Sunday 28 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 27th / 28th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 27th / 28th February 2021.

The UK added 6,035 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,176,554 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 731,410 tests yesterday. 

The UK has now vaccinated over 20m people. The counter says 20,089,551 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 796,132 people had received 2 doses. 

14,808 people were in hospital on Thursday 25th, with 1,971 people using a ventilator on Friday 26th.

 In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 144 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 122,849 official losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 218,980 cases and 4,313 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 114,552,911 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,540,282. Already 90,051,580 people have recovered.

Regular rapid testing for households and bubbles of schoolchildren text box

"Anyone who took a Covid test on February 12 or 13 and has not received a result, or did not complete their test registration card, is being asked to call 119 in England or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland as soon as possible."
(If that's you, it's not great news - see below.)

Recent reporting is that 6 more cases of Brazilian Variant (with the pesky E484K) have been found in the UK, 3 in England and 3 in Scotland.
They've yet to trace one of the English cases, hence the request above, and the 3 cases in Scotland bypassed quarantine hotels by travelling from Brazil via London to Scotland.
Nicola will be furious.... 

Friday 26 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK Briefing, UK News and World News Update 26th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK Briefing, UK News and World News Update 26th February 2021.

The UK added 8,523 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,163,085 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 731,410 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 19,177,555 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 736,037 had received 2 doses. 

15,485 people were in hospital on Wed 24th, with 2,047 using a ventilator yesterday, Thursday 25th Feb. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 345 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 122,415 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 218,251 (+773) cases and 4,300 (+29) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 113,784,410 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,523,794. Already 89,371,118 people have recovered.

JCVI vaccine priority phase 2 age 49 -18

"The data on the slides speak for themselves. People are relaxing, taking their foot off the brake, at exactly the wrong time. It's a bit like being 3-0 up in a game and thinking 'well, we can't possibly lose this now', but how many times did you see the other side take it 4-3? Do not wreck this now."
Jonathan Van Tam, UK Deputy Medical Officer, with today's bad news. 

Cambridge University Hospitals have released data today on the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine efficacy. It's really good. As ever, not-yet-peer-reviewed, but it's basically counting, so pretty secure data.
They compared healthcare workers' regular lateral flow test results with who had been vaccinated, to find out levels of 'asymptomatic transmission'. Remember these are ALL people who had no noticeable symptoms.
12 days or so after immunisation was the first time there was a difference. They saw almost a 50% reduction in positive tests among the vaccinated population.
In tests taken more than 12 days after vaccination, it was even better, with a 75% reduction.
They also found that overall, in the people who still managed to catch COVID, levels of virus were lower, meaning they'll pass it to less people too.
Excellent news. 

Thursday 25 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 24th / 25th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 24th / 25th February 2021.

The UK added 9,985 cases today (under 10,000 for 3 days running, for the first time since September) and now has reported a total of 4,154,562 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 740,717 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 18,691,835 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 700,718 have received 2 doses (that number should start to fly now, because we have reached the 3 month mark since 1st doses). 

16,059 people were in hospital on Tuesday 23rd, with 2,118 using a ventilator yesterday, 24th Feb.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 323 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 122,070 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 216,870 cases and 4,237 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 113,316,017 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,513,291. Already 88,861,737 people have recovered.

Vaccine efficacy PHE and the NHS small science type icons with comments about efficacy in different age groups / populations

"We are aiming to offer a jab to all adults aged 50 or older and those who are at higher risk due to underlying health conditions by 15 April and every adult by the end of July."
Boris Johnson. UK PM.

Good news, with caution. Remember the 'Alert Levels'?
"Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in the light of the most recent data, the 4 UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director agree that the UK alert level should move from level 5 to level 4 in all 4 nations.
The health services across the 4 nations remain under significant pressure with a high number of patients in hospital. However, thanks to the efforts of the public we are now seeing numbers consistently declining, and the threat of the NHS and other health services being overwhelmed within 21 days has receded.
We should be under no illusions – transmission rates, hospital pressures and deaths are still very high. In time, the vaccines will have a major impact and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated when they receive the offer. However, for the time being it is really important that we all – vaccinated or not – remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidelines.
We know how difficult the situation has been and remains to be for healthcare workers. We thank them for their immense effort, skill and professionalism throughout the pandemic."

Wednesday 24 February 2021

UK Briefing Education Special with Gav 24th Feb 2021

UK Briefing Education Special with Gav 24th Feb 2021

Cases: 4,144,577 (+9,938)
Losses of life: 121,747 (+442)
In hospital: 16,803 (down 20% from a week earlier)
Using a ventilator: 2,273
First dose vaccination: 18,242,873
Second dose: 669,105

"Today is the culmination of many months of planning, research, negotiation & coordination. But it's just the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do to realize our shared vision for Vaccine Equity by starting vaccination in all countries within the first 100 days of the year."
Dr Tedros of the World Health Organisation this morning, as the first COVAX shipment of 600,000 vaccines arrived in Ghana. 

