Coronavirus - 11 February 2022

Summary for Friday, 11th February 2022

• Hundreds of thousands of people are heading away as the half-term holidays start in many parts of the UK
  
• Britons going on overseas holidays still need to follow local Covid rules
  
• But people travelling to the UK will no longer need to take any tests if fully vaccinated
  
• Travel association Abta describes the easing of Covid restrictions as a "new chapter"
  
• Turkey, Egypt and Portugal among the most popular destinations for winter sun
  
• The Downing Street lockdown parties probe will not be affected by Met Police chief Cressida Dick's departure, a London Assembly member says
  
• The UK reported 66,638 Covid cases on Thursday
  

Good morning

Welcome to today’s live Coronavirus page.
As nations across the UK dial down on restrictions, we’ll be focusing on the latest developments around coronavirus and how it is impacting on the UK’s half-term getaway, as many schools take their mid-term break.

First, a look at the latest developments around the world over the past 24 hours:

• More people have arrived outside New Zealand’s parliament, as protesters calling for an end to a vaccine mandate and Covid-19 restrictions refused to end their demonstrations despite arrests by the police. It’s been four days since protesters, inspired by truckers’ demonstrations in Canada, occupied the parliament lawns in the capital Wellington.
  
  
• China will fully support Hong Kong with its “dynamic zero” coronavirus strategy, its office overseeing matters in the city said, as the territory is expected to hit a new record for daily infections on Friday. The global financial hub will report at least 1,325 new coronavirus cases on Friday, broadcaster TVB reported, a new record.
  
  
• Prince Charles met the Queen two days before testing positive for Covid for the second time. A palace source said the monarch was not displaying any symptoms, but declined to say whether or not she had tested negative.
  
  
• Elsewhere in the UK, Boris Johnson was condemned by former Conservatiove prime minister Sir John Major as a lawbreaker whose disregard for honesty and ministerial standards risks undermining the UK’s long-term democratic future, on another politically bruising day for the prime minister.
  
  
• Brussels authorities have banned a pan-European “freedom convoy” of motorists protesting Covid restrictions from entering the Belgian capital, the regional government said in a statement. Reuters reports the convoy was expected to arrive at the home of European Union institutions and NATO on Monday. Authorities in Paris had earlier banned the convoy.
  
  
• Spain dropped the mandatory use of face masks outdoors. Although they will remain compulsory at large open-air gatherings where social distancing is not possible, they will no longer be required in school playgrounds.
  
  
• New Zealand has hit a new record daily of community Covid cases, with 446 announced on Friday. That is an increase of 140 cases from the previous record, which was set the previous day. Cases are expected to climb steadily now that Omicron is spreading within New Zealand.
  
  
• Novavax says its Covid vaccine has proved safe and effective in a study of 12- to 17-year-olds. Armed with the new data, Novavax plans to soon seek expanded use of its shots down to age 12. Later this year, it plans to begin testing in younger children.
  
  
• The Dutch government has said it aims to drop most of its coronavirus restrictions by the end of the month, as record levels of infections in recent weeks have only had a limited effect on hospital numbers.
  
  
• The UK recorded another 66,638 Covid infections and a further 206 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the latest data on the government’s coronavirus dashboard.
  
  
• Covid passes are to be scrapped and the need to wear face coverings in certain venues removed later this month as coronavirus cases continue to fall, the Welsh government has announced. The changes will be confirmed on Friday during the first three-week review of Wales’s alert level zero measures.
  
  
• The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been isolating since Saturday after contracting Covid, has tested negative, the state-owned Anadolu news agency cited his doctor as saying.
  
  
• The Costa Rican president, Carlos Alvarado, tested positive for Covid-19, his office said. “He is doing well and will be in isolation at his home,” it added.
  
  
• Africa is transitioning out of the pandemic phase of its Covid outbreak and moving towards a situation where it will be managing the virus long term, the World Health Organization’s regional head for Africa said. Dr Matshidiso Moeti also said the number of Covid infections in Africa could be seven times higher than official data suggested, and deaths from the virus two to three times higher.
  

What’s making the headlines?

Here’s a quick glance at today’s top stories in brief:

• Thousands of people are embarking on a half-term getaway overseas as the UK scraps coronavirus testing for fully-vaccinated travellers. Turkey, Portugal and Florida are among the favoured destinations, but entry rules in destination countries will still apply.
  
• The Queen is not showing any symptoms of coronavirus, a royal source says – after it was revealed the 95-year-old monarch met the Prince of Wales two days before he tested positive for Covid. Buckingham Palace has not confirmed whether the Queen has tested positive or negative, citing medical privacy.
  
• The law in Wales requiring people to wear face masks could be scrapped by the end of March, says the Welsh government. Mask-wearing will be relaxed at the end of this month in many public places, including schools, and everywhere by the end of March – if cases continue to fall.
  
• US officials have urged Canada's government to use its federal powers to end a blockade by truckers protesting against Covid restrictions. Ambassador Bridge - a key border crossing which links Ontario with Michigan, in the US - has been partially closed for four days
  
• Health Minister Robin Swann cannot lift Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland while there is no functioning government in place. Lawyers have advised the minister – who wanted to remove all remaining rules - that he cannot amend or revoke regulations without the approval of the governing executive.
  

UK lifting travel requirements - but tests still apply overseas

UK travellers are making their half-term getaway, many in search of warmer climes, while others are seeking out snowy escapades.
But while people travelling to the UK no longer need to take any Covid tests if they are fully vaccinated from today, in most overseas destinations a string of rules and requirements still apply.
More than 80 holiday destinations around the world will still require travellers from the UK to take a pre-departure PCR test before entering.
And earlier this week, we reported that many UK families have cancelled half-term trips to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands because children over 12 must be double vaccinated to enter.
Many children over 12 in the UK have yet to get their first or second jab - and those aged 12-15 who tested positive during the Omicron surge have to wait 12 weeks before they can be vaccinated.

What Covid tests do I still need to travel abroad?

