of up to six from six households can meet outdoors, but there is no indoor visits to private homes. Shops and many leisure facilities can open, but cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues cannot
    • Level four (lockdown) - small outdoor gatherings, essential shops open but hospitality closed

    You can find more details here.

    Breaking News 

    Glasgow to move to level two restrictions

    "The situation in Glasgow is stabilising," Sturgeon says, as she confirms the city will move down to level two restrictions from Saturday.
    She asks everyone to remember that cases still remain high and to be cautious.
    And although limited indoor meetings are allowed, meeting outside is safer, she says.
    Read more about Scotland's levels here.


    Breaking News

    Scotland Covid hotspots to stay in level two curbs

    Nicola Sturgeon announces a pause in the roadmap out of lockdown for parts of Scotland.
    There are some parts of Scotland that are not currently meeting the critera for level one restrictions either in case numbers or test postivity, she says. These places must be held in level two, she says.
    "If we looked at just the raw numbers it could be argued that some of these areas should be in level three," she says, explaining that the vaccine has changed the calculation.
    As well as Glasgow this applies to East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, the three Ayrshires, North and South Lanarkshire and Clackmannanshire and Stirling.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°11

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:12

    Many parts of mainland Scotland have low case numbers - FM

    The first minister says there are still many areas of mainland Scotland where cases are at low levels and broadly stable.
    The following areas will move to level one from 00:01 BST on Saturday:
    These are:

    • Highland,
    • Argyll and Bute
    • Aberdeen City
    • Aberdeenshire
    • Moray
    • Angus
    • Perth and Kinross
    • Falkirk
    • Fife
    • Inverclyde,
    • East and West Lothian,
    • West Dunbartonshire,
    • Dumfries and Galloway
    • and the Borders.

    In these areas, limits on meetings indoors will increase to eight people from three households and 12 outdoors.

    Some island areas moving to lowest level zero

    Some areas are moving to level zero from Saturday, the first minister says.
    Sturgeon says Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles as well as a number of small islands which are already in level one can now move to the lowest level.
    She says that there are very low numbers of cases in the areas as she urges visitors to be extra cautious.

    Level two is not lockdown - Sturgeon

    Nicola Sturgeon explains that she does "not want to keep a single part of this country in tougher restrictions or any restrictions for longer than necessary".
    "But I do have a duty to continue to navigate us through this safely and where necessary cautiously so that we can keep our progress overall," she adds.
    The first minister says level two restrictions are "still tough" but "it is not lockdown".
    People can still go into other people's homes and hospitality can reopen indoors, describing these as "important steps forward".

    Re-cap: What's happening in Scotland?

    We've just finished hearing from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who says Scotland is at a "delicate and fragile point" in its handling of the virus.
    Here's a summary of her statement:

    • Glasgow will move to level two restrictions from 00:01 BST on Saturday, after nine months under tougher rules
    • Much of [url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-57315163?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=60b633c24e3da602ed2a85cb%26Many areas to be held at level two%262021-06-01t13%3a20%3a14.978z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:485c8aab-f149-441a-9540-f63c77fbe6e7&pinned_post_asset_id=60b633c24e3da602ed2a85cb&pinned_post_type=share]Scotland's central belt[/url] will stay in level two, including including Edinburgh, Dundee and Stirling, as it faces high case numbers and test positivity rates
    • But [url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-scotland-57315163?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=60b634654e3da602ed2a85cc%26Other areas move to level 1%262021-06-01t13%3a26%3a16.782z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:37a0edf3-7dca-4b2a-a992-17e837954e6b&pinned_post_asset_id=60b634654e3da602ed2a85cc&pinned_post_type=share]other areas[/url] will move to level one restrictions
    • Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles and a number of small, remote islands will move from level one to level zero
    • Sturgeon said "none of our decisions take us backwards", adding that she's confident people will enjoy "much greater normality" over summer if we make cautious decisions now


    • Scotland's R number is "almost certainly" above one, meaning the pandemic is growing
    • Another 478 cases were reported yesterday in Scotland, 106 people are currently in hospital, and ten people in intensive care
    • No deaths were reported yesterday, meaning the total number of deaths in Scotland remains at 7,669
    • As of 07:30 BST this morning, 72% of the adult population have had their first dose of a vaccine in Scotland, and 46% have had their second dose

    Read our full story here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°12

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:16

    'No data yet' to suggest delay to England's lockdown plan - No 10

    Away from Scotland, Boris Johnson has not yet seen any data to suggest he should delay the ending of all legal lockdown restrictions on 21 June in England, Downing Street says.
    Asked about the prime minister's plans amid warnings over the spread of the Indian variant, a No 10 spokesman says: "I was going to point to what the PM said on Thursday."
    On Thursday, Johnson said: "I don't see anything currently in the data" to divert from the 21 June target for the next stage of exiting lockdown. But he did concede that "we may need to wait" for more data.
    The spokesman continues: "The prime minister has said on a number of occasions that we haven't seen anything in the data but we will continue to look at the data, we will continue to look at the latest scientific evidence as we move through June towards 21 June."
    It comes after a scientist suggested the 21 June easing should be delayed to avoid having to U-turn later.

