UK R rate falls below 1 for first time since July February 12, 2021 The UK’s R rate has fallen below 1 for the first time since July, in the surest sign yet that current lockdown measures are working. The rate of reproduction of the virus has fallen to a best estimate of between 0.7 and 0.9, according to official figures from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), [...]
One in 63 Londoners had coronavirus last week as capital remains most infected region February 12, 2021 London still has the highest percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus of any region in England, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Around 1.6 per cent of Londoners estimated to have been infected in the week to 6 February — equivalent to around 1 in 63 people. It means [...]
Social distancing measures may stay in place until autumn February 12, 2021 Social distancing measures may have to stay in place until at least the autumn to push down circulation of coronavirus once the population is vaccinated, according to reports. Ministers are considering plans to place face masks and one-metre distances at the heart of the government’s lockdown exit strategy, the Times reported. The restrictions could stay [...]
Weightlifting: Virgin Active shareholders ‘set to inject’ £65m to see firm through pandemic February 11, 2021 Virgin Active shareholders are considering plans to inject £65m into the global gym chain as treadmills stand still during the pandemic, according to reports. Investors have tabled a proposed rescue package to lenders and landlords that would see them providing millions in funding over the next few months, Sky News reported. Landlords will likely be [...]
Tory MPs urge Prime Minister not to ‘backslide’ as he hesitates over lockdown exit date February 11, 2021 Senior Tory MPs have urged Boris Johnson not to “backslide” on commitments to provide an exit strategy from lockdown measures on 22 February, after the Prime Minister hesitated on a firm date for reopening schools. The PM has repeatedly stated he will provide a “roadmap” on 22 February outlining the government’s plans for exiting England’s [...]
Matt Hancock unveils ‘blistering’ NHS reforms as government prepares to seize control February 11, 2021 Matt Hancock has unveiled plans to reform the NHS, insisting that the pandemic is the “right time” for the government to shake up the health service at “blistering pace”. In its biggest set of reforms for a decade, ministers are set to be handed “general power to direct NHS England on its functions”, amid widespread [...]
Health secretary urges patience on summer holidays after booking his own trip February 11, 2021 The health secretary has urged people not to book summer holidays until there is further clarity over lockdown restrictions, despite booking his own trip to Cornwall. Asked if people should be booking vacations after the Prime Minister urged people to hold off on plans, Matt Hancock said this morning: “I do understand, of course, the yearning [...]
Astrazeneca confirms it will roll out new vaccine for Covid mutations in autumn February 11, 2021 Astrazeneca is on course to launch a new vaccine that is effective against emerging Covid variants by the autumn, the company has said. The Anglo-Swedish firm said clinical trials for the “next generation” of Covid vaccine would commence in the spring, with mass production earmarked for six to nine months’ time. Speaking as he unveiled [...]
Coronavirus: Kent variant will ‘sweep the world’ February 11, 2021 The more virulent variant of coronavirus first identified in Kent will become the world’s dominant strain of the virus, according to the the director of the UK’s genetic surveillance programme. The Kent variant is now the most common form of the virus in the UK, after it was first detected in September. It has been [...]
Why have almost half EU countries restricted use of the Astrazeneca vaccine? February 10, 2021 The World Health Organization (WHO) this afternoon recommended the rollout of Astrazeneca’s Covid vaccine for use in all age groups, after a slew of European countries slapped limitations on the jab’s distribution. WHO officials said a “preponderance of evidence weighed in favour of not constraining the vaccine for certain age groups”, and refused to recommend [...]
