COVID-19 News And Updates

New data shows fewer than 40% of Australia’s oldest and most vulnerable citizens have been fully vaccinated What you need to know about getting AstraZeneca in Australia Fewer than one in five Australians in disability care vaccinated Download the free Guardian app ; get our morning email briefing Fewer than than 40% of Australia’s oldest and most vulnerable citizens have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 more than four months into the rollout, new data shows. The federal health department finally released more detailed data on the status of Australia’s vaccine rollout on Thursday. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Analysis: leader’s talk of huge crisis, despite no admission of Covid cases, comes amid concerns over health infrastructure and food shortages Almost 18 months after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea has come close to conceding that its attempts to keep the virus from its borders have failed. While North Korea’s state-controlled media have not reported any cases, some analysts assume the virus has breached the country’s defences, prompting its leader, Kim Jong-un , to issue a coded request for outside help this week. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Bulk of Pfizer and other mRNA vaccines expected to arrive in third quarter of this year, despite widespread lockdowns Australia’s finance minister has said the country is at the “back of the queue” for Pfizer vaccines, contradicting assurances from the prime minister Scott Morrison and the health minister that “our strategy puts Australia at the front of the queue”. Simon Birmingham on Thursday said Australia has had supply challenges “because European countries and drug companies have favoured those nations who’ve had high rates of Covid for the delivery of vaccines like Pfizer”. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

US President fails to deliver 80m doses by end of June; Thailand toll comes as Phuket reopens for tourism; Australia vaccine rift grows Bolsonaro fires health official who reportedly asked for vaccine deal bribe Scientists urge UK to expand official list of Covid symptoms Covid tourism freeze could cost global economy $4tn by year end See all our coronavirus coverage 6.24am BST US president Joe Biden came up well short on his goal of delivering 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the rest of the world by the end of June as a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles slowed the pace of vaccine diplomacy, AP reports. Although the Biden administration has announced that about 50 countries and entities will receive a share of the excess Covid vaccine doses, the U.S. has shipped fewer than 24 million doses to 10 recipient countries, according to an Associated Press tally. The White House says more will be sent in the coming days and stresses that Biden has done everything in...

New coronavirus cases in New South Wales include aged care worker and healthcare worker, while the NT records one new case NSW restrictions ; Qld restrictions ; WA, NT and SA rules NSW hotspots ; Qld hotspots ; WA exposure sites Border closures: where you can and can’t travel in Australia What you need to know about getting AstraZeneca in Australia New South Wales has recorded 24 new cases of Covid, including an aged care worker who is believed to be unvaccinated and a second healthcare worker. The premier, Gladys Berejiklian, also expressed concern that “around half” of the new cases on Thursday were out in the community while infectious and urged anyone with symptoms to get tested and isolate. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