    Concerns over 'white fungus' superbug among India patients

    We have previously reported on the rise of mucormycosis - known as the black fungus infection - in India and earlier today in Iraq, which recorded its first death from the fungus.
    But there are rising concerns about another fungus affecting Indian patients, known as Candida auris (C. auris), which is sometimes called "white fungus".
    This drug-resistant fungus was discovered a little over a decade ago, and is one of the world's most feared hospital microbes.
    This bloodstream infection is the most frequently detected germ in critical-care units around the world and has a mortality rate of around 70%.
    "We are seeing an increased number of patients with the infection during the second wave of Covid-19. There are a lot of sick people in the ICUs and many of them are on high steroid doses. That could be the reason," Dr Om Srivastava, a Mumbai-based infectious diseases specialist, told the BBC.
    Read more here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°13

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:21

    Taiwan media address consequences of lockdown

    Kerry Allen - BBC Monitoring, Chinese Media Analyst
    The number of cases remain high in Taiwan, with another 267 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours, and a further 13 deaths. Initially, the island largely avoided a domestic outbreak as it implemented strict quarantine procedures and banned flights from overseas.
    But it is currently undergoing what are called level three restrictions. All but essential businesses are closed and a mask mandate has been in place since 20 May. Taiwan's lockdown tiers are similar to those implemented in England; level four would be a full lockdown.
    This is the first extended period of time that people in Taiwan have experienced anything like a lockdown. During the early stages of the pandemic, a level two alert was issued, but many businesses remained open.
    This latest wave in Taiwan means that media are starting to address the impact that “near-lockdown” is having on local Taiwanese. The Taipei Times notes that the latest restrictions have impacted disadvantaged families, who “have faced a decrease in income, furloughs and business closures”.
    Labour union representatives have upped calls for the government “to distribute Covid-19 relief funds directly to workers”, the newspaper reports.
    It also notes what impact the measures have had on people’s mental health, with “an increase in domestic disputes in the past few weeks”.
    A social worker in Taoyuan tells the paper that couples have struggled with “feelings of anxiety and frustration”, and that parents have also found it difficult to deal with the added stress of childcare, as schools are currently closed.

    Debate needed over UK's long-term approach to virus, says expert

    The World at One - BBC Radio 4
    With rising cases of the Covid variant first identified in India there is some debate among experts about whether England's planned 21 June lockdown lifting should go ahead.
    Downing Street says the prime minister has seen nothing in the data to divert from the proposed date but will continue to look at the latest scientific advice.
    Danny Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College London, is one of those who cautions against lifting restrictions in England on 21 June.
    He tells BBC Radio 4's the World at One programme: "If we got to a stage where we have a two dose vaccine delivered through the age group, I think we'd be in a fairly safe situation but we're not there yet."
    Asked whether it should be accepted that there will be a constant background level of infection, he says: "That boils down to a profound policy debate maybe we need to have, and can't be whisked through by a sleight of hand, that says what kind of country do we want to be in the next one or two or five years or 10 years.
    "And different countries will make different choices about whether they want to try to get as close as possible to elimination or whether they want to tolerate a percolating level of susceptibility to this variant and the next variant forever more and those will have enormous implications."
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°14

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:26

    What do under-30s need to know about the vaccine?

    The UK's vaccine rollout is now reaching younger adults:

    • In England, people aged 30 and over can book online or by calling 119
    • In Scotland, people aged 30 and over are being invited for a vaccination
    • In Wales vaccines to everyone aged 18 and over can get a vaccine
    • In Northern Ireland, people aged 18 and over can book online or call 0300 200 7813

    But what vaccine will you get, can you drink alcohol afterwards, and what about if you've got long Covid?
    We've got the answers here.

    Breaking News 

    UK records no coronavirus deaths

    Today is the first day that the government has announced no coronavirus deaths in every nation of the UK since the start of the pandemic.
    However, reports of daily deaths rise and fall throughout the week and are often lower immediately after weekends and bank holidays.
    The daily figure refers to deaths that were reported today rather than those that happened today.
    Sadly, it is likely there will have been deaths today and they will be reported in days to come.
    The total number of people to die within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in the UK is 127,782.
    There were also 3,165 new infections recorded today.

