Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:00

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Post n°1

Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:00

Summary for Wednesday, 17th November

Auckland, New Zealand, is set to lift Covid travel restrictions in December.
Anthony Fauci, the top infectious diseases public official in the US, said on Tuesday that if America further ramps up vaccination rates and those already immunised take booster shots that it is feasible Covid-19 could be reduced from a pandemic emergency to endemic status next year.
Pfizer has announced it is asking US regulators to authorise its experimental antiviral Covid-19 pill, Paxlovid, which has been shown in clinical trials to cut the risk of hospitalisation and death for adults by almost 90%.
The Philippines has approved the emergency use of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, Reuters reports.
India’s daily Covid-19 deaths rose by 301, bring the total death toll to 464,153 the health ministry said.
Germany reports another 52,826 confirmed coronavirus cases and 294 death, the Robert Koch Institute reports.
Slovakia is planning new restrictions on unvaccinated people in an effort to tame the latest surge of coronavirus infections that has caused a “critical” situation in the country’s hospitals, the prime minister said Tuesday.
People in Ireland are being asked to work from home where possible from Friday and bars, restaurants and nightclubs will introduce a midnight closing time on Friday as a raft of new restrictions is agreed by the government in the face of rising hospitalisations.
Thousands of restaurant owners in Greece shut their businesses in a nationwide protest against recent measures that fine establishments for serving customers without proper documentation of their vaccination or test status.
The UK has recorded another 37,243 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, and a further 214 deaths within 28 days of a positive test. That is compared with 39,705 infections and 47 deaths reported the day before.
Scotland’s Covid passport scheme could be extended to cinemas, theatres and bars next week if that helped avoid a harsher lockdown closer to Christmas, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
Portugal may bring back some measures to stop the spread of Covid in the run-up to the holiday season as infections soar across Europe, prime minister Antonio Costa said.
In Germany, plans are under way for the introduction of tighter restrictions on people who have so far chosen not to be vaccinated. Munich became the first major German city to cancel its upcoming Christmas market, blaming the “dramatic” coronavirus resurgence. Berlin introduced restrictions for those who are unvaccinated on Monday.
Strict new Covid restrictions will also come into force in Beijing from Wednesday for visitors to the Chinese capital, requiring negative tests and dramatically cutting domestic flights, the AFP reports.
With less than 100 days to go to the Winter Olympics in February, China is bracing for a challenge to its zero-Covid strategy when thousands of international athletes descend on Beijing after months of strict border controls.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:10

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:10

Beijing tightens Covid entry rules ahead of Olympics

Strict new Covid-19 restrictions come into force for visitors to Beijing on Wednesday.
All visitors to the capital must now show a negative Covid test result from the past 48 hours, while flights from higher risk areas within China will be cancelled or limited to one a day at reduced capacity, the AFP reports.
The restrictions also reportedly include Covid tests every three days for the more than 30,000 people working with cold-chain imports in the city.
“Beijing is the capital and has strong regional and international connections … The virus must not be introduced into Beijing and it must not spread in Beijing,” city spokesman Xu Hejian said at a press conference on Tuesday.
With less than 100 days to go to the games in February, China is bracing for a challenge to its zero-Covid strategy when thousands of international athletes descend on Beijing after months of strict border controls.
No spectators from outside China will be allowed to attend the Olympics, which will be held from 4 February in a “closed-loop” bubble.
And the estimated 2,900 athletes must be fully vaccinated or face 21 days’ quarantine upon arrival. They will also be tested daily.

Easing of New Zealand Covid rules could lead to summer crisis, experts warn

Eva Corlett - The Guardian
Aucklanders will be allowed to leave the city this summer after months in lockdown, the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has announced, but public health experts warn it could lead to a torrent of Covid-19 spreading into other parts of the country.
Read more here.

Czech Republic records highest ever daily Covid caseload of 22,479

17 November is usually a day of great celebration in the Czech Republic, as people remember the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that ended the communist government in Czechoslovakia.
However, the day has started with some worrying news. Reuters report that the Czech Republic reported 22,479 new coronavirus cases for Tuesday, the highest tally recorded in the country of 10.7 million since the pandemic started.
The seven-day rolling average of case numbers is at 11,313, as opposed to the level of a week ago, when it stood at 7,878.

