UK ‘blind’ to new immune evasive Covid variants creating ‘perfect storm’ for devastating wave
2 years, 5 months ago

UK ‘blind’ to new immune evasive Covid variants creating ‘perfect storm’ for devastating wave

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. “It looks like we’re in the start of the next wave and this time it’s affected older people slightly earlier than the last wave,” Prof Spector said. “They’d say it’s a cold and not be tested.” Prof Spector said early data showed new subvariants of Omicron were becoming immune-evasive and could cause the UK “real problems” as winter approaches with the NHS “already on its knees”. open image in gallery Experts fear rising Covid hospitalisations could put the NHS under further pressure “What’s interesting about these variants is that although they’re slightly different in how they’ve come about they’ve come up with the same changes to get around the body’s immune system,” Prof Young told The Independent. In a way, this was to be expected but it does demonstrate that we’re not out of the woods yet at all with this virus, sadly.” Prof Young also warned that the downscaling of Covid testing laboratories since the unveiling of the government’s Living with Covid plan means the UK is “blind” to the behaviour of new potential variants of concern.

Independent Variants Early Covid Wave Prof Nhs Health Check Ons Omicron Uk Health Early Data Prof Young  storm  winter  prof  uk  health  testing  devastating  variants  immune  perfect  evasive  early  wave  young  covid  creating

History of this topic

World-first warning system launched in UK in bid to stop future pandemics
1 month, 4 weeks ago

World-first warning system launched in UK in bid to stop future pandemics

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 A world-first genetic warning system to stop future pandemics has been …

The mystery of why Covid-19 seems to be becoming milder
2 months, 2 weeks ago

The mystery of why Covid-19 seems to be becoming milder

BBC  

The mystery of why Covid-19 seems to be becoming milder Getty Images Covid-19 is now ubiquitous – but hospitalisations seem to be on a downward trajectory. "Right now, we're seeing pretty low levels of people who are critically ill, even though there's an astronomical amount of Covid in wastewater," says Peter Chin-Hong, a professor in the Health Division of Infectious …

Covid making worrying comeback amid summer surge and Olympics infections, WHO official warns
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Covid making worrying comeback amid summer surge and Olympics infections, WHO official warns

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. A top official said the number of people testing positive for Covid across 84 countries …

Key findings from the 2023 Covid inquiry show NHS failed to prepare PPE amid ‘carousel of chaos’
8 months, 1 week ago

Key findings from the 2023 Covid inquiry show NHS failed to prepare PPE amid ‘carousel of chaos’

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 is clear that such planning, from 2018 onwards, crowded out and prevented some …

COVID Is Surging Right Now. Here's What Alarms Doctors The Most.
8 months, 4 weeks ago

COVID Is Surging Right Now. Here's What Alarms Doctors The Most.

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING We don’t typically associate hot weather with viral illnesses, but COVID has thwarted that in recent years. “It seems like we’re seeing more and more states showing increased levels of activity.” Here’s what to know about the summer COVID spike: What’s up with the new FLiRT variants? If you’re wondering whether you should get another jab now …

COVID Is Surging Right Now. Here's What Alarms Doctors The Most.
9 months ago

COVID Is Surging Right Now. Here's What Alarms Doctors The Most.

Huff Post  

KENT NISHIMURA via Getty Images US President Joe Biden speaks during the 115th National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Convention in in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16, 2024. “It seems like we’re seeing more and more states showing increased levels of activity.” Here’s what to know about the summer COVID spike: What’s up with the new …

New Covid variant Juno surges as expert warns school return will fuel more cases
1 year, 2 months ago

New Covid variant Juno surges as expert warns school return will fuel more cases

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. While the rise in hospital cases remains “very modest” compared with the outset of the …

Centre writes to States, advises them to maintain vigil amid uptick in COVID-19 cases
1 year, 3 months ago

Centre writes to States, advises them to maintain vigil amid uptick in COVID-19 cases

The Hindu  

The Union Health Ministry has asked all States to maintain constant vigil over the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of the upcoming festive season and recent surge in cases in some parts of the country. The Health Ministry has in its letter noted that considering the upcoming festive season, States are advised to put in place requisite public …

The UK took action too late during COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave, its top medical officer says
1 year, 4 months 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 …

5 Things COVID Experts Personally Won't Do Right Now In This Latest Surge
1 year, 6 months ago

5 Things COVID Experts Personally Won't Do Right Now In This Latest Surge

Huff Post  

andreswd via Getty Images Here's how infectious disease experts are managing their COVID-19 risk. “As I have gray hair, I’m in a higher-risk group just on the basis of age, so I’ve been wearing my mask at indoor events continuously,” Schaffner said. “My wife and I are major caregivers for a family member who is receiving cancer chemotherapy, so we’re …

