UK government under pressure for COVID-19 strategy
4 years, 2 months ago

UK government under pressure for COVID-19 strategy

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The British government is sticking to its strategy of tiered, regional restrictions to combat COVID-19 amid mounting political and scientific pressure for stronger nationwide measures to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from spiraling out of control. The government has been under fire since Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled his three-tier strategy on Monday amid revelations that scientific advisers had recommended a short nationwide lockdown to slow rapidly rising infection rates. Jeremy Farrar an infectious disease specialist who sits on the government’s scientific advisory panel, said Friday that restrictions imposed under the three-tier strategy aren’t tough enough to bring the virus under control, and that squabbling over where and when to impose the measures risks confusing the public. Calling the situation the “worst of all worlds” Farrar said the U.K. needs to quickly implement tighter restrictions nationwide to slow the spread of the virus and limit broader damage to society.

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History of this topic

Inquiry finds Britain was ill-prepared for COVID-19 pandemic and failed its citizens
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Inquiry finds Britain was ill-prepared for COVID-19 pandemic and failed its citizens

Associated Press  

LONDON — The U.K. government was ill-prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic and serious errors in planning failed its citizens, an inquiry found Thursday. “In reality, the U.K. was ill-prepared for dealing with the whole-system civil emergency of a pandemic, let alone the coronavirus pandemic that actually struck.” The COVID-19 pandemic has been blamed for more than 235,000 deaths in the …

UK must be prepared to lock down to prevent disease spread – Hancock
1 year, 6 months ago

UK must be prepared to lock down to prevent disease spread – Hancock

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK must be prepared …

UK ‘underprepared for severe pandemic because of planning for no-deal Brexit’
1 year, 6 months ago

UK ‘underprepared for severe pandemic because of planning for no-deal Brexit’

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Hugo …

Final Covid-19 data shows infections in England highest since start of year
1 year, 9 months ago

Final Covid-19 data shows infections in England highest since start of year

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The final official estimates of Covid-19 in the UK show …

UK health chief's leaked messages revive raw pandemic debate
1 year, 10 months ago

UK health chief's leaked messages revive raw pandemic debate

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Hancock shared his WhatsApp messages with …

Decoding China’s COVID-19 Policy U-Turn
1 year, 11 months ago

Decoding China’s COVID-19 Policy U-Turn

The Diplomat  

On November 30, several districts in the southern hub metropolis Guangzhou took the lead in lifting a large number of COVID-19-related lockdowns, as well as suspending testing requirements. In face of this, local and provincial administrations – in adherence to official party doctrine concerning “zero COVID” – turned to lockdowns and mass testing campaigns as desperate measures in tackling the …

Government hopes sector-specific coronavirus rules can prevent lockdowns
2 years, 6 months ago

Government hopes sector-specific coronavirus rules can prevent lockdowns

Dutch News  

Business sectors will be required to come up with plans to contain the spread of coronavirus to keep society as open as possible during a new wave of infections, health minister Ernst Kuipers said on Monday. The government says sector-specific ‘rules ladders’ can play a key role in slowing the spread of the disease without the government having to impose …

Boris Johnson refuses to rule out future lockdown if more deadly Covid variant emerges
2 years, 9 months ago

Boris Johnson refuses to rule out future lockdown if more deadly Covid variant emerges

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Boris Johnson has said he “can’t rule out” a future lockdown …

'Learn to live with this virus': Boris Johnson scraps Covid restrictions in UK
2 years, 10 months ago

'Learn to live with this virus': Boris Johnson scraps Covid restrictions in UK

India Today  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday said he would end all coronavirus restrictions in England including mandatory self-isolation for people with Covid-19 and free testing, drawing scepticism from some scientists and political opponents. Johnson said that the legal requirement to self-isolate for people who test positive for Covid would be removed on Feb. 24 while free universal testing would …

Boris Johnson scraps remaining COVID restrictions in England
2 years, 10 months ago

Boris Johnson scraps remaining COVID restrictions in England

Associated Press  

LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scrapping the last domestic coronavirus restrictions in England, including the requirement for people with COVID-19 to self-isolate, even as he acknowledged Monday the potential for new and more deadly variants of the virus. “But it is the day when all the efforts of the last two years finally enabled us to protect …

