Coronavirus: Chris Whitty ‘not confident’ that top tier lockdown restrictions will work
4 years, 2 months ago

Coronavirus: Chris Whitty ‘not confident’ that top tier lockdown restrictions will work

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. Just hours after they were unveiled by Boris Johnson, Professor Chris Whitty said he was “not confident” they would be enough to curtail the spread of the disease. Standing beside the prime minister at a special press conference to set out the new measures, Prof Whitty said he was “not confident” that the Tier 3 restrictions would be enough to get on top of the virus on their own. Prof Whitty said: “People who have been previously on the shielding group are at greater risk, and we would advise them always to take greater precautions. We are trying to deal with that in the way that we approach shielding over the next phase.” Mr Johnson warned that rising coronavirus cases and hospital admissions were flashing like “dashboard warnings in a passenger jet” as he set out the new three-tier system.

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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 …

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 …

Second Covid lockdown could have been avoided, says Sir Chris Whitty
1 year, 1 month ago

Second Covid lockdown could have been avoided, says Sir Chris Whitty

The Telegraph  

The second national lockdown could have been avoided if ministers had made different decisions over the summer of 2020, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said. The Chief Medical Officer told the Covid inquiry that the second lockdown, which began on Nov 5 that year, was “not necessarily inevitable”. Sir Chris was asked by Hugo Keith KC, counsel to the inquiry, …

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 …

Lockdown given ‘very little thought’ ahead of pandemic, UK Covid Inquiry hears
1 year, 6 months ago

Lockdown given ‘very little thought’ ahead of pandemic, UK Covid Inquiry hears

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 A lockdown was given “very little thought” ahead of the …

Benefits of original Covid lockdown were 'a drop in the bucket compared to the costs'
1 year, 7 months ago

Benefits of original Covid lockdown were 'a drop in the bucket compared to the costs'

Daily Mail  

Draconian lockdown measures taken to stop the spread of Covid in early 2020 may have saved as few as 1,700 lives, analysis suggests. A report suggests specific initiatives to control the spread of Covid had mixed results in reducing mortality, with mask mandates having the biggest impact while measures such as limiting gatherings paradoxically raised death rates Vaccines — considered …

Covid lockdown benefits were ‘drop in the bucket’ compared to costs, study says
1 year, 7 months ago

Covid lockdown benefits were ‘drop in the bucket’ compared to costs, study says

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The benefits of the first Covid-19 lockdown were “a drop in …

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 …

Minister won't guarantee no lockdowns if new coronavirus variant hits
2 years, 6 months ago

Minister won't guarantee no lockdowns if new coronavirus variant hits

Dutch News  

Dutch health minister Ernst Kuipers has said he cannot guarantee that a new lockdown will not be imposed in the Netherlands because of the risk that a new, more infectious and problematic variant of coronavirus will hit. Vaccinations The minister also told MPs on Thursday that he is not concerned about regional health board capacity to carry out a new …

Minister won't guarantee no lockdowns if new coronavirus variant hits
2 years, 6 months ago

Minister won't guarantee no lockdowns if new coronavirus variant hits

Dutch News  

Dutch health minister Ernst Kuipers has said he cannot guarantee that a new lockdown will not be imposed in the Netherlands because of the risk that a new, more infectious and problematic variant of coronavirus will hit. Vaccinations The minister also told MPs on Thursday that he is not concerned about regional health board capacity to carry out a new …

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

Government hopes sector-specific coronavirus rules can prevent lockdowns

Dutch News  

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

Fewer than 500 people are now hospitalised with coronavirus
2 years, 7 months ago

Fewer than 500 people are now hospitalised with coronavirus

Dutch News  

The number of coronavirus patients being treated in Dutch hospitals fell below 500 on Thursday, for the first time since October 2021. The number of people testing positive for coronavirus fell to 10,000 last week but the figure is no longer an accurate representation of the spread of the virus, given that people are no longer been recommended to have …