Referendum in Switzerland later this month on government's anti-Covid measures

Switzerland is having a referendum later this month on whether the public backs the government’s anti-Covid measures. They had been approved earlier in the year, but those opposing the measures have forced a second vote, which will take place on 28 November.
Reuters reports a poll this morning from broadcaster SRG that suggests the law will be confirmed with 61% backing it, with 38% opposed and 1% undecided.
The law was originally passed in March and expanded financial aid to people hit by Covid and laid the foundation for certificates the government requires for people to enter bars and restaurants and attend certain events.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:15

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:15

Northern Ireland positive Covid cases have risen by 23% in a week

PA Media has been reporting overnight that they have seen a paper from the Department of Health which has informed Executive ministers that positive cases have risen by 23% in a week.
The paper says hospital admissions have risen by 19% in the last week, while occupancy is up 10%. The conversion rate of cases to hospital admissions has risen above 2% for the first time since early September, and is now estimated at around 2.8%.
The paper says an increase in admissions is inevitable in the coming week and will continue to rise beyond that if cases numbers are not reduced. Officials warn that community transmission is at a “high level and increasing rapidly”.
The Health Department experts state that without further intervention “as soon as possible”, modelling suggests hospital capacity may be exceeded in mid-December, if the current trajectory follows a central pathway.
The paper states: “Evidence suggests that adherence to guidelines by the public is declining and that there has been very low uptake of Covid certification on a voluntary basis by the hospitality sector.”
It states the need for immediate measures to increase adherence to current mitigations – such as face mask use and work-from-home guidance.
It says those mitigations will be unlikely to bring the reproduction rate below one unless they are accompanied by “widespread use of Covid certification across higher risk settings”.
Robin Swann, Northern Ireland’s health minister, has previously proposed that mandatory Covid-19 passports become enforceable from 13 December. PA says it understands that Swann is proposing that passports are used to gain entry to nightclubs, hospitality premises that serve food and or drink, cinemas, theatres and conferences halls. The passport issue has sharply divided the five-party coalition in Belfast.
PA reports that the paper warns that without a significant decline in community transmission in the next three weeks “there is a risk that more severe restrictions will need to be considered from mid-December to avoid hospital capacity from being overwhelmed”.

Seoul reports record daily case count amid recent surge in South Korea

Justin McCurry - The Guardian
Seoul has reported a record number of daily coronavirus cases, as a recent surge centred on the South Korean capital strains medical services a fortnight after the country eased social distancing rules as part of its “living with Covid” project.
Seoul recorded 1,436 new infections on Wednesday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. At 3,187, the nationwide caseload came close to the record of 3,270 set in late September.
While South Korea has experienced relatively few cases and deaths since the start of the pandemic, 21 deaths were reported on Wednesday, the 16th day in a row of double-digit fatalities that included a record 32 on Saturday, the agency said. The number of critically ill Covid-19 patients is at an all-time high of 522, it added.
With 76.1% of greater Seoul’s ICU beds for Covid patients occupied, the government is facing criticism that it eased restrictions too soon – including allowing larger social gatherings and longer indoor dining hours – in an attempt to revive the pandemic-hit economy.
“Medical workers have been stretched thin as serious cases have risen at a fast pace. It is safe to say that beds for critical cases are fully occupied,” Jeong Hye-min, a professor at Seoul National University hospital, was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency.
Evidence that serious cases and deaths are rising among older people who were vaccinated early this year has prompted officials to speed up booster shots for people who received their second dose more than six months ago.
The gap between the second and third jabs will be reduced from six months to four months for people in their 60s or older, as well as for care home residents and those receiving long-term hospital care. People in their 50s will be eligible for booster shots after five months.
South Korea has reported 402,775 cases and 3,158 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
A dramatic fall in infections meanwhile is continuing in neighbouring Japan, a trend many experts attribute to its high rate of vaccination – with more than three-quarters of the 125 million population fully jabbed – and widespread mask-wearing. Japan reported 154 cases on Tuesday, compared with more than 25,000 in mid-August. There were 15 in Tokyo – half the capital’s daily total a week ago.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:19

