Minggu, 07 Februari 2021

UK weather: Snow and ice warnings issued for England, Scotland and Wales - BBC News

A snowy scene in Dover in Kent
Emma G/BBC Weather Watchers

Heavy snow could bring significant disruption to the east and south-east of England in the coming hours.

An amber warning - meaning travel disruption, stranded vehicles and power cuts are likely - is in force until Monday morning.

Snow has fallen already and yellow warnings have been issued for much of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The cold snap is not expected to be as widespread as 2018's Beast from the East, forecasters say.

"The air will be cold but it will not be as bitingly cold as it was back in 2018," said Met Office meteorologist Sarah Kent.

Marlingford, Norfolk
Walking Tractor/BBC Weather Watchers
St Margaret's at Cliffe in Kent
Circumzenathal/BBC Weather Watchers

Forecasters have warned of "significant disruptive snowfall" and gale force winds in south-east England, with up to 30cm (12in) of snow possible in the Downs of Kent and the North Downs.

The amber warning - which also means disruption to gas, telephone or mobile phone coverage is likely - covers parts of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent and Medway and lasts until 09:00 on Monday.

Snow stacks up against a house in Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire
Tyler/BBC Weather Watchers
Burgh in Suffolk
victorthevole/BBC Weather Watchers

Yellow warnings - meaning there could be travel disruption and a slight chance of power cuts or communities being cut off - are also in place for:

  • snow in the east, south-east of England and London until Monday at 06:00
  • snow and ice along the entire central and eastern length of Britain until Wednesday at 12:00
  • ice in the south-east of Northern Ireland from 20:00 on Sunday, and then snow and ice from the late afternoons on Monday and Tuesday, until Wednesday at 11:00

"The focus of the snow for the past few days has been in Scotland and it's still snowing here now," said BBC Weather's Darren Bett.

But from Sunday, the heavy snow will be more towards south-east England which is closer to Storm Darcy, he said.

"Winds will blow snow showers across Scotland, northern England, northern Wales, one or two for Northern Ireland.

"Temperatures will be lower than they were on Saturday, so maybe 2 or 3C at best."

Snow in the Peak Forest in Derbyshire
Peaky Forest/BBC Weather Watchers

Parts of Scotland have already been hit by heavy snow, while there has been heavy rain in other areas.

In Cupar, Fife, homes have been inundated and a park flooded after the nearby River Eden burst its banks.

Glasgow City Council said it had sent out gritters on Saturday night to outlying priority routes and areas around vaccine centres.

There are currently 54 flood warnings across England and one in Scotland, as of Sunday morning.

River Eden in the town of Cupar, in Fife, Scotland having burst its banks.
@shamblesklutz/PA Media
Snow covers Moulin Moor near Pitlochry as storm Darcy approaches the country, in Scotland
Reuters

Amid the warnings of travel disruption, rail operator Southeastern strongly advised passengers not to travel on its network on Sunday or Monday, while Southern cancelled trains on two of its routes.

Meanwhile, Public Health England has issued a cold weather alert for the whole nation from Saturday through to Wednesday.

Dr Owen Landeg said it was "crucial" people looked out for those who may be vulnerable during the current cold snap, calling on the public to make sure those at-risk have enough food and drink to stay warm and well.

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2021-02-07 10:25:00Z
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COVID-19: Vaccines minister 'confident' everyone over 50 will be offered coronavirus jab by May - Sky News

The vaccines minister has told Sky News he is "confident" the UK will hit its "tough target" of offering everybody over 50 a coronavirus jab by May.

Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Nadhim Zahawi said that at one point on Saturday, the UK was administering COVID-19 jabs at a rate of almost 1,000 per minute.

Latest COVID updates from the UK and around the world

"The limiting factor is vaccine supply so the vaccine supply remains finite," he said.

"I can tell you that yesterday between 11 and 12 o'clock we almost got to 1,000 jabs a minute, we got to 979 jabs a minute."

Latest figures show more than 11.4 million people in the UK have received the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

The pace of the vaccine rollout indicates the UK is on track to meet its target of offering a jab to everyone in the top four priority groups - around 15 million people - by the middle of this month.

More from Covid-19

It was revealed this week that the government wants to offer a vaccine to those aged over 50 and those aged 16 to 65 who have certain health conditions by the end of April.

Asked about these targets, Mr Zahawi said: "I'm confident we'll meet our mid-February target of the top four cohorts, I'm also confident, because I have enough line of sight of deliveries that are coming through, that we will also meet the one to nine cohorts by May.

"It's a tough target by the way, many many people who are clinically extremely vulnerable have to be reached by GPs, some can't travel."

