January 20, 2021 coronavirus news
3 years, 11 months ago

January 20, 2021 coronavirus news

CNN  

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has been recorded saying the nation should have closed its borders back in March due to the pandemic. Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer readout Patel’s words from the audio recording in Parliament on Wednesday and asked why Prime Minister Boris Johnson had overruled the Home Secretary on border closures. “I think it was the right honourable gentleman who last March said we didn’t need to close borders but as usual Captain Hindsight has changed his tune to events,” Johnson said. Johnson responded: “We’ve instituted one of the toughest border regimes in the world and it was only last March that he and along with many members of his party were continuing to support an open borders approach.” In an on camera interview on Wednesday, Patel’s comments were again put to Johnson. Asked whether Britain should have closed its borders last March, he said: “There’s plenty of chance to look back at what decisions were taken when and what approach was taken back in March last year… but what I can say today is that the UK has amongst the toughest border regimes in the world.” CNN has contacted the Conservative Friends of India for comment.

Home Border Borders Johnson Patel  coronavirus  secretary  audio  border  2021  uk  borders  recording  closed  patel  travel  johnson  20

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 …

Covid: Four years after first case in UK, how widespread is coronavirus now?
11 months, 1 week ago

Covid: Four years after first case in UK, how widespread is coronavirus now?

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. open image in gallery Experts say it’s important for people to do what they …

How effective were Covid lockdowns – and should they be used again if another pandemic hits?
1 year, 1 month ago

How effective were Covid lockdowns – and should they be used again if another pandemic hits?

The Independent  

Boris Johnson has finally taken the stand at the Covid inquiry, an opportunity to defend himself against a barrage of criticism from politicians, advisers and civil servants who served with him as the pandemic engulfed the UK. They found that social contact among UK adults had dropped 75 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels, enough to tip the growing epidemic …

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 …

COVID-19 inquiry in UK asks whether ‘terrible consequences’ could have been avoided or reduced
1 year, 6 months ago

COVID-19 inquiry in UK asks whether ‘terrible consequences’ could have been avoided or reduced

Associated Press  

LONDON — A mammoth three-year public inquiry into the U.K. government’s handling of the response to COVID-19 opened Tuesday by asking if some suffering and death could have been avoided with better planning — and whether Britain’s complex, protracted exit from the European Union distracted authorities from preparing for potential threats. Lawyer Hugo Keith, who is counsel to the inquiry, …

COVID-19 no longer a global emergency, says WHO
1 year, 8 months ago

COVID-19 no longer a global emergency, says WHO

The Hindu  

The World Health Organization said on May 5 that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency, marking a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies worldwide and killed at least 7 million people worldwide. “It's with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus …

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 …

The covert winter wave of Covid-19
1 year, 11 months ago

The covert winter wave of Covid-19

BBC  

The covert winter wave of Covid-19 Getty Images The coronavirus that caused the pandemic has largely vanished from public discourse – but it's still causing deaths. "We've come to really pay attention when there are very large spikes," says Denis Nash, an epidemiologist at the City University of New York. "The people we’re seeing hospitalised tend to be those who …

Pandemic Relief? Covid-19 Numbers Dip Significantly, Lowest Since 2020
2 years, 1 month ago

Pandemic Relief? Covid-19 Numbers Dip Significantly, Lowest Since 2020

News 18  

As active Covid-19 cases in the country dipped below 10,000 for the first time since April 2020 last week and the week’s death toll was the lowest since March 2020, could the Covid-19 pandemic finally be waning? The country logged 474 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, the lowest since April 6, 2020, taking the total tally of …

Covid pandemic over? WHO says not really, sets 5 focus areas with a warning
2 years, 2 months ago

Covid pandemic over? WHO says not really, sets 5 focus areas with a warning

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organization said that the Covid-19 pandemic remains a global emergency on Wednesday. World Health Organization On Covid Pandemic: Health workers and staff wear protective suits inside a residential compound in Beijing. The statement comes amid new sub-variants sparking concern in some parts of the world, a month after Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said that the end of …

WHO: COVID end 'in sight,' deaths at lowest since March 2020
2 years, 3 months ago