Boris Johnson scraps remaining COVID restrictions in England
2 years, 10 months ago

Boris Johnson scraps remaining COVID restrictions in England

LA Times  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on Monday to outline the government’s new long-term COVID-19 plan. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scrapping the last domestic coronavirus restrictions in England, including the requirement for people with COVID-19 to self-isolate, even as he acknowledged Monday the potential for new and more deadly variants …

People with Covid in England won't need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

People with Covid in England won't need to self-isolate

India Today  

People with Covid-19 won't be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the UK government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with Covid” that is also likely to see testing for coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, away from banning …

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate

Associated Press  

LONDON — People with COVID-19 won’t be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the U.K. government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with COVID” that is also likely to see testing for the coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, …

The UK promised to ‘shield’ us, but now we are being left behind
2 years, 10 months ago

The UK promised to ‘shield’ us, but now we are being left behind

Al Jazeera  

The lifting of the last remaining COVID-19 restrictions will leave those of us who are immunocompromised living in isolation and fear. Nothing about shielding was easy but I stayed resolute, holding on to the belief that the government would continue to support people like me, that it wouldn’t just leave us behind. I really did not anticipate I would ever …

England 'to become first in WORLD' to be fully free of Covid rules
2 years, 10 months ago

England 'to become first in WORLD' to be fully free of Covid rules

Daily Mail  

What are the current Covid rules in England? The current self-isolation rules expire on March 24, but the Tory leader told MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions that ‘provided the current encouraging trends in the data continue, it is my expectation that we will be able to end the last domestic restrictions — including the legal requirement to self-isolate if you …

COVID: United Kingdom lifts restrictions, says omicron wave ‘has peaked’
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID: United Kingdom lifts restrictions, says omicron wave ‘has peaked’

India TV News  

Highlights Face masks will no longer be mandatory in public places, said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson The government is no longer advising people to work from home: PM Johnson The restrictions were introduced in December to slow the rapid spread of the omicron variant Face masks will no longer be mandatory in public places and COVID-19 passports will be …

Plan B Covid restrictions to end in England, Boris Johnson announces
2 years, 11 months ago

Plan B Covid restrictions to end in England, Boris Johnson announces

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Plan B Covid restrictions are to end in England, with Covid …

UK PM Announces to Lift Most Covid Curbs, Says 'No Longer Have to Wear Masks in Closed Spaces'
2 years, 11 months ago

UK PM Announces to Lift Most Covid Curbs, Says 'No Longer Have to Wear Masks in Closed Spaces'

News 18  

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday said most restrictions deployed to fight the latest wave of the Covid pandemic in England would be lifted from next week. People will no longer have to wear masks in closed spaces, work from home and prove vaccination to enter public spaces such as nightclubs, Johnson told parliament. Johnson told MPs: “While there …

Covid outbreaks now shrinking in 96% of England's neighbourhoods
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid outbreaks now shrinking in 96% of England's neighbourhoods

Daily Mail  

Coronavirus cases are now falling in virtually every area of England, official figures show as the Omicron wave continues to collapse with deaths six times lower than in the second wave. Official figures show cases spiked at 76,000 during the Alpha-fuelled wave, while three times as many cases were recorded at the peak of 246,000 this winter Despite the number …

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded
2 years, 11 months ago

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rejoice again, I tell you, for …

Lord Frost: Covid lockdowns were a serious mistake – the Government needs to do ‘stuff that works’
2 years, 11 months ago

Lord Frost: Covid lockdowns were a serious mistake – the Government needs to do ‘stuff that works’

The Telegraph  

Lord Frost has accused the Government of “Covid theatre”, as he called on Boris Johnson to scrap mask mandates and warned that the country will look back on lockdowns as a “serious public policy mistake”. Speaking to this week’s episode of The Telegraph’s Planet Normal podcast, which you can listen to using the audio player above, Lord Frost also said …

UK: COVID disrupts public life again, but symptoms ‘less severe’
3 years ago

UK: COVID disrupts public life again, but symptoms ‘less severe’

