Babak Belurs

Minggu, 19 Desember 2021

COVID-19: Javid does not rule out plans for more restrictions as he accuses anti-vaxxers of having 'damaging impact' - Sky News

Sajid Javid has not ruled out plans for a two-week circuit breaker after Christmas, as he accused those unwilling to have the vaccine of having a "damaging impact" on society.

When pushed on reports that ministers are drawing up plans to introduce more restrictions after Christmas, the health secretary told Sky News' Trevor Phillips on Sunday programme the government will "do what is necessary", but that any change must be "backed up by the data".

He added that ministers are discussing the latest coronavirus data "almost on an hourly basis" with scientific advisers.

Rumours of more restrictions

"We've shown in the past as government in dealing with this pandemic that we will do what is necessary but it's got to be backed up by the data," the health secretary said when probed on any possible plans.

Live COVID updates as SAGE warns more restrictions are needed

"We are watching the data and discussing it with our scientists and our best advisers almost on an hourly basis. And we will monitor that very carefully. We will keep the situation under review."

Mr Javid then reiterated that various factors, including vaccinations for COVID-19, mean "the situation today in terms of our defences is very different".

He also confirmed that Parliament would be recalled if the government believed introducing further restrictions was necessary adding that "it would have to be a decision for Parliament".

Conservative MP Peter Bone told Sky News that MPs should be in Parliament next week, adding: "I don't want to eat mince pies and drink tea when there is a crisis."

Mr Javid's comments came after senior government scientists suggested that extra restrictions are needed "within days" to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by Omicron.

In a tweet on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his government is "throwing everything at this virus".

The Sun newspaper suggested possible tougher measures could be imposed after Boxing Day - but that a contingency plan had not yet been presented to ministers.

Scientists and medical experts issue warnings

Asked if the scientific data suggests further restrictions are needed right now by Sky's Trevor Phillips, Professor Sir Mark Walport, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said: "In a word, yes."

He said infections are "rising fast" and there needs to be time allowed for recently administered vaccines and boosters to take effect.

"We need to act to hold down the rate of hospital admissions, reduce the pressure on the workforce - and of course a lot of people are off sick at the moment - and most importantly of all, give people the chance to get vaccinated, to get boosted, and allow time for those vaccinations to have effect."

Sky News understands experts who produce advice for ministers believe there are now "hundreds of thousands" of infections every day, many more than the number of official cases recorded on the daily dashboard.

On Saturday, the British Medical Association warned that almost 50,000 doctors, nurses and other NHS staff in England could be off sick with COVID-19 by Christmas Day if the government fails to introduce any further measures to stop the spread of the virus.

It is urging the government to now introduce further measures, above and beyond its booster strategy, to stem the spread of the virus - including reducing levels of social contact.

The group said that the consequences of the NHS becoming incapacitated over the Christmas period "do not bear thinking about".

Analysis, Sam Coates, deputy political editor

Nobody knows where this goes next. The mood in the Tory WhatsApp groups leaked to Sky News last night more toxic than a Chernobyl reactor meltdown.

When politics spirals down, it does so fast: the revolt on Tuesday, by-election defeat on Thursday, scientists recommending more restrictions hated by Tories on Saturday afternoon, Lord Frost’s resignation Saturday evening and then the party’s WhatsApp implosion last night.

Boris Johnson needs to press the reset button. But how and when he does that is unclear.

Parliament is in recess but it sounds like very difficult decisions coming in the next few days on restrictions; he’s still got the review into parties to report and hasn’t had the all clear over getting a Tory donor to pay for his flat refurbishment from his own ethics advisor.

Boris Johnson has said for months this Christmas will be much better than the last. It’s not clear that will be true for him.

Projections considered by the SAGE advisory committee on Thursday show that hospitalisations are expected to increase from their current level of 900 a day to between 1,000 and 2,000 a day by the end of the year.

They are likely to peak in January at well over 3,000 every day, even with the current Plan B restrictions.

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said it is now "inevitable" that more restrictions will need to be introduced and that there "must, must, must be a major package of support for our hospitality, culture, and retail".

Javid criticises the unvaccinated

The health secretary also told Sky News that 10% of the population - more than five million people - have still not taken up the offer of the vaccine, and that around nine out of 10 of those needing the most hospital care were unvaccinated.