Even cautious experts say don't panic over new Covid wave: CDC admits US in 'strongest place' ever in pandemic - while the World Health Organization says world is in 'a different phase' now
1 year, 7 months ago

Even cautious experts say don't panic over new Covid wave: CDC admits US in 'strongest place' ever in pandemic - while the World Health Organization says world is in 'a different phase' now

Daily Mail  

Global and US health chiefs have urged calm over rising Covid cases and new variants, pointing out that virtually everyone now has immunity against the virus. On Thursday, Dr Marion Koopmans — a virologist who advises the World Health Organization — said the world was now in a 'different phase' of the pandemic due to higher levels of immunity from …

COVID-19 still a 'global health threat', new variant already under scanner: WHO Chief Tedros
1 year, 7 months ago

COVID-19 still a 'global health threat', new variant already under scanner: WHO Chief Tedros

Firstpost  

WHO has recently classified a new variant BA.2.86 which is under monitoring at present. It is said to have a large number of mutations World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said COVID-19 still is a “global health threat” and a new variant of coronavirus is already under the scanner. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the G20 Health …

COVID-19 still a global health threat, new variant under scanner: WHO chief
1 year, 7 months ago

COVID-19 still a global health threat, new variant under scanner: WHO chief

The Hindu  

Director-General of WHO Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus on August 18 said though COVID-19 is no longer a health emergency for the world, it is still a ‘global health threat’ and a new variant of coronavirus is already under the scanner. “Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it remains a global health threat. On the occasion, he urged all …

WHO tracking new Covid variant BA. X amid fears it could lead to new explosion of cases
1 year, 7 months ago

WHO tracking new Covid variant BA. X amid fears it could lead to new explosion of cases

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 World Health Organization is monitoring a new coronavirus variant that …

New Covid wave has begun in UK and masks should be worn again, warn scientists
1 year, 7 months ago

New Covid wave has begun in UK and masks should be worn again, warn scientists

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 Rates have risen since early July Prof Pagel predicted the …

World Health Organization is now officially tracking 'real deal' Covid variant BA.X amid fears strain could explode and trigger fresh wave
1 year, 7 months ago

World Health Organization is now officially tracking 'real deal' Covid variant BA.X amid fears strain could explode and trigger fresh wave

Daily Mail  

A Covid variant dubbed the 'real deal' is being officially tracked by World Health Organization officials. But she said it needs monitoring due to its large number of mutations In a flu and Covid surveillance report, the UK Health Security Agency noted that the prevalence of EG.5.1 had jumped to 25.7 per cent by the end of July Alarm bells …

New Covid variant BA.6 is 'probably' already in the US, experts warn - amid calls for masks to return
1 year, 7 months ago

New Covid variant BA.6 is 'probably' already in the US, experts warn - amid calls for masks to return

Daily Mail  

There is no evidence at this stage that it is more likely to cause severe disease A new Covid variant that has prompted calls for face masks to return is 'probably' already in the US, experts have told DailyMail.com. The variant may make shots less effective if it has evolved to look different enough from its ancestor — though most …

Continue COVID-19 testing to check emergence of new virus variants: WHO chief
1 year, 7 months ago

Continue COVID-19 testing to check emergence of new virus variants: WHO chief

The Hindu  

Warning that many countries aren’t testing enough and that new SARS-CoV-2 virus variants may emerge, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, on Wednesday said that testing and being vigilant is vital in continuing the fight against COVID-19. “While COVID is now behind us and India did its best during the time, we can expect new and more …

Covid inquiry: Everything you need to know about the public hearings into the UK’s pandemic response
1 year, 9 months ago

Covid inquiry: Everything you need to know about the public hearings into the UK’s pandemic response

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 Covid-19 Inquiry opened its first public hearing on …

COVID-19 inquiry in UK asks whether ‘terrible consequences’ could have been avoided or reduced
1 year, 9 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 Inquiry: People encouraged to share pandemic experiences
1 year, 9 months ago

Covid-19 Inquiry: People encouraged to share pandemic experiences

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 People across the UK have been urged to share their …

Mapped: Worst areas in UK for Covid cases amid fears over new Arcturus variant
1 year, 11 months ago

Mapped: Worst areas in UK for Covid cases amid fears over new Arcturus variant

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 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 }} England’s North …

New Covid variant Arcturus: What we know so far on severity of the strain
1 year, 11 months ago

New Covid variant Arcturus: What we know so far on severity of the strain

Hindustan Times  

As the World Health Organisation raised alarm over new Covid variant Arcturus, or XBB.1.16 as it is clinically referred to, the strain has been found so far in 22 countries, including Singapore, Australia, the UK and the US. Covid Variant Arcturus: Cases of the new variant have been detected in many countries. The new variant could be 1.2 times more …