UK Gov COVID Roadmap Business Step 2 April 1 of 6

Public Health England have added more people to vaccine priority groups:
“JCVI supports the plan to invite anyone on the GP Learning Disability Register – as well as adults with other related conditions, including cerebral palsy – for vaccination as part of priority group 6.”
This is presumably a result of their comprehensive computer programme algorithm - it has highlighted people who are significantly more vulnerable to COVID than we realised before (or were willing to admit. Common sense and logic suggested a few of them).
The cynic in me also adds that every adult we label "vulnerable" (and there are genuinely a lot), can justifiably be vaccinated as priority. It eases the conscience and pressure from the world, over vaccinating UK general population before other countries even get their health workers jabbed. It's a bit naughty - and they know it.
Invites will go out immediately it's possible, according to supply of vaccine in your area. 

Tuesday 23 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 22nd / 23rd February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 22nd / 23rd February 2021.

The UK added 8,489 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,134,639 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 670,560 tests yesterday.

The counter says 17,916,181 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 642,788 people have had 2 doses.

16,797 people were in hospital on Sunday 21st, with 2,273 using a ventilator yesterday, 22nd Feb. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 548 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 121,305 losses of life in all settings.

Office for National Statistics report that up until Friday 12th February, 135,613 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate in the UK. 

Nation / Cases / Losses of life
Wales 202,324 / 7,204
Scotland 198,839 / 9,046
Northern Ireland 111,391 / 2,672
England 3,622,085 / 116,619

Rep. Of Ireland 215,743 cases and 4,137 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 112,458,095 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,490,418. Already 88,020,066 people have recovered.

UK Government roadmap square image March 8th 2021
England Step 1

"We often hear people described as ordinary Americans. There's no such thing. There's nothing ordinary about them. The people we’ve lost to COVID-19 were extraordinary."
US President Joe Biden

Thankfully, after all of the news yesterday, today is a slower day. There's a lot of dissection of the UK roadmap online, and I'm sure more will follow, but generally it seems to be favoured by most. A snap YouGov poll this morning found 26% think it goes too fast, 46% think it is about right and 16% think it goes too slow.

Monday 22 February 2021

Boris UK Road Map Out Of Lockdown Briefing 22nd Feb 2021

Boris UK Road Map Out Of Lockdown Briefing 22nd Feb 2021

Cases: 4,126,150 (+10,641)
Losses of life: 120,757 (+178)
In hospital: 18,462 (18th Feb)
Using a ventilator: 2,469 (19th Feb)
First vaccination: 17,723,840
Second dose: 624,325

BIG real world data released today by Public Health England shows a really good reduction in cases among populations vaccinated with the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine. There isn't yet enough data on the Oxford vaccine for an 'early data' report, because we started using that later, but it'll be along shortly and looks just as good so far...
"Early data from PHE’s SIREN study shows a promising impact on infection in healthcare workers aged under 65. Healthcare workers in the study are tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) every 2 weeks – whether or not they have symptoms." This data shows:
"One dose reduces the risk of catching infection by more than 70%, rising to 85% after the second dose."
We also have really good early data for our older friends and family:
- One dose is 57% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 disease in those aged over 80. This effect occurs from about 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose.
- Early data suggests the second dose in over 80s improves protection against symptomatic disease by a further 30%, to more than 85%.
- Hospitalisation and deaths rates are falling in all age groups – but the oldest age groups are seeing the fastest decline since the peak in mid-January.
- Those over 80 who develop COVID-19 infection after vaccination are around 40% less likely to be hospitalised than someone with infection who has not been vaccinated.
Very importantly: These high levels of protection are also seen against the variant of concern (B.1.1.7) first identified in South East England in December 2020. (That's the more transmissible Kent/UK variant B117 which accounts for over 80% of UK cases now.)

UK Government COVID Road Map 8th March 2021

"The Prime Minister will today set out the government’s roadmap for cautiously easing lockdown restrictions in England" was the announcement this morning. We really need to go by data, and not set hopeful dates that we can't step back from...
The 4 main factors, or 'tests', they will consider are:
1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
4. Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern (including anything with that pesky E484K mutation which is more resilient to antibodies).
As these 4 tests (which they just made up, and I'll be honest, seem pretty erm... 'loose') are being met, reopening is due to start March 8th as planned. This date was chosen because it is 3 weeks after the top priority groups in Phase 1 should have had their first vaccine dose, so the vast majority who are especially vulnerable or over 60 should have a healthy degree of immunity.