    Though pandemic is far from over, we can celebrate this news

    Robert Cuffe - BBC head of statistics
    It is a blessed relief for the government to announce no deaths in their daily figures for the first time since the pandemic got going. There are always ifs and buts.
    Today’s deaths tell us what was happening with infections a month ago and, right now, it looks like the virus is on the rise again from its current low base.
    And the daily count isn’t a perfect picture: some people who died over the bank holiday may have their passing reported tomorrow.
    In fact, according to the UK’s current definition, deaths within four weeks of a positive test, there was a day with no reportable deaths last summer – on 30 July.
    But the government did announce some deaths on that day as they were using a different definition at the time.
    The pandemic far from over, but today is a unique day in its history to date.
    We can celebrate it and hope that we’ll see more like it in the near future.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°15

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:28

    EU digital certificates to enable summer travel go live

    The European Commission has activated a system for member states to verify digital Covid certificates so citizens can travel within the bloc over the summer.
    Hailing the development as another milestone, the commission said the system would allow countries to use a QR code on the certificate to check that a person had been vaccinated, had recovered or had tested negative.
    It said it would be done without violating privacy, adding that the certificates would be free and available in digital or paper format.
    Seven states - Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Poland - are ready to take part and the commission wants the remaining 20 up and running by July.
    https://twitter.com/EU_Commission/status/1399670116640493571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1399670116640493571%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flive%2Fuk-57313078
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°16

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:30

    WHO approves China's Sinovac vaccine for emergency use

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the Sinovac vaccine for emergency use - becoming the second Chinese jab to receive the green light from the agency.
    The "WHO today validated the Sinovac-CoronaVac Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving countries, funders, procuring agencies and communities the assurance that it meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing," it said in a statement.
    https://twitter.com/ImogenFoulkes/status/1399736478847180803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1399736478847180803%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flive%2Fuk-57313078
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°17

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:34

    Zero deaths milestone comes amid uncertainty over lockdown ending

    As we've been reporting, the government has announced zero Covid deaths in all four nations of the UK.
    There was a day in July last year when there were no reported deaths but that was put in the dataset retrospectively, after death data changed to within 28 days of a positive test.
    Today is the first time during the pandemic that Government has announced zero deaths in its daily update.
    But this milestone comes amid calls to delay easing Covid restrictions in England on 21 June amid warnings of a third wave of infections.
    The UK's daily death rate, the number of people being admitted to hospital and those catching the virus have fallen from January's peak.
    And some 74.9% of the adult population have received a first dose of Covid vaccine and more than a third have had both doses.
    You can read more on this story here.

    Moscow sees jump in Covid cases

    BBC Monitoring - The world through its media
    The number of new Covid-19 cases in Moscow has surged by more than 40% in the past 24 hours, according to official data from Russia’s coronavirus headquarters.
    The HQ said it had recorded 3,669 new cases and 62 deaths in the Russian capital on 1 June, up from 2,614 new cases and 55 deaths on 31 May.
    With the exception of two days in May, the last time the number of new cases in Moscow was this high was in January, the Ekho Moskvy radio station reported.
    Nationally, the HQ recorded 9,500 new cases in Russia on 1 June, up from 8,475 the previous day.
    Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has linked the growing number of Covid-19 cases to a 10-day national holiday that Russians enjoyed in early May.
    “Many people were at their country house, at home, and did not really want to go to clinics and hospitals for almost 10 days. And after the start of the working days, they came [to hospital] with all of this,” he was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency on 30 May.
    About 20,000 people have died in Moscow since the start of the pandemic and almost 122,000 people have died in Russia as a whole, according to the country’s coronavirus headquarters, which has faced accusations of underreporting the death toll.
    Data published in April by the country’s Rosstat state statistics service suggests a much higher figure of 224,000 people dying following infection with the virus throughout 2020 and the first two months of 2021.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°18

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:37

    What are the rules for travelling from green, yellow and red countries?

    A terminal serving travellers from red-list countries has opened at London's Heathrow Airport.
    Only British and Irish nationals and UK residents are allowed to travel to the UK from countries in the highest risk category and they must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days on arrival.
    Here is a reminder of the traffic light system in England (other parts of the UK have similar rules):

    • Green - holidaymakers can visit green list countries without having to quarantine on their return, but they do need to take a test before departing and have proof of a negative result as well as booking a test for day two of their return
    • Amber - if travelling from an amber country you will need to quarantine for 10 days, take a test before departing and have proof of a negative result, as well as booking a tests for day two and eight of your return
    • Red - you must self-isolate in a government approved hotel for 10 days at personal expense and take a test before departure with proof of a negative result

    Here is a full guide on the travel rules.