Al Jazeera  

People hospitalised as Omicron surges appear to be less sick than those admitted earlier in the pandemic, vaccines minister says. People being hospitalised with COVID-19 in the United Kingdom as the Omicron variant surges have “less severe” symptoms compared with those admitted earlier in the pandemic, an official said. Maggie Throup, minister for vaccines and public health, also said that …

New Covid restrictions unlikely as daily cases fall, ministers signal
3 years ago

New Covid restrictions unlikely as daily cases fall, ministers signal

The Telegraph  

Government sources told The Telegraph last week that they were not expecting to repeal any of the Plan B restrictions yet, with adults in England set to be told to continue working from home if possible. Senior Tories on Sunday said Plan B must not become a new normal, warning Mr Johnson that the Government must push to "get back …

Extra Covid restrictions could be needed ‘at pace’ as NHS prepares for surge
3 years ago

Extra Covid restrictions could be needed ‘at pace’ as NHS prepares for surge

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Chris Hopson chief executive of …

UK's Covid cases hit pandemic high with nearly 130,000 in single day
3 years ago

UK's Covid cases hit pandemic high with nearly 130,000 in single day

Daily Mail  

Britain's Covid cases reached another pandemic high today even without data from either Scotland or Northern Ireland amid calls for New Year's Eve revellers in England to party sensibly. UK Health Security Agency data showed 129,471 people tested positive in England over the last 24 hours, up 43 per cent on last week's figure of 90,629 — which included case …

UK’s Johnson defies pressure to impose COVID curbs over Christmas
3 years ago

UK’s Johnson defies pressure to impose COVID curbs over Christmas

Al Jazeera  

PM Boris Johnson says ministers decided not to limit social interactions over the imminent festive period, but will keep situation under review. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defied pressure to tighten coronavirus rules over Christmas to curb surging Omicron cases, but pledged to keep the situation “under constant review”. However, after a Cabinet meeting, Johnson said ministers had decided …

UK health boss: COVID-19 rules could tighten by Christmas
3 years ago

UK health boss: COVID-19 rules could tighten by Christmas

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain’s health secretary has refused to rule out imposing tougher COVID-19 restrictions before Christmas amid the rapid rise of infections and continuing uncertainty about the omicron variant. The British Medical Association is warning that almost 50,000 doctors, nurses and other National Health Service staff in England could be off sick with Covid-19 by Christmas Day unless additional measures …

Tougher Covid rules needed urgently to prevent ‘considerable pressure’ on NHS, Sage experts warn Johnson
3 years ago

Tougher Covid rules needed urgently to prevent ‘considerable pressure’ on NHS, Sage experts warn Johnson

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tougher Covid restrictions are needed before the new year to prevent …

Work from home, vaccine pass: UK PM deploys 'Plan B' to contain Omicron
3 years, 1 month ago

Work from home, vaccine pass: UK PM deploys 'Plan B' to contain Omicron

India Today  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed tougher Covid-19 restrictions in England on Wednesday, ordering people to work from home, wear masks in public places and use vaccine passes to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. Undermined by accusations that his staff partied at Downing Street during a Christmas lockdown last year, Johnson said Omicron was spreading rapidly and …

British PM Johnson moves to COVID ‘Plan B’ to contain Omicron
3 years, 1 month ago

British PM Johnson moves to COVID ‘Plan B’ to contain Omicron

Al Jazeera  

Johnson announces tighter restrictions in England, amid allegations that his staff partied during lockdown last year. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced tougher COVID-19 restrictions in England, ordering people to work from home, wear masks in public places and use vaccine passes to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. Undermined by accusations that his staff partied at …

As Europe virus cases surge, UK plows on with its new normal
3 years, 1 month ago

As Europe virus cases surge, UK plows on with its new normal

Associated Press  

LONDON — The bars are shut in Vienna, and the Christmas market is empty in Munich, as several European nations tighten up or even lock down to combat a spike in coronavirus infections. But while Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that a “blizzard from the east” could still ruin Britain’s Christmas, many scientists say the wind is now blowing …

The Netherlands may face ‘lockdown-type measures’ to curb rising Covid cases: NOS
3 years, 1 month ago