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All over-50s should get vaccine by May - Hancock

The vaccines minister added that the UK was beginning to store second doses, in preparation to provide both first and second inoculations next month.

He acknowledged that the pace of vaccines would "vary" and the manufacture of them "remains challenging".

"But as Patrick Vallance [the government's chief scientific adviser] said, there's never been a vaccine manufacturing process of a new vaccine without its challenges, but we see better stability now and greater volumes, but they will move around," Mr Zahawi said.

In a separate interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Zahawi a booster jab or an annual vaccination in the autumn could be required in the future.

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Greater Manchester mayor rejects tiers system

He also confirmed in his Sky News interview that the UK was not looking at introducing vaccine passports, describing such a move as "discriminatory".

Mr Zahawi continued: "I think the right thing to do is make sure people come forward and be vaccinated because they want to rather than it being made in some way mandatory through a passport."

He added that if, at some point in the future, other countries required people to provide proof that they have received a jab, people could ask their GP to give them evidence.

"We're not planning to have a passport in the UK," he stressed.

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WHO envoy warns against 'vaccine nationalism'

Mr Zahawi would not be drawn on how long lockdown restrictions could last for, only saying that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out a roadmap for the easing of measures on 22 February.

He said the hope was that schools can begin reopening from 8 March, with the UK "gradually reopening the whole of our economy" after that.

Mr Zahawi added: "We have to be mindful we want to make it based on the evidence of the vaccine efficacy and the impact on transmission, hospitalisation and death. It's a race against death."

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2021-02-07 10:04:11Z
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Covid: Oxford jab protection against South Africa variant 'limited' - BBC News

Chief Pharmacist Richard Harrison with the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine at Askham Bar park-and-ride in York
PA Media

The Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid jab gives limited protection against mild disease caused by the South Africa variant, the firm said early trials had suggested.

It also said it had not yet fully determined whether the vaccine protects against severe disease caused by the more transmissible coronavirus variant.

The preliminary findings from a small study of more than 2,000 people have not yet been peer-reviewed.

More than 100 cases of the South Africa variant have been found in the UK.

The preliminary findings, first reported by the Financial Times, suggest the vaccine offers limited protection against mild and moderate disease caused by the variant.

The study is due to be published on Monday.

A spokesman for AstraZeneca said they had not yet been able to properly establish whether the jab would prevent severe disease and hospitalisation caused by the South Africa variant because those involved in the study had predominantly been young, healthy adults.

But the company expressed confidence that the vaccine would offer protection against serious cases, because it created neutralising antibodies similar to those of other coronavirus vaccines.

A spokesman for AstraZeneca said the company and the University of Oxford had started adapting the vaccine against the South Africa variant, adding that a new vaccine to work against mutated versions of the virus could be ready to deploy in the autumn if needed.

Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said that if the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was less protective against mild disease but prevented severe disease this would "still be a pretty good outcome".

"I don't think we need to be too alarmed by [the reported findings] as yet but we do need to see the full study to work out what the implications really are," he told the BBC.

Dr Nikki Kanani, medical director of primary care at NHS England, encouraged people to take a vaccine when offered, adding that evidence shows they are "very protective" - particularly against hospitalisation and death from Covid.

However, she told BBC Breakfast that scientists will have to keep looking at how coronavirus vaccines are working as they will likely have to be given on a yearly basis to "reflect any changes" in variants of the virus, like the flu jab.

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It comes as the company on Saturday said its vaccine provided good protection against the variant first discovered in Kent, which is now dominant in the UK.

Current vaccines were designed around earlier versions of coronavirus, but scientists believe they should still work against the new ones, although it is not yet clear how well against different mutations.

Early results suggest the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine protects against the new variants.

Data on two new coronavirus vaccines that could be approved soon - one from Novavax and another from Janssen - appear to offer some protection.

Experts say vaccines could be redesigned and tweaked to be a better match for new variants in a matter of weeks or months if necessary.

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2021-02-07 08:36:00Z
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Sabtu, 06 Februari 2021

Croydon stabbings: 'Abhorrent' night of violence leaves man dead - BBC News

Wisbeach Road, Croydon
PA Media

Police have condemned a night of "needless and abhorrent" violence after a man died and nine others were hurt in a spate of stabbings in south London.

Officers were called to five stabbing incidents in the space of just over two and half hours on Friday evening.

A 22-year-old man was killed in a fight at a block of flats in Wisbeach Road, Croydon, police said.

None of the attacks is being linked, but police said extra officers would be deployed in south London.

Police said the dead man was stabbed in an altercation with a group of males and a murder investigation was under way.

On Saturday afternoon friends and family of the victim, including his mother, laid flowers alongside a police cordon at the scene.