British civil servant’s email points to ‘triage’ system for companies bidding for contracts Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Bids from politically connected firms to provide Covid-19 tests in Britain were designated as “fast track”, according to an email which suggests a VIP priority lane could have operated for tests as well as for personal protective equipment in the early stages of the pandemic. An email sent by a senior civil servant last year said there was a dedicated email address for offers to supply PPE from people who had been recommended by a minister or senior official. It was later publicly confirmed that a “VIP lane” or “high priority route” existed for PPE offers. More attention was paid to those companies that were referred by ministers, MPs or officials. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Generation Equality Forum in Paris announces plans to radically speed up progress on women’s rights Billions of pounds will be pledged to support efforts to tackle gender inequality this week at the largest international conference on women’s rights in more than 25 years. The Generation Equality Forum , hosted in Paris by UN Women and the governments of France and Mexico, will launch plans to radically speed up progress over the next five years. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Brazil suspended contract on Tuesday for Covid vaccine deal from Bharat Biotech after allegations of undue pressure within ministry Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has fired a health ministry official who reportedly asked for a bribe in a vaccine deal, the latest graft accusation to rock the government amid investigations of its pandemic response . With over half a million Covid-19 deaths and more new cases daily than any other country, anger is mounting in Brazil over missed opportunities to buy coronavirus vaccines . Accusations of corruption undercutting efforts have poured fuel on the fire, triggering new calls for Bolsonaro’s impeachment. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Jessica Elgot and Rafael Behr discuss Matt Hancock’s departure and the issues facing the new health secretary, Sajid Javid. Plus, after one of the nastiest campaigns in UK politics in recent times, will the Batley and Spen byelection cause another electoral upset for Labour? This week, the government is making decisions on self-isolation for school children , vaccine passports and more, hoping the public might have already forgotten Matt Hancock’s humiliating departure last weekend. How easily will the public forget? How is Sajid Javid doing in the new job? Jessica Elgot discusses with Rafael Behr. After a campaign mired by incessant heckling and physical assaults , Keir Starmer will be hoping that pollsters are wrong about the Batley and Spen byelection . Aubrey Allegretti speaks to Jane Green , Paula Sherriff and Owen Jones about what’s going on in the West Yorkshire constituency. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Scottish data shows almost 2,000 cases among people who attended Euro 2020 football events Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Nearly 1,300 Scotland fans who travelled to London to watch their team play England on 18 June later tested positive for coronavirus, with a total of almost 2,000 football-related cases emerging from Test and Protect data on Wednesday, as Scotland continued to break its record for daily case numbers. Public Health Scotland (PHS) analysis published on Wednesday revealed that 1,991 people who later tested positive had attended one or more Euro 2020 events during their infection period, a time when they “may have unknowingly transmitted their infection to others”. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Boris Johnson’s spokesman says decisions in schools should be made on case-by-case basis Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The government is urging schools in England not to send whole bubbles of children home just because one of them has tested positive for Covid-19. In a move likely to cause confusion among parents, Boris Johnson’s spokesman said decisions about which kids were identified as close contacts and should be sent home may be made on a “case-by-case basis”. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Labour leader also hits out at Boris Johnson for dismissing story as only of interest to ‘Westminster bubble’ Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Boris Johnson has again sought to take credit for the departure of Matt Hancock, despite having backed the health secretary before he resigned, and prompted an angry response by dismissing the story as one only of interest to the “Westminster bubble”. In a noisy prime minister’s questions, Keir Starmer called the prime minister’s narrative “ridiculous”, asking why Johnson had defended Hancock after the emergence of photos showing him in an embrace with his colleague and long-term friend Gina Coladangelo. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

With Matt Hancock gone, the new health secretary seems to prioritise the economy above all else. How long can that last? Sajid Javid. Who doesn’t know the rags-to-riches backstory? The immigrant parents, the local comp and FE college, the BA in economics and politics at Exeter, the stellar career in international banking, the 98% pay cut to become an MP, the rapid ascent of the ministerial ladder, culminating in his becoming home secretary and then chancellor – only to resign when he was done over by Dominic Cummings. But now that “The Saj” (does anyone ever really call him that?) is back in the great game, replacing Matt Hancock as health and social care secretary (not officially one of the so-called great offices of state, though after the past year and a half it surely should be) what should we expect? Ayn Rand or Florence Nightingale? A neo-Darwinian who’s hellbent on opening up the economy come what may; or a humanitarian numbers-nerd intent above all on saving lives? Contin...

Limited opportunities to spend could pave way for boom as restrictions relax, say economists Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage British households built up their savings to the second highest level on record at the start of the year as the Covid-19 lockdown limited opportunities to spend, according to official figures. In a development economists said could pave the way for a boom in spending as pandemic restrictions are relaxed, the Office for National Statistics said household savings rose sharply in the three months to the end of March as the third national lockdown constrained spending. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