WHO: COVID end 'in sight,' deaths at lowest since March 2020

The Hindu  

The head of the World Health Organization said on September 15 that the number of coronavirus deaths worldwide last week was the lowest reported in the pandemic since March 2020, marking what could be a turning point in the years-long global outbreak. “Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap all the …

WHO says 'we can see the finish line' for the COVID-19 pandemic but it's not over yet
2 years, 3 months ago

WHO says 'we can see the finish line' for the COVID-19 pandemic but it's not over yet

ABC  

World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says "the end is in sight" for the COVID-19 pandemic, but now's not the time to ease up on infection control measures. Overnight he said world leaders needed to act on six key focus areas to end the PHEIC: Testing — continuing to test suspected COVID-19 cases and tracking confirmed infections — continuing …

WHO: COVID end ‘in sight,’ deaths at lowest since March 2020
2 years, 3 months ago

WHO: COVID end ‘in sight,’ deaths at lowest since March 2020

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The head of the World Health Organization said Wednesday that the number of coronavirus deaths worldwide last week was the lowest reported in the pandemic since March 2020, marking what could be a turning point in the years-long global outbreak. “Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap all the …

End of Covid-19 pandemic is in sight, WHO director-general says, ‘so let’s seize this opportunity’
2 years, 3 months ago

End of Covid-19 pandemic is in sight, WHO director-general says, ‘so let’s seize this opportunity’

CNN  

CNN — The world has never been in a better position to end the Covid-19 pandemic, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said in a news briefing in Geneva on Wednesday. “Last week, the number of weekly reported deaths from Covid-19 was the lowest since March 2020,” he said. Now is the time to run harder and …

Covid ‘not going away’, WHO warns as death toll this year crosses 10 lakh
2 years, 4 months ago

Covid ‘not going away’, WHO warns as death toll this year crosses 10 lakh

Live Mint  

The World Health Organization's Maria Van Kerkhove on Friday warned that Covid is not going away and it was time for a reality check on the virus after the millionth death from the disease this year. The Covid Technical lead also said the toll was "heartbreaking" because the tests, treatments, vaccines and public health measures to control the disease were …

Covid cases jump by 800,000 in a week
2 years, 5 months ago

Covid cases jump by 800,000 in a week

The Telegraph  

Covid-19 infections in the UK have jumped by nearly 800,000 in a week, with some parts of the country nearing the record levels seen during the spring. This is the highest estimate for total infections since mid-April, but is still below the record of 4.9 million seen at the peak of the omicron BA.2 wave at the end of March. …

UK’s Covid death toll passes 200,000, figures show
2 years, 5 months ago

UK’s Covid death toll passes 200,000, figures show

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 The UK’s Covid-19 death toll has passed the 200,000 mark, according …

Still far from normal: Covid-19 cases rising rapidly in 36 countries
2 years, 7 months ago

Still far from normal: Covid-19 cases rising rapidly in 36 countries

India Today  

Even as world leaders debated Covid-19 related issues at a virtual summit on Thursday, May 12, the pandemic has not shown any signs of disappearing from our lives. The latest data shows: New cases are still rising in 89 countries, including the US, weekly trends show. The latest weekly situation report of the WHO said during the week through May …

UK hits record COVID-19 levels; nearly 5 million infected
2 years, 9 months ago

UK hits record COVID-19 levels; nearly 5 million infected

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. Please try again later {{ …

'Pandemic is not over': WHO's warning as Covid-19 cases surge globally
2 years, 9 months ago

'Pandemic is not over': WHO's warning as Covid-19 cases surge globally

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organization on Wednesday warned that the world will continue to battle with surging Covid-19 infections and its emerging variants until all countries are covered with high vaccination. Until we reach high vaccination coverage in all countries, we will continue to face the risk of infections surging and new variants emerging that evade," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom …

DC Edit | Covid: Time is not right to lower guard
2 years, 9 months ago

DC Edit | Covid: Time is not right to lower guard

Deccan Chronicle  

After a brief interregnum, Covid-19 is back in the news with the fast spread of the infection being reported in several Asian and European nations. As per the World Health Organisation, new infections are up eight per cent globally compared to the previous week, with 11 million new cases and over 43,000 new deaths reported from March 7-13. China was …

UK Govt to Remove Remaining Covid-19 Restrictions For All International Passengers
2 years, 9 months ago