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:19

FedEx to close operations in Hong Kong over strict quarantine rules

Agence France-Presse is reporting that delivery and logistics firm FedEx have announced it is closing its operations base in Hong Kong over the city’s quarantine requirements.
“As the global business environment continues to evolve and with the pandemic requirements in Hong Kong, FedEx has made the decision to close its Hong Kong crew base and relocate its pilots,” FedEx said in a statement to Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK.
A company memo written by system chief pilot Robin Sebasco said “The decision to close the Hong Kong base reflects this constant evolution and is designed to provide a measure of stability to these team members, as there is no clear timeline when life may return to normal in Hong Kong.”
FedEx says it will continue to serve Hong Kong with pilots based in Oakland, California.
Hong Kong requires the majority of visitors to quarantine for 14 or 21 days after arrival. Earlier this week, Cathay Pacific told its air crew that when returning to Hong Kong they should avoid unnecessary social contact for 21 days after arrival, and isolate at home for the first three days. The rules do not apply to everyone.

Hungary reports highest daily caseload since March with over 10,000 new infections

Hungary reported 10,265 new Covid-19 infections today, its highest daily tally since the end of March, the government said on its official coronavirus website.
Reuters note that the daily tally is getting close to the peak of 11,265 reached during the third wave of the pandemic in a country that has hardly any restrictions in place, and where the vaccination rate is below the European Union average.
This map gives an indication of caseload rates across Europe, where several countries are seeing their highest level of infection, or close to the highest level, since the pandemic began.

Germany’s disease control agency reported 52,826 new coronavirus cases today, as infection rates continue to climb
The seven-day average is now at 41,052 cases, the highest it has been during the pandemic.
Reuters report that the Robert Koch Institute said 294 more people died in Germany of Covid-19 since the previous day, bringing the country’s pandemic official death toll to 98,274.
Acting health minister Jens Spahn has called on doctors not to be too strict about waiting at least six months before giving patients vaccine booster shots.
This chart from yesterday’s Robert Koch Institute bulletin gives an idea of the regions most affected in Germany, although authorities may take some encouragement from the fact that a few of the lines on the chart look as if they may be beginning to dip.

Coronavirus - 17th November 2021 2224_w10

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:29

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:29

UK prices continue to soar following lifting of Covid rules

The cost of living in the UK surged to 4.2% in October - its highest rate in almost 10 years - due to rising fuel and energy costs, according to new data.
The consumer price index measure of inflation is now more than double the Bank of England's target.
The costs of transport, gas and electricity bills and second hand cars all climbed, the Office for National Statistics says.
Inflation has risen steadily since the economy reopened after the Covid lockdown.
The Bank of England says it may have to increase interest rates "in the coming months" to tackle the problem.
October's reading is far higher than the 3.1% rise recorded in the year to September and ahead of economists' forecasts.

New year, New York

Coronavirus - 17th November 2021 5414de10

It's one of the biggest nights of the year and it can once again be celebrated in style.
New York is welcoming people back to its New Year's Eve spectacular after its usual celebrations were closed to people last year by coronavirus restrictions.
"It's going to be amazing, it's going to be a joy for this city," says Mayor Bill de Blasio.
However, for those over the age of five, proof of full vaccination, or a negative Covid test if exempt, will be needed.

Pressures facing GP surgeries

Coronavirus - 17th November 2021 Cb23a610

Yesterday, NHS Providers, which represents health trusts, said the health service could be in for its toughest winter ever. But it's not just hospitals feeling the strain.
We're not receptionists anymore, we're care navigators," says GP receptionist Kay Denford, who has been trained to evaluate patients, like many reception teams at surgeries since the pandemic.
Kay and her team can take 200 calls in a morning, dealing with everything from fevers to falls.
Demand has bounced back and staff at the Priory Surgery in Bristol say they have never seen pressure like this before - and winter hasn't even started yet.
The pandemic has fuelled some of the rise in demand, as people return to their GPs after lockdown, often with a backlog of health problems. The population has also been growing and ageing over the last decade.
Read more here.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:36

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 10:36

More severe rules may be needed in Northern Ireland

Tougher restrictions could be required in Northern Ireland before Christmas, even if mandatory vaccine passports come into force, a Department of Health paper has warned.
Ministers are due to discuss plans to make vaccine passports enforceable from 13 December later today.
But a modelling paper given to ministers ahead of the meeting sets out other possible measures and warns more "severe" rules may need to be considered to avoid hospitals' capacity being overwhelmed.
The BBC understands Health Minister Robin Swann is expected to ask ministers to approve mandatory vaccine passports from 29 November, but with 14-day grace period before fines are handed out.
The minister is believed to have proposed applying vaccine passports across restaurants, cinemas and other large venues and events, including:

Nightclubs
Hospitality venues that serve food and drink
Cinemas, theatres, concert halls and conference centres
Indoor events with 500 or more people with some or all of the audience not seated
Outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees with some or all of the audience not seated
Events where more than 10,000 people will be present

You can read more about the possible plans for vaccine passports and other restrictions here.