"They must really think about the damage they are doing to society... they take up hospital beds that could have been used for someone with maybe a heart problem, or maybe someone who is waiting for elective surgery," Mr Javid said.

"But instead of protecting themselves and protecting the community they choose not to get vaccinated. They are really having a damaging impact and I just can't stress enough, please do come forward and get vaccinated."

Meanwhile, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting suggested that Labour was meeting with experts to gain an informed view on coronavirus, but would not be drawn on whether Labour would support any new lockdown measures

Mr Streeting said that after SAGE documents were released on Saturday the "question is why is it, having received that advice on Thursday, the prime minister has said nothing, done nothing".

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2021-12-19 10:26:23Z
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Richard Rogers: Architect of Millennium Dome, Lloyd's of London and Pompidou Centre dies - Sky News

Richard Rogers - the architect behind iconic buildings such as the Millennium Dome, the Pompidou Centre and the Lloyd's of London building - has died aged 88.

A spokesman said he "passed away peacefully" on Saturday evening.

Lord Rodgers was among the world's most famous architects and also responsible for the Leadenhall building in London (known as the "cheesegrater"), the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the Senedd building in Cardiff.

He also designed Heathrow Terminal 5 and the acclaimed terminal 4 at Madrid-Barajas airport.

Lord Rogers' designs often divided public opinion but buildings such as the Pompidou Centre (1977) with its "caterpillar" escalator, glass and metal are now regarded as classics.

His impressive CV saw him win architecture's top awards such as the Stirling Prize, the Pritzker Prize and the Royal Gold Medal.

In 2007, when he won the Pritzker Prize - architecture's highest honour - the jury chairman said his projects represented "defining moments in the history of contemporary architecture".

Rogers was born in Florence to an Anglo-Italian family and moved to England when he was young. He trained in London at the Architectural Association, and later at Yale University in the US.

He retired from the practice he founded in September 2020 and is survived by his wife Lady Ruth, four sons, and 13 grandchildren, according to the New York Times.

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2021-12-19 05:42:32Z
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German fears about Omicron prompt UK travel ban - bbc.co.uk

Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, has recorded more than 10,000 Covid cases in just five days.

Another 2,566 cases were reported on Sunday, days after mandates were lifted for masks and QR code check-ins at shops and restaurants.

But despite concerns from health experts and some members of his own cabinet, State Premier Dominic Perrottet is resisting calls to re-instate more restrictions.

In a video posted on social media, Mr Perrottet said they had to "learn to live alongside the virus", adding: "The best way of doing that is to continue the strong vaccination rate."

Nationwide, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has steered clear from talk of lockdowns, stressing that hospitals had been preparing for any surge in admissions.

"The case numbers are not translating into immediate pressure, but that's not to say it won't,” he said.

"We're ready for this. We planned to live with the virus, we didn't plan to remain shut in," the prime minister added.

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2021-12-19 04:55:46Z
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Sabtu, 18 Desember 2021

Covid: London 'major incident' declared due to Omicron rise - BBC News

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The Mayor of London has declared a "major incident" due to the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant in the capital.

Sadiq Khan said Omicron is now the "dominant variant" in London and was having an impact on staff absences in the emergency services across the city.

He said London was the UK region with the largest number of Covid cases.

Latest government data shows there are 1,534 Covid patients in London hospitals - up 28.6% on last week.

Mr Khan said in the last 24 hours, London had seen the largest number of new cases since the coronavirus pandemic began - more than 26,000.

He added: "Hospital admissions are going up, but also staff absences are going up by a massive level.

"So I've taken the decision in consultation with our partners to declare a major incident today."

Major incidents have previously been called in response to the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 and the terror attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.

A major incident is any emergency which requires the implementation of special arrangements by one or all of the emergency services, the NHS or the local authority.

It means the emergency services and hospitals cannot guarantee their normal level of response.

Mr Khan also declared a major incident on 8 January due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 and its impact on the health service.

It was in place until 26 February as case numbers in the capital fell.

Making the announcement on Saturday, Mr Khan said: "The really bad news is those in hospital - the vast, vast majority are unvaccinated that's why it is so important to get both the vaccines and the booster jab.