The Netherlands may face ‘lockdown-type measures’ to curb rising Covid cases: NOS

Dutch News  

Government advisors are recommending ‘lockdown type measures’ to combat the rise in coronavirus infections for a two week period, sources close to the Outbreak Management Team have told broadcaster NOS. The seriousness of the situation – new infections are reaching record levels – makes such measures unavoidable, the sources say. Ministers are meeting to discuss the proposals on Thursday morning, …

Covid UK: 'Less than 20% chance' government will activate plan B, Whitehall sources say
3 years, 2 months ago

Covid UK: 'Less than 20% chance' government will activate plan B, Whitehall sources say

Daily Mail  

The chance of ministers activating their winter Covid 'Plan B' is less than 20 per cent, Government sources claimed today — but face masks might make a partial comeback in schools. The surge in infections 'will eventually lead to high levels of immunity in children' which will see cases plateau and then fall, Professor Edmunds said. High infection rates among …

UK on the edge: Tougher COVID restrictions needed, health lobby says
3 years, 2 months ago

UK on the edge: Tougher COVID restrictions needed, health lobby says

Live Mint  

Britain's hospitals are close to be being overwhelmed by a new wave of COVID-19 infections so tougher restrictions are needed, the health service's lobby group said on Wednesday, but the government said now was not the time for a new lockdown. But it also had a quick start to its vaccine programme and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has lifted almost …

UK faces calls for ‘Plan B’ with virus cases high and rising
3 years, 2 months ago

UK faces calls for ‘Plan B’ with virus cases high and rising

Associated Press  

LONDON — Life has returned to normal for millions in Britain since coronavirus restrictions were lifted over the summer. “It’s critical we accelerate the booster program,” said epidemiologist Neil Ferguson, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. Ferguson said one factor influencing the U.K.'s high case numbers was that it has relied heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, …

Report says UK's slow coronavirus lockdown cost thousands of lives
3 years, 2 months ago

Report says UK's slow coronavirus lockdown cost thousands of lives

India Today  

Britain's failure to impose a lockdown in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic cost thousands of unnecessary deaths and ranks among the country's worst public health blunders, lawmakers concluded Tuesday in the nation's first comprehensive report on the pandemic. "The report it's produced is laughable and more interested in political arguments about whether you can bring laptops to.meetings than …

UK's failure to impose lockdown in early days of COVID-19 cost thousands of lives, says report
3 years, 2 months ago

UK's failure to impose lockdown in early days of COVID-19 cost thousands of lives, says report

Firstpost  

Lawmakers said their inquiry was designed to uncover why the UK performed “significantly worse” than many other countries during the initial period of the pandemic. London: The British government’s failure to impose a lockdown in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic ranks among England’s worst public health blunders, lawmakers concluded on Tuesday in the country’s first comprehensive report on …

Report says UK’s slow virus lockdown cost 1000s of lives
3 years, 2 months ago

Report says UK’s slow virus lockdown cost 1000s of lives

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain’s failure to impose a lockdown in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic cost thousands of unnecessary deaths and ranks among the country’s worst public health blunders, lawmakers concluded Tuesday in the nation’s first comprehensive report on the pandemic. “Decisions on lockdowns and social distancing during the early weeks of the pandemic - and the advice that …

England simplifies COVID-19 travel rules bashed as confusing
3 years, 3 months ago

England simplifies COVID-19 travel rules bashed as confusing

Associated Press  

LONDON — The British government announced a major simplification of its rules for international travel on Friday, heeding complaints from travelers and businesses that its regulations aimed at staving off the spread of COVID-19 were cumbersome and ineffective. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the “simpler, more straightforward system” would allow “more people to travel, see loved ones or conduct business …

Prime Minister says country must prepare for more COVID-19 cases and an end to lockdowns
3 years, 4 months ago

Prime Minister says country must prepare for more COVID-19 cases and an end to lockdowns

ABC  

The Prime Minister has warned state and territory leaders they must not be afraid of COVID-19 cases rising once enough of the population is vaccinated against the virus. Key points: The Prime Minister says states and territories must hold to an agreement to wind down COVID-19 restrictions as more people are vaccinated The Prime Minister says states and territories must …

Analysis: As Covid cases fall, why are things still tough for the NHS?
3 years, 5 months ago

Analysis: As Covid cases fall, why are things still tough for the NHS?