Poland reports 31% weekly jump in new Covid cases

Adam Easton - Warsaw Correspondent
Poland is reporting 24,239 new Covid infections today, up 31% from a week ago, figures from the health ministry show. There are also 463 coronavirus-related deaths.
Over the last month, Poland has seen a spike in cases and today's new infections are the highest reported since April.
Poland’s vaccination rate is below the EU average. Currently, 64% of adults are fully vaccinated compared to the EU average of 74%.
There are now 15,316 people in hospital with Covid, up 32% in a week.
Most of the new admissions are people who are not vaccinated, health ministry officials say.
At least 18 temporary hospitals have been reactivated to accommodate the rising number of hospitalisations.
In Poland, there have been 3,254,875 infections since the start of the pandemic and 79,624 deaths.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 11:12

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 11:12

New daily Covid cases in Austria pass 14,000 for first time; Salzburg running out of ICU beds

Coronavirus infections in Austria have hit a new daily record. Daily infections rose to 14,416 on Wednesday, official data showed. It is the first time they have passed the 14,000 mark. The peak of the biggest wave of infections before this was 9,586 about a year ago, when the country went into full lockdown.
On Monday the country instituted a lockdown for those not fully vaccinated, aimed at halting the surge. Roughly 65% of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated against the virus.
Reuters report that the situation is worst in two of Austria’s nine provinces, Upper Austria and Salzburg, where hospitals are coming under increasing strain. Salzburg has said it is preparing for a triage situation when the number of people needing intensive care beds exceeds supply, though that stage has not yet been reached.

Russia's Covid deaths hit another peak

BBC Monitoring - The world through its media
Russia has set a new record number of daily coronavirus deaths, with 1,247 reported over the past 24 hours, up from 1,240 the previous day.
At the same time, it continues to log a falling number of daily infections - 36,626, down from 36,818 the day before.
The highest numbers of cases were posted by Moscow (2,966), St Petersburg (2,793), and Samara Region (1,785), according to figures published by the Moscow-based coronavirus HQ on its Telegram channel on 17 November.
The coronavirus HQ's cumulative death toll is considerably lower than official statistics published elsewhere.
On 29 October, Russian statistics agency Rosstat released its updated mortality figures for the first nine months of 2021, putting the total number of people who had died after confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infection since April 2020 at 462,352.

France cannot rule out more restrictions - scientific adviser

The French government's top scientific adviser says he can't rule out the government asking businesses to make a greater use of home-working as a means of tackling surging infections.
Jean-Francois Delfraissy tells France Inter radio the nation could "probably" cope with the current wave of cases, particularly if people follow restriction measures such as wearing face masks and social distancing.
He also emphasises the importance of the unvaccinated and those eligible for a third booster dose getting the jab.
"I remain cautiously optimistic...We have the tools to limit the impact of this fifth wave but it is going to be difficult with a hospital system which is tired," Delfraissy says, while also predicting that daily hospitalisations could jump to between 1,000 and 1,200 by early December.
France's recorded 19,778 new cases on Tuesday, the highest 24-hour increase since 25 August.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 11:14