State and territory leaders found out about expanded access for under-40s when they watched the prime minister’s press conference Federal and state governments at odds over AstraZeneca for under-40s Before the public brawling on Wednesday there was the relative calm of Monday night when leaders gathered virtually for an emergency national cabinet meeting. Scott Morrison dialled in from the Lodge where he’s been in quarantine. Lt Gen John Frewen – the general brought in to reboot Australia’s sluggish vaccination rollout – was online from Parliament House, accompanied by the health department secretary, Prof Brendan Murphy, the chief medical officer, Prof Paul Kelly, and Morrison’s department head, Phil Gaetjens. State and territory leaders battling outbreaks of Covid-19 joined from their jurisdictions. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Although the labour market is starting to recover, the effects of the pandemic will be felt for a very long time Commentators have decided that the labour market is booming, reporting that firms are finding it hard to hire people. Some have predicted the dawn of a new era of worker power that will push up wages, while others worry labour shortages will hold our recovery back. The bigger danger, however, is that we’re losing sight of what’s really happening. While some firms, especially in hospitality, are facing difficulties recruiting, the current situation is not what a rip-roaring jobs market looks like. Those who think it is are repeating a common mistake: treating this as a normal recession rather than a pandemic, with its hugely unequal impact on different sectors and the swift closing down and opening up of economic activities. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Firm that runs large parts of NHS test-and-trace service forecasts revenues of £2.2bn Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The outsourcing company Serco predicts its profits will jump 50% during the first half of the year because of its continued work on Covid-19 contracts for various governments, including the UK’s test-and-trace service. The firm expects its underlying trading profit for the first six months of 2021 to reach between £120m and £125m, more than 50% higher than a year earlier. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Prof Stephen Reicher says restrictions may have to be reimposed if reopening leads to surge in infections Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage A scientific adviser to the government’s Covid-19 response has expressed fears England could be in danger of repeating “the mistakes of last summer”. Prof Stephen Reicher, from the University of St Andrews and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) subcommittee on behavioural science, said the government may have to reimpose restrictions if the reopening leads to a surge in infections. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Revenues from electrical goods ordered online more than double to £4.7bn Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Dixons Carphone boosted pre-tax profits by 34% in the year to 1 May as it notched up almost £5bn in online sales of electrical goods including large-screen televisions, laptops and video game consoles to consumers stuck at home during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. The retailer, which owns the Currys PC World brand, said revenues from electrical goods ordered online more than doubled year on year to £4.7bn. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Latest updates: Kwasi Kwarteng says subsidy control bill will help UK make better use of state aid Northern Ireland voters split on need for Brexit checks, poll reveals Coronavirus – latest global updates See all our coronavirus coverage 9.23am BST Good morning. It is an important day for Brexit news. The morning the high court in Belfast will rule on a legal challenge to the Northern Ireland protocol, this afternoon the EU is expected to confirm that it has agreed to extend the grace period for chilled meats under that protocol (averting the so-called “sausage ban” for the moment), and in parliament the government is presenting what is being described as its most important piece of post-Brexit legislation to date - the subsidy control bill. Brexiters argued that one of the big advantages of leaving the EU was that the UK would no longer be bound by the EU’s rules on state aid. Critics were sceptical, partly because most of those Brexiters were Tories who were ideologically sce...

Indigenous groups say vulnerable rough sleepers are ‘completely neglected’ in the NT’s pandemic response Follow our Covid LIVE blog for the latest updates WA, NT and SA rules ; NSW restrictions ; Qld restrictions Border closures: where you can and can’t travel in Australia Vaccine rollout tracker ; get our free news app ; get our morning email briefing Aboriginal organisations have expressed frustration at the Northern Territory government’s “flawed” pandemic response, demanding it do more to accommodate hundreds of Aboriginal people sleeping rough around town centres they say are at risk of Covid-19. Both Darwin and Alice Springs were in lockdown amid concerns about the significant risk posed to Aboriginal communities. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

NT chief minister announces ‘precautionary’ 72-hour lockdown after Tanami Desert miner tests positive in South Australia NSW restrictions ; Qld restrictions ; WA, NT and SA rules Download the free Guardian app ; get our morning email briefing Alice Springs will go into a “critical” 72-hour lockdown as a precautionary measure after a man who worked at a Northern Territory mine transitioned through the town’s airport before testing positive for Covid-19 in South Australia. Alice Springs joins greater Sydney and surrounding regions, much of south-east Queensland and areas around Townsville, the Perth and Peel regions and greater Darwin in lockdown as the Delta variant of the coronavirus sweeps across the country. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