The Independent  

The predicted large summer wave of Covid infections and hospital admissions reaching beyond 1,000-a-day has thankfully not materialised. The Independent has doggedly reported the pressures across the NHS in recent weeks with many frontline staff describing what feels like a real summer crisis. With just under 900 patients currently in intensive care, that is still a significant chunk of England’s …

UK FM Sunak writes to PM Johnson to ease COVID travel curbs: Report
3 years, 5 months ago

UK FM Sunak writes to PM Johnson to ease COVID travel curbs: Report

The Hindu  

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has reportedly written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling for an urgent easing of COVID-19 travel curbs to aid the revival of the country's economy. According to ‘ The Sunday Times ’, the senior Indian-origin Cabinet minister has warned that Britain’s border rules are damaging the economy and tourism, ahead of a …

Self-isolating Boris Johnson urges caution as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions end in England
3 years, 5 months ago

Self-isolating Boris Johnson urges caution as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions end in England

Firstpost  

COVID restrictions have now been replaced with guidance emphasising personal judgement and responsibility on face masks in indoor settings and caution in large gatherings London: Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged caution as the legal lockdown restrictions come to an end in England on so-called “Freedom Day”, even as he remains in self-isolation after coming in contact with UK …

England lifts Covid curbs as scientists warn of surge in cases
3 years, 5 months ago

England lifts Covid curbs as scientists warn of surge in cases

India Today  

The British government on Monday lifted pandemic restrictions on daily life in England, scrapping all social distancing in a step slammed by scientists and opposition parties as a dangerous leap into the unknown. Jonathan Ashworth, the opposition Labour party's health spokesman, said the government was being "reckless", echoing experts who say the reopening endangers global health. "We could get to …

Government could reintroduce Covid restrictions in England if infections soar, says minister
3 years, 5 months ago

Government could reintroduce Covid restrictions in England if infections soar, says minister

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Boris Johnson’s government …

Johnson: England to lift last virus restrictions on July 19
3 years, 5 months ago

Johnson: England to lift last virus restrictions on July 19

Associated Press  

LONDON — All remaining lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted in a week despite a sharp rise in coronavirus cases, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Monday. He said it was “the right moment to proceed” as schools close for summer vacation but urged people to “proceed with caution.” Johnson said although risks of the pandemic remain, legal restrictions …

UK Covid restrictions: Scientists condemn ‘dangerous and unethical’ reopening plans
3 years, 6 months ago

UK Covid restrictions: Scientists condemn ‘dangerous and unethical’ reopening plans

CNN  

CNN — Calling it a “dangerous and unethical experiment,” more than 4,000 scientists, doctors, nurses and other professionals signed a letter published Wednesday condemning the British government’s plans to drop most pandemic control measures in England on Monday, July 19. Our young have already suffered so much in the past year, and are now being condemned to suffer the consequences …

Asked to Learn to Live with the Virus, Britain Nervously Steps out of Lockdown
3 years, 6 months ago

Asked to Learn to Live with the Virus, Britain Nervously Steps out of Lockdown

News 18  

Britain is now split between excitement and apprehension over the government move to lift the lockdown altogether later this month. People are being advised to make their own decisions on wearing masks, or social distancing, though Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will wear a mask at public places “as a courtesy”. Johnson says cases are set to rise to …

Analysis: Has the government done all it can to help us ‘live with the virus’?
3 years, 6 months ago

Analysis: Has the government done all it can to help us ‘live with the virus’?

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, …

Johnson says restrictions to ease, UK must live with virus
3 years, 6 months ago

Johnson says restrictions to ease, UK must live with virus

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain plans to scrap laws requiring face masks and social distancing later this month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed Monday, even as he acknowledged that lifting the restrictions will drive surging coronavirus cases higher. Johnson said Britain would have to “learn to live with this virus” — a major shift in tone from a leader who has previously …

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