"Londoners will notice over the course of the next few days even more places across the city offering both the vaccines and the booster.

"What we can't afford to see is even more of our crucial key workers going off sick because they have this virus."

Mr Khan's comments came as Wembley Stadium, Stamford Bridge and The Valley were all set up as mass vaccination centres.

Oxford Street will also have a vaccination bus and Mr Khan urged people who were eligible to get a booster jab and for others to make sure they were vaccinated.

He said: "It is still the case that in some pockets of London there are black Londoners, there are Muslim Londoners, there are Jewish Londoners, there are Eastern European Londoners, who still haven't had a vaccine.

"So reaching out to those communities...to explain why the vaccine is important and to make sure nobody is left behind, we are making sure more Londoners get the first dose."

Latest government figures show 2.7m Londoners have received their booster jab.

Georgia Gould, chair of London Councils, said: "The rapid spread of Omicron across our city is of huge concern.

"Local councils have stepped up and played a vital role in supporting their communities through the pandemic. I know they will continue with these efforts, but we cannot do this alone."

The mayor's decision was announced as Cabinet ministers were set to be briefed on the latest Covid data.

Omicron is now thought to be the dominant Covid variant in England and Scotland, replacing Delta.

On Friday, the UK saw another record number of daily Covid cases for the third consecutive day, with more than 93,000 infections confirmed.

But there were also a record 861,306 booster and third dose vaccine jabs administered - the highest daily total so far.

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2021-12-18 16:52:58Z
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Top civil servant Sue Gray to lead investigation into Downing Street Christmas parties - ITV News

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2021-12-18 09:48:22Z
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Christmas comes early for Lib Dems, but are North Shropshire's voters happy? - shropshirestar.com

Christmas came early for the Lib Dems as the new North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan celebrated her victory on a parade through Oswestry.

The world's media descended outside the Cambrian Railway Museum to watch Mrs Morgan pop 'Boris's blue bubble' with her yellow pin to raucous cheers. Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron then enthusiastically spoke at length, insisting: "Democracy and justice is alive and well in Britain and the people of North Shropshire have spoken for the whole of Britain last night."

A 25-minute walkabout in the town centre followed, with the new North Shropshire MP flanked by Mr Farron and deputy party leader Daisy Cooper, backed up by several supporters holding aloft "Liberal Democrats Winning Here" placards.

Cars beeped their horns, with one driver telling Mrs Morgan her win "is the best news in weeks and weeks."

After the cohort took a wrong turn along Beatrice Street, a swift U-turn was performed as the group walked up to the Bailey Head pub. Mrs Morgan answered more questions on the national ramifications of the result, before diving into the pub for a breather and a coffee.

In a quick chat with the Shropshire Star, she described her win as "a positive vote for change". She accepted that the Tory sleaze allegations and Christmas parties controversy will have had an impact, but insists she now wants to focus on fighting for resources for the NHS and better farming deals.

Sisters Jayneanne Hartley and Melanie Roberts

Once the madness died down, residents had their say on their new MP.

Sisters Jayneanne Hartley and Melanie Roberts voted differently, but both feel it was probably time for a change.

Melanie, from Oswestry, voted for the Lib Dems. Asked how she felt when she saw the result, she said: "I was quite surprised to be honest," despite the bookies installing Helen Morgan as favourite following the Downing Street Christmas parties controversy.

Jayneanne, from West Felton, who donned her Santa hat and festive jumper, voted for Neil Shastri-Hurst, saying: "I'm a Conservative person," although she accepted it was probably time for fresh ideas.

"I think it was more of a protest vote," she added. "I think everybody is fed up. They need to back the needy more than what has been. I'm all for the NHS."

Oswestry couple Mike and Pam Harding were in town with their grandchildren Olivia, five, and three-year-old Arthur.

Mike pointed to the closure of Oswestry's ambulance station as something which may have resonated with local voters.

"I think it was time for a change. The closing of the ambulance station has been a major issue."

Pam, meanwhile, felt the national controversies also played their part. "I think everybody was ready," she said. "People have got a bit fed up of all the lies and are disillusioned with everything."