While the UK has dropped any requirement for Covid tests for fully vaccinated incoming travellers, either before departure or on arrival - elsewhere, most countries still have rules in place even for those who are vaccinated.
Vaccination requirements also apply to children over 12 in many locations.
Those travelling overseas are responsible for checking the entry requirements for any other countries you wish to visit, as well as the local Covid restrictions which are in force. These can change quickly.
UK-issued Covid passes can be used throughout the EU to show proof of vaccination - either digitally, or as a printed download (as long as it is dated after than 1 November 2021).
Very few countries allow unrestricted access to those who have not been vaccinated.
[url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52544307#:~:text=Travellers who aren%27t fully,a post%2Darrival PCR test.]Read more.[/url]

Gatwick's South Terminal to reopen next month

As the UK lifts testing requirements on those arriving here - and thousands in the UK pack their bags and head for some half-term sun, the beleaguered travel industry is finally showing signs of recovery.
Gatwick Airport has announced it will reopen its South Terminal in March to meet expected strong demand for air travel this summer.
The terminal has been closed since 15 June 2020 to reduce costs during the pandemic. It will reopen on 27 March.
Gatwick boss Stewart Wingate cites the lifting of travel restrictions and airport slot regulations by the UK government for kickstarting travel at the Sussex airport.
"After an incredibly challenging two years for the airport, our partners, local communities and the entire aviation industry, we are delighted to be reopening our south terminal next month," he says.
"We can now look forward to once again operating a busy Gatwick this summer and beyond."

What's the latest on rules in Wales?

This morning, the Welsh government says all face-covering rules could be lifted by the end of March, if conditions continue to improve.
Wales is currently at alert level zero, the lowest level of Covid rules.
Rules on face masks are being relaxed this month, and Covid passes will no longer be needed as the Welsh government lifts more curbs to people's daily lives.
Restrictions limiting socialising in pubs, bars and restaurants have already been removed and nightclubs are able to open after social distancing rules were scrapped.
From 18 February, Covid passes for entertainment venues, nightclubs and large events will no longer be needed.
And from 28 February, pupils will not have to wear face masks in class and the law requiring face coverings in most public places will be relaxed.
Self-isolation rules remain, but will be reviewed on 3 March.
So what are the currently regulations in place? Everything you need to know is here.

'No meeting' ahead of PM's statement on dropping Covid restrictions - Welsh Gov

The Welsh Government was not advised of Boris Johnson's statement on Wednesday that he might bring forward the end of England's Covid rules.
Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething tells BBC Breakfast there was no meeting between the UK's chief medical officers in advance of the Prime Minister's statement.
"All the things that have been very normal during the course of the last two years, didn't take place," he says.
He was "fairly surprised" by the manner of the PM's announcement, he adds - and the fact it didn't appear to be underpinned by public health advice.
If the advice exists "it hasn't been shared with us".
"Here in Wales I can look anybody and everybody in the eye and say today's changes have gone through that process," he says, citing forthcoming changes to rules in Wales.

More anti-vaccine mandate protestors gather outside New Zealand's parliament

More people have arrived outside New Zealand’s parliament, as protesters calling for an end to a vaccine mandate and tough Covid-19 restrictions refused to end their demonstrations despite arrests by the police, Reuters reports.
It’s been four days since several thousand protesters, inspired by truckers’ demonstrations in Canada, occupied the parliament lawns in the capital Wellington, and blocked surrounding streets with their trucks, cars, camper vans and motorcycles.
On Thursday, the police arrested 120 people as they attempted to forcefully remove the protesters, but were seen falling back later in the day as the campers refused to move.
The police said in a statement on Friday that there were no incidents of note overnight at the parliament grounds, although 2 more people were arrested for “alcohol-related behaviour”.
“Police continue to take a measured approach to the protesters, who are trespassing on the grounds of Parliament and have been repeatedly asked to leave,” Supt Corrie Parnell said in the statement.

Protesters play music on a road outside parliament in Wellington on the fourth day of demonstrations against Covid-19 restrictions. Photograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images

There are a range of different causes and motivations among the protesters, making it difficult to open clear and meaningful lines of communication, the police said, adding that misinformation, particularly on social media, has been identified as an issue.
More tents and even a gazebo went up on the lawn as more protesters arrived from across the country on Friday. But the crowd was peaceful, singing and dancing, unlike the angry demonstrations seen on Thursday.
“At the moment it looks more like a festival here,” one of the organisers said on the microphone.
“Does anybody see a mob here?”
A small number of protesters were also reported to have gathered in other cities like Nelson and Christchurch in solidarity.
The protesters ignored calls from prime minister Jacinda Ardern to “move on”. The continuing stand off is mounting political pressure on Ardern, whose approval ratings have taken a hit in recent opinion polls.

Australians will require three Covid vaccine doses to be considered fully vaccinated

Australia reported a total of 49 Covid deaths and more than 25,000 new cases on Friday.
In other Covid news from down under, the government announced late Thursday that Australians will now need three Covid vaccine doses to be considered “up to date” with their shots.
The new terminology replaces the “fully vaccinated” status which applies to someone who has had two doses, in recognition of the better protection provided by booster shots, particularly against the Omicron variant.
Australian officials have made vaccines mandatory only for some frontline workers, but many private businesses, including major corporations, restaurants and retailers, have made inoculations a requirement for entry.
The country is among the most heavily vaccinated in the world as a result, with 94% of people over 16 double-dosed. Nearly 10 million boosters have been administered so far.
More here.

Beijing sending reinforcements to help Hong Kong

Helen Davidson - The Guardian
Beijing will send in reinforcements to help Hong Kong with its growing outbreak of the Omicron variant, according to the government’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.
Officials from the governments of Guangdong, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, as well as mainland experts, will meet on the weekend to “study, formulate and implement policies and measures to support Hong Kong’s prevention and control of the epidemic, ensure the supply of materials to Hong Kong, and maintain the overall social stability of Hong Kong”.
It said the central government would work to ensure cross-border transportation of materials and the supply of vegetables, fresh food, and other daily necessities.

The fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong is raging, which will have a serious impact on the safety and health of citizens, as well as on the economy and people’s livelihood. The central government is highly concerned about this.”

The South China Morning Post reported on Friday the plans included sending in thousands of medical and lab personnel, as well as millions of test kits.
Hong Kong has returned to restrictions not seen since mid 2020, as authorities seek to control the outbreak. Like China, Hong Kong is committed to zero-Covid, but the appearance of the highly transmissible Omicron strain has posed a potentially insurmountable challenge.
Testing facilities have been overwhelmed as residents in districts where Covid-19 has been detected in sewage report for compulsory tests, often queuing for hours.
On Thursday Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, said she was “deeply sorry and anxious” about the lengthy wait for residents. Hong Kong has reported more than 4,000 infections over the past two weeks, up from just two in December.