Sunday 21 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 20th / 21st February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 20th / 21st February 2021.

The UK added 9,834 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,115,509 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 560,400 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 17,582,121 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 615,148 people are fully vaccinated (2 doses).

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 215 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 120,580 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 214,378 cases and 4,135 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 111,817,847 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,475,106. Already 87,118,682 people have recovered.

210221 vaccine total uk gov nhs text over soft image of nurse vaccinating person in chair

“I want to see the rollout go further and faster in the coming weeks.
We will now aim to offer a jab to every adult by the end of July, helping us protect the most vulnerable sooner, and take further steps to ease some of the restrictions in place.”
Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister.

Well, I think we saw that one coming...

Friday 19 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 19th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 19th February 2021.

The UK added 12,027 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,095,269 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 560,400 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 16,875,536 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 589,591 people have had both doses (fully vaccinated). 

19,392 people were in hospital on 17th Feb (down from 24,352 a week earlier), with 2,535 using a ventilator yesterday, 18th February (down from 3,036 a week earlier). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 533 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 119,920 losses of life in all settings.

The ONS record deaths of people who had COVID listed as a cause. Up until Friday 5th February this included 129,498 people.

Rep. Of Ireland 212,647 cases and 4,082 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 111,040,682 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,457,011. Already 85,941,244 people have recovered.

190221 indieSAGE experience in Israel

All of the UK TV networks have come together to present a new video, and it's a star-studded tear-jerker. Lots of well-known people from different ethnic backgrounds and UK communities bust all of the most copy-pasted myths, and then prove just how human they are by telling us which of their loved ones have been vaccinated. An informative and poignant 3 minutes which actually does make you feel proud of what we've been through and how far we've come over the past year, but so very sad that it ever happened. You can find it by searching #takethevaccine  

Northern Ireland have extended their lockdown until April 1st. This happened yesterday,  but I failed to copy it across,  so apologies to anyone in NI.
Primary school pupils in year groups P1 to P3 return in person on March 8.
Secondary pupils in exam years 12 to 14 return in person on March 22.
"Click and collect" shopping rules will also relax a little, to allow more items to be sold.
The situation will be reviewed on March 18th.

I also lost a couple of other things I wrote for yesterday, including the US vaccination stuff. I rewrote quickly and cleverly used the total US population instead of 'doses'. Doh. The US has vaccinated really well, but not quite 330m doses, or 'exactly 1 per person' -  they've actually administered around 58m at this point. 

Thursday 18 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 17th / 18th February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 17th / 18th February 2021

The UK added 12,057 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,083,242 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 578,844 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 16,423,082 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 573,724 people are fully vaccinated (2 doses). 

20,156 people were in hospital on Tuesday 16th Feb, with 2,614 using a ventilator yesterday, 17th Feb. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 454 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 119,387 official losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 211,751 cases and 4,036 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 110,665,124 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,445,927. Already 85,538,983 people have recovered.

UK Vaccination programme 1 to 9 where will you be jabbed
Northern Ireland only! 

The UK government is leading the call for a worldwide ceasefire, to enable vaccinations to take place safely. It is in the world's best interest, as well as those countries involved.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today made the request official at the UN Security Council meeting. 

Today in the UK £18.5m was announced to fund 4 research studies which hope to identify the causes and potential treatments for Long COVID, and the effects on both physical AND mental health.
"Approximately 1 in 10 people with COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms beyond 12 weeks."

"Long COVID can present with clusters of symptoms that are often overlapping and/or fluctuating. A systematic review has highlighted 55 different long-term effects but common symptoms of long COVID include breathlessness, headaches, cough, fatigue and cognitive impairment or ‘brain fog’. There is also emerging evidence that some people experience organ damage."
You don't even have to be sick enough to need hospital to find yourself suffering with Long COVID, and it will have a massive effect going forward. We still have no real idea how many people, of all ages, will have some permanent health changes.

Tuesday 16 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 15th / 16th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 15th / 16th February 2021.

The UK added 10,625 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,058,468 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 457,144 tests yesterday.

The counter says 15,576,107 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 546,165 people are fully vaccinated.

21,001 people were in hospital on Sunday 14th (down from 26,723 a week earlier), with 2,805 using a ventilator yesterday, 15th February (down from 3,230 a week earlier). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 799 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 118,195 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 211,113 (+711) cases and 3,980 (+32) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 109,865,149 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,423,838. Already 84,451,577 people have recovered.

UK Government Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine fact sheet now WHO approved

"The previous shielding guidance extended until 21 February. It will now be extended until 31 March."
This is the final line of the release about changes to the English shielded category, and I know it will be a kick in the shin for a lot of you. Remember shielding is there to keep you safe until we can all come out. The last leg is always the longest and the hardest to run.