Fewer than 500 people are now hospitalised with coronavirus
2 years, 7 months ago

Fewer than 500 people are now hospitalised with coronavirus

Dutch News  

The number of coronavirus patients being treated in Dutch hospitals fell below 500 on Thursday, for the first time since October 2021. The number of people testing positive for coronavirus fell to 10,000 last week but the figure is no longer an accurate representation of the spread of the virus, given that people are no longer been recommended to have …

'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 …

The clinically vulnerable people still living under lockdown rules
2 years, 9 months ago

The clinically vulnerable people still living under lockdown rules

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

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 …

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD
2 years, 10 months ago

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD

Dutch News  

Government health advisors on the Outbreak Management Team will meet at the end of this week to discuss lifting the final coronavirus restrictions in operation in the Netherlands. The number of new coronavirus cases reached a three-week high at the weekend, following the Carnaval celebrations and the February half-term holidays and the number of new infections hit almost 67,000 in …

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD
2 years, 10 months ago

More coronavirus rules may go, despite rise in new infections: AD

Dutch News  

Government health advisors on the Outbreak Management Team will meet at the end of this week to discuss lifting the final coronavirus restrictions in operation in the Netherlands. The number of new coronavirus cases reached a three-week high at the weekend, following the Carnaval celebrations and the February half-term holidays and the number of new infections hit almost 67,000 in …

'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 …

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions
2 years, 10 months ago

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions

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 Government is lifting restrictions without a plan to protect immunocompromised people, for who …

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, …

Two-thirds of NL residents expect more lockdowns in the future
2 years, 10 months ago

Two-thirds of NL residents expect more lockdowns in the future

NL Times  

On Tuesday, Health Minister Ernst Kuipers announced that the Netherlands would relax most coronavirus restrictions from February 25. There will be more coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions in the future, they said in a Hart van Nederland survey of 3,760 of its panel members. Some worried respondents believe that the Netherlands will go back into lockdown when the relaxed measures result …

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 lifts COVID restrictions as omicron threat recedes
2 years, 11 months ago

England lifts COVID restrictions as omicron threat recedes

Associated Press  

LONDON — Most coronavirus restrictions, including mandatory face masks, were lifted in England on Thursday after Britain’s government said its vaccine booster rollout successfully reduced serious illness and COVID-19 hospitalizations. England’s so-called “Plan B” measures were introduced in early December to stop the rapid spread of omicron from overwhelming health services and to buy time for the population to get …

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 …

Health Minister: Lockdown unlikely to end next week; Press conference expected Jan. 14
3 years ago

Health Minister: Lockdown unlikely to end next week; Press conference expected Jan. 14

NL Times  

Health Minister Hugo de Jonge told reporters gathered in The Hague that residents should not expect the current lockdown in the Netherlands to be significantly relaxed after January 14. "We must remain cautious," De Jonge said on Friday after his last meeting with the Council of Ministers as the country's public health minister. The steady decrease suddenly reversed course during …

'Will Not Look at Lockdown Unless...' On Mumbai's Rising Cases, BMC Commissioner's Assurance
3 years ago

'Will Not Look at Lockdown Unless...' On Mumbai's Rising Cases, BMC Commissioner's Assurance

News 18  

The BMC has said that there will not be lockdown-like restrictions unless 20,000 hospital beds are occupied, even as Covid-19 cases surge in the city. “Unless 20,000 hospital beds occupied I will not look at fresh lockdown-like restrictions, current hospitalization rate less than 5%” said BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal. Mumbai added 10,606 new cases, a steep rise from 7,928 …

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 …

Covid-19 Cases Rising, Lockdown Last Option, Says Chhattisgarh CM; Directs Officials to Enforce Measures to Control Situation
3 years ago

Covid-19 Cases Rising, Lockdown Last Option, Says Chhattisgarh CM; Directs Officials to Enforce Measures to Control Situation

