Britain Returns To Lockdown To Fight Coronavirus Variant
4 years ago

Britain Returns To Lockdown To Fight Coronavirus Variant

NPR  

Britain Returns To Lockdown To Fight Coronavirus Variant Enlarge this image toggle caption Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images England will go under a new strict national lockdown through mid-February in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a Monday address. This move is the country's latest attempt to curb the coronavirus, including a new and more contagious strain, which was first discovered in the United Kingdom. "It's been both frustrating and alarming to see the speed with which the new variant is spreading," Johnson said. The government elevated its coronavirus warning to its highest level, which Johnson said indicates that the National Health Service would be overwhelmed in three weeks if no action is taken.

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History of this topic

Boris Johnson: I am no longer sure ‘medieval’ lockdowns beat Covid
3 months, 1 week ago

Boris Johnson: I am no longer sure ‘medieval’ lockdowns beat Covid

The Telegraph  

Mr Johnson writes in the memoir, serialised in the Mail on Sunday, that he initially believed lockdowns were having a suppressing effect on the virus. “There were always two waves, whether you were in China, where lockdowns were ruthlessly enforced, or in Sweden, where they took a more voluntary approach.” He then added: “I am not saying that lockdowns achieved …

Whitty: UK faced ‘absolutely catastrophic situation’ before first Covid lockdown
3 months, 1 week ago

Whitty: UK faced ‘absolutely catastrophic situation’ before first Covid lockdown

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 UK faced an “absolutely catastrophic situation” as it headed …

The UK took action too late during COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave, its top medical officer says
1 year, 1 month ago

The UK took action too late during COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave, its top medical officer says

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain’s government was too late in taking action against the coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, the U.K.'s chief medical adviser said Tuesday in testimony to the independent COVID-19 inquiry. He said he had been concerned in particular about longer-term impacts on the poorest people and those living alone, and described the difficulties in …

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 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 …

'New lockdowns loom' if government fails to anticipate autumn corona wave
2 years, 7 months ago

'New lockdowns loom' if government fails to anticipate autumn corona wave

Dutch News  

The Netherlands needs to step up its preparations for a new wave of coronavirus infections in the autumn or risk another lockdown, experts have warned. Administrators said there was a lack of urgency among policymakers to fix problems, such as a shortage of intensive care beds, that hampered the Dutch pandemic response in the last two years. ‘We have fewer …

'New lockdowns loom' if government fails to anticipate autumn corona wave
2 years, 7 months ago

'New lockdowns loom' if government fails to anticipate autumn corona wave

Dutch News  

The Netherlands needs to step up its preparations for a new wave of coronavirus infections in the autumn or risk another lockdown, experts have warned. Administrators said there was a lack of urgency among policymakers to fix problems, such as a shortage of intensive care beds, that hampered the Dutch pandemic response in the last two years. ‘We have fewer …

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 …

UK faces fresh wave of infections amid global concerns over XE strain | 5 points
2 years, 9 months ago

UK faces fresh wave of infections amid global concerns over XE strain | 5 points

Hindustan Times  

With new coronavirus strains emerging from different parts of the world, fears have grown of yet another pandemic wave approaching soon. Meanwhile, a renewed surge of Covid-19 infections was reported in Britain, led by the Omicron variant and newly discovered mutant strain XE. Covid-19 infections, due to the highly transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant, have hit a record high in Britain, …

Some European countries lift COVID curbs too ‘brutally’: WHO
2 years, 9 months ago

Some European countries lift COVID curbs too ‘brutally’: WHO

Al Jazeera  

The UN health agency sees cases rising in 18 out of 53 countries in Europe, ‘likely’ due to the BA.2 sub-variant. Authorities in several European countries have lifted coronavirus restrictions too “brutally”, the World Health Organization has warned, as they are witnessing a rise in cases “likely” caused by a more transmissible COVID-19 strain. ‘Perfect storm’ Kluge and other epidemiologists …

Scientists fear U.K. is easing coronavirus testing and monitoring too soon
2 years, 9 months ago

Scientists fear U.K. is easing coronavirus testing and monitoring too soon

LA Times  

A lab assistant points at charts of a sequenced coronavirus sample at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in England. Britain is now ending some testing and monitoring programs, a move some scientists fear will complicate efforts to track the virus and detect worrisome new variants. After dropping nearly all coronavirus restrictions last month, Britain is now ending some of its most …

England scraps self-isolation rule for Covid positive people
2 years, 10 months ago

