Surge testing rolled out in parts of Essex for South Africa Covid variant February 21, 2021 A coronavirus testing blitz will be carried out in parts of Essex following a single confirmed case of the South Africa Covid variant. Surge testing and genomic sequencing will be carried out in the CM13 postcode in Brentwood to stamp out the “variant of concern”. People living in the targeted area are strongly encouraged to [...]
Hancock refuses to apologise over High Court ruling on PPE deals February 21, 2021 Matt Hancock has refused to apologise after the High Court ruled he broke the law by failing to publish details of billions of pounds-worth of coronavirus contracts within the required 30-day period. Mr Justice Chamberlain’s ruling followed a legal challenge brought by three opposition MPs and the Good Law Project over contracts to supply personal [...]
Hancock suggests Covid restrictions likely to last past May February 21, 2021 The government will take a “cautious” approach to easing lockdown measures, the health secretary has said, as he hinted that restrictions may stay in place into the summer months. The government has set out plans to offer a first dose of the vaccine to all over-50s and those with serious underlying health conditions by mid- [...]
No trace of coronavirus on London Tube or buses, study finds February 19, 2021 No traces of coronavirus have been found in London’s Tubes, buses and stations, according to a wide-ranging new study. Experts from Imperial College London have been taking air and surface samples from journeys on London’s transport network each month since October. Scientists mimicked a typical commuter journey on London’s bus and Tube network, and repeated [...]
London at risk of being ‘levelled down’ by pandemic, leading business groups warn Rishi Sunak February 19, 2021 A coalition of powerful business groups has urged the chancellor to outline stringent support measures for the capital, as they warned London risks being “levelled down” by the pandemic. In a letter to Rishi Sunak, the heads of groups representing more than 6,000 businesses including Heathrow Airport, the Ritz and Fortnum & Mason, said months [...]
London coronavirus cases plummet to 1 in 100 as lockdown makes its mark February 19, 2021 The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus in London has plummeted as current lockdown measures continue to push down Covid transmission. Around 1 in 100 Londoners had Covid in the week to 12 February, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) — down from 1 in 63 the week [...]
Northern Ireland extends lockdown to 1 April February 19, 2021 The Stormont Executive has agreed to extend Northern Ireland’s lockdown to 1 April. Some restrictions will be lifted however, with a phased reopening of schools. Children in primary school will be allowed to go back to school on 8 March. They will then return to remote learning on 22 March to allow the return of [...]
PureGym CEO: We should be allowed to reopen ahead of high street shops February 18, 2021 PureGym CEO: We should be allowed to reopen ahead of high street shops
Holy orders: Vatican rolls out ‘no jab, no job’ policy February 18, 2021 The Vatican has issued a decree to its 5,000 staff warning that those who refuse a Covid vaccination may be fired. Employees at the holy site must have a documented medical reason for refusing a jab or face “consequences of various degrees which may go as far as the termination of employment”, said Cardinal Giuseppe [...]
Government plugs £18.5m into Long Covid research February 18, 2021 The government has pledged to invest £18.5m into research projects looking at the long-term effects of coronavirus, also known as Long Covid. The funding will support four studies seeking to identify the causes of Long Covid and potential treatments for people with chronic side-effects. Imperial College London will receive the bulk of the funding to [...]