COVID CASES AT HIGHEST LEVELS SINCE JANUARY

Covid-19 case rates in all regions of England are at their highest level since at least January, according to the latest surveillance report from Public Health England.

North-east England is recording the highest rate, with 835.8 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to July 11.

This is the highest rate for the region since comparable figures began in summer 2020, when mass testing was first introduced across the country.

Yorkshire and the Humber has the second highest rate, 462.7, which again is the highest rate for the region since comparable figures began.

All other regions are recording their highest rate since January.

WATCH: SECOND JAB ESSENTIAL AS IT TURBOCHARGES IMMUNITY

PANDEMIC SET BACK AS COVID CASES AND DEATHS RISE

Covid-19 deaths and cases are on the rise again globally in a dispiriting setback that is triggering another round of restrictions and dampening hopes for an almost normal summer of fun.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Wednesday that deaths climbed last week after nine straight weeks of decline. It recorded more than 55,000 lives lost, a 3% increase from the week before.

Cases rose 10% last week to nearly three million, with the highest numbers recorded in Brazil, India, Indonesia and Britain, WHO said.

The reversal has been attributed to low vaccination rates, the relaxation of mask rules and other precautions, and the swift spread of the more-contagious Delta variant, which WHO said has now been identified in 111 countries and is expected to become globally dominant in the coming months.

HERD IMMUNITY CAN STOP FUTURE ‘BIG WAVES’ IN THEIR TRACKS SAYS PATRICK VALLANCE

On herd immunity, Sir Patrick Vallance says “we are getting to really quite decent level of antibody”, which will make it harder for the virus to spread. 

“Whether you reach the stage where you get to true herd immunity is a different issue,” he says.

“It is really important we get to everybody,” he adds, particularly young people. 

“The possibility of future big waves would go at that point.”

VALLANCE: VACCINES REDUCING COVID TRANSMISSION BY 75%

The Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said vaccinations are reducing the overall chances of someone transmitting the virus by about 75%.

Sir Patrick told a Downing Street news conference that people who had been vaccinated were both less likely to catch the virus and less likely to pass it on.

He said there was “no doubt” the country was in a third wave of the virus that would lead to an increase in the number of hospital admissions.

“If behaviour returns immediately to pre-pandemic levels that will be a very, very big rise. If we go slowly and cautiously, it will be less of a rise,” he said.

MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIGHT VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN, SAYS EXPERTS

Maternity experts have warned that more needs to be done to encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated against coronavirus following “confusion” around the jab’s safety.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said they were concerned over a hesitancy among pregnant women to get vaccinated amid infections rising across England.

The RCOG added that around 58% of pregnant women are refusing the vaccine, according to its internal data.

Data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) has shown that one in 10 pregnant women admitted to hospital with symptoms of Covid-19 need intensive care.

It is also twice as likely that pregnant women with Covid symptoms will give birth to premature babies.

COMPUTERS SEIZE IN PROBE OVER MATT HANCOCK VIDEO

Britain’s data watchdog has seized computers as part of an investigation into how images showing former British health minister Matt Hancock kissing an adviser inside his ministerial office came to be published, it said on Thursday.

Hancock resigned from his position in June after security camera images of the kiss, which broke Covid regulations at the time, were published in The Sun newspaper.

On Thursday, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said personal computer equipment and electronic devices were seized as part of an investigation into how the CCTV images found their way into the public domain.

The firm which manages the security cameras at the health department had reported a data breach to the watchdog, saying the images were taken without their consent, or the department’s consent.

CAN YOU GET A REFUND ON A HOLIDAY IF THE DESTINATION IS MOVED TO THE AMBER LIST

You’re not entitled to a refund if the destination you’re travelling to ends up on the amber list and you cancel your trip.

The Government’s traffic light system indicates what countries it deems safe for Brits to travel to and what processes must be followed upon return.

But the assessed risk factors for travel are different to those of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

That means sometimes the FCDO will deem a country safe, even though it’s on the amber list.

So if the FCDO says you can’t travel to your holiday destination, then you’ll be entitled to your money back.

Alternatively, the airline should pay for a replacement flight at a later date.

PARTY ON!

Nightclubs are gearing up to reopen their doors this weekend as lockdown finally lifts.

Thousands of fun-starved Brits are expected to hit dancefloors across England from midnight on Sunday to celebrate ‘Freedom Day’.’

