Half of medium-sized businesses on the brink as lockdown restrictions continue February 3, 2021 Nearly half (49 per cent) of medium-sized businesses have warned they could cease trading in less than two months if coronavirus restrictions do not ease. The national lockdown is taking a major toll on businesses, with many fearing the worst if the restrictions continue. If the current national lockdown lasts until April, more than eight [...]
Covid-19: Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine could cut transmission by two-thirds February 2, 2021 The Oxford University/Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccine could cut the transmission of infections by two-thirds and a three-month delay between doses does not reduce efficacy, a new report has found. A pre-print paper published by Oxford and the Lancet found there was a 67 per cent reduction in positive swabs among those vaccinated. The research also found [...]
British Gas boss received poo in the post amid fire and rehire row February 2, 2021 The chief executive of British Gas owner Centrica was “sent excrement” in the post yesterday amid an ongoing row over pay at the firm. Chris O’Shea told MPs at a business committee meeting today that the package was received by his wife and teenage son “with a note about fire and rehire”. British Gas engineers [...]
Scotland to introduce ‘managed quarantine’ for all international arrivals February 2, 2021 Scotland will impose a “managed quarantine” on all international arrivals into the country, Nicola Sturgeon has announced, as she vowed to clamp down on Covid mutations crossing the border. Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week unveiled a 10-day hotel quarantine for arrivals to the UK from 30 countries most “at risk” of carrying new Covid [...]
Pfizer profit forecast gets a shot in the arm from successful Covid-19 vaccine February 2, 2021 Pfizer has increased its profit forecast on the Covid-19 vaccine, although sales are below expectations
‘More mutations of concern’ found in Bristol and Liverpool, says Matt Hancock February 2, 2021 More Covid “mutations of concern” have been identified in Bristol and Liverpool, the health secretary has announced, as ministers scramble to contain new strains spreading around the country. Speaking in the Commons, Matt Hancock said 11 cases of mutant strains were identified in Bristol and 32 in Liverpool. The health secretary said ministers will roll [...]
Kent Covid variant has mutated again and may be immune to vaccine February 2, 2021 The coronavirus variant first identified in Kent has acquired a mutation that may be partially resistant to vaccines, senior scientists have warned. The E484K mutation is the same change that has been identified in both the Brazilian and South African variants that have sparked international concern. Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group [...]
Prime Minister pushes for schools to reopen as ‘peak of infections passed’ February 2, 2021 Boris Johnson is pushing for schools to reopen as soon as possible after being told by the chief medical officer that the “peak of infections has passed”, according to reports. The Prime Minister has told ministers to prioritise children’s education as the government’s most immediate focus, with extra funding earmarked to help students falling behind. [...]
Door-to-door testing launches in London Covid hotspots amid concerns over South African variant February 2, 2021 Government ministers have warned people living in areas infected with the South African coronavirus variant to “think again” before leaving the house, as door-to-door testing launches in London hotspots. Residents in the London boroughs of Ealing, Haringey and Croydon will receive knocks on the door from today asking them to take Covid tests for the [...]
Moonpig soars on market debut as shares leap by a quarter within minutes February 2, 2021 Online greeting card platform Moonpig saw its shares rise by 25 per cent within minutes of pricing its London IPO on Tuesday. Stock in the newly listed firm was trading at around 440 pence per share shortly after floating at 350 pence. The sharp rise underlines spirited investor appetite and sets the stage for other [...]