Austrian police have announced a ban on any “Freedom Convoy” action inspired by the movement launched in Canada against Covid restrictions, AFP reports.
As several hundred vehicles were set to converge Friday in central Vienna, as well as near a major public park in the Austrian capital, police said they feared the protesters intended to block the city’s main traffic arteries.
Police also said in a tweet that the protesters would cause an “unacceptable nuisance in terms of noise in a popular recreation area”, as well as pollution from fuel emissions.
Similar convoys have been banned in Paris and Brussels.
On Thursday, Canadian police threatened for the first time to crack down on the occupation of the streets of the capital Ottawa as it entered its third week.
Canada’s “Freedom Convoy” movement was launched in anger at requirements that truckers either be vaccinated, or test and isolate, when crossing the US-Canada border.
It has rapidly become a broader protest at Covid measures in general and against the Canadian government.

Macron 'refused Kremlin request for Covid test in Russia'

Emmanuel Macron refused a Kremlin request that he take a Russian Covid-19 test when he arrived to see Vladimir Putin this week, and was therefore kept at a distance from the Russian leader, two sources in Macron’s entourage told Reuters.
Observers were struck by images of Macron and Putin sitting at opposite ends of 4-metre-long (13 ft) table to discuss the Ukraine crisis on Monday, with some diplomats and others suggesting Putin might have wanted to send a diplomatic message.

Russian president Vladimir Putin and French president Emmanuel Macron sitting at the very long table. Photograph: SPUTNIK/Reuters

But the two sources, who have knowledge of the French president’s health protocol, told Reuters Macron had been given a choice: either he accepted a PCR test done by the Russian authorities and was allowed to get close to Putin, or he refused and had to abide by more stringent social distancing.
“We knew very well that meant no handshake and that long table. But we could not accept that they get their hands on the president’s DNA,” one of the sources told Reuters, referring to security concerns if the French leader was tested by Russian doctors.
Read the full story here.

India reports 58,077 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours

Jem Bartholomew - The Guardian
India detected 58,077 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours, the Times of india reports, a 77% fall on the 251,209 infections reported on Friday two weeks ago.
India experienced surging cases – driven by the infectious Omicron variant – last month, with ministers introducing travel restrictions to keep the variant out. But infections have now spiked and fallen back.
Deaths from Covid-related causes rose by 657 people in the past 24 hours, Reuters reports. Deaths this week have often climbed above 1,000 people a day.
That takes India’s Covid death toll to 507,17 – by some counts the third-highest in the world behind the US and Brazil. (Reuters, however, estimates Russia has a higher death toll than reported, jumping above India and Brazil.)

Ukraine reports a further 41,229 positive Covid cases

Ukraine reported 41,229 positive Covid tests in the past 24 hours, local media Ukrinform reports, a 17% climb on the 35,164 new infections on Friday day two weeks ago.
Ukraine, facing geopolitical tensions along its borders, has hit record daily Covid cases recently – driven by Omicron – clocking its highest figure for the pandemic at over 45,000 on Friday last week.
A further 236 people were reported to have died from Covid-related causes in the past 24 hours, a 51% jump on the 156 deaths two weeks ago.
More than 102,000 people have died from Covid-related causes, Reuters estimates, the 16th highest worldwide. (Ukraine has the 35th highest population.)

Russia vaults daily Covid record again - sailing over 200,000 for first time

Russia vaulted its 24-hour Covid record again on Friday, sailing over 200,000 daily cases for the first time to bookmark three weeks of almost daily record-breaking.
The health ministry detected 203,949 new positive tests, a 110% jump on the 97,284 new infections on Friday two weeks ago – which was itself a record-breaking figure.
Deaths climbed by 722 in the past 24 hours, rising 9% on the 661 deaths on Friday two weeks ago.
Reuters estimates Russia under-reports its Covid death toll. The figure is above 708,000, Reuters says, not the 338,000 authorities claim, making it the world’s second highest toll behind only the US. (Russia has the ninth highest population.)
Meanwhile, Russian troops continue to build-up on Ukraine’s borders, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said on Friday, with president Joe Biden warning “things could go crazy quickly”.

WHO chief scientist: World not at pandemic's end, new concerning variants likely

The World Health Organization’s chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, said on Friday that the world was not yet reached the Covid pandemic’s end - and warned there would be more variants.
“We have seen the virus evolve, mutate ... so we know there will be more variants, more variants of concern, so we are not at the end of the pandemic,” Swaminathan told reporters in South Africa.
She said 11,000 to 12,000 people are still dying globally every day from Covid, mostly unvaccinated people.
It comes as Swaminathan restated the case for scaling up vaccine manufacturing – and delivering shots equitably – as vaccine inequality continues to plague the world.
While many western countries have ploughed on with booster campaigns, many countries in the developing world are yet to double-jab populations. For instance, only one in four African healthcare workers is protected.
Swaminathan’s comments follow former UK prime minister Gordon Brown’s statements on Wednesday, saying vaccine inequality was a “monumental international policy failure” and warning “history will not be kind” to western leaders for hoarding jabs.

“A small number of countries have monopolised the purchase and therefore control the supply of the vast majority of vaccines,” Brown said. “That means that some of these countries have been hoarding the vaccines, stockpiling them at least, and then they get to a position where they are running out and they are past the use-by date [and must destroy them].”

Malaysia recorded over 20,000 new Covid infections on Friday for the first time since September.

The health ministry detected 20,939 positive tests over the past 24 hours, the New Straits Times reports, almost four times the 5,522 on Friday two weeks ago.
That’s the first time cases vaulted 20,000 since the 21,176 infections detected on 10 September. Back in autumn Malaysia experienced its last wave; now, Omicron is driving infections back up.
Malaysia has a total 32,065 coronavirus-related death, Reuters reports, the 29th highest worldwide. (The country has the 45th highest population.)

People shopping in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 30 January. Photograph: Wong Fok Loy/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock

Germany rejects petitions to block vaccine mandate for healthcare workers

Germany’s highest court on Friday rejected petitions to temporarily block a vaccine mandate for healthcare staff – paving the way for compulsory jabs in hospitals and care homes from 15 March.
Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court rejected a bid to impose an injunction against the measure until a legal challenge against its constitutionality is formally reviewed.
The policy intends to protect vulnerable groups from the virus. Healthcare staff unable to prove they are vaccinted against Covid will be banned from working.