Cleaning operations are in full swing to ensure things are spick and span come July 19.

Staff at Newcastle’s Powerhouse nightclub have had the vacuums out to make its light-up dancefloor sparkling.

And a worker was pictured in a hazmat suit as he fogged the venue with disinfectant.

Powerhouse is one of several venues hosting midnight ‘freedom’ parties as restrictions end.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU REFUSE TO WEAR A FACE MASK?

You could be refused service, entry or the right to travel if a firm enforces a requirement to wear a face covering.

Companies decide their own health and safety measures and insisting on masks could be a reasonable rule, says Adam Wagner, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

If you took your mask off once inside a building or train, staff would also have the right to ask you to leave.

FANS MAY HAVE TO SHOW PREMIER LEAGUE COVID PASSPORT TO GAIN ENTRY INTO STADIUMS

The concept has been subject to considerable back and forth in recent months, having been initially favoured by the Government before being put on the back burner.

Yet the continuing rise in cases, particularly of the Delta variant of coronavirus, has forced a rethink.

According to iNews, the Premier League are in the early stages of working with the Government on a Covid certificate system.

The document would be connected to the NHS app already downloaded by millions for track and trace and to lodge test results.

The Government is said to prefer keeping passports inside the NHS framework with the Prem also considering its own certifcation app.

Alternatively, fans could be asked to show their Covid status as they enter stadiums.

HIGHEST CASES SINCE JANUARY – UK COVID DEATHS RISE BY 49 AS CASES JUMP BY 30% IN A WEEK

The number of new Covid cases in the UK has risen by 42,302 in the last 24 hours – the highest figure since mid-January.

A further 49 deaths were also recorded in the same period, bringing the death toll since the pandemic began to 128,530.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 154,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

Cases have jumped 30 per cent since last week when 32,548 new infections were recorded.

And today’s total is the highest since January 14 when there were 48,682 new cases.

WATCH: THE 200 POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID

HERD IMMUNITY CAN STOP FUTURE ‘BIG WAVES’ IN THEIR TRACKS SAYS PATRICK VALLANCE

On herd immunity, Sir Patrick Vallance says “we are getting to really quite decent level of antibody”, which will make it harder for the virus to spread. 

“Whether you reach the stage where you get to true herd immunity is a different issue,” he says.

“It is really important we get to everybody,” he adds, particularly young people. 

“The possibility of future big waves would go at that point.”

MINISTERS TO INVESTIGATE CLAIMS PPE PURCHASED BY GOVERNMENT WAS MADE WITH SLAVE LABOUR

Slave labour fears connected to medical gloves bought by the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic are to be investigated by the Government.

Trade minister Greg Hands told MPs he would “look at the specifics” after Labour raised concerns in the House of Commons about supplies from Malaysia.

Shadow trade minister Bill Esterson said he has a list of 19 glove suppliers whose factories should be subjected to a “proper audit” by the Government.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Esterson said: “The Government is relying on increased trade with Malaysia for three-quarters of the forecast benefits from joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership – the CPTPP.

“It may explain why ministers have turned a blind eye to the growing use of slave labour in Malaysian factories.”

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN COVID TRAVEL INSURANCE

When taking out an insurance policy you should make sure it offers the right level of cover that you need.

Make sure you’re covered for medical expenses, accidents, lost or damaged items and delays as a minimum.

Policies should also payout for cancellations and missed flights as well as if you need to return home early due to an emergency.

You will also need to make sure the policy covers the value of your trip, otherwise if you have to make a claim you won’t be refunded the full cost of what you paid.

Ensure you’re aware of any excess costs before making a purchase as this is the amount you’ll have to pay before the insurance firm will cough up.

OVER 500,000 ALERTS SENT TO USERS OF THE NHS COVID-19 APP

A total of 520,194 alerts were sent to users of the NHS Covid-19 app in England in the week to July 7, telling them they had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

This is up from 356,677 the previous week – a jump of 46% – and is the highest weekly figure since data was first published in January.

TWO-THIRDS OF BRITISH ADULTS NOW DOUBLE JABBED

This means 67 per cent of people are now fully protected against severe illness from the bug.

It comes just days before Freedom Day, with ministers urging everyone to get double jabbed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Barely 8 months since the first vaccine was given, this is another extraordinary achievement.