‘Jewel in the crown’ Covid-19 infection survey bows out
2 years ago

‘Jewel in the crown’ Covid-19 infection survey bows out

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. The long-running coronavirus infection survey, dubbed the “envy of the world” for its success …

XBB.1.16 has potential to drive fresh Covid wave? Former AIIMS director answers
2 years ago

XBB.1.16 has potential to drive fresh Covid wave? Former AIIMS director answers

Hindustan Times  

Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria on Wednesday said the new XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus could be driving the recent rise in Covid-19 cases but stressed there was no need to worry as long as it doesn't lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and deaths. India recorded 1,134 new fresh infections on Tuesday, the highest in 138 days, while the active …

The resurgence of COVID-19 needs to be tackled scientifically
2 years, 1 month ago

The resurgence of COVID-19 needs to be tackled scientifically

China Daily  

A medical staff administers a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine for a resident through nose at a temporary vaccination site in Haidian district, Beijing, capital of China, Dec 17, 2022. Data from Feb 16 shows that only 1.1 percent of people in China had tested positive after nucleic acid testing nationwide, down from 29.2 percent during the peak; visits …

Has WHO quietly shelved investigation into COVID-19 origins?
2 years, 1 month ago

Has WHO quietly shelved investigation into COVID-19 origins?

India TV News  

Has WHO quietly shelved investigation into COVID-19 origins? COVID-19 origins: Research into the root cause of coronavirus outbreak was important as it could have helped scientists prepare better to tackle any such future outbreaks. COVID-19 Origins: The world may never know the origins of COVID-19, the virus that wreaked havoc across the world killing 6,784,392 people, as the World Health …

The covert winter wave of Covid-19
2 years, 2 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 …

Keeping close eye on new Covid-19 variants: Health Minister tells Lok Sabha
2 years, 3 months ago

Keeping close eye on new Covid-19 variants: Health Minister tells Lok Sabha

Live Mint  

Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health, stated on Thursday that the Center is closely monitoring new Covid-19 variants. The minister said in a speech to the Lok Sabha that the states have been urged to accelerate genome sequencing and enact masking norms. We are seeing rising Covid cases & deaths due to it in China.” “We are keeping an …

Covid-19: Govt mulls mandating forms with RT-PCR, vaccination details for air travellers from abroad
2 years, 3 months ago

Covid-19: Govt mulls mandating forms with RT-PCR, vaccination details for air travellers from abroad

India TV News  

Covid-19: Govt mulls mandating forms with RT-PCR, vaccination details for air travellers from abroad Covid-19: According to reports, the ministry will take a decision on it after examining the situation for the next few weeks. Covid-19: Amid the growing threat of the latest Omicron variant, the Union health ministry is mulling to reintroduce the mandatory 'air suvidha' forms with details …

Health minister reviews Covid situation amid sudden spurt in cases worldwide
2 years, 3 months ago

Health minister reviews Covid situation amid sudden spurt in cases worldwide

Hindustan Times  

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of a sudden spurt in cases in some parts of the world, and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance. Union minister for health and family welfare Mansukh Mandaviya chairs a meeting with senior officials and experts on the COVID-19 situation, in Delhi, …

Centre\'s COVID review meeting today amid spurt in cases in US, China
2 years, 3 months ago

Centre\'s COVID review meeting today amid spurt in cases in US, China

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will review the COVID-19 situation on Wednesday in view of a fresh spurt in cases in some countries such as Japan, South Korea, Brazil, China and the US, official sources said. Meanwhile, the Union health ministry on Tuesday urged all states and union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive …

Health Minister Mandaviya to review COVID situation on Dec. 21 amid spurt in cases in U.S., China
2 years, 3 months ago

Health Minister Mandaviya to review COVID situation on Dec. 21 amid spurt in cases in U.S., China

The Hindu  

Amid a fresh spurt in COVID-19 cases in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, China and the U.S., Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will review the pandemic situation on December 21, 2022, official sources said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Health Ministry urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of newer …

Covid lab mistakes could have led to deaths of around 20 people
2 years, 4 months ago

Covid lab mistakes could have led to deaths of around 20 people

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. NHS Test and Trace suspended testing operations provided by Immensa Health Clinic Ltd at …

Do you have to isolate with Covid? What are the self-isolation rules in UK
2 years, 4 months ago

Do you have to isolate with Covid? What are the self-isolation rules in UK

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. Trailing the decision in the House of Commons in January, the prime minister said that …

WHO chief scientist warns of another wave of Covid, urges people to take booster shots | Top points
2 years, 5 months ago

WHO chief scientist warns of another wave of Covid, urges people to take booster shots | Top points