State health minister voices anger at federal authorities on vaccine rollout amid further outbreaks and a lockdown in Alice Springs See all our coronavirus coverage Australia Covid live updates The Australian state of Queensland has just eight days of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine left, authorities warned on Wednesday, as confusion over who should receive the AstraZeneca jab continued and outbreaks across the country grew. The state’s health minister, Dr Yvette D’ath, said the federal government had denied Queensland’s request for more doses of the Pfizer vaccine, despite having given another state, Victoria, 100,000 doses three weeks ago. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Business leaders also warn of renewed threat to jobs and growth as Delta variant drives up infections UK unemployment drops as firms hire staff amid Covid rebound Opinion: how will UK economy emerge from shadow of Covid? Britain’s economic recovery from Covid-19 is coming under pressure amid worker shortages and lengthier pandemic restrictions, as the Delta variant of coronavirus drives up infection rates. As the government begins to wind down the furlough scheme on Thursday – despite delaying its roadmap out of lockdown by four weeks until 19 July – the Guardian’s monthly snapshot of economic developments suggests the pace of recovery has plateaued. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Our latest snapshot of key economic indicators finds business activity surging but stock markets slipping UK recovery at risk as furlough phased out, say economists Opinion: how will UK economy emerge from shadow of Covid? Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

End of furlough, corporate sector debt and continuing crisis in other nations all mean it is too soon to get out the bunting UK recovery at risk as furlough phased out, say economists UK unemployment drops as staff hired amid Covid rebound It seems likely that later this year or early next the economy will return to the level of overall activity we recorded at the end of 2019. But even if activity in aggregate returns to pre-crisis levels, with services and construction in the lead, neither manufacturing nor agriculture seems likely to do so. We also expect to see considerable regional variation in the short run, with the economic prospects of London showing most resilience and the Midlands and Northern Ireland looking particularly vulnerable. More importantly, the economy has lost about two years of economic growth and sectors that are so important to UK plc, such as hospitality and the arts, may bear the scars for some time to come. It is far too early to get out the bunting. T...

People with ME/CFS face debilitating symptoms but often feel dismissed by doctors. The focus on long Covid could help change that In the fall of 2016, Ashanti Daniel, a nurse in Beverly Hills, California, went to an infectious disease physician looking for answers about a weird illness she couldn’t shake. After falling sick with a virus four months earlier, she still felt too tired to stand up in the shower. The appointment lasted five minutes, she said. The doctor didn’t do a physical exam or check her vitals. His assessment: her illness was psychogenic, resulting from something psychological. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

North Korean leader says there is ‘huge crisis’ in antivirus fight; Thailand confirms 53 deaths in 24 hours; Tokyo may extend coronavirus restrictions into Olympics period North Korea Covid outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ Brazil suspends Covaxin contract after ‘serious accusations’ of irregularities Business leaders arriving in England granted exemption from Covid quarantine See all our coronavirus coverage 5.09am BST Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said failures in anti-epidemic work have led to an unspecified “grave incident” that has put the safety of the country and people at risk, state media reported. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

No date agreed for planned reopening as health officials warn of risks of a Delta-driven new wave Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Ireland has delayed the reopening of indoor hospitality and plans to limit indoor dining to people who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The government announced the changes on Tuesday after health officials warned of a possible wave of infections and deaths driven by the Delta variant. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Car finance deals and personal loans increase as interest rates fall Households increased their borrowing in May for the first time in eight months as the easing of lockdown rules coincided with a fall in loan interest rates. Figures from the Bank of England showed the first significant credit spending surge since last August, as a run of net repayments by households came to an end in May when £280m more was borrowed on consumer credit than was repaid. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Yes, we must mourn our losses, but we must also party in the streets. There’s nothing ‘antisocial’ about that We might not be close to a post-pandemic society but we are, at the very least, entering into a post-lockdown one. The challenge facing us now is how to deal with the enormous loss of life we have collectively experienced, how to even begin to move on from something that has been traumatic for so many. Lots of people have proposed some kind of formalised collective mourning, perhaps a permanent national memorial or day of remembrance. But if we need a process of collective mourning (and I think we do), we also need collective joy: a national memorial service, followed by a raucous wake. Collective joy, whether it takes the form of carnivals, festivals, protests, nightclubs, or Scottish football fans singing “ you’re just a shite Rabbie Burns ” at an unwitting statue of William Shakespeare, addresses a deep human need. It has the power to cut through isolation, and make us fee...