'Trucker Covid protest may hit Super Bowl'

In the US, there are warnings that a convoy of truckers protesting against vaccine mandates could affect the Super Bowl – the showpiece final of the National Football League.
The US Department of Homeland Security says there could be a protest starting in California in the coming days that's similar to ongoing demos in Canada.
Truckers protesting in Canada's capital Ottawa have been blocking main roads for some two weeks.
The Super Bowl, is due to take place on Sunday in Los Angeles, when the LA Rams take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Analysis: The case for relaxing Covid rules is not clear cut

Nick Triggle - BBC Health Correspondent
As we've reported, the Welsh finance minister has questioned whether Boris Johnson's plan to end the requirement to isolate after a positive test in England is underpinned by health advice.
As often with Covid, the evidence for relaxing restrictions is unclear.
There is plenty of positive news in the latest data - as the prime minister suggested.
Hospital cases are falling and, despite the large wave of Omicron infections, overall deaths have not risen above what would normally be seen in winter.
With new treatments and a huge amount of immunity in the population, from both vaccination and infection, the risk from the virus is lessening all the time.
Nonetheless, there are also grounds for caution. Infection levels remain high.
Dr Simon Clarke, from the University of Reading, who says that the move is either "brave or stupid", explains the problem is nobody knows for sure what the impact will be.
Some believe people could now feel pressurised into returning to work before they are physically ready or no longer infectious.
However, epidemiologist Prof Tim Colbourn, from University College London, points out ending legal requirements doesn't mean everyone will "freely spread Covid" - people still care about family, friends and colleagues.

UK scraps testing requirements for vaccinated arrivals

The UK ended testing travel restrictions for vaccinated arrivals on Friday, peeling back curbs as the government ploughs on with its “living with the virus” strategy.
Robert Courts, the aviation minister, said the UK government was “taking the trouble out of travel” – meaning vaccinated people no longer need to take a rapid Covid test after arrival.
“This has been a long road but due to the success of the vaccination programme, I am really glad to be able to bring you this news this morning that we are taking the trouble out of travel,” Courts told LBC.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated people no longer need to isolate but will still be required to get tested.
The aviation industry welcomed the change, with the Aer Lingus CEO, Lynne Embleton, telling the Guardian that the former rules added “unnecessary complexity and cost,” and BA’s CEO, Sean Doyle, telling PA he hoped other countries follow suit.

Poland reports a further 35,777 new infections in past 24 hourrs

Poland detected 35,777 new Covid infections in the past 24 hours, Polskie Radio reports, a 37.5% drop on the 57,265 new cases on Friday two weeks ago.
Poland has experienced surging, record-breaking cases in recent weeks, but there are signs the wave has now spiked as cases fall.
The health minister, Adam Niedzielski, on Wednesday announced a loosening of restrictions – for instance cutting isolation times after positive Covid tests and lifting quarantine requirements for Covid contacts.
“We are in fact dealing with the beginning of the end of the pandemic,” he told reporters.
A further 290 people died from Covid-related causes in the past 24 hours, taking total deaths to over 107,000, the 15th highest worldwide. (Poland has the 38th biggest population.)

Italy eases outdoor mask mandate

Italy is easing its strict outdoor mask mandate amid falling infections and hospitalisations.
The tough Covid restrictions were introduced in December as the Omicron variant spread rapidly across Europe and required Italians to wear face masks in all outdoor areas where social distancing was not possible.
Health Minister Roberto Speranza signed the relaxation of the rules into law on Tuesday, though masks will still be required in some crowded areas and at indoor public venues.
It follows similar moves by the Spanish government, which ended its own mandate on Thursday.
The Italian government also announced that it hopes to slowly increase the attendance limits at sports stadiums from 1 March. Events are currently capped at 50% capacity outside and 35% inside.

NZ Parliament turns sprinklers on to chase away protesters

Lawn sprinklers at New Zealand's parliament building have been turned on in an attempt to disperse demonstrators, as anti-vaccine protests at the site enter a fourth day.
Speaker Trevor Mallard confirms he's ordered the sprinklers to be turned on as part of efforts to clear the protesters. He says the sprinklers will stay on throughout the night.
Mallard tells 1News: "They're not legally on the ground, so there is no problem adding a little to their discomfort."
"Some people have suggested we add the vaccine in the water, but I don't think it works that way," he adds.
Demonstrators opposing vaccine mandates introduced by Jacinda Arden's government, which cover about 40% of the country's workforce, have occupied the parliamentary estate for four days.
The protests have been marked by some violent incidents and police arrested 120 demonstrators on Thursday.
Some 94% of New Zealanders over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated.

Holidaymakers picking less strict travel destinations - Tui

Holiday giant Tui says the outlook for summer and the renewed appetite for package travel continue to look "extremely positive".
It says demand for Greece and Turkey, and long haul favourites the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico, are now back to pre-Covid levels.
"Many of our customers, including families, are preferring to book destinations where the entry requirements are currently less strict," a spokesperson tells the BBC.

Covid deaths fall in Northern Ireland

As parts of the UK ease restrictions, Northern Ireland has seen a further fall in the number of Covid-related deaths.
In the week up to 4 February, the virus was mentioned on the death certificates of 30 people – that's eight fewer than the previous week, according to Nisra, the government statistics agency.

Red list remains but hotel quarantine could be ditched

In February 2021, there were 33 countries on the UK's red list

The government says it plans to keep the option of a red travel list "on standby as our first line of defence" should a new variant of concern pose a threat to UK borders.
However, it says it is looking at alternatives to hotel quarantine.
The Department of Transport says it is considering replacement measures for hotel quarantine "including home isolation" providing they can ensure compliance.
They say they are looking at digital solutions to the compliance issue and will release further details in the spring.
There are currently no countries on the red list, meaning no travellers arriving in the UK are required to undergo hotel quarantine.

Wales scraps Covid passes from next Friday

Vaughan Gething says Covid passes will no longer be required in Wales from next Friday 18 February.
Covid cases are falling, allowing an easing of restrictions but the Welsh government will "keep a close eye" on a sub-variant of Omicron, he says.
The Welsh economy minister is giving an update on the nation's Covid rules while First Minister Mark Drakeford isolates after testing positive for the virus.

Hong Kong sees record Covid cases

Hong Kong's ruling executive has pledged to continue with its "dynamic zero" coronavirus strategy amid a record number of new Covid infections.
Health authorities say new daily infections rose to at least 1,325 cases on Friday, up from Wednesday's previous high of 1,161.
Hong Kong's attempt to mimic mainland China and pursue zero infections has seen quarantine facilities stretched to the limit. And despite the restrictions, hospital beds for Covid patients have reached 90% occupancy.
"Our healthcare system is overloaded, it's really beyond capacity," Chuang Shuk-kwan, a senior health official, said.
China's central government said it is "highly concerned" about the safety and health of residents, and has pledged to support the global financial hub in its zero-Covid strategy.
On Tuesday, the city's chief executive, Carrie Lam, urged residents to back fresh restrictions.
"We need your support, we need your cooperation. You only need to stay at home," she said.