    What happened when a whole town in Brazil was vaccinated?

    A Brazilian town has seen a 95% drop in Covid-19 deaths after almost all adults were vaccinated as part of an experiment, researchers say.
    Serrana in south-eastern Brazil saw cases plunge after a mass vaccination with the Chinese-developed CoronaVac.
    The research team conducting the experiment said those who had not been vaccinated were also protected by the reduction in the virus's circulation.
    The findings suggest the pandemic can be controlled after 75% of people are fully dosed up.
    The town of 45,000 was divided into four areas to help determine the threshold for containing the virus.
    The team said this was achieved after three areas, or about 75% of the population over the age of 18, had been given both doses.
    When 95% of adults were fully vaccinated, they said the results showed that:

    • Deaths fell by 95%
    • Hospitalisations fell by 86%
    • Symptomatic cases fell by 80%

    Read more here.
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°19

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:40

    How significant is a day without Covid deaths?

    This is the first day the UK government has formally announced zero coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began.
    While it may be "zero deaths" by the government's tally, it does not mean zero caution.
    Many under-50s are yet to have their jabs, with vaccination rates among people from ethnic minorities lagging behind the average.
    There are also emerging variants to contend with, including the Indian variant which has been causing spikes of infection in some areas.
    So the questions experts will be trying to answer are to do with whether the balance of measures is right and whether they are in place at the right time to prevent things from getting out of control.
    The ultimate message is things are getting better, but it is not over yet.
    Read more here.

    'Vaccines clearly working' - health secretary

    Health Secretary Matt Hancock says "the whole country will be so glad" the government announced no Covid-related deaths today.
    He says: "The vaccines are clearly working - protecting you, those around you and your loved ones.
    "But despite this undoubtedly good news we know we haven’t beaten this virus yet, and with cases continuing to rise please remember hands, face, space and let in fresh air when indoors, and of course, make sure when you can you get both jabs.”
    • Back to top
    Kitkat
    Kitkat
    Kitkat

    • Post n°20

    Coronavirus - 1st June 2021 Empty Re: Coronavirus - 1st June 2021

    Post by Kitkat Tue 01 Jun 2021, 20:44

    What happened in the UK today?

    We're bringing our live coverage of coronavirus developments to a close shortly. To re-cap:

    • The UK has announced zero daily Covid deaths within 28 days of a positive test for the first time since the pandemic began last March. However, it comes amid concern over a recent small rise in cases linked to the variant first identified in India
    • The easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland has been paused for millions - but rules are to be relaxed in Glasgow from Saturday
    • The success of the UK's vaccination programme does not mean that the battle with Covid is over, a leading scientist has warned amid calls to delay ending restrictions in England on 21 June
    • The number of children waiting at least a year for mental health treatment has almost trebled to 2,012 since the pandemic hit
    • A whole generation of children may have been left "traumatised" during the pandemic, social workers have warned as part of a BBC investigation
    • The economy in Northern Ireland should return to its pre-Covid level of output by the first half of 2023, according to a group of economists
    • Covid-19 vaccines for 12 to 18-year-olds are "desperately needed" to fight rising case numbers, Blackburn with Darwen's public health director said


    What happened around the world today?

    cases since OctoberImage caption: Indoor dining has returned in Italy, days after the country recorded its lowest number of daily cases since October

    • Peru has more than doubled its Covid death toll following a review, making it the country with the world's highest death rate per capita according to Johns Hopkins University data
    • India's health ministry has reported 127,510 new cases of coronavirus over the last 24 hours - its lowest daily rise since 8 April - as deaths rose by 2,795
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) is renaming Covid variants with Greek letters in an attempt to remove stigma and simplify discussions
    • The WHO approved the Sinovac vaccine for emergency use - becoming the second Chinese jab to receive the green light from the agency
    • Poland said it will offer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to children as young as 12
    • Members of Australia's women's softball team have become the first international athletes to arrive in Japan for the Olympics. The team has been vaccinated against Covid-19 and will be tested for the virus every day.
    • Health officials in Iraq have registered the country's first death from mucormycosis, known as black fungus, which is linked to a Covid treatment.
    • Germany lowered its coronavirus risk assessment from very high to high - for the first time in six months


    That's all from us

    We're going to draw our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic to a close for today.
    The live page was brought to you by Alexandra Fouché, Doug Falkner, Dulcie Lee, George Bowden and Jennifer Meierhans.
    We'll be back tomorrow, thanks for joining us.
    • Back to top
    « View previous topic · View next topic »

      Current date/time is Sun 28 Apr 2024, 07:26