BRITAIN could be back in lockdown in just 11 weeks time as cases spiral just as restrictions are eased, experts fear.
Boris has begged Brits not to go crazy next week as Covid restrictions are eased – and stressed July 19 should not be “treated as a great jubilee”.
But there are fears that cases will top 200,000 a day by the peak of the third wave in August – with the all-important hospitalisations number hitting 2,000 a day, greatly limited thanks to our incredible vaccine rollout.
With such high numbers in hospital – mostly the unvaccinated and people for whom the vaccine is less effective, such as the immunocompromised -deaths of 100 to 200 are likely.
And at a press conference last night Chris Whitty appeared less than confident that the NHS would be able to cope with an additional 2,000 people admitted to hospitals every single day over the coming weeks.
There is now genuine concerns that in ease restrictions while cases rise, Britain is only setting itself for future lockdowns with Boris' September 30 review the point at which lockdown measures are likely to return.
Read our coronavirus live blog below for the latest updates…
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UK COVID DEATHS HIGHEST SINCE MARCH AS 63 FATALITIES RECORDED
The latest figures also recorded the most daily cases in six months, with 48,553 testing positive in the same period.
Today's fatalities – the highest since March 25 – bring the death toll since the start of the pandemic to 128,593.
And they are up significantly rom the 35 recorded this time last week.
The number of people testing positive for the virus has also shot up compared to the 32,551 recorded on July 8.
It brings the total number of Covid infections since the virus struck to 5,281,098.
Hospitalisations have also risen by 582 – just days before the July 19 'Freedom Day'.
The total number of Brits who have had at least one dose of the vaccine is now 46,097,464 – a 24-hour increase of 60,374.
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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.”
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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.
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IT WILL TAKE TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GET OVER THE FEAR OF COVID-19, SAYS EXPERT
It will take people “some time” to get over the fear and anxiety that has arisen as a result of the pandemic, a sociology expert has said.
Robert Dingwall, professor of sociology at Nottingham Trent University, said the concerns which have arisen over the last 15 months would take time to subside as people get used to living with Covid-19 as an infection which circulates in society.
And he said that the focus on masks and face coverings “signal of the levels of fear”.
Prof Dingwall said that it was time for the Government to “make a much more conscious shift towards positive messaging” around coronavirus.
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EU LIKELY TO DECIDE ON MODERNA NEXT WEEK
A top official at the European Medicines Agency said a decision on whether to recommend that Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine be authorized for children is expected late next week. If approved, it would be the first such license for the shot's use in children globally.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Dr. Marco Cavaleri, the EU drug regulator's head of vaccines strategy, said its expert committee was currently evaluating Moderna's application to extend the use of its coronavirus vaccine for children 12 to 17 years old.
"We expect that the committee will reach a conclusion by the end of next week," he said.
Moderna's vaccine was given the green light for use in anyone 18 and over across the 27-nation European Union in January. It has also been licensed in countries including Britain, Canada and the U.S., but so far its use has not been extended to children. To date, the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech is the only one approved for children under 18 in Europe and North America.
The EMA said last week there was a " possible link " between the vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech to very rare cases of chest and heart inflammation, mostly in younger adult men. They said the effects were mostly temporary and that the benefits of vaccination still far outweighed the risks of COVID-19.
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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.
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WATCH: SECOND JAB ESSENTIAL AS IT TURBOCHARGES IMMUNITY
Latest stats as Brits told they MUST get second Covid vaccine after scientists find it turbocharges immunity
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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WATCH: THE 200 POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID
Scientists discover more than 200 symptoms impact the daily lives of people with long Covid
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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.”
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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