40,000-person Tramlines will be Europe’s largest festival since the start of the pandemic Sheffield’s Tramlines festival will go ahead as part of the UK government’s Events Research Programme (ERP), as uncertainty begins to ease around the viability of large-scale events for the rest of the summer. Taking place on 23-25 July at a full capacity of 40,000 people, Tramlines will be Europe’s largest festival since the pandemic began, hosting headliners the Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft in Hillsborough Park. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Doctors blindsided by sudden change warn that Scott Morrison’s comments do not accord with expert advice Australia’s top medical body refuses to endorse PM’s announcement that under-40s can get AstraZeneca Covid vaccination rollout tracker: vaccine progress state-by-state Download the free Guardian app ; get our morning email briefing Some doctors are telling young Australians to cancel their Covid-19 vaccine bookings and warning AstraZeneca will not be given to those aged under 40 because Scott Morrison’s comments on Monday do not accord with expert medical advice. The prime minister blindsided doctors with yet another change to the government’s approach to AstraZeneca on Monday night, allowing those under the age of 40 to volunteer for the vaccine at GP clinics. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Loophole allows overseas bosses to avoid quarantine if trip likely to be of ‘significant economic benefit’ to UK Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Overseas business leaders will no longer need to quarantine when arriving in England if their trip is likely to be of significant economic benefit to the UK, the government has announced. Company executives wishing to travel to England to make a “financial investment in a UK-based business” or for “establishing a new business within the UK” will be exempt but they will need written permission first. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Compulsory vaccinations will worsen the already disastrous staff shortage, and risk making life worse for residents When the government announced it was going ahead with the mandatory vaccination of staff in older people’s care homes in England, it wasn’t a surprise. At least 40,000 care home residents have died of Covid-19 so far in England and Wales, along with hundreds of valiant workers . Surely we have to do everything feasible to prevent these figures going even higher as a result of the Delta variant, or any future variants. There’s no doubt that this is what the government is seeking to achieve in moving to a compulsory vaccination approach – it’s a defensive strategy, based on the fear of a challenging winter battling coronavirus, plus maybe seasonal flu, to come. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Nightmare Scenario reports dismissive attitude to key body US politics – live coverage Amid chaos at the White House as the coronavirus pandemic worsened, Donald Trump took to referring derisively to the Covid taskforce chaired by his vice-president as “that fucking council that Mike has”. Related: New Michael Wolff book reports Trump’s confusion during Capitol attack Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Epidemiologist behind study on scale of disaster says Jair Bolsonaro’s government is ‘entirely’ responsible See all our coronavirus coverage Brazil could have saved 400,000 lives if the country had implemented stricter social distancing measures and launched a vaccination programme earlier, according to an eminent epidemiologist who is leading the first study to quantify the scale of the country’s Covid disaster. Such policies would have prevented 80% of the half a million Covid deaths registered in one of the hardest-hit countries in the world, said Pedro Hallal, a professor at the Federal University of Pelotas. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Ministers speak out after video emerges of chief medical officer apparently being manhandled Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Chris Whitty may be given police protection after another video surfaced of England’s chief medical officer being subjected to “appalling abuse”. Senior politicians have condemned the latest incident, with Boris Johnson saying he was “shocked at seeing the despicable harassment” and Priti Patel, the home secretary, saying she was horrified by the “terrible” behaviour towards a “remarkable public servant” who is one of the most senior government officials tackling the Covid crisis. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Latest updates: schools being told to prepare for on-site testing as pilot of testing instead of isolation to end on Wednesday, says Nick Gibb Ministers set to end automatic isolation for pupils in England Coronavirus – latest global updates See all our coronavirus coverage 9.40am BST Boris Johnson has joined those condemning the harassment of Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, by two men in St James’ Park in London. Here is our story about the incident. Related: Vaccines minister condemns video of Chris Whitty being harassed by ‘thugs’ I’m shocked at seeing the despicable harassment of Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty. I condemn the behaviour of these thugs. Our hard-working public servants should not have to face this kind of intimidation on our streets and we will not tolerate it. I’ve seen the video of the CMO being harassed. It’s appalling and totally unacceptable. The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country. We will not tolerate this...

