Pfizer vaccine cuts Covid transmission by up to 85 per cent February 22, 2021 “Vaccines are working,” the health secretary has announced, after new data showed the Pfizer vaccine cuts Covid transmission by up to 85 per cent and reduces the risk of death and hospitalisation by three-quarters. In a major boost for the Prime Minister’s plans to lift lockdown restrictions, early data from Public Health England’s (PHE) first [...]
Covid vaccines reduce hospitalisations by up to 94 per cent in Scotland February 22, 2021 The vaccine rollout has had a signifiant impact on driving down Covid-related hospitalisations and risk of serious illness in Scotland, new data has shown. Research from Public Health Scotland (PHS) found that the Pfizer and Astrazeneca vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 per cent and 94 per cent respectively. [...]
What will Boris Johnson’s ‘roadmap’ for exiting lockdown look like? February 22, 2021 Boris Johnson has vowed to set out a “roadmap” for lifting lockdown measures this afternoon, as the UK continues to make rapid progress with its vaccine rollout. While the shape of the timeline has yet to be revealed, the Prime Minister has said he will provide dates for lifting specific measures “if we possibly can”. [...]
Vaccination programme ‘beginning to bear fruit’, says minister February 22, 2021 The UK’s largest ever vaccination programme is “beginning to bear fruit”, the vaccines deployment minister has said, after early evidence showed it was beginning to bring down hospitalisations and deaths. Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News the “evidence looks good” on the Covid vaccination plan, which has seen almost one in three adults in the UK [...]
Boris Johnson unveils ‘four tests’ to lifting lockdown restrictions February 22, 2021 Boris Johnson has announced a four-step plan to reopen the country from months of lockdown, as he prepares to set out his “roadmap” later today. By the end of next month two households, or up to six people, will be able to meet outdoors for the first time in 2021 under the Prime Minister’s new [...]
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- [...]
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 [...]
Speedy vaccinations give more UK SMEs hope of a revenue rebound in 2021 February 19, 2021 Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK have been offered a glimpse of hope this morning, as nearly a quarter have surpassed their pre-pandemic levels of output.
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 [...]