England scraps self-isolation rule for Covid positive people

India Today  

From February 24, the people of England are under no legal obligation to isolate if tested positive for coronavirus. Laying out his 'Living with Covid' strategy at a press conference on Tuesday, UK PM Boris Johnson said, "Today is not the day we can declare victory over Covid because this virus is not going away." Exercising restraint, England's chief medical …

'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 says scrapping Covid isolation requirements is ‘moment of pride’
2 years, 10 months ago

Boris Johnson says scrapping Covid isolation requirements is ‘moment of pride’

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 has …

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 …

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging
2 years, 10 months ago

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging

Al Jazeera  

The Netherlands, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom are among several countries which have announced plans to lift the majority of COVID restrictions, despite the continuing spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. The raft of announcements, including plans to scrap COVID self-isolation for those who test positive in England and an end to social distancing rules in …

England looks to fast-track plans to scrap self-isolation after positive COVID-19 test
2 years, 10 months ago

England looks to fast-track plans to scrap self-isolation after positive COVID-19 test

ABC  

England could scrap self-isolation for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of the month. Key points: England is set to end self-isolation periods for those who test positive for COVID-19 by the end of February PM Boris Johnson said the plan was brought forward as part of the strategy of "living with COVID" Mr Johnson is …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Covid isolation cut to five days in England over shortages
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid isolation cut to five days in England over shortages

Hindustan Times  

Boris Johnson’s government cut the Covid-19 self-isolation period in England to five days from seven as the surge in omicron infections sparked staff shortages at hospitals, schools and businesses. A healthcare worker wearing a PPE Kit walks inside a temporarily converted isolation ward for Covid-19 patients The reduction will take effect from Jan. 17, UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid told …

Don’t Press the Panic Button of Lockdown with New Covid Variants, Fresh Case Surges
2 years, 11 months ago

Don’t Press the Panic Button of Lockdown with New Covid Variants, Fresh Case Surges

News 18  

Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases across the country, the Delhi government on Tuesday came down heavily on offices, business establishments and restaurants. Overall, India’s economic activity shrunk by -7.3 per cent during the year 2020-21, the labour market and the MSME sector have suffered acute losses. According to International Labour Organization “… in India, with a share of almost …

Significant relaxation of hard lockdown unlikely next week: Outbreak team member
3 years ago

Significant relaxation of hard lockdown unlikely next week: Outbreak team member

NL Times  

There is no clear evidence to support significantly relaxing the coronavirus measures in the Netherlands next week, said infectious disease expert and Outbreak Management Team member Marc Bonten on Nieuwsuur. Due to the Omicron variant, caution is still required, and people should "not hold out too much hope" that all lockdown measures will expire, he said. While it is clear …

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 …

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 …

Coronavirus Updates: Delhi Bans Gatherings for Christmas, New Year Celebrations
3 years ago

Coronavirus Updates: Delhi Bans Gatherings for Christmas, New Year Celebrations

News 18  

In an effort to fight the Omicron variant surging through the country, President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the government would provide 500 million free rapid tests, increase support for hospitals under strain and redouble vaccination and boosting efforts. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday ruled out imposing additional lockdown measures in England before Christmas but said the …

UK PM Boris Johnson rules out tougher lockdown, daily Covid cases fall slightly
3 years ago

UK PM Boris Johnson rules out tougher lockdown, daily Covid cases fall slightly

India Today  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday ruled out imposing additional lockdown measures in England before Christmas but said the Omicron variant related data will be kept under review to see if stricter measures are needed next week. The announcement came as the UK recorded 90,629 new Covid cases, slightly down on the all-time high on Monday of 91,743, largely …

UK PM Boris Johnson rules out tougher lockdown before Christmas, daily Covid-19 cases fall slightly
3 years ago

UK PM Boris Johnson rules out tougher lockdown before Christmas, daily Covid-19 cases fall slightly

India Today  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday ruled out imposing additional lockdown measures in England before Christmas but said the Omicron variant related data will be kept under review to see if stricter measures are needed next week. In a video clip released by Downing Street, Johnson said: "In view of the continuing uncertainty about several things — the severity …

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 …

At 93,045, UK's daily Covid cases hit record high for third consecutive day
3 years ago

At 93,045, UK's daily Covid cases hit record high for third consecutive day

India Today  

The British government on Friday reported 93,045 new coronavirus cases, a third consecutive record daily tally, as the Omicron variant fuels a surge in infections across the country. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Omicron is now the country's dominant coronavirus strain, adding "the tsunami I warned about a week ago is now starting to hit us". And Welsh leader …