UK Govt to Remove Remaining Covid-19 Restrictions For All International Passengers

News 18  

The UK government will remove all remaining Covid restrictions on international travel for all passengers from Friday onwards, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced. From 4 a.m. on coming Friday, all Covid-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the passenger locator form for arrivals into the UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated, reports …

COVID-19 'let loose' in nervy pandemic experiment
2 years, 10 months ago

COVID-19 'let loose' in nervy pandemic experiment

China Daily  

A street in Cologne, Germany, is packed on Saturday as cases of the Omicron variant were reported in the city. Denmark's Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the novel coronavirus will no longer be characterized as a "socially critical disease", while Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said her country is "moving into a new phase". Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store …

Covid-19 infections above pre-Christmas levels – but falling in England
2 years, 10 months ago

Covid-19 infections above pre-Christmas levels – but falling in England

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. It comes as Transport for London dropped a mandatory face mask rule for buses …

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, …

Covid-19: Omicron drives S Korea's cases to record high; Aus to open borders for vaccinated tourists
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid-19: Omicron drives S Korea's cases to record high; Aus to open borders for vaccinated tourists

India Today  

South Korea reported record high in daily Covid-19 cases with the Omicron variant of the virus driving the surge. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 38,691 new cases of the virus on Monday, a nine-fold increase from the levels seen in mid-January, when Omicron became the country’s dominant strain. Jeong Eun-kyeong, the country’s top infectious disease expert, warned …

WHO: Europe entering ‘plausible endgame’ to COVID pandemic
2 years, 11 months ago

WHO: Europe entering ‘plausible endgame’ to COVID pandemic

Associated Press  

COPENHAGEN — The director of the World Health Organization’s Europe office said Thursday the continent is now entering a “plausible endgame” to the pandemic and that the number of coronavirus deaths is starting to plateau. Dr. Hans Kluge said at a media briefing that there is a “singular opportunity” for countries across Europe to take control of COVID-19 transmission due …

UKHSA plays down reports daily Covid death updates will be axed under plans to ‘live with virus’
2 years, 11 months ago

UKHSA plays down reports daily Covid death updates will be axed under plans to ‘live with virus’

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. In an ideal situation he will bring an end to them sooner if the …

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 …

Latest COVID updates: US blasts China over cancelled flights
2 years, 11 months ago

Latest COVID updates: US blasts China over cancelled flights

Al Jazeera  

COVID news from January 12: Biden administration warns it could act in response to China’s cancellations of US flights. 12 Jan 2022 - 16:45 GMT ‘Every corner’ of Americas is seeing increases in COVID cases: PAHO Coronavirus infections are increasing in every country in the Americas and the Omicron variant has been detected in nearly every nation in the region, …

Death toll due to Covid-19 since start of pandemic crosses 150,000 in UK
3 years ago

Death toll due to Covid-19 since start of pandemic crosses 150,000 in UK

India TV News  

Highlights UK crossed a huge number of 150,000 deaths due to Covid since the pandemic began. Amid rising Covid cases in the UK raising an alarm, the country crossed a huge number of 150,000 deaths due to the infection since the start of the pandemic. Johnson said the coronavirus pandemic has "taken a terrible toll on our country" as he …

West witnessing worrying Omicron-driven Covid surge. Death rate is silver lining
3 years ago

West witnessing worrying Omicron-driven Covid surge. Death rate is silver lining

Hindustan Times  

The record daily case of coronavirus disease in the United States this week has caused fresh concerns about the Omicron variant as it continues to spread rapidly across the globe. The United Kingdom, France and the US have been witnessing an exponential surge in Covid-19 cases, with Britain reporting over 2,200 daily cases per million people. In January 2021, when …

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 …

Not so merry Christmas? Covid resurgence forces fresh restrictions, lockdowns in Europe
3 years ago

Not so merry Christmas? Covid resurgence forces fresh restrictions, lockdowns in Europe

India Today  

The resurgence of Covid cases is poised to affect Christmas and New Year celebrations as many countries have imposed lockdowns and restrictions to arrest the spread of infection. At an average of 6.46 lakh daily cases, fresh Covid infections around the globe have surged by 12 per cent since the beginning of this month and nearly 5 per cent since …