India Today  

The chief scientist at the World Health Organisation, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, on Thursday said some countries may go through "another wave of infections" with the XBB variant of the Covid-19 virus. The WHO chief scientist said that monitoring and tracking are the key steps to ensuring that another wave of infections do not occur. According to her, when the Omicron …

Omicron’s ‘grandchildren’ could dominate Covid cases this winter, experts warn
2 years, 5 months ago

Omicron’s ‘grandchildren’ could dominate Covid cases this winter, experts warn

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. Multiple subvariants of the highly transmissible strain, which experts have dubbed Omicron’s “grandchildren” will likely …

Covid cases in UK are rising again: 1 in 35 people in England now infected
2 years, 5 months ago

Covid cases in UK are rising again: 1 in 35 people in England now infected

Hindustan Times  

Coronavirus cases are rising in the UK with infections increasing in all regions in England in the last week, except the northeast, Sky News reported quoting government experts. This marks the fourth consecutive increase in infections in England as the estimated number of people testing positive for Covid was 1,513,700, equating to 2.78 per cent of the population. "Infections have …

How a fresh Covid surge in the UK could be a warning sign for US
2 years, 5 months ago

How a fresh Covid surge in the UK could be a warning sign for US

Daily Mail  

An autumn Covid resurgence in the UK has fueled concerns that the US could be on course for another wave. The US' Covid situation has mirrored Britain's several times in the past — inthe Alpha wave it followed the surge two weeks later on October 14, and in the Omicron wave it also followed about two weeks later on December …

UK could face ‘twindemic’ if winter flu surge combines with new Covid wave
2 years, 6 months ago

UK could face ‘twindemic’ if winter flu surge combines with new Covid wave

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 A devastating flu season is expected this winter, and it could …

‘Record-high’ 892,000 people living with long Covid for a year, figures show
2 years, 6 months ago

‘Record-high’ 892,000 people living with long Covid for a year, 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 Close to one million people in the UK have been living …

WHO alert on ‘new’ Covid variants amid rise in hospitalisation, deaths. 5 points
2 years, 7 months ago

WHO alert on ‘new’ Covid variants amid rise in hospitalisation, deaths. 5 points

Live Mint  

New COVID cases have jumped by 15% and deaths by 35% globally in the last few weeks, World Health Organisation has alerted and further noted, that more variants with such intense circulation will be seen in the coming days. “Future variants will be more transmissible, may have further immune escape but we do not know if they will be more …

UK’s rising Covid cases compared to other countries
2 years, 8 months ago

UK’s rising Covid cases compared to other countries

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. Professor Tim Spector, the lead scientist behind the ZOE Covid app, said one in 15 …

UK Covid infection levels reach new record high for pandemic, estimates show
2 years, 8 months ago

UK Covid infection levels reach new record high for pandemic, estimates 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 Covid infection levels in the UK have reached a new record …

Covid is nowhere near over, warns WHO chief amid spike in cases
2 years, 8 months ago

Covid is nowhere near over, warns WHO chief amid spike in cases

Live Mint  

World Health Organization's chief on Tuesday pointed out that Fresh waves of Covid-19 cases show that the pandemic is "nowhere near over". "New waves of the virus demonstrate again that Covid-19 is nowhere near over," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference, adding: "As the virus pushes at us, we must push back." "Governments should also work to reverse the …

Covid cases in England rise for first time since end of MARCH
2 years, 9 months ago

Covid cases in England rise for first time since end of MARCH

Daily Mail  

England’s Covid outbreak has risen in size for the first time since March, according to official figures that have prompted doom-mongering experts to warn the next wave is on its way. Office for National Statistics statisticians estimate 797,500 people in England had Covid each day during the week ending June 2 Separate figures today show recent fall in the number …

Covid-19 website creator ‘shocked’ to be made an MBE
2 years, 9 months ago

Covid-19 website creator ‘shocked’ to be made an MBE

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 was just something I did for a bit of fun at the start …

Pandemic gets tougher to track as COVID testing plunges
2 years, 10 months ago

Pandemic gets tougher to track as COVID testing plunges

LA Times  

Testing for coronavirus infections has plummeted across the globe, making it much tougher for scientists to track the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and spot new, worrisome viral variants as they emerge and spread. “We’re not testing anywhere near where we might need to,” said Dr. Krishna Udayakumar, who directs the Global Health Innovation Center at Duke University. At a …

Next COVID variant can be cause of concern: WHO warning
2 years, 11 months ago

Next COVID variant can be cause of concern: WHO warning

Live Mint  

The uncertainty that what the next COVID variant will be, remains a significant cause of concern for us, World Health Organisation said adding “we need to plan for different kinds of scenarios.” Also pointing out that Omicron is currently dominant worldwide, WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove said it is currently tracking sublineages and sister lineages of the variant - BA.4, BA.5, …

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