Coronavirus - 10th December 2021

• Cases of the Omicron variant could be spreading even faster in England than in South Africa, according to a senior scientific adviser, who warned that the variant was a “very severe setback” to hopes of bringing the pandemic under control.
  
• European Union countries are expected to agree to limit to nine months the duration of Covid-19 certificates for travel around the bloc, three EU sources told Reuters, but some states are concerned that such a limit could hinder travel.
  
• Slovakia is to give cash handouts to people over 60 who get vaccinated or have their booster shot.
  
• Austria’s planned vaccine mandate has a minimum age of 14, the health minister has said. The government also said holdouts face fines of up to €3,600 every three months.
  
• Malta will return to mandatory mask-wearing in outdoor and indoor spaces from Saturday, the health minister Chris Fearne said.
  
• The United States rushed millions of vaccine doses for children ages 5 to 11, but demand for inoculations for younger children has been low, more than a dozen state public health officials and physicians have said.
  
• The US Food and Drug Administration has authorised booster shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for those aged 16 and 17.
  
• Early hospital data from South Africa shows less than a third of patients admitted for Covid-19 during the latest wave linked to the Omicron variant are suffering severe illness, compared with two-thirds in the early stages of the last two waves.
  
• Covid cases in South Africa surged by 255% in the past seven days (the Omicron variant produced a record 22,391 new cases) but there is mounting anecdotal evidence that infections with the Omicron variant are provoking milder symptoms than in previous waves (only 22 deaths were recorded).
  
• Germany’s vaccination advisory commission has recommended the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine be given to children aged five to 11 with pre-existing conditions.
  
• The World Health Organization has warned wealthy countries against hoarding vaccines for booster shots as they try to fight off the new Omicron variant, threatening supplies to poorer countries where inoculation rates are low.
  
• The European Union’s drugs regulator has said it could make sense to administer vaccine boosters as early as three months after the initial two-shot regimen.
  
• Brazil will require international travellers who aren’t vaccinated against coronavirus to quarantine for five days in the city where they arrive by plane.
  
• Australian children aged five to 11 will receive the Pfizer Covid vaccine from 10 January, after the federal government accepted the recommendation of immunisation experts.
  
• Russia’s president Vladimir Putin says that Russia will dispatch virus specialists to South Africa to establish a Covid-19 lab there after the discovery of Omicron.
  
• Lebanon confirmed the country’s first two cases of the Omicron variant in passengers from Africa tested upon arrival at the airport, the health ministry said.
  
• Australia will begin administering Covid-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 from 10 January.
  
• US regulators have expanded eligibility for booster shots to 16- and 17-year-olds amid rising concerns about the new Omicron variant.
  
• European Union countries are expected to agree to limit to nine months the duration of Covid-19 certificates for travel around the bloc, three EU sources told Reuters.
  
• Dozens of US Navy medics have deployed to New Mexico to treat a Delta variant-fuelled surge in patients as part of a military operation to treat virus hotspots across Western and Midwest states.
  
• Singapore has detected its first locally transmitted case of the Omicron variant in a member of staff at the city state’s airport, authorities said, warning that more Omicron cases are likely to be detected.
  
• The Philippines will ban entry by people who have recently travelled to Portugal.
  
• Early hospital data from South Africa shows less than a third of patients admitted for Covid-19 during the latest wave linked to the Omicron variant are suffering severe illness, compared with two-thirds in the early stages of the last two waves.
  
• Malta will return to mandatory mask-wearing in outdoor and indoor spaces as from Saturday, Health Minister Chris Fearne said.
  
• Germany’s vaccination advisory commission recommended the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is given to children aged five to 11 with pre-existing conditions.
  
• The European Union’s drugs regulator said it could make sense to administer vaccine boosters as early as three months after the initial two-shot regimen.
  

• Extra "Plan B" measures to tackle the Omicron variant of Covid begin in England
  
• Face coverings are now compulsory in theatres, cinemas, places of worship, museums and indoor sport stadiums
  
• But they are not required in hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants
  
• An investigation has started into three Downing Street parties in late 2020 when gatherings were banned under Covid rules
  
• The PM's press chief addressed staff and gave out awards at one of the gatherings being investigated, sources say
  
• Confirmed UK Omicron cases stand at more than 800 but the government says the real number is probably more like 10,000
  
• UK residents vaccinated abroad or in NI can now use England's NHS Covid Pass if they have had two doses of an approved jab
  
• Mandatory jabs for Germany's health workers and soldiers a stop closer after Bundestag vote
  

Good morning

• The government’s Plan B of extra measures to tackle the Omicron variant of Covid begins in England today
  
• They include compulsory face coverings in theatres, cinemas, places of worship, museums and indoor sport stadiums
  
• The saga continues over Downing Street parties in late 2020 when gatherings were banned under Covid rules
  
• It’s now understood that the PM's press chief addressed staff and gave out awards at one of the three gatherings under investigation
  
• Meanwhile, the UK economy grew by 0.1% in October as a “dominant” services sector returned to pre-pandemic levels, official figures show.
  