Monday 15 February 2021

February 2021 78 Months #TBCSmiles

It's February. I don't know about you, but for me this year January seemed considerably shorter. Usually it's my quietest time on the blog, I get about 3 months before Spring toys start coming in, to recuperate after the pre-Christmas madness. This year it's different. The pre-Christmas madness was massively subdued. The post-Christmas lull is bringing as much COVID news (possibly more) as before, and there's a danger it all feels a bit of a samey blah... 

Image of daffodils growing up through grass at the side of a road. No buds yet, but life

It's too easy to just roll through the days, tick, tick, tick, without having things to enjoy, things to try, things to create. Just because we are in lockdown, doesn't mean you should sleepwalk through it until the end. If you do, you miss a million opportunities to actually create any memories, and all you are left with is the mundane... tick... tick... tick...

UK Coronavirus Briefing UK 15th Feb 2021

UK Coronavirus Briefing UK 15th Feb 2021

Cases: 4,047,843 (+9,765)
Losses of life: 117,396 (+230)
In Hospital: 23,341 (Thurs 11th)
Using a Ventilator: 2,943 (Fri 12th)
Vaccination First Dose: 15,300,151
Vaccination Second Dose: 539,630

News today is that Nicola Sturgeon is not happy about the idea of people arriving in England and then travelling into Scotland - thereby avoiding their universal hotel quarantine for all arrivals from outside the UK.

The media isn't happy about the fact England doesn't appear to have a system in place for the first minutes after new arrivals from Red List countries get here - they have to wander through the airport with everyone else, before being bussed to their hotel quarantine. 

150221 daily summary uk gov

Today's UK briefing was with Journalist Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, and scientists Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, and Sir Simon Stevens of NHS England.

Boris started with a vaccination update, and we have vaccinated over 15m people. He thanks everyone involved - including Pharmacists. He reminds us we cannot relax. We've vaccinated over 90% of those most at risk, but don't forget over 60% of hospital patients are under 70.
We still have more people in hospital than at the height of the first peak. Admissions are running at 1,600 a day.

Vaccination groups 5 and 6 - All those over 65, adult carers and those who have underlying health conditions, will be getting their letters first in Phase 2 - 1m letters went out today.
IF we can keep supply steady we hope to offer a first vaccination to everyone over 50 by the end of April, as well as delivering "millions of 2nd doses to the most vulnerable within 12 weeks of the first".

"We must be both optimistic, but also patient.... and next week I will be setting out a road map, showing as much as we possibly can, about the route to normality, and even though some things are very uncertain. Because, we want this lockdown to be... the last. And we want progress to be cautious, but also irreversible."

Chris with the slides.
The numbers of new cases are coming down steadily, but still above the level in September last year.
The number of people in hospital is STILL higher than at the April peak.
The most recent 7-day average is 657 people succumbed. This is still very high.

Chris talks about vaccinations. Remember it won't start to work for 2-3 weeks, and when you are asked to go back for the 2nd dose YOU MUST DO SO. The 2nd dose will make it work better and be much longer lasting.
We know vaccination DOES reduce transmission, so vaccinating people helps protect everyone else as well. He adds that once we have a large number of the community vaccinated, that halts transmission too (it acts like roadblocks), bringing cases down and protecting those who haven't yet been vaccinated even further.

Sir Simon Stevens talks about vaccinations. He says it's 2 sprints and a marathon. The first sprint is almost over, the second sprint of 11 weeks is about to start. (The marathon will be the 'everyone else' - which sounds more like the bit of the marathon after the elite runners have gone, and everyone left is wearing fancy dress and waving).
1. If you've been offered vaccination and haven't yet accepted, you still can, just get in touch.
2. 2nd doses need to happen, this will mainly be early to mid March. You will return to the same location for your second dose.
3. 1st doses for groups 5 and 6 need to happen. People aged over 65. People aged 16-64 with underlying conditions, those who live in care, and adult carers.
Firstly most people are being offered jabs in large centres and pharmacists, but if this doesn't suit you, you can go elsewhere, you won't lose your jab. People with complex situations or additional needs may be contacted directly by their GP, rather than have the jab in a less familiar setting. Chris asks that we help those with mental health issues to access their jab, and ensure they get it done. 

Ovr 15m people offered a first dose of vaccination in the UK

Chris explains that we may need 'booster jabs' because of variants (that pesky E484K). We have no idea whether this would have to be everyone, or those at highest risk, or how often it would have to happen. It does look like we might need one this Autumn/Winter because of there being several variants around that might 'escape' the vaccination (variants with that pesky E484K mutation).
Bear in mind COVID is still running rampant through millions of people. Once that slows down, development of new mutations will also slow down. It's been running at breakneck speed for the last few months - COVID has passed through a lot of host bodies... 