Capital’s restaurants are latest flashpoint as ministers scramble to contain rise in coronavirus cases Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The tables inside the Primavera Italian restaurant in Moscow’s Shchukino district should have been packed on a Monday afternoon, but the only diners were sat outside braving a thunderstorm. For Moscow’s bustling restaurant business, it was the first day of a tough new QR-code regime that requires diners to provide proof they have been vaccinated or have a negative PCR test to eat indoors. And the diners did not appear to have received the memo. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Use of FFP3 respirators on coronavirus units at Addenbrooke’s ‘may have cut ward-based infection to zero’ Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage An NHS hospital that upgraded the type of face masks used by staff on Covid-19 wards recorded a dramatic fall of up to 100% in hospital-acquired coronavirus infections among those workers, research has indicated. Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge upgraded the masks from fluid resistant surgical masks (FRSMs) to filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirators, with the change made in late December in response to its own staff testing data. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Funny Bones director Peter Chelsom had given up on Hollywood and went to Italy to make a low-budget thriller. To his – and everyone else’s – surprise, it’s a worldwide hit I have to admit that Netflix terrified me. As a viewer, of course, I was hooked. As a film-maker, I was pretending to be cool about that fact that I had not been asked to join the party. I’d only directed films for cinemas, never anything for a streaming platform. I am aware of the endless debates. Is Netflix a force for good? Are you in favour of the motion or against? Vote yes or no. The thing is, there is no “yes” in movies. You might find a Y in your wet-weather gear pocket on day three when you’re already a full day behind schedule. Or an E under your pillow when you wake up the morning after the wrap party with a hangover, and the flu that’s been waiting to kick in. And there’s the S that sits prominently over the bad reviews on opening weekend. (Somehow, you only see the bad reviews.) The outcome never meets...

Health minister Greg Hunt says the new no-fault scheme for GPs giving Covid jabs will also cover recipients Follow our Covid LIVE blog for the latest updates Australia travel restrictions ; NSW Covid restrictions ; Vic restrictions ; Qld restrictions Vaccine rollout tracker ; Download the free Guardian app ; Get our morning email briefing Medico-legal, public health and vaccination experts say national cabinet’s move to implement a no-fault indemnity scheme for GPs administering Covid-19 vaccines is unnecessary and confusing as doctors are already highly covered, but have welcomed added protections for patients. The government on Monday night encouraged Australians to go against expert advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi) and ask their GPs about receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine if they did not want to wait to become eligible for Pfizer. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Daniel Andrews and Annastacia Palaszczuk say hotel quarantine system is stretched as states raise concerns about opening access to jab to under-40s NSW outbreak rises to 149 as support for businesses unveiled Australia’s top medical body refuses to endorse PM’s announcement that under-40s can get AstraZeneca Palaszczuk ‘furious’ as unvaccinated hospital worker tests positive Barnaby Joyce fined for not wearing mask after tipoff to police Premiers have demanded the Morrison government slow the pace of arrivals from overseas, and have queried a decision to allow people under 40 to have AstraZeneca jabs, as the emergence of the highly infectious Delta variant triggered lockdowns in Sydney, parts of Queensland, Perth and the Northern Territory. After flagging a review of Australia’s stretched hotel quarantine system during Monday night’s national cabinet meeting, Daniel Andrews and Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday publicly urged the Morrison government to lower the cap on internati...

Four major cities in lockdown as experts question prime minister’s remarks on who can receive AstraZeneca jab See all our coronavirus coverage Frustration is mounting in Australia over low vaccination rates and changing advice on the AstraZeneca jab after outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant sent more parts of the country into lockdown. The outbreaks have grown to about 150 cases, and have forced lockdowns in four major cities and renewed restrictions in several others. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Football Beyond Borders supports young people who are disengaged at school and passionate about football. The school encourages them to finish school with the skills and grades to help them make a successful transition into adulthood If the lockdowns have had been challenging for everyone, spare a thought for young teens, for whom friends are like second family. Over the past year they have been unable to hang out for months, stuck at home or separated and masked-up at school, and the excitement at reuniting is palpable in Sebastian Barros’ series What’s Good. Shot after the third lockdown and a very long winter, his images show friends sharing hugs, laughs, confidences, and snacks in sunny parks and sports grounds in London. “I missed playing footy with my friends and hanging out with them,” Michael, 15, told the photographer. “Even though we still spoke on social media, it’s nothing like talking in real life.” Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Cases rising in Tokyo one month from Olympics; Philippine provinces battling rising infections but cases dropping in capital region Surge in Covid-19 cases in Tokyo, less than a month out from Olympics Bangladesh soldiers set to patrol streets as national Covid lockdown looms Parts of Australia under new Covid lockdown after cases of Delta variant See all our coronavirus coverage 6.39am BST Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has prolonged restrictions on movement and businesses in the Philippine capital and nearby provinces until mid-July, and retained stricter Covid curbs in central and southern areas, an official said on Tuesday, AFP reports. Infections in the capital region, home to at least 13 million people, have dropped since peaking in April, but some provinces are battling spikes as the country scrambles to distribute and administer vaccines. Entertainment venues, amusement parks, and contacts sports are prohibited in the capital region and nearby provinces, while...