Newspaper headlines: 'Another day, another lie' and PM 'under the cosh'

Face masks required in more indoor venues in England

UK records 50,000 new coronavirus cases

We must get to the bottom of Christmas party claims - Scully

Analysis: Why it matters No 10's press chief was at Downing Street party

What are the coronavirus rules across the UK?

MPs to vote retrospectively on mask rules

'The unvaccinated ask for jabs but then it's too late'

UK residents vaccinated abroad can now use NHS Covid Pass

'It's a relief - not having the Covid Pass was inconvenient'

Shops, ski resorts and churches reopening in Slovakia

Mandatory jabs a step closer for Germany's health workers and soldiers

Heathrow boss urges travel rules rethink ahead of Christmas

South Korea reports 7,022 new coronavirus cases

Thailand reports a further 4,193 new cases over past 24 hours

Singapore reports first locally transmitted Omicron case

Given its high transmissibility and spread to many parts of the world, we should expect to find more Omicron cases at our borders and also within our community.”

Here is a detailed state-by-state map showing the number of confirmed Covid-19 deaths per 100,000 Americans

The spread of Omicron in the UK appears to be following a similar trajectory to that seen in South Africa; though there are many differences between the UK and South Africa it will remain important to monitor the situation there. Early verbal reports indicate that hospitalisations due to Omicron are now increasing in South Africa.

South Korea’s Covid cases exceed 7,000 for third day

If it becomes clear that we aren’t succeeding in reversing this crisis situation within the next few days, the government will have no other choice but to employ extraordinary anti-virus measures, including strong social distancing.”

Over the last seven days there have been 336,783 new coronavirus cases recorded in the UK. Cases have increased by 8% week-on-week.
There have been 854 deaths recorded in the last week. Deaths have increased by 0.7% week-on-week.
Hospital admissions have increased by 3.9% week-on-week. At the latest count on the UK government’s own dashboard, there were 7,347 people in hospital in total, of whom 890 are in ventilation beds

Ghana to vaccinate returning citizens and residents on arrival

Today so far

• Germany’s new health minister, Karl Lauterbach, has defended restrictions on unvaccinated people and mandatory Covid-19 jabs for medical and nursing staff due to be passed by parliament later today. “It’s absolutely unacceptable that in establishments where people live, who put their trust in us to protect them, that people are unnecessarily dying because unvaccinated work there,” said Lauterbach to the Bundestag lower house of parliament.
  
• Israel will extend its travel restrictions – including its entry ban on all foreign nationals – for a further ten days, in a bid to stop further cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus entering the country. Israel has so far identified at least 21 cases of the Omicron variant, and the government says additional restrictions and incentives for vaccination may be imposed in the coming days.
  
• South African scientists say that they see no sign that the Omicron coronavirus variant is causing more severe illness. Hospital data show that Covid-19 admissions are now rising sharply in more than half of the country’s nine provinces, but deaths are not rising as dramatically and indicators such as the median length of hospital stay are reassuring.
  
• Prof Francois Balloux of the UCL Genetics Institute has posted suggesting that the emergence of the Omicron variant is an absolutely pivotal moment in the pandemic. He said “If Omicron wave turned out to be roughly equally bad in terms of hospitalisations and deaths to the previous Alpha and Delta waves, it would vindicate harsh pre-emptive interventions and likely normalise them in the foreseeable future. Conversely, if it turned out to be much milder than anticipated, I would predict the public mood to turn against harsh restrictions, with a possible major backlash against authorities.”
  
• Heathrow has said passenger numbers were 60% lower in November than before the coronavirus pandemic and there were “high cancellations” among business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads.
  
• Japanese researchers have developed masks that use ostrich antibodies to detect Covid-19 by glowing under ultraviolet light.
  