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 11:14

Today so far

Seoul has reported a record number of daily coronavirus cases, as a recent surge centred on the capital of South Korea capital strains medical services a fortnight after the country eased social distancing rules as part of its “living with Covid” project.
Hungary reported 10,265 new Covid-19 infections today, its highest daily tally since the end of March. The country has had limited restrictions in place and the country’s vaccine take-up is below the EU average at 60%.
The Czech Republic reported 22,479 new coronavirus cases, the highest tally recorded in the country of 10.7 million since the pandemic started. The country is celebrating the 17 November anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.
Germany’s disease control agency reported 52,826 new coronavirus cases today, as infection rates continue to climb. The seven-day average is now at 41,052 cases, the highest it has been during the pandemic. Acting health minister Jens Spahn has called on doctors not to be too strict about waiting at least six months before giving patients vaccine booster shots.
Covid infections in Austria have hit a new daily record, with daily infections rising to 14,416. It is the first time they have passed the 14,000 mark. On Monday they country introduced lockdown regulations targeted specifically at the unvaccinated.
A health department paper in Northern Ireland has warned that adherence to Covid guidelines by the public is declining and that there has been very low uptake of Covid certification on a voluntary basis by the hospitality sector. The paper goes on to say that without a significant decline in community transmission in the next three weeks “there is a risk that more severe restrictions will need to be considered from mid-December to avoid hospital capacity from being overwhelmed”.
Latest polling suggests that the public in Switzerland will continue back the Covid laws that the government introduced in March in a referendum being held on 28 November. Broadcaster SRG suggests the law will be confirmed with 61% backing it, 38% opposed and 1% undecided.
Willie Walsh, the director general of the International Air Transport Association. He has told the Commons’ transport select committee that the UK’s testing requirements for international arrivals have “suppressed demand” and caused “great confusion”.
Delivery and logistics firm FedEx has announced it is closing its operations base in Hong Kong over the city’s quarantine requirements.
Strict new Covid-19 restrictions come into force for visitors to Beijing. All visitors to the capital must now show a negative Covid test result from the past 48 hours, while flights from higher risk areas within China will be cancelled or limited to one a day at reduced capacity
In Greece, the ERT news network is carrying an announcement that prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to make a televised address about the pandemic tomorrow.
The United States has signed contracts worth roughly $1bn to secure the antibody-based Covid-19 treatment Sotrovimab from GSK and Vir Biotechnology. The pharmaceutical companies, while announcing the deal, said supply was expected by 17 December.
Aucklanders will be allowed to leave the city this summer after months in lockdown, the New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has announced, but public health experts warn it could lead to a torrent of Covid-19 spreading into other parts of the country.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 12:11

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 12:11

Vaccine passports will see cancellation 'avalanche', says bar manager

Bar and restaurant owners in Scotland say they fear an "avalanche of cancellations" if the vaccine certification scheme is extended before Christmas.
The Scottish government says extra mitigations could be put in place at hospitality venues from 6 December.
The deputy first minister told BBC Scotland one option is for people to have to show proof of a negative Covid test as well as vaccination.
But it is feared tougher rules may have a "devastating impact" on business.
Louise Maclean, who runs 20 bars in the Signature group, says customers already suffering from "pandemic fatigue" would simply stay at home.
She tells the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "I think the public will say, 'I just won't bother'. There is going to be an avalanche of cancellations.
"People will just stay in and have a house party rather the coming back out to what is such a regulated industry."

How does Scotland's vaccine passport scheme work?

As we've reported, Scotland must wait until next Tuesday to find out whether vaccine passports will be required for entry to cinemas, theatres and more hospitality venues from 6 December - so how does it work?
The vaccine passport is similar to the digital Covid certificate being used across Europe.
The NHS Scotland Covid Status App, available on Apple and Android devices, allows people to register using their passport or driving licence to verify their identity, and then creates a QR code for each vaccination.
Those who cannot use the app are able to request what the government describes as "a secure, uneditable" paper record. It has enhanced security features, such as thermodynamic ink to prevent forgery, as well as a QR code.
A QR code verifier app was made available to venues, enabling staff to check a customer's code.
There are options for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and people coming from elsewhere in the UK.

Austria hits daily infection record

Austria has hit a new daily record for Covid infections.
Daily infections rose to 14,416 on Wednesday, official data showed, the first time they have passed the 14,000 mark.
It comes three days into a controversial lockdown for those not fully vaccinated aimed at halting the surge.
About two million people are not fully vaccinated and can now only leave their homes for a limited number of reasons including going to work, shopping for essentials and "stretching your legs".

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 15:46

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 15:46

Czech Republic to ban unvaccinated people from public events

Czech authorities will ban people who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from coronavirus infection from access to public events and services from Monday, the prime minister Andrej Babiš said on Wednesday.
The restrictions, to be approved by the full cabinet on Thursday, come after a surge in new infections to a record 22,479 on Tuesday and mean that negative tests will no longer be recognised as qualification to enter events and service establishments, Babiš said on television.