Premier announces three-day lockdown for large parts of state after infected woman travelled from Brisbane to north Queensland Follow our Covid LIVE blog for the latest updates Qld hotspots ; Qld restrictions ; Australia travel restrictions Vaccine rollout tracker ; Download the free Guardian app ; Get our morning email briefing Large parts of Queensland will go into lockdown for three days from 6pm on Tuesday, after an unvaccinated hospital worker contracted Covid-19 and travelled from Brisbane to north Queensland. The state premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the case was “very concerning” given the woman, who worked as a receptionist outside the Covid ward at Brisbane’s Prince Charles hospital, was potentially infectious for more than a week. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Men are more likely to die from the coronavirus but for women, a stronger immune system comes at a price When Covid-19 burst into our world, the initial focus was on how to prevent death. Older men were more likely to die from the virus than young people or women, and it became clear that not all humans suffered or died at an equal rate. Covid-19 infection was fatal in some and asymptomatic in others. Throughout human evolution, this has been the situation. A new infectious threat arises, and humans with an immune system best suited to resisting the infection survive. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

A student at a Rose Bay high school has tested positive to coronavirus as have another two students from South Coogee public school Follow our Covid LIVE blog for the latest updates NSW restrictions ; NSW hotspots ; Border closures Download the free Guardian app ; Get our morning email briefing New South Wales recorded another 19 locally acquired Covid cases, as the state government moved to introduce a financial support package for businesses affected by the lockdown. Of the 19 cases, 17 were linked to previously reported cases, with another two close contacts of a previously reported, unlinked case. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Fears of a possible fifth wave as Tokyo reported 317 infections on Monday and the ninth week-on-week rise A rise in daily cases of the coronavirus in Tokyo has triggered fears of a possible fifth wave of infections, less than a month before the city is due to host the Olympics . Tokyo reported 317 infections on Monday – an increase of 81 from the same day last week and the ninth week-on-week rise in a row. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Move is in line with supreme court judgment on business interruption clauses Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The insurer Hiscox has agreed a settlement with a group of about 400 companies over business interruption losses suffered as a result of lockdowns during the Covid-19 crisis. Thousands of businesses tried to make claims with insurance companies at the start of the pandemic in 2020 but many refused to pay out. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Authorities consider giving other jabs to medics after 10 fully vaccinated doctors die this month Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage At least 10 out of 26 Indonesian doctors who have died from Covid-19 this month were fully vaccinated with Sinovac, prompting authorities to consider whether medics should receive alternative doses to boost immunity. Indonesia, which has relied on the Chinese-made Sinovac to vaccinate its health workers, is struggling against a new surge in coronavirus cases. The latest outbreak, driven by new variants, has overwhelmed hospitals and burial sites in Jakarta and on the island of Java. On Monday the country announced 20,694 new infections. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Opinion polls show support for maintaining overseas aid is growing – and the government can no longer afford to ignore it In all the political shocks of the past five years, large claims have been made about their architects: they’re playing multidimensional chess; they have seen straight through Westminster groupthink, into the very heart of the electorate; they have insights into digital campaigning that leave the other team in the dust. In fact, the calculations that brought us Brexit, Boris Johnson’s victory, a pandemic marked by chaos and cronyism, and all the polling in between, have been repetitive and very simple. There is no limit to the passionate gullibility of a voter whose reptile brain has been activated. So long as your agenda plays to suspicion and hostility, focuses on the external threat of rapacious out-groups, emphasises the scarcity of all resources, which makes fighting for your own interests a necessity, you have your head of steam. Continue reading... Coron...