Press asked about mental health. Boris sounded very sincere, and clearly appreciates that everyone is struggling a bit right now. There's really not a lot he can do to just fix that. (I think we're aware the infrastructure isn't in place - and I think they'll have to address that very carefully, and swiftly.)

Despite being able to dress themselves, a member of the press asked for a guarantee it would be the last lockdown. Boris made his answer very clear. He CANNOT give any guarantee about anything. 

I dunno, he's either a great actor or a man genuinely a bit beaten down. (Get out in the fresh air Boris. Look for Spring - it's coming.)

Boris says he's not going to talk about the roadmap until next week as planned, and speculate however you want, it isn't happening unless you hear it from him.
Chris adds that we can look at data from Israel as a guide to planning, (they've vaccinated more than we have, and also have the Kent variant B117) but we can't say any definites yet.
Boris: 'We know it's going to work, but it's the speed it works we don't know.'

Chris reminds us we have improved drugs and treatments, social distancing measures, vaccinations. It's hoped that vaccinations will 'take most of that weight'. The effects of all of this together may get COVID down to zero, but more likely to very low levels. We may be able to stop all restrictions once and for all, or we may need to leave social distancing a bit longer, or use it at certain times (e.g. when cases appear in our area/over Winter). WE DON'T YET KNOW. 

Press asked about health and social care workers who have not taken up the offer of a vaccination. Sir Simon and Chris said it isn't just people who have decided against, a lot of people may not take it up immediately, but may come back to it, or get around to it. (These are people who work shifts and lead busy lives.)

Chris with a vaccine reminder:
"The risks of the vaccine are MASSIVELY lower than the risks of getting this infection, and the vaccine will protect from this infection... and in the long run, that is the way we actually need to combat this disease, is by the much safer route of vaccination... rather than the very significant risks that go with this infection for many people."

Boris is asked about 'Vaccine Passports'. Clearly Boris is all for this, but not so much for arrivals to the UK. He starts on about live theatre and all those things we enjoy, and his dream of daily lateral flow testing.
Chris says we hope to see the effect of the vaccinations on all of the figures. You can see it in Israel already, in the UK we are beginning to see a slight difference, but we can't 'properly evaluate' for another week or two. 

Press asked about 'the USA asking for more transparency from China over the origins of COVID'. Boris talks about general agreements and a 'global treaty' which agrees to provide all available data asap on any potential zoonotic disease outbreak (other animal to human animal). 

As I said at the weekend, it's now over a year since I told you my estimates for how many people COVID could make seriously ill. They were taken from publicly supplied Chinese data, and they weren't far wrong. Whether China told us everything or not, they told us plenty to be going on with. They were disinfecting the blinking streets in white paper boiler suits and building a 4,000 bed temporary hospital on livestream for goodness sake. The clues were all there...

Back tomorrow with the regular UK/world news update! You stay well. 



Sources:

https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-care-home-and-healthcare-settings-posters/covid-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups

Sunday 14 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 13th / 14th February 2021.

 COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 13th / 14th February 2021.

The UK added 10,972 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,038,078 positive cases of COVID-19.

The counter says 15,062,189 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night, and 537,715 had received 2 doses.

23,341 people were in hospital on Thursday 11th, with 2,943 using a ventilator on Friday 12th Feb.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 258 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 117,166 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 208,796 cases and 3,931 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

140221 daily UK government update cases deaths vaccinations

There have now been a total of 109,252,019 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,408,087. Already 81,314,537 people have recovered.

The UK have met their target of vaccinating 15 million UK adults before mid February. Well done, and thank you, to everyone involved. It really is a fantastic achievement. 

Friday 12 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 12th February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 12th February 2021.

The UK added 15,144 cases today and now has reported a total of 4,013,799 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 730,223 tests yesterday.

The counter says 14,012,224 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night, and 530,094 are fully vaccinated (2 doses).

24,352 people were in hospital on 10th Feb, with 3,036 using a ventilator yesterday, 11th February.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 758 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 116,287 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 207,720 (+919) cases and 3,865 (+19) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 108,518,001 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,384,450. Already 80,505,462 people have recovered.

indieSAGE losses od life per week showing from first peak to date

The UK R (reproductive) Rate has definitely and officially fallen below 1 for the first time since last June. Finally each infected person is infecting less than 1 other, on average.

"Some people thought a vaccine could not be produced within a year but it happened. Now, some people say that vaccinating the world is not possible.
They are dead wrong."
Dr Tedros, Head of the World Health Organisation.

Don't say anything out loud, but the decrease in COVID deaths among people in the UK over age 80 does appear to be dropping faster than under age 80. (As we know, vaccination takes 2 or 3 weeks to kick in....) 