• Jordan’s health ministry has announced it has identified its first two cases of the omicron variant of coronavirus. In response the kingdom announced today that all arrivals will be required to take a PCR test 72 hours before arriving in Jordan and another PCR test upon entering the country.
  
• Public health authorities in Ghana have introduced new travel guidelines requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from next week.
  
• Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, said he believes the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country appears to have peaked. Budapest has opened up Christmas markets, but only to the vaccinated or those with proof of immunity.
  
• New coronavirus infections in South Korea exceeded 7,000 for the third consecutive day on Friday as hospitals are under increasing strain and authorities consider more drastic measures.
  

Travellers to Ireland from Great Britain must take Covid tests for five days

Czech Republic makes Covid vaccine mandatory for over-60s from March

Based on the data presented in this paper which is up to and including December 9, it is highly probable that Omicron will outcompete Delta and become the dominant variant within Scotland very quickly, with the potential to cause high case numbers.

Northern Ireland may see return of tougher social distancing rules

Scotland's call to cancel Christmas parties 'a blow' for hospitality

Wales asks people to take Covid tests before leaving home

One-in-60 people in UK had Covid last week - ONS

Wales to have more regular Covid reviews before Christmas

Scotland faces potential tsunami of infections with Omicron

I think we’ve made clear since the latest situation with Omicron, obviously that’s taking up great deal of time at the moment.
There’s no plans for that in Number 10.

Following the decision on Plan B and the latest data that we’ve got.

There is a serious risk with Omicron and we are already seeing the reality of this with parties and events with lots of people. We should all think about unnecessary contact in crowded places.

The bigger the event, the more those risks are very real. My advice would be to consider deferring work Christmas events.

Germany mandates vaccination for health care workers

Wales could see new rules for care home visits

No 10 cancels Christmas party

Party cancelled after move to Plan B, Downing Street says

When does a gathering become a party?

Downing Street denies plans to introduce more restrictions

What gatherings are being investigated?

• An alleged gathering on 27 November
  
• A Department for Education gathering on 10 December
  
• And an alleged Downing Street party on 18 December
  

Ghana: All adult arrivals must be vaccinated

Do I need to wear a mask at a gig?

A further 448 UK Omicron cases confirmed

Another 58,194 Covid cases reported in UK

Where are the new Omicron cases in the UK?

What are the Covid self-isolation rules now Omicron is circulating?

Omicron will become dominant by mid-December - UK Health Security Agency

Vaccine protection against mild symptomatic disease from Omicron reduced - data

Third dose increases protection to around 75%

Covid outbreaks hit Premier League teams

UK faces deeply concerning situation

Action is absolutely required - and as new data comes in we will consider what action we do require to take in the face of that data."
Michael Gove
Levelling-up secretary

What’s the latest in China?

New York governor orders indoor mask mandate

Brazilian Health Ministry hit in massive cyber attack

• The UK has reported the highest daily total of Covid cases since 9 January - there have been another 58,194 cases today
  
• A further 448 cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed, bringing the UK's total to 1,265
  
• This year's 10 Downing Street Christmas party has been cancelled amid growing anger over a gathering that occurred last December when London was under strict Covid restrictions
  
• Scotland is facing a "tsunami" of Omicron cases, with the variant likely to replace Delta as the dominant form of the virus within days, Nicola Sturgeon has warned
  
• Face coverings are now compulsory in most indoor venues in England, under measures to tackle the Omicron variant
  
• The UK government has been “presented with some very challenging new information” about the Omicron variant and will keep restrictions “under review”, Michael Gove said after he chaired a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee this afternoon. He told Sky News: “We know that we have the highest number of Covid infections across the United Kingdom recorded today, since 9 January. We know that the Omicron variant is doubling every two to three days in England, and possibly even faster in Scotland.We knew that 30% of reported cases in London are that variant. And of course, we only identified the Omicron variant in this country a fortnight ago.So we absolutely do need to keep everything under review but I think the approach that we’re taking is proportionate.We recognise the importance of balancing people’s ability to get on with their lives with a need to protect against this virus, but action is absolutely required, and as new data comes in, we will consider what action we do require to take in the face of that data.”
  
