Continual boom and bust lockdowns are not the way to manage the virus
4 years ago

Continual boom and bust lockdowns are not the way to manage 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This plan is very much in line with measures that we at Independent Sage have been asking for since the start of the pandemic – the need for a locally led contact tracing service, suppression of the virus in our communities, and a redoubling of our efforts to find and isolate new cases at our international borders. Local contact tracing, done face to face, such as we see in Scotland and in some English local authorities, regularly reaches more than 90 per cent of cases, some 80 per cent of which within 24 hours. Local public health teams have the knowledge of their communities and the expertise in contact tracing to identify and control outbreaks in a timely manner. In addition to controlling the virus within our communities, the UK government must follow the lead of some other countries that have been able to stop almost all new cases coming into the country.

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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 …

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 …

COVID returns? Hospitalisation hits record high in THIS country | DEETS INSIDE
1 year, 2 months ago

COVID returns? Hospitalisation hits record high in THIS country | DEETS INSIDE

India TV News  

As winter approaches, health authorities in the United Kingdom have issued a warning for its citizens to prepare for another wave of COVID-19. UK Health Security Agency has claimed that the cases will 'further increase' as the season progresses, along with other 'winter respiratory viruses like flu'. As we enter the colder months and people begin to mix more indoors, …

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 …

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 …

‘Jewel in the crown’ Covid-19 infection survey bows out
1 year, 9 months 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 …

U.K. to stop publishing coronavirus data for ‘living with COVID’ phase
2 years ago

U.K. to stop publishing coronavirus data for ‘living with COVID’ phase

The Hindu  

The U.K. health authorities said on December 26 that they will stop publishing their regular COVID-19 infections modelling data in the new year because it is seen as “no longer necessary” as the country moves to a phase of living with the virus with the help of vaccines and medicines. “During the pandemic, the R value and growth rate served …

Covid cases surge across UK again as one in 35 people in England now has virus
2 years, 2 months ago

Covid cases surge across UK again as one in 35 people in England now has 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 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. In England, the estimated number of people testing positive was …

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. …

Covid cases in England rise for first time since end of MARCH
2 years, 6 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 …

Is this what the end of the pandemic looks like? The UK's lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions has lessons for Australia
2 years, 8 months ago

Is this what the end of the pandemic looks like? The UK's lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions has lessons for Australia

ABC  

In one of Europe's busiest cities, there are few outward signs left of the raging global pandemic that disrupted the world for more than two years. After vaccines and boosters offered a pathway out of strict restrictions last year, England scaled back its public health measures on what was dubbed "Freedom Day" on July 19. "The amount of effort it …

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?
2 years, 8 months ago

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?

ABC  

Over the past few days, a barely perceptible trend has emerged in Victoria's daily tally of COVID-19 infections. "Hopefully we only ever replace one case with less than one now and we'll keep that reproductive number below one and see the numbers come down," Professor Bennett says. Professor Blakely says that's because while vaccines stop people getting seriously ill, "they …

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 …

'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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Number of Brits falling ill with Covid has dipped by another 10% in a week, symptom app shows
3 years, 1 month ago

Number of Brits falling ill with Covid has dipped by another 10% in a week, symptom app shows

Daily Mail  

Britain's Covid cases fell by a tenth last week, according to the country's largest symptom-tracking study which has sparked fresh hopes restrictions will not be needed before Christmas. King's College London scientists estimated 65,059 people were falling ill with the virus on any given day in the week to November 13, down from 72,546 previously. Graph shows: The proportion of …

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 didn't focus enough on airborne Covid transmission of Covid at pandemic start, adviser admits
3 years, 2 months ago

UK didn't focus enough on airborne Covid transmission of Covid at pandemic start, adviser admits