Thursday 11 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 10th / 11th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 10th / 11th February 2021.

The UK added 13,494 cases today and now has reported a total of 3,998,655 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 763,311 tests yesterday.

The counter says 13,509,108 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 524,447 had received 2 doses.

25,621 people were in hospital on Tuesday 9th, with 3,132 using a ventilator yesterday, 10th February.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 678 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 115,529 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 206,801 (+862) cases and 3,846 (+52) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 108,092,884 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,370,940. Already 80,122,045 people have recovered.

ONS Mortality including 5 year average and deaths from COVID

If you are are an adult who hasn't been vaccinated and are considered to be more susceptible to COVID, you might already have received a text, call or letter asking you to book your vaccination. It appears the next stage of the rollout is already happening. Groups 5-9, your time is now. The aim is to have vaccinated virtually everyone in the top 9 groups by the end of April. 
1 Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
2 All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
3 All those 75 years of age and over
4 All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (not including pregnant women and those under 16 years of age)
5 All those 65 years of age and over
6 Adults aged 16 to 65 years in an at-risk group
7 All those 60 years of age and over
8 All those 55 years of age and over
9 All those 50 years of age and over

What To Do To Keep The Older Kids Busy At Home - Spring 2021

It's been just over a year since the first cases of COVID emerged, and yet we already seem to have been under restrictions for about 4 years. Being at home doesn't mean the end of all entertainment - lots of folks have moved online, and lots have been working online for years, but you might not have noticed.... 

Here are a host of people who are still entertaining us, teaching us and putting on events - and anyone can join in, whatever the weather, wherever you are.... 

Image of spring daffodil shoots poking through grass, and text

Wednesday 10 February 2021

UK News and COVID Briefing 10th February 2021

UK News and COVID Briefing 10th February 2021

Cases: 3,985,161 (+13,013)
Losses of life: 114,851 (+1,001)
In hospital: 26,684 (on 8th Feb)
Using a ventilator: 3,164 (on 9th Feb)
First dose vaccine: 13,058,298
Second dose vaccine: 519,553

ALL passenger arrivals to Scotland HAVE TO quarantine in hotels. You don't need to quarantine if arriving from "the Common Travel Area (CTA) a long-standing arrangement between the UK, the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man) and Ireland").
The penalties will be equally harsh to the whole UK penalties if anyone tries to cheat this, including by arriving in England and travelling overland to Scotland.
We are reminded that even aside from the international travel, it's actually not legal for you to travel within the UK right now unless you have good reason. 

Lambeth is the latest area which has surge testing after discovery of a new person with South African variant.
Even if your area doesn't have surge testing, over 70% of councils (more than 230 local authorities) are now offering rapid testing for anyone with symptoms or not - and it has caught over 44,000 cases so far. 

100221 UK Briefing chart showing estimated percentage positive in England

The pesky E484K mutation is the one which helps COVID escape the vaccines and antibodies (only around half the time) in the South African and Brazilian variants. The UK's very own B177 variant has now managed to mutate in this way in Bristol, with at least 14 cases found so far. We really don't want to encourage this mutation, which is why surge and door-to-door testing is happening whenever we find it. You lucky people of Bristol now have your own "Variant of Concern" or VOC - the Bristol Variant.
Another mutation of the B117 variant in Liverpool is still a Variant Under Investigation, or VUI. 

Tuesday 9 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 8th / 9th February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 8th / 9th February 2021.

The UK added 12,364 cases today and now has reported a total of 3,972,148 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 616,718 tests yesterday. We have carried out over 75 million tests in total. 

The counter says 12,646,486 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 516,392 people were fully vaccinated (2 doses). 

26,723 people were in hospital on Sunday 7th, with 3,230 using a ventilator yesterday, 8th February. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 1,052 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 113,850 losses of life in all settings.

The Office for National Statistics record deaths with COVID listed as a cause.  Up until Friday 29th January this included 121,674 people. 

Nation / Cases /Losses of life
Wales 197,021 / 6,674
Scotland 187,542 / 8,343
Northern Ireland 107,438 / 2,447
England 3,480,147 / 104,165

Rep. Of Ireland 204,397 cases and 3,687 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.) 

There have now been a total of 107,198,328 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,342,375. Already 79,032,605 people have recovered.

How the Who's COVAX initiative works, priority groups

There were a lot of concerns regarding BAME people in the UK being fairly vaccinated, because we didn't seem to be catching a very high percentage of them. As we've added people aged 70-80, the gap has thankfully shrunk. It appears the very oldest people in BAME groups may be missing out because of problems accessing healthcare - a problem that needs to be addressed, and now it's visible,  hopefully it can be. 

