WHO: World faces ‘critical point’ in the Covid pandemic April 12, 2021 The globe faces a “critical point” in the pandemic and needs an urgent “reality check” about how to combat spirally Covid infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Dr Maria van Kerkhove, head of the WHO’s technical response, said that the “trajectory of this pandemic is growing” [...]
Over-40s to be offered Covid vaccine ‘from tomorrow’ April 12, 2021 Over-40s are due to be invited for their first vaccinations against coronavirus from tomorrow, as part of government plans to offer a first injection to all adults in the UK by 31 July. Initial appointments will be reserved for people aged 49, with people in their mid-to-late-40s told to book later in the month as [...]
NHS Covid-19 app update blocked for privacy breaches April 12, 2021 An update to the NHS Covid-19 app has been blocked by Apple and Google for breaking the companies’ privacy terms. The app was due for a fresh reboot from today to coincide with the reopening of pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops, which would have allowed users to log venues they had checked into via a [...]
World leaders pay tribute to Prince Philip April 10, 2021 Tributes to Prince Philip have poured in from leaders around the world after the Duke of Edinburgh died yesterday, aged 99. Speaking outside Downing Street yesterday afternoon, Boris Johnson said: “It is to Her Majesty and her family, that our nation’s thoughts must turn today, because they have lost not just a much loved and [...]
EU regulator probes possible blood clot risk with Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine April 9, 2021 The EU’s medicines regulator has announced it will investigate possible links between rare blood clots and Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot coronavirus vaccine. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it will review four serious cases of rare clots with low platelets in patients that had received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — one of which was [...]
Labour Party suspends campaigning following death of Prince Philip April 9, 2021 The Labour Party has suspended campaigning “as a mark of respect” following the death of Prince Philip this morning. Members have been advised not to distribute party leaflets or hold canvassing sessions this weekend as a period of national mourning commences. Local elections are due to take place across the devolved nations on 6 May, [...]
Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99 April 9, 2021 Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has announced. The Duke was married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years, and became the longest-serving consort in British history. Flags on landmark buildings in Britain were being lowered to half-mast this afternoon as a period of [...]
Boots to offer free rapid Covid tests at 1,500 pharmacies April 9, 2021 Boots is offering free rapid Covid tests at more than 1,500 pharmacies across England as part of the government’s new testing drive. People without symptoms will be able to visit their local Boots pharmacy and collect a free box of seven lateral flow devices (LFDs) to use twice weekly at home. Marc Donovan, chief pharmacist [...]
Government announces traffic light system to pave way for international travel April 9, 2021 The government has announced plans for a new traffic light system to pave the way for the return of international travel in a boon for sun-starved Brits. However, the travel industry is up in arms over plans to make those travelling to the least at-risk countries take costly PCR tests before their departure and return. [...]
France, Germany and Australia turn to alternative Covid vaccines amid Astrazeneca blood clot concerns April 9, 2021 A growing number of countries have begun to turn their backs on Astrazeneca’s Covid vaccine amid fears over a potential link to blood clots, despite health agencies around the world insisting it remains safe and effective. France this morning said it was preparing to recommend that under-55s seek an alternative vaccine even if they have [...]