Fourth wave hitting us with 'full force' - Merkel

As Germany grapples with record Covid cases, Chancellor Angela Merkel has described the situation as "dramatic".
"The fourth wave is hitting our country with full force," she tells a congress of German city mayors.
"The number of daily new infections is higher than ever before... and the daily death toll is also frightening."
"It is not at all too late to decide for a first vaccination," she adds.
The Robert Koch Institute reports that cases in Germany have increased by 52,826 as the pandemic's fourth wave tightens its grip on Europe.
The central government and leaders of Germany's 16 states are due to meet this week to discuss new national restrictions, as the seven-day infection rate hits a new peak for the 10th consecutive day.
There are also concerns that Germany's renowned Christmas markets could be cancelled for a second year running.

How do infection rates in the UK and Europe compare?

For much of the late summer and early autumn, the UK was an outlier in Europe with infection rates stabilising at a high level, while they fell significantly across much of the continent.
But in recent weeks, as UK infections have stayed broadly stable with some fluctuations up and down, several European nations have seen cases surge to their highest rates in the pandemic.
That's what led UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to warn of "storm clouds gathering" over Europe, as he called on people to get their booster jabs in case a similar surge hit Britain.
The number of people testing positive each day in the UK is already more than 500 per million. But in parts of central Europe like Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, it is at least double that rate.
Countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland have also surged ahead of the UK in recent weeks, with case rates of more than 1,000 per million people, 900 per million people and 800 per million respectively.
Germany has a lower infection rate, but the trajectory has been causing concern among officials there.
However, other countries such as France, Italy and Spain have low infection rates and have only seen the first signs of an upswing.
Among the explanations for the differences are differing behaviour as socialising indoors becomes more common in winter and the levels of immunity, which vary according to the level of vaccination, the number of previous infections and how much immunity has waned.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 16:33

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 16:33

Hungarian doctors have warned of a “very sad Christmas” ahead and have called for preventive measures as infections and hospitalisations continue to rise
Reuters reports:
The country reported 10,265 new Covid cases on Wednesday, its highest daily tally since the end of March, prompting the country’s Medical Chamber to call for a ban on mass events and mandatory mask wearing in closed spaces.
In a statement, the Hungarian Medical Chamber also said entry to restaurants, theatres and cinemas should be conditional on a Covid immunity certificate.
“We must slow down the increase in the number of patients, a flooding of hospitals [with patients with Covid] or many families will have a very sad Christmas,” they said.
“Apart from a slowing vaccination campaign, we have not seen any preventive measures [to contain the pandemic].”
The daily tally is getting close to the peak of 11,265 reached during the third wave of the pandemic in a country with hardly any restrictions in place and where the vaccination rate is below the European Union average.
A new wave of infections has swept across Central Europe with hospitals struggling to cope in some countries like neighbouring Romania. Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland have all tightened rules on mask wearing and introduced measures to curb infections.
In Hungary, the government of the prime minister Viktor Orban, who is facing a close election in early 2022, has urged people to take up vaccines and announced mandatory inoculations at state institutions. It also empowered private companies to make vaccinations mandatory for employees.
But it has refrained from making mask wearing mandatory in closed spaces - apart from on public transport and in hospitals - and there are no other restrictions in place.
On Tuesday, the government said it was monitoring cases, and “if necessary will take further measures”.
The government has not replied to emailed Reuters questions.
The country of 10 million, has reported 32,514 deaths from Covid since the start of the pandemic but only 5.78 million of its people are fully vaccinated. More than 1.66 million people have received a booster shot.