Monday 8 February 2021

UK Coronavirus Briefing 8th Feb

UK Coronavirus Briefing 8th Feb

Cases: 3,959,784 (+14,104)
Losses of life: 112,798 (+333)
In hospital: 29,326
Using a ventilator: 3,505
First dose vaccination: 12,294,006
Second dose vaccination: 512,581

Clearly there was going to be a UK briefing today, and this is a big part of why:
South Africa have suspended their rollout of the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine, after the new trial data from University of the Witwatersrand suggested it only reduced mild-to-moderate COVID-19 by just 22%, because of the mutations in the South African variant.
That's a real blow, other data was around the 50% 'usefulness benchmark' for reducing severe disease, hospitalisation and death against the South African variant. With a much younger average population age than the UK (SA 25 /UK  40), and a younger expected lifespan (SA 64 / UK 81) South Africa's priorities are slightly different.
UK Health Minister Edward Argar (who?) said on the telly box this morning that 147 cases of the South African variant had so far been discovered in the UK. This is with extensive local testing and actual contact tracing taking place for all known cases. 

If you are over 70 in England and don't have a vaccination appointment, contact us

UK Government Ministers are themselves in a frenzy trying to keep us calm and confident in the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine. Bless em, all kinds of Junior Ministers you've never heard of are scrabbling around for airtime. Popcorn anyone? 

Sunday 7 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 6th /7th February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 6th /7th February 2021.

The UK added 15,845 cases today and now has reported a total of 3,945,680 positive cases of COVID-19. 

The counter says 12,014,288 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 511,447 people had received both doses and are fully vaccinated. 

29,326 people were in hospital on Thursday 4th, with 3,505 using a ventilator on Friday 5th February. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 373 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 112,465 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 203,568 (+1,020) cases and 3,686 (+12) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 106,515,969 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,323,940. Already 78,183,869 people have recovered.

070221 daily update UK gov vaccination cases deaths

EE will help any UK child who is struggling to access or cannot access education, by giving them or their grown up unlimited data until July. You can access this through their teachers, so get in touch with school. Teachers can find out more by searching EE Lockdown Learning. 

UK Vaccines Minister Nahdim Zahawi has said on telly this morning that he is confident we have enough vaccines, and are vaccinating quickly enough, to meet both the Mid-February target for the first 3 priority groups, and the 'end of May' target for the first 9 priority groups - basically healthcare frontline, vulnerable and everyone over 50.
Ideally we would then go on immediately to vaccinate everyone else - but we do have a moral and humanitarian obligation to help ensure the world's healthcare workers and most vulnerable people are protected - so it's likely the UK supply of vaccines may hit a pause at this point. 

Friday 5 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 5th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 5th February 2021.

The UK added 19,114 cases today and now has reported a total of 3,911,573 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 783,851 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 10,971,047 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night. 505,993 have been fully vaccinated (2 doses).

30,508 people were in hospital on Wednesday 3rd (down from 35,375 the same time last week), with 2,847 using a ventilator yesterday, 4th February (down considerably from 3,918 a week earlier). 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 1,014 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 111,264 losses of life in all settings.

Rep. Of Ireland 201,763 (+1,019) cases and 3,621 (+35) losses of life. 

There have now been a total of 105,668,451 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,301,054. Already 77,320,509 people have recovered.

050221 infection survey ONS UK figures for UK nations

I told you yesterday that German vaccine manufacturer CureVac were working on 'next generation' COVID vaccines. They are still going through phase 3 mass human trials of their first generation COVID vaccine, and can tweak their recipe the same way flu vaccines are tweaked. Clearly trials must be going okay, and the UK is clearly now at risk of those more resilient E484K mutations spreading, and is attempting to future-proof our vaccine stock. Today they announced we have bought into CureVac and are hoping to manufacture it in the UK - if necessary:
"...the UK has placed an initial order for 50 million doses of new vaccines to be delivered later this year if they are required".

Thursday 4 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd / 4th February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd / 4th February 2021.

The UK added 20,634 cases today and now has reported a total of 3,892,459 positive cases of COVID-19.
We completed 801,949 tests yesterday.

10,490,487 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night.
501,957 people have received 2 doses and are fully vaccinated.

31,670 people were in hospital on Tuesday 2nd, with 3,625 using a ventilator yesterday, 3rd February.

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 915 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 110,250 losses of life in all settings.

UK Nation / Cases / Losses of life / Losses per 100,000 population
Wales 194,525 / 6,313 / 200.2
Scotland 183,418 / 7,899 / 144.6
Northern Ireland 105,637 / 2,310 / 122
England 3,408,879 / 96,102 / 170.7

Rep. Of Ireland 199,430 cases and 3,512 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

There have now been a total of 105,140,552 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,284,417. Already 76,854,309 people have recovered.