Pandemic pressure on Welsh hospitals remains - Gething

The Welsh economy minister says protective measures in Wales will not all be removed "at once".
Vaughan Gething says while we can be confident cases of coronavirus are falling, "that doesn’t mean it’s gone away".
The "pandemic pressure" on hospitals "remains constant", he adds.
There are nearly 1,100 people in hospital with Covid at the moment - and 16 people with virus in intensive care, he says.
"Sickness and absence rates across the NHS have fallen from the peak last month, but workforce issues are continuing to have an impact on the health services, contributing to wider winter pressures."

Covid passes still needed for tomorrow's Six Nations game in Wales

Vaughan Gething confirms Covid passes will be required for Saturday’s Six Nations rugby match in Cardiff.
Speaking at a Welsh government coronavirus briefing, he announced a short while ago that the passes will be scrapped from 18 February.
But he says: "People - like me - who are going to tomorrow's Wales v Scotland game will still need to show a Covid pass.
"Please make sure you’ve downloaded or printed your pass before going to the Principality Stadium."
He adds that Covid passes would continue to be used for international travel.

Wales relaxes rules on face masks indoors

The Welsh government has outlined changes to the rules on face masks.
From 28 February, they will no longer be required in indoor public places - apart from retail, public transport and health and care settings.
Wales' economy minister, Vaughan Gething, announced that adults can also remove their face coverings when they are interacting with babies and small children at baby and toddler groups.
If the public health situation continues to improve, the requirement to wear face coverings in any setting could be removed by the end of March, he added.
After half-term, masks will also no longer have to be "routinely" worn in classrooms.
Gething added that self-isolation rules will remain in place in Wales.
You can read more about the changes in Wales here.

End of travel tests 'makes a big difference'

Sam Read & Alex Pope - BBC News, East
London Luton Airport is expecting 90,000 passengers over the next week and it hopes this number will continue to rise.
It comes as travel requirements for fully-vaccinated passengers arriving - or returning - to the UK are lifted.
Diane Kitson has packed her bags for a skiing trip and is flying from Luton to Lyon on Friday - for the first time since 2019.
"This is our first trip in three years; it's exciting," she says.
Diane says the easing of travel restrictions "makes a big difference coming back to the UK" and she is pleased she does not have to do a test to get home.
She says she is still "very cautious", but is looking forward to a "bit more of a normal life again - hopefully!"
Read what fellow passengers and workers at Luton Airport had to say, as the half-term getaway ramps up.

South Western Railway sets date to restore timetable

In a further sign of a return to normality, South Western Railway has announced it will restore services to pre-Omicron levels from 21 February.
The current temporary timetable with fewer trains was introduced on 17 January, as a result of staff shortages and the government's work from home guidance.
The company says the restored timetable, that includes commuter routes into London's Waterloo station, will "match capacity and demand".

NI health minister can't lift all Covid rules, lawyers say

While Covid rules are being eased across the UK, there's a problem in Northern Ireland.
Lawyers have advised Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann that he can't alone lift all of the country's restrictions, BBC News NI has learned.
He has been informed that any decision on removing remaining rules - as he had hoped to do - requires executive approval.
But the Northern Ireland executive collapsed last week, after the DUP withdrew Paul Givan as first minister.
Although Covid regulations were drafted by the Department of Health, any decision to alter them since the pandemic began had been taken collectively by the five-party Northern Ireland Executive.
Read more here about what restrictions remain in Northern Ireland.

Thousands of police deployed as 'Freedom Convoy' heads for Paris

France will deploy thousands of police officers in and around Paris and set up checkpoints on major roads in efforts to keep so-called "Freedom Convoy" motorists out.
Despite an order from authorities not to enter Paris, people protesting against Covid restrictions are converging on the French capital from multiple cities across the country, inspired by a similar movement in Canada.
Authorities are unsure how many demonstrators will converge on the city, with reports of participants varying across the country. In the central city of Le Mans, one planned meeting spot was deserted.
Police say protesters face penalties for blocking public roads of up to two years in prison, a fine of €4,500 (£3,780) and a three-year driving ban.
The convoy has been organised to protest against France's vaccine pass laws - which require people to show proof of vaccination to enter bars, restaurants and other public spaces.
The movement has been organised on social media and includes a mix of anti-vaxxers, lockdown sceptics and some figures from the anti-government gilets jaunes (yellow vests) protests of 2018 and 2019.

Cowell misses BGT auditions after positive test

Simon Cowell broke his arm in an electric bike accident in January

Simon Cowell has tested positive for Covid, forcing him to miss Britain's Got Talent auditions.
The music mogul was self-isolating on Thursday when filming for the ITV show was taking place, his spokesperson said.
It comes shortly after the TV judge, 62, took a tumble over his electric bike's handlebars, while not wearing a helmet, during a ride near his home in west London.
It's the second accident he has had on an electric bike – a crash in August 2020 saw him break his back and undergo six hours of surgery which involved having a metal rod inserted.

Chinese city 'urgently needs masks' amid Covid outbreak

Kerry Allen - BBC Monitoring, Chinese Media Analyst
Over the last week, there has been an outbreak of Covid in the city of Baise in southern China.
There have been 186 cases recorded in Baise since last Saturday. All 3.6 million of the city’s residents have been in strict lockdown since Sunday, and many have been taking part in mass-testing.
With new cases still being recorded daily, the South China Morning Post newspaper said on Wednesday that this outbreak was "still in the fast-rising phase". It said the outbreak was "very serious" and warned that there was a high risk cases could spill over into other regions.
The newspaper Beijing News said today that Baise "urgently needs masks and other anti-epidemic supplies". It spoke to medical staff who told them that medical products and protective clothing are in "short supply".
However, the Xinhua news agency has sought to reassure residents by sharing pictures of emergency supplies being transported into the city.
China has a zero-Covid strategy, meaning areas are locked down the moment a single symptomatic case of Covid is identified. Large-scale testing drives are then routine, which help identify any "silent carriers" of the virus.
There have been sporadic outbreaks in China since the Lunar New Year, a major travel period. However, only 56 domestic cases have been recorded today, in three of China’s 31 provincial-level regions.