UK confirms over 10,000 new Omicron cases
3 years ago

UK confirms over 10,000 new Omicron cases

India TV News  

Highlights The UK has reported more than 10,000 new Omicron coronavirus variant cases. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed on Saturday that an additional 10,059 cases of the new variant, three times as many as Friday and taking the total number detected to 24,968, Xinhua news agency reported. The country registered 90,418 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, the …

Covid UK: Britons CANCEL pre-Christmas plans as public heeds Whitty's Omicron warning
3 years ago

Covid UK: Britons CANCEL pre-Christmas plans as public heeds Whitty's Omicron warning

Daily Mail  

Millions of Britons have axed their festive plans so they can see family on Christmas Day after Boris Johnson and Chris Whitty triggered a 'tsunamis of cancellations' for pubs and restaurants by urging the country only to socialise if necessary - and not in large groups or with strangers. And doubling down on the Prime Minister's inference that people must …

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 …

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 …

WHO Europe warns of possible surge in COVID deaths ahead
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO Europe warns of possible surge in COVID deaths ahead

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The World Health Organization’s Europe office says projections show its 53-country region could face another 700,000 deaths in the coronavirus pandemic by next spring, topping 2 million in total. WHO Europe, which is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, also cited growing evidence of a decline in protection against infection and mild disease through vaccines, and said a “booster dose” …

WHO Europe warns of possible surge in COVID deaths ahead
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO Europe warns of possible surge in COVID deaths ahead

LA Times  

The World Health Organization’s Europe office says projections show its 53-country region could face another 700,000 deaths in the coronavirus pandemic by next spring, topping 2 million in total. WHO Europe, which is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, also cited growing evidence of a decline in protection against infection and mild disease through vaccines, and said a “booster dose” should be …

India Sees 11,271 New Covid Cases, 285 Deaths; Active Infections Lowest Since June, 2020
3 years, 1 month ago

India Sees 11,271 New Covid Cases, 285 Deaths; Active Infections Lowest Since June, 2020

News 18  

India on Sunday reported 11,271 new Covid-19 cases, and 285 deaths in 24 hours as 11,376 people also recovered from the disease. Meanwhile, three German state health ministers urged parties negotiating to form a new government to prolong states’ power to implement stricter pandemic measures such as lockdowns or school closures as the country’s seven-day COVID incidence rate hit record …

India Sees 11,850 New Covid Cases; Netherlands Imposes Lockdown as Virus Reaches New High
3 years, 1 month ago

India Sees 11,850 New Covid Cases; Netherlands Imposes Lockdown as Virus Reaches New High

News 18  

European governments are eyeing unpopular Covid curbs, with the Netherlands opting for Western Europe’s first partial lockdown of the winter as EU experts said 10 countries in the bloc were causing “very high concern”. Dutch premier Mark Rutte announced at least three weeks of lockdown measures targeting restaurants, shops and sporting events to curb a record spike in coronavirus infections. …

Pandemic far from over, will end when...: WHO chief's word of caution
3 years, 2 months ago

Pandemic far from over, will end when...: WHO chief's word of caution

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said the coronavirus pandemic is far from over and the world needs to use public health tools effectively to tackle it. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged G20 countries having vaccinated 40 per cent of their population to actively engage in the Covax mechanism and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust. The …

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 …

United Kingdom counts on vaccines, ‘common sense’ to keep coronavirus at bay
3 years, 3 months ago

United Kingdom counts on vaccines, ‘common sense’ to keep coronavirus at bay

India TV News  

Britons are encouraged these days- though in most cases not required- to wear face coverings in crowded indoor spaces. For critics, that image encapsulates the flaw in the government’s strategy, which has abandoned most pandemic restrictions and is banking on voluntary restraint and a high vaccination rate to curb the spread of the coronavirus. “The story of this government in …

Here’s how Covid-19 is hitting hospitals in five key European countries
3 years, 3 months ago

Here’s how Covid-19 is hitting hospitals in five key European countries

CNN  

London CNN — Much of Europe has opened up to international visitors and scaled back Covid-19 restrictions since a wave of cases swept the continent in the spring. Leon Neal/Getty Images But the UK’s strong vaccination rollout has kept numbers far below where they were in the winter peak; in January more than 4,000 people were admitted to British hospitals …

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