04 02 21 daily update UK Gov

For reference:
- COVID 19 - standard COVID
- UK/Kent COVID variant 'B117' - catchier, may be slightly more deadly, small resistance to vaccines/antibodies. Widespread throughout the UK and found in around 40 countries already.
- South African variant B135.1 - very much like UK variant plus mutation E484K, which gives a chunk more resistance to vaccines/antibodies
- Mutated UK/Kent COVID variant - UK variant plus E484K, so incredibly similar to the South African variant.
- Brazilian variant P1 - we still know very little in reality. Looks in a lab very much like the South African variant, with bonus potential for evil.

Wednesday 3 February 2021

UK Coronavirus Briefing 3rd Feb 2021

UK Coronavirus Briefing 3rd Feb 2021

Cases: 3,871,825 (+19,202)
Loss of life: 109,335 (+1,322)
In hospital: 32,851 (1st Feb)
Using a ventilator: 3,638 (2nd Feb)
1st Dose Vaccine: 10,021,471
Fully vaccinated: 498,962

We've vaccinated over 10m people (whoot!), with 1 dose (ahhh). It is really impressive, far beyond the rest of Europe.

Scotland have said that some of their youngest children will begin a phased return to school after the half term break. 

030221 slides UK press briefing mortality by age

Boris started by talking about Captain Sir Tom Moore.
He says the NHS were the right choice for Sir Tom to support. In order to get the vaccines into the arms of people in the UK, we need the support of masses of people, but in the end, it is the NHS we need.
We have now vaccinated over 10m people across the UK, including offering jabs to every eligible care home, and vaccinating almost 90% of the people aged 75% in England. 

New research out today supports other data and looks good. The vaccine kicks in by around 3 weeks, and lasts well through to 3 months when people have their 2nd jab.
Excitingly the data suggests that among vaccinated populations transmission to others really seems reduced by quite a high amount - possibly up to 2/3 less. 

Tuesday 2 February 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 1st / 2nd February 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 1st / 2nd February 2021.

The UK added 16,840 cases today and now has reported a total of 3,852,623 positive cases of COVID-19. We completed 643,204 tests yesterday. 

The counter says 9,646,715 people had been given at least one dose of a vaccine in the UK by midnight last night, with 496,796 fully vaccinated (2 doses). 

32,466 people were in hospital on Sunday 31st Jan, with 3,726 using a ventilator yesterday, 1st February. 

In the 24 hours up until 5pm yesterday, we officially reported the loss of another 1,449 people who have tested positive to COVID-19 within 28 days, making a total of 108,013 losses of life in all settings.

ONS report that up until 22nd January, 112,660 people had COVID as a cause on their death certificate. 

Rep. Of Ireland 198,424 (+871) cases and 3,418 (+101) losses of life.

There have now been a total of 104,158,113 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is 2,255,156. Already 75,971,288 people have recovered.

020221 additional £50m for uni students

Scotland's lockdown will be extended:
"Lockdown restrictions have been extended following this week's review.
Current lockdown measures will stay in place across mainland Scotland and some island communities until at least the end of February."

You know how we didn't really want mutations on top of mutations? And that could be a not very good thing? I have some bad news... 

Monday 1 February 2021

UK Coronavirus Briefing 1st Feb 2021 (and some UK background news).

UK Briefing 1st Feb 2021 (and some UK background news).
Cases 3,835,783 (+18,607)
Losses of Life 106,564 (+406)
In hospital 34,783 (28th Jan)
Using a ventilator 3,832 (29th Jan)

11 people in the UK with no known travel links have tested positive for the South African variant. This is similar to the UK's more transmissible variant, but may possibly be more resistant to vaccines, so we don't really want it to spread any further while we check that one out. It affects 8 postcode areas:
W7, N17 and CR4 in London
WS2 in Walsall
ME15 in Kent
EN10 in Hertfordshire
GU21 in Surrey and
PR9 in Lancashire.
Local residents will be offered door-to-door testing whether they have symptoms or not, and some proper contact tracing is underway.
Matt Hancock has expressed an urge to eradicate this from the UK asap (and everyone else in the world agrees). 

010221 vaccinations today

We have started vaccinating, and mixing together COVID and vaccinations means only the really resilient and robust virus survives - the mutations that came out slightly different, but it turned out to be a biological advantage (like redheads making some of their own vitamin D). The South African variant looks IN A LAB like it might be up to 30-50% more resilient to some of the vaccines and antibodies people have, but without sequencing (basically a virus 'DNA test', except with virus it's 'RNA') to see exactly what happens, no-one can be certain exactly what occurs in the real world. The number of cases in the UK is currently still too huge to sequence every case - although we are legitimately world beating at this. We can do about 6% (and that'll rise as case numbers get smaller).