And in a separate incident a man in his 20s was found dead in Kilburn in north London at about 17:40 GMT on Saturday. A boy believed to be in his teens has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Flats at Wisbeach Road, Croydon
PA Media

Det Supt Nicky Arrowsmith said: "Sadly, tonight [Friday] we have seen a number of needless and completely abhorrent violent altercations, including one that has tragically resulted in a loss of life.

"We need to hear from anyone who has information about crime, those who carry a weapon, or those who exploit others for gain or revenge, while putting young people's lives at risk - we need this information to help keep London safe."

map of stabbings

The man who died was one of two men reported to have been injured at the property in Wisbeach Road.

A resident described seeing police and medical staff trying to save him.

The witness, who asked not to be named, said: "There was blood everywhere, it looked like he was cut in the leg and they tried to stop the bleeding.

"His mum was here crying and she was in pieces.

"It is terrifying, my son is 19 and I'm worried for him." Ch Insp Martin Thorpe, from the Met's Specialist Crime team, said: "I am aware that this was one of a number of violent incidents in and around the south London area on Friday evening but there is nothing to connect these incidents together at this time."

Police said none of the nine other casualties was now considered to be in a life-threatening condition and added that two people had been arrested.

On Saturday afternoon a 10th man, aged 24, was stabbed near West Croydon station on Oakfield Road.

Wisbeach Road
PA Media

The other attacks are being investigated by officers from the South Area Basic Command Unit, the Met said.

These include a man who was stabbed on Chapman Road, Croydon, and four men who took themselves to hospital with stab wounds after a fight in the Penwortham Road area of Wandsworth.

Another two men, both in their 30s, also went to hospital after a stabbing on Jay Gardens, Chislehurst, just before 21:00.

Croydon stabbings

Police are also investigating the stabbing of a man in his 40s who was found wounded on Dingwall Road at 21:12.

The victim has since been arrested on suspicion of affray and a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in custody, the Met added.

Labour MP for Croydon North Steve Reed said in a tweet that the "absolutely horrific news" would "devastate our community".

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2021-02-06 22:50:00Z
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Boris Johnson is under pressure to open schools early as Tory MPs urge him to get kids back in class after - The Sun

BORIS Johnson is under pressure to reopen schools early as some Tory MPs backed a call to get kids back in class after half term.

The Prime Minister has announced schools cannot reopen before March 8, but 18 Conservative MPs have backed UsforThem - a campaign calling for schools to reopen on February 22.

🦠 Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Boris Johnson said reopening schools is a priority, but it must be done carefully
Boris Johnson said reopening schools is a priority, but it must be done carefullyCredit: Getty - Pool
Schools are only open to children of key workers currently
Schools are only open to children of key workers currentlyCredit: PA:Press Association
Former Cabinet minister Esther McVey is backing calls for children to return to school after half term
Former Cabinet minister Esther McVey is backing calls for children to return to school after half termCredit: PA:Press Association

Among those backing the pledge are former Cabinet minister Esther McVey, ex-ministers Steve Baker, Tim Loughton and Harriet Baldwin, The Telegraph reports.

Ms Mcvey said today: "With the vaccination rollout going so well on the one hand, and the huge amount of harm we’re causing to children by not giving them an education on the other, I really hope that we can open school gates, classrooms and playgrounds on February 22.  

"It’s simply not right to keep children locked up like this, especially once we’ve vaccinated the top four at risk groups."

Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench Conservative MPs, is also backing the campaign.

Conservative MP Karl McCartney said children should be allowed back to class from February 22 as school closures are causing a "huge amount of harm" to them.

'HUGE HARM'

Some scientists have also backed calls to reopen schools after half term.

University of East Anglia professor of medicine Paul Hunter said: "I think there could well be a case for opening schools sooner - I particularly think schools for children under 11 years of age, where the evidence that they contribute to the spread of the epidemic in the wider population is a lot lower."

The PM said he "understands people want to go further" and get back to normal as quickly as possible - and insisted: "I share that urgency."

But he vowed not to open schools too soon to avoid the risk of the nation being "forced into reverse" in case coronavirus infections start to rise once again.

The PM added: "This is the cautious approach, it's much better to stick to that."

Schools in England could reopen on March 8
Schools in England could reopen on March 8Credit: AP:Associated Press

Mr Johnson said March 8 would be the "earliest" the Government think any lockdown rules can be relaxed.

Only children of key workers are currently allowed to go to school, while most pupils are studying from home.

Some parents have been accused of falsely claiming key worker status in a bid to send kids to class after the Department of Education widened the categories of vulnerable children who can still attend. 

For this reason, schools are contacting parents' workplaces to check that they are not lying about being key workers.