Britain’s Omicron surge is seen as a warning, but responses vary
3 years ago

Britain’s Omicron surge is seen as a warning, but responses vary

LA Times  

Spiraling infections in Britain driven in part by the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus rattled many in Europe on Thursday, fueling a familiar dread that tighter restrictions will scuttle holiday plans again this year. After the United Kingdom recorded its highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, France announced Thursday that it would tighten entry …

No plans for new COVID-19 restrictions in U.K. despite increase in new cases, says PM Johnson
3 years ago

No plans for new COVID-19 restrictions in U.K. despite increase in new cases, says PM Johnson

The Hindu  

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not planning further restrictions in England to contain the significant growth of the Omicron coronavirus variant, his spokesman said on Friday, as Scotland warned the variant could become dominant within days. “There is significant growth of Omicron here in this country and we are seeing early signs of vaccine escape,” the spokesman said, adding …

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 …

Rich countries blamed for new Omicron COVID variant: "It was entirely preventable"
3 years, 1 month ago

Rich countries blamed for new Omicron COVID variant: "It was entirely preventable"

Salon  

This article originally appeared at Common Dreams. Tim Bierley of the U.K.-based advocacy group Global Justice Now said in a statement that the B.1.1.529 mutation is an "entirely avoidable" consequence of deliberate policy decisions by rich countries, which have hoarded vaccine doses and refused to force pharmaceutical giants to share technology with developing nations. Ursula von der Leyen, president of …

US announces travel restrictions over new Covid-19 variant Nov. 27, 2021
3 years, 1 month ago

US announces travel restrictions over new Covid-19 variant Nov. 27, 2021

CNN  

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a press conference on November 27, in London. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the UK must take “targeted and proportionate measures now” amid concerns over the new Omicron Covid-19 variant. But we will require anyone who enters the UK to take a PCR test by the end of the second day after …

Oil plunges 10% on new coronavirus variant concerns
3 years, 1 month ago

Oil plunges 10% on new coronavirus variant concerns

Live Mint  

Oil prices plunged more than 10% on Friday, the largest one-day drop since April 2020, as a new COVID-19 variant spooked investors and added to concerns that a supply surplus could swell in the first quarter. Global authorities reacted with alarm on Friday to a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with the European Union and Britain among those …

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 …

From Singapore, Germany to Britain, new coronavirus variant sparks Africa travel curbs
3 years, 1 month ago

From Singapore, Germany to Britain, new coronavirus variant sparks Africa travel curbs

Firstpost  

Governments across the world are scrambling to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant — B.1.1.529 — which has a large number of mutations A new variant of COVID-19 is around the corner and the world is huddling to deal with it. On Thursday, a new coronavirus variant — B.1.1.529 — with a large number of mutations first was …

Dutch urged to take fast action on new coronavirus variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Dutch urged to take fast action on new coronavirus variant

Dutch News  

The Dutch government is being urged to act quickly to head off the threat of a new variant of coronavirus arriving in the country from southern Africa. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said Brussels will propose ’activating the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region’ in close consultation with member states. D66 parliamentarian …

Dutch urged to take fast action on new coronavirus variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Dutch urged to take fast action on new coronavirus variant

Dutch News  

The Dutch government is being urged to act quickly to head off the threat of a new variant of coronavirus arriving in the country from southern Africa. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said Brussels will propose ’activating the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region’ in close consultation with member states. D66 parliamentarian …

The EU wants to stop flights from southern Africa over a new COVID variant
3 years, 1 month ago

The EU wants to stop flights from southern Africa over a new COVID variant

NPR  

The EU wants to stop flights from southern Africa over a new COVID variant Enlarge this image toggle caption Denis Farrell/AP Denis Farrell/AP BRUSSELS — The European Union said Friday it is planning to stop air travel from southern Africa to counter the spread of a new COVID-19 variant as the 27-nation bloc is battling a massive spike in cases. …

Britain alarmed by new COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa
3 years, 1 month ago

Britain alarmed by new COVID-19 variant spreading in South Africa

Live Mint  

Britain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil efforts to fight the pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency said the variant, which is called B.1.1.529, has a spike protein that was dramatically different to the one in the original coronavirus that COVID-19 vaccines …

Britain raises alarm over new Covid-19 variant found in South Africa which could beat vaccines
3 years, 1 month ago

Britain raises alarm over new Covid-19 variant found in South Africa which could beat vaccines

India Today  

Britain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil efforts to fight the pandemic. READ: Covid-19: Centre sounds alert over new coronavirus variant found in South Africa | 5 things you need to know The variant was first identified at the start of this …

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