Daily Mail  

Britain didn't focus enough on airborne Covid transmission at the beginning of the pandemic, a Government adviser today admitted. Professor Andrew Curran, chief scientific adviser for the Health and Safety Executive, which issues the Government's official workplace guidance, told MPs that early Covid advice over-emphasised surface cleanliness, instead of the need for proper ventilation. Britain did not focus enough on …

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, …

UK Experts Call for Plan 'B' As Virus Cases Surge; Highest Number of Infections Recorded Since Mid-July
3 years, 2 months ago

UK Experts Call for Plan 'B' As Virus Cases Surge; Highest Number of Infections Recorded Since Mid-July

News 18  

Life has returned to normal for millions in Britain since coronavirus restrictions were lifted over the summer. Many scientists are pressing the British government to re-impose social restrictions and speed up booster vaccinations as coronavirus infection rates, already Europe’s highest, rise still further. Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said the U.K. also …

UK faces calls for ‘Plan B’ with COVID-19 cases high and rising; scientists blame waning vaccine immunity
3 years, 2 months ago

UK faces calls for ‘Plan B’ with COVID-19 cases high and rising; scientists blame waning vaccine immunity

Firstpost  

Studies have suggested that vaccines’ protection gradually wanes over time. Millions of people in Britain are being offered booster shots, but critics say the program is moving too slowly London: Many scientists are pressing the British government to reimpose social restrictions and speed up booster vaccinations as coronavirus infection rates, already Europe’s highest, rise still further. “It’s critical we accelerate …

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 …

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 …

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 …

UK to launch COVID-19 vaccine booster programme next week for vulnerable groups
3 years, 3 months ago

UK to launch COVID-19 vaccine booster programme next week for vulnerable groups

Firstpost  

Health minister Sajid Javid also approved a controversial proposal to offer jabs to children aged 12-15 as concern mounts about the spread of the virus in schools London, United Kingdom: Frontline health and social care workers, older people and the clinically vulnerable in Britain will start to receive a booster jab against COVID-19 from next week, the government said on …

UK Health Minister rules out Covid-19 lockdowns in future, vaccine passports
3 years, 3 months ago

UK Health Minister rules out Covid-19 lockdowns in future, vaccine passports

Live Mint  

British health minister Sajid Javid said on Sunday he did not expect the country to see any more lockdowns to fight the COVID-19 crisis and ruled out the use of vaccine passports to allow people to attend mass events. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under fire from some in his governing Conservative Party for raising taxes to fix a health …

UK must not take its ‘eye off the ball’ as Covid could roar back, experts warn
3 years, 4 months ago

UK must not take its ‘eye off the ball’ as Covid could roar back, 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. Read our privacy policy The UK must not take its “eye off the ball” with …

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 …

Britain's leading experts answer the Covid questions that everyone's fretting about
3 years, 6 months ago

Britain's leading experts answer the Covid questions that everyone's fretting about

Daily Mail  

he Government is confident it will be able to remove all restrictions on July 19 On Friday 27,000 Britons tested positive for Covid-19. He says: ‘At its worst this is still only 50 per cent of the admissions seen in February, when we were seeing 30,000 every week, but it would be enough to put pressure on the NHS.’ Doctors …

Boris Johnson warns UK may still keep some covid rules
3 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson warns UK may still keep some covid rules

Live Mint  

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said some “extra precautions” could still be required even after the July 19 date he has said will mark the end of the country’s Covid restrictions. “We’ll be wanting to go back to a world that is as close to the status quo ante-Covid, as possible,” Johnson said on a visit to a factory in …

Delays in Scotland’s contact tracing system could be helping Covid spread
3 years, 6 months ago

Delays in Scotland’s contact tracing system could be helping Covid spread

The Telegraph  

Record delays in Scotland's contact tracing system could be causing a "bigger spread of the virus", the country's national clinical director admitted on Thursday as hospitalisations started to surge again and case numbers rose to another new high. Prof Jason Leitch denied that Test and Protect was "collapsing" after official figures showed fewer than a third of people who tested …

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