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Coronavirus UK latest – Covid cases hit six-month HIGH as NHS app causes chaos as 500,000 people to isolate everyday
UK Covid deaths are at their highest since March, with 63 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours.
The latest figures also recorded the most daily cases in six months, with 48,553 testing positive in the same period.
Despite the jump in cases many have set their sights on holidays abroad especially now Croatia has been added to the green list.
The news is a boost for Brits desperate for a foreign holiday, following the news that the Balearic Islands have been placed back on the amber list.
However, anyone booking holidays should be aware that Croatia is on the green watchlist, meaning it could be added back to the amber list at the last minute if Covid cases increase in the country.
There are plenty of great last minute deals to Croatia to be had though, with holidays from £146pp this summer.
Read our coronavirus live blog below for the latest updates…
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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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COVID CASES RISE FOR CORONATION STREET AND EMMERDALE STARS AS THEY ‘REFUSE THE VACCINE’
Stubborn big-name stars and backroom staff on ITV’s Coronation Street and Emmerdale are refusing to be jabbed by the Covid vaccine, claim on set sources – leading to a rise in cases on the soaps.
The household name stars are risking the lives of older cast members and jeopardising production by exercising their right not to be vaccinated, insist soap insiders.
An ITV insider told us: “It is, of course, everyone’s personal choice whether they are vaccinated or not.
“On both soaps, there’s a handful of cast members as well as production staff who say they won’t be vaccinated and that’s up to them.”
Read the full story here
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FLU JABS ‘PROTECTS AGAINST SOME SEVERE COVID EFFECTS’, SCIENTISTS DISCOVER
FLU jabs protect against some of the serious effects of Covid, scientists have discovered.
It serves as another reason to get the vaccine in the autumn, when it’s feared flu and Covid could cause a double whammy of disease.
Researchers looked at the health records of almost 37,400 people who had gotten Covid from the UK, US, Germany, Italy, Israel and Singapore.
Half of them, in the first group, had gotten the flu jab between two weeks and six months before a Covid diagnosis, while those in the second group had not been vaccinated against the flu.
Those who had not gotten a flu jab were up to 20 per cent more likely to have been admitted to ICU with Covid.
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BRITAIN COULD BE SET FOR ANOTHER LOCKDOWN
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.
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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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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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CHAOS CAUSED BY COVID APP
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FULL LIST OF ENTRY RULES AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN EVERY COUNTRY IN EUROPE
BRITS are eager to get away on holiday this year, although there are entry restrictions in place, as well as local restrictions, in most of Europe.
Here is the full list of rules for every country in Europe, including whether they are open to Brits and if they have restrictions in place while there on holiday.
Read more here
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SUPERMARKET’S INCLUDING TESCO, ALDI AND LIDL WANT YOU TO KEEP 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.
Shoppers in England will have to wear masks if the store still requires it and off the back of the latest policy many retailers are recommending such.
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WATCH: WITH FOUR DAYS UNTIL FREEDOM DAY, GABY ROSLIN, STRICTLY’S AMY AND MIS-TEEQ’S SABRINA BACK OUR MASK FORCE CAMPAIGN
Strictly’s Amy Dowden backs Sun’s Mask Force camapign to reduce plastic pollution
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COMPUTERS AND PHONES SEIZED IN SHOCK SWOOP OVER MATT HANCOCK CCTV DESPITE YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT HIS RULE-BREACHING
Britain's data watchdog was hit by a furious backlash last night after they raided homes in their hunt for the Matt Hancock scandal whistle-blowers.
The former Health Secretary quit after The Sun last month revealed CCTV of his office clinch with aide Gina Coladangelo, which broke lockdown rules.
Yesterday the Information Commissioner’s Office seized computers and other devices after searching two properties in the south of England.
But their “overkill” probe was branded a menace to the free Press by MPs, campaigners and the public — who said the tipsters should be “given a medal”.
The Information Commissioner’s Office was accused of behaving like the East German Stasi after they set upon two properties in the south of England and seized computers and other devices.
Their “overkill” probe was branded a menace to the Free Press last night.
And voters in Mr Hancock’s constituency said it was right that he was shamed.
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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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ALL THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT YOU CAN APPLY FOR IF YOU HAVE TO SELF-ISOLATE
The UK recorded more than 40,000 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, as the virus continued to spread.
The vaccine appears to have been successful in reducing serious illness and deaths.
But those that test positive for the virus, and their contacts, still have to stay at home for ten days.
The latest figures showed that half a million Brits received a notification from the NHS Covid app telling them to self isolate between July 1 and 7.
People who have been told to self-isolate but can't work from home – and aren't eligible for sick pay – could find themselves in a difficult financial situation.
But there are several grants and benefits you may be eligible to claim instead.
Read more here
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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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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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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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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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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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COVID CASES RISE FOR CORONATION STREET AND EMMERDALE STARS AS THEY ‘REFUSE THE VACCINE’
Stubborn big-name stars and backroom staff on ITV’s Coronation Street and Emmerdale are refusing to be jabbed by the Covid vaccine, claim on set sources – leading to a rise in cases on the soaps.
The household name stars are risking the lives of older cast members and jeopardising production by exercising their right not to be vaccinated, insist soap insiders.
An ITV insider told us: “It is, of course, everyone’s personal choice whether they are vaccinated or not.
“On both soaps, there’s a handful of cast members as well as production staff who say they won’t be vaccinated and that’s up to them.”
Read the full story here
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BRITAIN COULD BE SET FOR ANOTHER LOCKDOWN
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.
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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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