Iran's Islamic Revolution celebrations muted by Covid

Strict coronavirus restrictions have seen celebrations for the anniversary of the Iranian revolution scaled back for the second year running.
Prior to the event, authorities had decreed that there was to be "no gathering or marching" to mark the day.
Instead, thousands of Iranians celebrated the 43rd anniversary of the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi by driving through the capital, Tehran, chanting slogans including "Death to America" and "Death to Israel".
Despite the restrictions and chilly temperatures, celebrants converged on the capital's iconic Azadi Square on bikes and motorcycles, while others had painted their cars in the red, white and green colours of the Iranian flag.
The country has been heavily hit by Covid. More than 133,000 people have died from the virus, and another 6.5 million have been infected since the pandemic began.
Gripped by the Omicron variant, Iran has recently seen new coronavirus cases spiral past more than 30,000 a day.
Nearly 65% of the country's 88 million strong population have received at least two doses of a vaccine.

Wales Covid restrictions could be scrapped by end of March

Returning briefly to the Welsh government’s coronavirus briefing earlier, it looks possible that all Covid restrictions in Wales could be lifted by the end of March.
Asked if keeping rules in place for longer than England is about playing politics, Welsh economy minister Vaughan Gething said: "The measures we are taking are on the back of expert scientific advice and public health advice from our chief medical officer.
"And we'll continue to take that advice as we do look forward to a time when there can be no restrictions in place.
"It is possible that will come at the end of March, if the public health position remains positive."
He also responded to a question about reports the UK government is considering defunding universal lateral flow tests, saying it would be "a really significant mistake".
"Coronavirus is still in circulation, so it doesn't feel like a sensible thing to be doing it at this point."

An exclusive look into the Olympics as a spectator

Stephen McDonell - BBC News, China correspondent
Despite pursuing a tough "dynamic-zero" policy to contain coronavirus - and unlike Japan during last summer's games - China has found a way to put some spectators in the stands during the Winter Olympics.
Through a complicated configuration dividing arenas into sections, authorities have been able to invite fans to events and avoid them coming into contact with those in the two bubble zones - the teams competing and the locked-in sports media.
To be chosen as a spectator for these Olympic events, you are most likely to be from a Communist Party organisation, a state company, or a student group. There are also local government officials with tickets to the Games, sponsors, and a smattering of diplomats.
The planners have decided that such groups can be easily counted on to do what needs to be done (especially when compared to the general public).
Then there is another category of people, of which I am one, who are being allowed in to see these supreme athletes compete: foreign correspondents.
We have to do a Covid test 96-hours prior to any event, then a second test 24 hours before. According to the rules, this is then followed up with a third test three days after and a fourth test a week later.
Read more about how China is managing the games here.

 

Just under 60,000 new Covid cases recorded in UK

A further 58,899 coronavirus cases have been reported in the UK, according to the government's daily figures.
There have also been another 193 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
A look at the figures for the past week shows the recent trend of falling cases and deaths continues - cases over the past seven days are down 28.7% on the week before and deaths down 22.5%.

Public health less important to PM than saving his job - Unison

Unison says the health of vulnerable people and colleagues must not be left to individual choice – if self-isolation requirements come to an end later this month, as outlined by the PM on Wednesday.
Any changes to official guidance could lead to some employers insisting that staff work despite virus risks or face penalties for choosing not to come in, the union says.
"Ditching Covid rules while the virus rages suggests public health is less important to the prime minister than saving his job," says Unison general secretary Christina McAnea.
"Putting a match to sensible safety measures, without providing guidance to employers, is reckless and will cause confusion and alarm.
"People will take the virus into work – and school, risking the health of colleagues and commuters. Anyone vulnerable will rightly feel they've been flung under the bus." She called on ministers to "provide clarity to employers and workers" across all sectors of the economy, backed up by "a proper sick pay system that rewards people properly for doing the right thing".

3,000 unjabbed New York City staff face losing their jobs

Meanwhile in the US, we've learned that roughly 3,000 teachers, firefighters and other New York City workers face losing their jobs after failing to meet the city's deadline to get jabbed.
Despite days of protests against the vaccine mandate, New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he will not change the rules that were announced by his predecessor Bill de Blasio last year.
More than 95% of staff have complied with the rule, but opponents say the requirement violates their freedom, with one former teacher telling the BBC: "You don't force people to do this."
Meanwhile in the US, we've learned that roughly 3,000 teachers, firefighters and other New York City workers face losing their jobs after failing to meet the city's deadline to get jabbed.
Despite days of protests against the vaccine mandate, New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he will not change the rules that were announced by his predecessor Bill de Blasio last year.
More than 95% of staff have complied with the rule, but opponents say the requirement violates their freedom, with one former teacher telling the BBC: "You don't force people to do this."

Welsh government has strongly criticised Boris Johnson's latest go-it-alone rules on self-isolating

Steven Morris - The Guardian
The Welsh government has strongly criticised Boris Johnson’s signalling that rules on self-isolating after positive Covid tests are set to be scrapped in England, saying it was “ambushed” by the move.
The economy minister, Vaughan Gething, said:

We have always wanted to work alongside all the other governments. When we’ve had alignment on our rules and timing and content it’s easier for the public to understand and do the right thing. We can hardly align and work more closely together when we are ambushed by surprise changes.

Gething was standing in for the Welsh first minister, Mark Drakeford, who is isolating having tested positive for Covid, at a press conference in Cardiff. The Welsh government has said it is not going to scrap the self-isolation rules.
Gething said Johnson did not speak to Drakeford before making his “surprise” announcement on self-isolation. He said:

When previous major changes have happened there’s normally been a conversation between the four health ministers across the UK. There’s normally been some sort of conversation between the chief medical officers of the UK. There’s normally been some sort of advice from Sage. Sage themselves were surprised. The real issue is why is England doing this on their own, why has the prime minister chosen to go it alone. You need to ask him.

There are 400 cases of Covid in Wales per 100,000 people, Gething added. Just under 1,100 people are in hospital with Covid, 16 of them in intensive care.
Gething criticised the idea that has surfaced in reports that the UK government may start charging for lateral flow tests, arguing that this would hit the poorest in society and suggested this was being driven by a “penny pinching chancellor”.
He also expressed concern over reports that the ONS Covid infection survey could also be scrapped.