News 18  

Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday chaired an emergency meeting of ministers, senior officials and asked district level authorities to increase testing and also impose restrictions on major public events to prevent crowding. Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly and it seems a third wave of infections is approaching, the CM said, but …

Chhattisgarh CM Baghel says lockdown 'last option' amid rise in Covid cases
3 years ago

Chhattisgarh CM Baghel says lockdown 'last option' amid rise in Covid cases

India TV News  

Highlights Chhattisgarh CM asked authorities to impose restrictions on major public events to prevent crowding. Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly and it seems a third wave of infections is approaching: CM "A lockdown will be the last option. As of now, efforts are being made to increase testing," he said Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister …

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

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

The Independent  

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

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

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

Daily Mail  

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

UK 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 …

Measures ‘similar to national lockdown’ needed to keep down hospital admissions
3 years ago

Measures ‘similar to national lockdown’ needed to keep down hospital admissions

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 Restrictions “similar in scale to the national lockdown” are needed …

Coronavirus press conference at 7 p.m. Saturday; hard lockdown likely around the corner
3 years ago

Coronavirus press conference at 7 p.m. Saturday; hard lockdown likely around the corner

NL Times  

The coronavirus press conference during which Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge will likely announce a hard lockdown is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday. Justice and Security Minister Ferd Grapperhaus said the Cabinet wants to "make decisions that afford everyone the possibilty" to move past this difficult period. The Outbreak Management Team advised the government …

Dutch evening lockdown will likely be extended into 2022: Report
3 years ago

Dutch evening lockdown will likely be extended into 2022: Report

NL Times  

The current slate of coronavirus restrictions will be extended at least until January 1, sources close to the Cabinet told NOS. The decision to extend the evening lockdown was based on advice from the Outbreak Management Team, which was discussed by several Cabinet members on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, there will be no change to the maximum number of household guests …

New Dutch coronavirus restrictions take effect today
3 years, 1 month ago

New Dutch coronavirus restrictions take effect today

NL Times  

The new coronavirus measures Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge announced on Friday will come into effect today. Along with the previously mentioned restrictions, an evening lockdown will begin lasting at least three weeks to lower the rising number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands. Children in primary schools groups Six, Seven, Eight, and secondary school …

Cabinet to decide Friday about tightening coronavirus restrictions
3 years, 1 month ago

Cabinet to decide Friday about tightening coronavirus restrictions

NL Times  

The Cabinet will decide this Friday whether it will impose a new set of coronavirus restrictions on the Netherlands. Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said that the Outbreak Management Team will hold its next meeting on Wednesday evening, and will provide advice to the Cabinet the following day. He wants to know from the experts what it takes to "force …

Rutte warns stricter coronavirus rules will be needed unless current ones are observed
3 years, 1 month ago

Rutte warns stricter coronavirus rules will be needed unless current ones are observed

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte has warned that new lockdown rules will be necessary before the start of December unless people stick to the social distancing rules. OMT advice Rutte said on Monday that it was up to everyone to pay attention to the guidelines, which also include working from home where possible and not having more than four guests at …

Rutte warns stricter coronavirus rules will be needed unless current ones are observed
3 years, 1 month ago

Rutte warns stricter coronavirus rules will be needed unless current ones are observed

Dutch News  

Prime minister Mark Rutte has warned that new lockdown rules will be necessary before the start of December unless people stick to the social distancing rules. OMT advice Rutte said on Monday that it was up to everyone to pay attention to the guidelines, which also include working from home where possible and not having more than four guests at …

Rutte warns tighter lockdown possible if current Covid rules are ignored
3 years, 1 month ago

Rutte warns tighter lockdown possible if current Covid rules are ignored

NL Times  

Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued an urgent appeal calling on all residents of the country to do a better job adhering to the current set of coronavirus rules, restrictions, and advice in force since November 13. The RIVM, the country's leading health institute, registered a shockingly high number of coronavirus infections last calendar week. "If we want to see a …

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