• Two doses of a Covid vaccine offer less protection against symptomatic infection with Omicron than with Delta, with a lower level of protection seen against the new variant even after a booster jab. According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Omicron is projected to become the dominant variant in the UK by mid-December, based on current trends, while there could be more than a million infections by the end of the month – a tally that will be dominated by Omicron. The vaccine efficacy data suggests that people who have had two doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab 25 or more weeks ago have far lower protection against symptomatic infection with Omicron than with Delta. While the data suggests about 40% protection against Delta at this time point, it suggests protection from Omicron could be less than 10%. A similar trend was seen for those who have had two doses of the Pfizer jab, with about 60% protection against Delta at 25 or more weeks since the second dose, and just under 40% protection against Omicron at the same time point – although again, there are uncertainties around the figures. Dr Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at the UKHSA, said these early estimates should be treated with caution, but stressed “this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible”. Nicola Davis has the story.
  
• Singapore will start vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 years with Pfizer’s jab before the end of this year, its health ministry said late on Friday. The dosage used for children will be one-third of that used in adults, similar to the United States.
  
• The UK reported its highest number of Covid cases recorded in a 24-hour period since 9 January. A total of 58,194 new cases and a further 120 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data from the government’s coronavirus dashboard.
  
• New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul, said that starting next week, face coverings must be worn inside all businesses and venues unless they have implemented a vaccine requirement, as Covid cases rise in the state. The measure will be in effect from 13 December to 15 January in order to curb the spread of the virus during the holidays when more time is spent indoors shopping and gathering, Hochul said in a statement.
  
• The University and College Union called for universities in England to move the term’s final week of teaching online to slow the spread of the Omicron variant, after outbreaks have been reported at several institutions. UCU said that “a clear direction to suspend in-person activities for the final week won’t disrupt education and will prevent needless spread of Omicron amongst university communities. It will also allow essential activities such as lab-based research and medical teaching to continue on campus.” The union also wants the government to mandate the wearing of masks in classes and seminars in England when students return in the new year.
  
• Mulling a limited lockdown, Switzerland proposed tightening restrictions on public life in a bid to break the momentum of rising Covid cases that threaten to overwhelm its healthcare system. The government asked regional authorities to consider expanding the requirement for proof of vaccination or recovery from the virus for access to many indoor venues. Under one proposal, vaccinated individuals would additionally need to show a negative test to enter places like bars, restaurants and discotheques where masks cannot be worn. Under an alternate proposal, it would entirely close such locations. Switzerland has been trying to curb public activity without resorting to another lockdown, as neighbouring Austria has done. The government said it wanted to limit private indoor gatherings to five people if one of them, including a child, was unvaccinated, while up to 30 would be allowed to gather indoors if all were vaccinated. It would also require working from home, compared with the current recommendation to do so.Should the situation worsen further, the government said it would consider limiting all private gatherings to five people.
  
• Workers at German hospitals, doctor’s offices and nursing homes must prove that they are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid by mid-March as part of new legislation passed by the parliament on Friday. Beyond compulsory vaccinations for certain professions from mid-March, the new legislation also allows for the country’s 16 federal states to close bars and restaurants as well as to ban large events due to high infection rates. The new law also aims to make vaccination more accessible by allowing veterinarians, dentists and pharmacists to administer them, though only for a set period of time.
  
• Nicola Sturgeon backed the advice put out on Thursday by Public Health Scotland saying that people should think about deferring work Christmas parties and avoid crowded places. Changing self-isolation rules, Sturgeon added that any household contact of a positive case should self-isolate for 10 days even if they received a negative PCR test, while non-household contacts could leave isolation once they received a negative PCR result. She said that the country was facing “a potential tsunami of infections”, explaining that the new variant is showing “the fastest exponential growth we have seen in this pandemic so far”. It came as the Scottish government published an evidence paper on Omicron, which suggests that cases are “rising exponentially” – officials believe the doubling time is closer to two than three days, and that Omicron is going to very quickly overtake Delta as dominant variant, maybe as early as next week.
  
• Downing Street cancelled its Christmas party, Boris Johnson’s official spokesman confirmed. Because, well, it would be awkward not to.
  
• The Czech Republic made Covid vaccination mandatory for people aged 60 and above from 1 March, the government said. The obligation will also apply to health workers, police officers, firefighters and the military.
  
• Ghana will vaccinate returning citizens and residents against Covid upon arrival at the airport from next Monday if they have not already received shots, its health service said, amid concerns over low take-up of vaccinations. All Ghanaians leaving the country will also be required to show proof of vaccination, the health service director general Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said in a statement, citing as reasons a rise in Covid cases and detection of the Omicron variant. From January proof of vaccination will also be needed to access night clubs, beaches, sports stadiums and restaurants.