After Macron snub, Putin holds cosier meeting with Kazakh leader

Having embarrassed French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week with some furniture-based diplomacy, Vladimir Putin has yet again used a table to illustrate a political message.
The Russian leader received Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Kremlin on Thursday. The two men shook hands and sat close to each other, divided only by a small coffee table.
The scene contrasted strongly with Macron's visit on Monday, where the pair were separated by a four-metre long table after the French president refused to take a PCR test.
Sources at the Elysée Palace told Reuters that Macron had refused to take the test over fears the Russians would get hold of his DNA.
The French president is not the only leader to have been subjected to the Kremlin's "long-table" diplomacy.
Earlier this year, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi were also seen sitting at a distance from Mr Putin during their visits to Moscow.
The Kremlin has taken extra precautionary measures to protect Mr Putin, who turns 70 later this year and has been vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Here’s a round-up of Friday’s top Covid stories globally so far.

• The World Health Organization’s chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, said on Friday that the world had not yet reached the Covid pandemic’s end – and warned there would be more variants of concern.
  
• Russia vaulted its 24-hour Covid record again on Friday, sailing over 200,000 daily cases for the first time to bookmark three weeks of almost daily record-breaking.
  
• The French president, Emmanuel Macron, refused a Kremlin request that he take a Russian Covid-19 test when he arrived to see Vladimir Putin this week, and was therefore kept at a distance from the Russian leader.
  
• The UK ended testing travel restrictions for vaccinated arrivals on Friday, peeling back curbs as the government ploughs on with its “living with the virus” strategy. Meanwhile, GDP grew by 7.5% in 2021, the strongest pace of growth since 1940.
  
• Spain also announced it would loosen border requirements, with children over 12 from non-EU countries no longer needing to be fully vaccinated.
  
• In the UK, HM Revenue & Customs has been accused by an influential group of MPs of “ignorance and inaction” on recouping £6bn of fraudulent Covid-19 support payments, drawing an angry backlash from the tax authority.
  
• China will fully support Hong Kong with its “dynamic zero” coronavirus strategy, its office overseeing matters in the city said, as the territory is expected to hit a new record for daily infections on Friday.
  
• Malaysia reported more than 20,000 new Covid infections in a day on Friday, for the first time since September.
  
• Germany’s highest court on Friday rejected petitions to temporarily block a vaccine mandate for healthcare staff – paving the way for compulsory jabs in hospitals and care homes from 15 March.
  

Maple leaf flags, conspiracy theories and The Matrix: inside the Ottawa truckers’ protest
Tracey Lindeman - The Guardian
What began as a protest against vaccine requirements for truck drivers has grown into a widening movement as Justin Trudeau refuses to engage with demands
Diesel fumes and marijuana smoke filled the air outside the Canadian parliament as a “freedom convoy” protest against vaccine mandates headed into a third week.
Columns of big-rig trucks, pickups and RVs have blockaded the heart of the Canadian capital since 28 January. Camped out in the vehicles are several hundred protesters – including many children – who have travelled thousands of kilometres to be here.

A protester walks in front of parked trucks as demonstrators continue to rally against vaccine mandates in Ottawa, Canada. Photograph: Dave Chan/AFP/Getty Images

Protesters have also blocked the international Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, and two smaller border crossings with the US, prompting growing fears of serious economic impact.
Justin Trudeau, the White House and even the US Teamsters union have called for an end to the protest. But those camped out in downtown Ottawa insist they will not leave until their demands are met: an end to Covid lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
What began as a protest against vaccine requirements for truck drivers entering Canada has grown into a widening protest movement against all Covid public health measures, with copycat demonstrations in the US, France, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand.
On a bone-chilling night this week, protesters gathered around open fires and propane stoves as police officers looked on, seemingly unwilling to enforce an order against bring fuel into the city centre.
It was quieter than in the earlier days of the protest when truckers infuriated residents by honking their horns late into the night; on Monday, a court injunction was handed down banning air horns for 10 days after a class action lawsuit by sleepless locals. Instead, a semi driver loudly gunned his engine, launching thick black plumes of exhaust into the night sky.
“It was definitely time to take a stand,” says Spencer Bautz, a 24-year-old who drove his truck here from Saskatchewan on day one. Dressed in a black cowboy hat, Bautz described vaccine mandates as “medical segregation” and argued that exclusions for the unvaccinated were an infringement of their freedoms. His views, he said, had been greatly informed by the thinking of the psychology professor and culture war provocateur Jordan Peterson.
“I’m not going to pretend like I know what goes on in upper management or big government. I’m just a farm kid from Saskatchewan,” said Bautz. “But I know that anytime you talk about silencing people, anytime you talk about taking away people’s freedoms … it’s to be taken seriously.”

Belgium to reopen nightclubs and ease mask mandate as infections fall

Belgium has announced further easing of Covid restrictions to allow nightclubs to reopen and drop the requirement for primary school pupils to wear masks, as Omicron cases fell from an end-of-January peak, Reuters reports.
“The successive waves have not been easy for us,” the prime minister, Alexander De Croo, told a news conference on Friday, referring to back-to-back Omicron and Delta variant surges. “But we have got through them and we have got through them together.”
Covid infections have fallen from a record 75,000 on 24 January to an average of around 23,000 in the week to 7 February. Hospital admissions have also declined and the numbers of patients in intensive care was far lower than during previous waves.
From next Friday, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen, bars will be able to extend their hours beyond the current limit of midnight and end curbs on the number of customers per table and concerts will be possible with a standing audience.
Indoor access will still be largely based on a Covid pass, showing vaccination or a recent test or recovery from infection. Limits, from 70% to full capacity, will be based on the activity and the degree of ventilation.
Non-essential workers will also no longer need to work from home for at least four days a week and consumers will be able to go shopping in groups of more than two.
The easing of measures follows those already announced in Belgium’s neighbours. France has set in motion a gradual easing through February.
The Dutch government said on Thursday it aims to drop most coronavirus restrictions by the end of the month, but with Covid passes for access to many public place

Canada to announce changes to Covid border restrictions next week

Canada is reviewing its pandemic-related border restrictions and will probably announce changes next week, as the worst of an Omicron-driven wave appears to have passed, the health minister said on Friday.
“With the worst of Omicron now behind us, our government is actively reviewing the measures in place at our borders and we should be able to communicate changes on this next week,” Jean-Yves Duclos told reporters.
CBC earlier reported that the federal government was close to removing mandatory Covid-19 PCR testing for fully vaccinated Canadians who travel outside Canada.
Canada requires all travellers entering the country to provide proof of a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of arrival. It also requires all non-essential foreign travellers to be fully vaccinated.