Mike and Pam Harding with grandchildren Olivia, five, and Arthur, three

Terence Jones would usually vote Conservative, but not this time

Retired Terence Jones, from Trefonen, felt the Tories didn't deserve his vote this time following Owen Paterson's resignation after breaking lobbying rules, and the Downing Street Christmas party scandal. He said: "I always voted Conservative, but not this time."

Asked what he thought of the result, Terence said: "It's a democratic vote. Labour are unelectable. Their financial policies are no good. And the Liberals are not democratic.

"I think the MPs need to come out of London and see the real world."

Wheelchair fundraiser Roger Whitting, who brought festive cheer in his Christmas tree outfit, said local Conservatives were feeling less jolly, and that the actions of Mr Paterson and others in Westminster had tarred local members with the same brush.

"It's hard for them to recover," he said.

"I've been a person that's always voted Conservative. This is the first time I've voted for the Lib Dems. I was impressed with the literature she gave through the door."

Roger, who raises money every year for the Oswestry Rotarians, is hopeful that Mrs Morgan will support local good causes.

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2021-12-18 06:05:00Z
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Two week circuit breaker lockdown planned after Christmas - Leicestershire Live

A leaked report suggests officials are drawing up plans for a two-week circuit breaker lockdown after Christmas, including a ban on indoor mixing.

Pubs and restaurants would be limited to outdoor service and people would also be banned from meeting others indoors, according to The Times.

It comes after a 'tidal wave' of Omicron cases in a matter of days, with infections spreading at an alarming rate in Charnwood, Blaby, Oadby and Wigston, North West Leicestershire, Harborough, Melton and Hinckley and Bosworth.

Public health director Mike Sandys, told LeicestershireLive yesterday the Omicron variant is causing infection rates to explode across the county to a rate unseen 'since the beginning of the pandemic'.

Reports now suggest plans for tougher restrictions are being drawn up, which could be put in place before the end of the year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was presented with a number of options on Friday for a so-called Plan C, ranging from a "mild guidance to nudge people, right through to lockdown", according to The Financial Times.

The PM is still reportedly favouring 'the guidance route' - but also said he had to be realistic about the threat of new variant.

However, scientists have now reportedly told ministers tougher measures need to be brought in "very soon".

According to a leaked report from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), seen by the BBC, advisers have recommended moving back to the restrictions seen in step one and two of lockdown easing in the spring - including a ban on indoor mixing and indoor hospitality.

They have also reportedly recommended against delaying on tougher restrictions until 2022.

A government spokesperson said: "The Government will continue to look closely at all the emerging data and we’ll keep our measures under review as we learn more about this variant."

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has reportedly flown back early from a work trip to California for crisis talks with business leaders concerned about the impact of measures, especially on the hospitality sector.

Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson (Image: PA)

He also met virtually with the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the British Chambers of Commerce on Friday afternoon.

The groups raised fears about the impact of cancellations in hospitality in the run-up to Christmas during the meeting, and the importance of clear messaging from the Government.

Meanwhile, the UK's devolved administrations have ramped up demands for more cash support amid rising cases of the Omicron variant, with England still the country with the most relaxed restrictions in UK.

A Cobra meeting is set to be held over the weekend with the leaders of the devolved nations.

Mr Johnson has warned that Omicron is "a very serious threat to us now."

On a visit to a vaccination centre in Hillingdon, west London, on Friday, he said: "We are seeing a considerable wave coming through and people have got to be prepared and they have got to understand what it entails."

Asked about conflicting messages from the Government and its advisers on socialising over the Christmas break, Mr Johnson said: "What both Chris Whitty and I are saying is that there is a big wave of Omicron coming through. People need to be prudent. You need to think about your budget of risk."

According to the Government's latest figures, a further 93,045 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases were recorded in the UK as of 9am on Friday, the highest daily total recorded since the pandemic began and a rise of 4,669 on the previous record set on Thursday.

Of those cases, 1,414 were in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Across the UK, 7,611 people are in hospital with the virus, a rise of 163 patients (2 per cent) on the previous week.

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2021-12-18 09:39:03Z
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Minggu, 19 Desember 2021

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Analysis, Sam Coates, deputy political editor

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Sabtu, 18 Desember 2021

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