“Thank you again to everyone coming forward, and to those helping others to get jabbed.

“You are the reason we are able to cautiously ease restrictions next week, and return closer towards normal life.

“Now let’s finish the job. If you’re over 18, book both your jabs today.” 

FACE MASK EXEMPTIONS: VALID REASONS FOR NOT WEARING A COVERING EXPLAINED

While masks are compulsory in most public settings until July 19, there are exceptions to those who need to wear them.

According to the official Government guidance, the following groups are not required to wear a face-covering while using public transport, in a shop, pub or restaurant:

• A child under the age of 11
• People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• An employee of the transport operator, or in any other indoor setting where appropriate when they are acting in the course of their employment
• Where a mask causes the wearer severe distress
• An emergency responder such as a police officer, paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
• Someone speaking to or helping anyone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• Someone acting to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to themselves or others – including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity

LOWER VACCINE TAKEUP IN PEOPLE WITH PREVIOUS COVID INFECTION

The Covid-19 vaccination programme has led to “a high proportion of individuals” in England having detectable antibodies, but concerns remain over lower uptake among people who have been previously infected with coronavirus, according to scientists tracking the epidemic.

A study commissioned by the Government found that antibody prevalence in England was 61%, based on self-testing finger prick test results from than 200,000 people, taken between between May 12 and May 25.

But the experts warned that there were some key groups with a lower prevalence of antibodies – particularly unvaccinated younger people, certain minority ethnic groups, those living in deprived areas, and workers in some public facing employment such as hospitality and retail.

Their findings also showed an almost 40% lower vaccine uptake amongst people who reported a previous Covid-19 infection.

SADIQ KHAN SAYS GOVERNMENT WAS RIGHT TO GIVE LONDON AUTONOMY OVER MASK DECISION

London mayor Sadiq Khan said it was right for the Government to give the capital autonomy over masks but it was “disappointing” there was no national rule.

“We’ve worked closely with them over the last few weeks to get it right,” he told the PA news agency.

“Of course, I’m disappointed it’s not a compulsory requirement across the country. Because I think in a crisis, in a pandemic, simplicity is crucial.”

He said Boris Johnson’s Government should continue to look at the evidence on masks.

“It takes time, often, for the Government to do right. I began lobbying the Government last March or April about the importance of wearing a face mask, it wasn’t compulsory until June.

“I’m hoping the Government will continue to review the evidence.”

ATHLETES TO PUT OWN MEDALS ON AT OLYMPICS

Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics will put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus.

The “very significant change” to traditional medal ceremonies in the 339 events was revealed by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.

“The medals will not be given around the neck,” Bach told international media on a conference call from Tokyo.

“They will be presented to the athlete on a tray and then the athlete will take the medal him or herself.”

He added: “It will be made sure that the person who will put the medal on tray will do so only with disinfected gloves so that the athlete can be sure that nobody touched them before.”

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU REFUSE TO WEAR A FACE MASK?

You could be refused service, entry or the right to travel if a firm enforces a requirement to wear a face covering.

Companies decide their own health and safety measures and insisting on masks could be a reasonable rule, says Adam Wagner, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

If you took your mask off once inside a building or train, staff would also have the right to ask you to leave.

RAILWAY WORKERS FACE VIOLENCE OVER MASK RULE CONFUSION

A union has warned that railway workers face the threat of violence because of the “botched and confused” approach to face coverings on public transport.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said staff will be placed in danger of abuse and assault because of “inconsistent messaging” on wearing face masks from next Monday.

Unions have welcomed a decision by London Mayor Sadiq Khan that masks should still be worn on public transport in the capital after criticising the approach taken by the Government.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said there will also be confusion at the borders as the Welsh and Scottish governments have imposed different rules leaving staff “at the sharp end and dangerously exposed when it comes to enforcement”.

MASK UP

Shoppers have been told by the Government they are expected to continue wearing masks from Monday.

From July 19 there will no longer be a law on wearing masks but many retail bosses are asking shoppers to still do so.

All lockdown restrictions are due to end after the weekend but the new Covid policy says the Government “expects and recommends” masks to be worn by workers and customers.

The advice is for situations especially in crowded, enclosed spaces as the work from home order ends in a few days time.

Masks are to remain mandatory in Scotland and Wales though.