Iceland to lift Covid restrictions earlier than planned

Iceland will ease some Covid restrictions at the weekend - including limits on crowd numbers and restaurant opening hours – and lift all measures at the end of the month, two weeks ahead of schedule, AFP reports.
From midnight on Saturday the limit on the number of people allowed to gather in public will increase from 50 to 200, and sports centres and ski resorts will be allowed to operate at full capacity, the government announced on Friday. Bars, restaurants and discos will be allowed to stay open until 1am.
From 25 February, the remainder of pandemic restrictions will be lifted, including a limit on crowd numbers and the obligation to wear a mask, as long as no new virus variant emerges and the number of cases does not overwhelm the country’s healthcare system, the government said.

People who have been vaccinated abroad can now have their jabs validated at the Science Museum in London.
People who have been double jabbed abroad have so far been unable to have their status updated on NHS systems, meaning difficulty accessing vaccine passports and booster jabs.
Anyone can can use this service if they are:

• Aged 16 or over.
  
• Have an NHS number.
  
• Have received a Covid vaccine dose outside of England that is one of the four MHRA-approved vaccine types – Astra Zeneca (Vaxzevria), Pfizer (Comirnaty), Janssen or Moderna (Spikevax).
  

Welcoming the opening of the Validation Centre at the Science Museum, Cem Kemahli, Kensington and Chelsea council’s lead member for public health said:

I want to encourage our residents who have been vaccinated abroad to get their vaccine validated as soon as possible. If you have had your first or second jab, you’ll be able to get your other vaccinations here. This can make it much easier to go on holiday, if you need an up-to-date vaccine passport, you’ll be able to get this through the NHS once your records are updated. Go to the national booking system and get a slot to update your records.

The other vaccination validation sites in north-west London are:

• CP House (Ealing)
  
• Brent civic centre (Brent)
  
• The Gordon hospital (Westminster)
  

An appointment can be made through the National Booking Service or by calling 119.

Here is a quick recap of some of the main developments from today:

• Belgium announced further easing of Covid restrictions to allow nightclubs to reopen and drop the requirement for primary school pupils to wear masks, as Omicron cases fell from an end-of-January peak. “The successive waves have not been easy for us,” the prime minister, Alexander De Croo, told a news conference, referring to back-to-back Omicron and Delta variant surges. “But we have got through them and we have got through them together.” From next Friday, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen, bars will be able to extend their hours beyond the current limit of midnight and end curbs on the number of customers per table and concerts will be possible with a standing audience. Indoor access will still be largely based on a Covid pass, showing vaccination or a recent test or recovery from infection. Limits, from 70% to full capacity, will be based on the activity and the degree of ventilation. Non-essential workers will also no longer need to work from home for at least four days a week and consumers will be able to go shopping in groups of more than two.
  
• Iceland will ease some Covid restrictions at the weekend, including limits on crowd numbers and restaurant opening hours, before lifting all measures at the end of the month, two weeks ahead of schedule. From midnight on Saturday, the limit on the number of people allowed to gather in public will increase from 50 to 200, and sports centres and ski resorts will be allowed to operate at full capacity, the government announced on Friday. Bars, restaurants and discos will be allowed to stay open until 1am. Then, from 25 February, the remainder of pandemic restrictions will be lifted, including the limit on crowd numbers and the obligation to wear a mask, as long as no new virus variant emerges and the number of cases does not overwhelm the country’s healthcare system, the government said.
  
• Canada is reviewing its pandemic-related border restrictions and will probably announce changes next week, as the worst of an Omicron-driven wave appears to have passed, the health minister said. “With the worst of Omicron now behind us, our government is actively reviewing the measures in place at our borders and we should be able to communicate changes on this next week,” Jean-Yves Duclos told reporters. CBC earlier reported that the federal government was close to removing mandatory Covid-19 PCR testing for fully vaccinated Canadians who travel outside Canada. Canada requires all travellers entering the country to provide proof of a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of arrival. It also requires all non-essential foreign travellers to be fully-vaccinated.
  
• Spain announced it would loosen its border requirements, with children over 12 from non-EU countries no longer needing to be fully vaccinated. The Spanish government announced it was relaxing its travel rules from Monday, which will be a boost for British holidaymakers planning to head abroad in February half-term. Children aged 12 to 17 will now be able to visit by showing a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Spain, as an alternative to presenting a Covid certificate with proof of having been fully vaccinated. All other UK travellers, excluding children under 12, will still need to present a Covid certificate showing proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since the last dose was administered, proof of a booster jab is also required. Prior to travelling to Spain, all passengers must also present a QR code which is obtained from filling in the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) available via Spain Travel Health (SpTH). Story here.
  
• Canada’s Ontario province declared a state of emergency and the premier, Doug Ford, threatened fines and jail terms as authorities came under increasing pressure from the US to end anti-vaccine mandate protests that have drastically cut trade between the two nations. The “Freedom Convoy” by Canadian truckers opposing a vaccinate-or-quarantine mandate for cross-border drivers, mirrored by the US government, began with the occupation of the Canadian capital, Ottawa. The truckers then blocked the Ambassador Bridge earlier this week, and shut down two other smaller border crossings. The closure of the bridge, North America’s busiest international land border crossing and a key supply route for Detroit’s carmakers, has halted some auto output and left officials scrambling to limit economic damage. “I will convene cabinet to use legal authorities to urgently enact orders that will make crystal clear it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and service along critical infrastructure,” Ford said in a press briefing on Friday. Ford also pledged new legal action against protesters, including fines and potential jail time for non-compliance with the government’s orders. More here.
  
• The UK recorded a further 58,899 Covid cases and 193 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to the government’s coronavirus dashboard. Separately, the estimated range of England’s Covid reproduction “R” number is between 0.8 and 1.0, similar to its range the previous week, the UK Health Security Agency said, with the daily reduction in cases also around the same level.
  
• France will no longer require people to wear masks indoors in public places where entry is subject to the Covid vaccine pass from 28 February, the health ministry said in a statement, citing an “improvement in the health situation”. Masks will remain mandatory in public transport and in indoor places not subject to the vaccine pass. The rules apply to public spaces like bars and restaurants, sports and leisure activities which now require proof of vaccination to enter. The new rule is in line with a health council recommendation and follows a slowdown of the Covid-19 infection rate. France had already dropped its requirement for people to wear a mask outdoors on 2 February. The change in the rules on Friday also reduces from three to one the number of tests people must take if they come into contact with a confirmed case of Covid.
  
• The UK’s vaccines watchdog is set to announce new recommendations for vaccinating younger children next week, after a long and complex evaluation. The Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) made its decision last week, and a formal announcement was due on Friday afternoon but has been delayed. Thus far, only clinically vulnerable children in the five to 11 age group have been offered vaccinations, a decision made in December.