Scotland and Wales have recently announced they aim to reopen schools on February 22, but Boris Johnson insisted the number of coronavirus cases in England is still "alarmingly high".

A senior government source said: "We will proceed cautiously and carefully to open up based on the best available scientific evidence and data and to avoid a resurgence in the virus.

"The Prime Minister has been clear that our first step must be to reopen schools."

Ministers could extend school day or change summer holidays to help kids catch up

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2021-02-06 21:47:00Z
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Storm Darcy WARNING: Travel chaos expected 12 inches of snow to cover Kent tomorrow - Daily Express

Temperatures are set to plummet across the UK with Met Office weather warnings in place for much of the country. Such is the torrent of bad weather Southeastern railine has advised passengers not to travel tomorrow. Six routes will be closed tomorrow and will not have replacement buses the operator has confirmed. 

A statement said: “It is likely that these roots will also be closed on Monday and a final decision will be taken on this by midday on Sunday.

“Disruption on other routes on Monday is possible and we strongly advise that you check before you travel.

"If you have a ticket dated for travel on Sunday you'll be able to use this on a another day on our network next week at no additional cost."

Speaking to The Sun Online Met Officer meteorologist Sarah Kent warned: “Over the Kent Downs we could see as much as 30cm of snow tomorrow.

"It could be really nasty as we've got strong easterly winds which will cause significant drifting."

Eastern Scotland, the north-east, the midlands and parts of southern England are covered by Met Office warnings for snow and ice.

The forecaster warns there is a “small chance” of travel disruption, potentially including “some stranded vehicles and passengers”, and of power cuts.

A separate Met Office warning just for snow is in force for East Anglia and South East England.

READ MORE: Map of Britain turns white as Met Office warns of snow drifts

In this region it forecasts: “Some rural communities could become cut off.

“Power cuts may occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected.”

For Sunday parts of Kent and East Anglia are covered by a stronger amber warning.

According to the Met Office this means: “There is a good chance that roads may become blocked by deep snow, with many stranded vehicles and passengers likely.

“Long interruptions to power supplies and other services, such as gas, water, telephone and mobile phone coverage likely.”

READ MORE: Met Office warnings - Snow deluge batters UK - amber alert extended

Cold air being blasted in from Russia will cause temperatures to plummet on Sunday and continue well into next week.

Speaking to The Sun Ms Kent said: “With winds gradually easing we will see temperatures drop on Monday and Tuesday morning.

“As the winds fade we could see temperatures could fall below -10C in sheltered glens in Scotland, particularly in the northern and Central Belt.”

South and central England should expect temperatures to remain below freezing for much of next week falling to a low of -3C on Tuesday morning.

Temperatures are expected to start rising again from Friday next week.

Online the coming storm has already been nicknamed the ‘Beast from the East Two” following the original ‘Beast from the East’ in late February and early March 2018.

Paul Gundersen, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: “The UK is in for a notably cold and snowy period over the next week, with very cold air in place over the whole of the UK by Sunday.

“Showers will see snow accumulating across eastern areas. Within the amber warning area, more widespread snow is expected and we could see 5-10 cm of snow quite widely, with a chance that a few places could see 20cm or more.”

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2021-02-06 19:57:00Z
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London bloodbath: Croydon horror continues as ELEVENTH person stabbed in 24 hours - Express

The Metropolitan Police Croydon branch tweeted: "Shortly after 3pm, we were notified by London Ambulance Service of a in London Road. This was near the junction with Oakfield Road. Officers attended and a crime scene is in place.

"A 24-year-old man has been taken to a south London hospital.

"We await an update on his condition."

Police rushed to London Road in Croydon near the junction with Oakfield Road after 3 pm.

The London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

The 24-year-old who was stabbed was rushed to a South London hospital.

The Croydon Guardian spoke to police who said: "We were called at 3.04pm today to reports of a stabbing at West Croydon Station.

"We sent an ambulance crew and an advanced paramedic practitioner to the scene, with the first of our medics arriving in less than three minutes.

"We treated a man for stab wounds and took him as a priority to a major trauma centre."

The Met Police have reported that the victim's injuries have been assessed and are not life-threatening.

They also the wounds are non-life-changing.

The current stabbing is the fourth to happen in Croydon and sixth in South London in the 24 hours.

Making a shocking 11 stabbings in the area in the last 24 hours.

There has been a spate of knife assaults in Croydon over the past 24 hours.

On Friday evening a 22-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Croydon.

Nine others were injured in other stabbings in the same are on the same evening.

However, police said both stabbings were being treated as isolated incidents.

More to follow...

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2021-02-06 17:04:00Z
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