Sweden to introduce Covid vaccine passes for indoor events

The Swedish government plans to introduce a requirement for Covid vaccine passes at indoor events where more than 100 people attend, a step recommended by health officials warning of a rising tide of infections in coming weeks, Reuters reports.
Infection rates have soared across large swaths of Europe in recent weeks and while Sweden - hard hit at times earlier in the pandemic - has yet to record a similar surge, healthy agency modelling suggests infections will reach a peak in mid-December.
The centre-left government was preparing a bill to be put forward to parliament with the aim to having the vaccination passes in effect from 1 December, the health minister Lena Hallengren said.
“The spread is increasing in Europe. We haven’t seen it yet in Sweden, but we are not isolated,” she told a news conference. “We need to be able to use vaccination certificates.”
Sweden’s health agency said earlier on Wednesday it would reverse a widely criticised decision to stop recommending testing for people who were fully vaccinated but show symptoms of Covid. [see 12.16pm.]
Around 85% of all Swedes over 16 have received one dose vaccine and 82% have had two doses or more.
Sweden currently has the lowest number of patients with Covid in hospital and in intensive care in the European Union, relative to the size of the population, according to OurWorldinData, but has been hit hard by earlier waves.
Sweden has opted against lockdowns and relied mostly on voluntary measures aimed at social distancing.
It has seen several times higher deaths per capita than its Nordic neighbours but lower than most European countries that opted for strict lockdowns.
Several aspects of Sweden’s handling of the pandemic, such as poor testing, have been strongly criticised by a government-appointed Covid commission.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 17:39

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Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 17:39

UK travel rules have been 'excessive for too long', say airlines

MPs have been hearing from airline representatives, who have been making the case that UK rules on international travel have been damaging the industry.
Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association, told the Transport Select Committee that the testing and quarantine requirements had been "excessive for too long" and there was "no justification" to continue requiring tests.
"The recovery is definitely being hampered by the bureaucracy associated with UK travel, where a lot of other countries have simplified their procedures," he said.
Airlines UK told the committee that the country had a "lost summer" when Europe unlocked much quicker, meaning the UK aviation industry recovered more slowly.
The Airport Operators Association said while European airports were working at 60% or 70% of capacity over summer, in the UK they "struggled to get above the low double digit percentages".

What are the UK travel rules?

As the aviation industry tries to persuade MPs that the UK is being too cautious in maintaining its travel rules, let's take a look at what restrictions are still in place.
There's no longer any requirement for hotel quarantine after the red list was scrapped - although Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it could be reintroduced if necessary.
And fully vaccinated passengers no longer need to take a test before travelling to the UK - as long as they can prove they got their jab in a recognised country.
Instead, they need to buy a lateral flow test - using the free NHS ones is not permitted - and take it two days after arrival.
Everyone arriving in the UK needs to fill out a passenger locator form.
Unvaccinated people aged over 18 need to self-isolate for 10 days after arrival at the address on their passenger locator form.
They also need to take a test three days before travelling to the UK, on day two and on day eight.

UK records 38,263 new confirmed cases

The latest figures show that Covid cases in the UK are continuing to rise, with 38,263 reported in the last 24-hour period.
That means a rise of just over 15%, comparing the last seven days to the previous week.
There were also 201 deaths recorded. The seven-day average for reported deaths from Covid continues to fall, with a decline of just under 12%.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 17:43

Kitkat

Kitkat

Post n°13

Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 17:43

Covid deaths have decreased 17% in the Americas over the past week,
but the most populous countries like the US, Brazil and Colombia are seeing a levelling of new infections after weeks of declining trends, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday.
Mexico is reporting an increase in new deaths and in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago had a sharp rise in deaths as intensive care unit (ICU) beds fill with patients with Covid, PAHO said.
In an important milestone, half of the people in Latin America and the Caribbean have now been fully vaccinated against Covid, though coverage remains below 10% in Nicaragua and Haiti, PAHO director Carissa Etienne said.
“The Covid pandemic is still very active in our region,” she warned in a webcast news conference.
Countries across Central and South America have seen a decline in new infections, except for Bolivia, it said.
As Uruguay and Chile have relaxed pandemic restrictions, Covid cases have risen, even with their high vaccination coverage, the health agency said.
Etienne urged people in the region to get vaccinated and stick to social distancing and mask wearing as the holiday season approaches.

Minister vote to introduce vaccine passports in Northern Ireland

Mandatory vaccine passports are set to be introduced in Northern Ireland after Stormont ministers voted by a majority to support the move.
The PA news agency understands DUP ministers opposed the health minister Robin Swann’s proposal at the Executive meeting on Wednesday. However, the other four Executive parties - Sinn Fein, SDLP, Alliance and Mr Swann’s UUP - backed the move.
Swann wants to see enforceable Covid certification in operation across a range of hospitality settings from §3 December.
While the four DUP ministers voted against the proposal, the party did not deploy a cross-community voting mechanism that could have blocked the introduction of vaccine certification in the region.
The Department of Health is now set to produce a further paper detailing how the policy will be rolled out.
PA understands Swann has proposed that passports are used to gain entry to nightclubs, hospitality premises that serve food and/or drink, cinemas, theatres and conferences halls.
Covid certificates would also be needed to access indoor events with 500 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.
They would be required for outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.
They would also be mandatory at all events of 10,000 or more attendees whether the audience is seated or not.
Swann is proposing that regulations needed for the law change come into effect on 29 November, with a 14-day grace period prior to becoming enforceable on 13 December.
Under the proposals, people wishing to gain entry to the venues would need to demonstrate evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or proof of a coronavirus infection within the previous six months.
A modelling paper from health officials presented to the Executive ahead of Wednesday’s meeting warned passports may not be enough to suppress rapidly increasing Covid case numbers, which have surged 23% in a week, and that “more severe restrictions” may need to be considered in mid-December to avoid hospitals being overwhelmed.
Swann’s proposals come amid escalating pressures on the region’s beleaguered health system.
Covid-19 transmission rates have soared in recent weeks, particularly among young people.
Making certification a legal entry requirement for hospitality venues has been credited with driving up vaccination rates among young people in the Irish Republic.
Proof of vaccination has already been required to access cinemas, nightclubs, theatres, concert halls and large events in Wales.
Scotland has similar requirements, though the government is considering whether to expand it to other sectors.
In England, the government ditched its plans for vaccine passports for access to nightclubs and large events, which had been due to start at the end of September. However, they could still be introduced under its so-called winter “Plan B” if the situation deteriorates.

by **Kitkat** Wed 17 Nov 2021, 17:46

Kitkat

Kitkat

Post n°14

Re: Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Post by Kitkat Wed 17 Nov 2021, 17:46

A round-up of some of the stories around the world today:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said a fourth wave of Covid is "hitting us with full force", with the country facing its highest ever infection rate and "frightening" daily death tolls
Austria and the Czech Republic have also hit new records for daily positive tests. Czech authorities have followed Austria in placing restrictions on attendance at public events for unvaccinated people
Cases continue to rise around Europe, with Russia recording a further 36,626 and Poland reporting a 31% rise in cases in a week
Inflation in the UK hit its highest level for 10 years at 4.2%, with rising energy bills along with supply chain shortages during the pandemic among the causes
Northern Ireland ministers are due to consider a proposal to introduce vaccine passports, coming into force on 13 December
In the US, New Year partygoers will once again be able to watch the famous ball drop in New York's Times Square this year, with the celebrations open to people with proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test

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Coronavirus - 17th November 2021

Beijing tightens Covid entry rules ahead of Olympics

Easing of New Zealand Covid rules could lead to summer crisis, experts warn

Czech Republic records highest ever daily Covid caseload of 22,479

Referendum in Switzerland later this month on government's anti-Covid measures

Northern Ireland positive Covid cases have risen by 23% in a week

Seoul reports record daily case count amid recent surge in South Korea

FedEx to close operations in Hong Kong over strict quarantine rules

Hungary reports highest daily caseload since March with over 10,000 new infections

UK prices continue to soar following lifting of Covid rules

New year, New York

Pressures facing GP surgeries

More severe rules may be needed in Northern Ireland

Poland reports 31% weekly jump in new Covid cases

New daily Covid cases in Austria pass 14,000 for first time; Salzburg running out of ICU beds

Russia's Covid deaths hit another peak

France cannot rule out more restrictions - scientific adviser

Today so far

Vaccine passports will see cancellation 'avalanche', says bar manager

How does Scotland's vaccine passport scheme work?

Austria hits daily infection record

Czech Republic to ban unvaccinated people from public events

Fourth wave hitting us with 'full force' - Merkel

How do infection rates in the UK and Europe compare?

Sweden to introduce Covid vaccine passes for indoor events

UK travel rules have been 'excessive for too long', say airlines

What are the UK travel rules?

UK records 38,263 new confirmed cases

Minister vote to introduce vaccine passports in Northern Ireland

A round-up of some of the stories around the world today:

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