Covid outbreaks renew questions about stuttering vaccine rollout and limited quarantine facilities Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Australia is grappling with several outbreaks of the highly contagious Delta variant of coronavirus, with a wave of restrictions rolling across the country and plunging some cities into lockdown for the first time since the pandemic began. Residents of every state and territory in the country – except the island state of Tasmania – are again living under restrictions ranging from full-blown lockdowns in Sydney and Darwin, to mask mandates in some indoor settings in Adelaide and Canberra. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

The new health secretary said he wanted to see coronavirus restrictions ended as quickly as possible, as he began his first full day in the job. Speaking at St Thomas' Hospital in London, the former chancellor said the ending of measures, set for 19 July, was his top priority. Ministers should not have cameras in their offices, Sajid Javid says Politics live Coronavirus live Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

New health secretary confirms recording device in his office has been disabled after Hancock leak Cabinet ministers should not have security cameras in their offices, the new health secretary has said, after his predecessor was forced to quit when CCTV footage showed him breaking Covid rules by kissing an aide and paid adviser. Speaking on his second day in the job since taking over from Matt Hancock, Sajid Javid confirmed the recording device in his new office had been disabled. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Scott Morrison announces major changes to Australia’s vaccine rollout after emergency national cabinet meeting Under-40s will finally be allowed to get the AstraZeneca vaccine if they want it, while aged care workers will have to get at least one vaccine dose by mid-September, as Australia moves to “war game” its bungled vaccine program. Scott Morrison , who spent more than two hours with the nation’s premiers and chief ministers in an “emergency” national cabinet meeting on Monday evening, emerged to announce long called-for changes to the commonwealth’s vaccine rollout. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Rules announced two days before the islands are due to move on to UK’s green list Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Britons travelling to the Balearic islands will need to show either a negative PCR test or proof they have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said on Monday. The rules – which come into effect in 72 hours, – were announced two days before the Balearics are due to move on to the UK’s green list for quarantine-free travel, and amid growing concerns over what Sánchez called “the negative evolution” of the virus in the UK. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

‘I don’t want to see any deaths,’ says Ken Wyatt, pointing to significant vaccine hesitancy in some communities The minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, says he is worried about low vaccination rates in remote communities after a cluster of Covid-19 cases connected to a goldmine in the Northern Territory increased to seven on Monday. Darwin and surrounding areas have been put into lockdown until 1pm on Friday amid concerns about the significant risk posed to Indigenous communities. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Telfar and Pangaia announce new collections as lockdowns blur lines between work, home and leisure From Rishi Sunak ’s 6am Peloton workout to the new aerobics comedy Physical starring Rose Byrne, our love of all things gym-related shows no signs of abating. Now two of the most cutting-edge fashion brands are releasing clothes to squat, jump and sweat into. Telfar , the black-owned fashion brand beloved by Oprah Winfrey and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for its vegan leather, gender-neutral handbag and luxury durags , has announced a sportswear line set to launch in September. And Pangaia, the label at the forefront of sustainable fashion, which can count Pharrell Williams among its fans, has announced a 31-piece gym line. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Country will have to contend with climate change, an ageing population and a smaller population in 2060-61 Every five years, the Australian Treasury embarks on a fascinating forecasting exercise: what will the economy and the commonwealth budget look like over the next 40 years? Treasury was too busy to produce an intergenerational report last year when Australia battled the first and second waves of the coronavirus pandemic, so the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, released the latest 200-odd page instalment on Monday. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Developed countries are seeing the benefits of quickly vaccinating their populations, but concerns remain about the unequal share of global vaccine supplies Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage New analysis by the Guardian has confirmed that a speedy Covid vaccination campaign pays off when it comes to escaping the worst of the pandemic. As the chart below shows, countries such as Israel, the UK and the US have all seen deaths decline as vaccination coverage extended to the most vulnerable in their societies. Continue reading... Coronavirus | The Guardian

Latest updates: Robert Buckland dismisses questions about Boris Johnson’s commitment to ethical standards in government after Matt Hancock resignation as ‘just talk’ Hancock affair: PM has ‘serious questions’ to answer, says Labour Hancock and Coladangelo: questions that need answers Coronavirus – latest global updates See all our coronavirus coverage 9.37am BST Here is some reaction to Robert Buckland’s Today interview (see 9.25am) from journalists and commentators on Twitter. From the Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire In-Justice Secretary Robert Buckland is drowning as he tries to defend Johnson’s failure to sack Hancock, Jenrick, Patel, etc. His voice betrays a sinking feeling @BBCr4today 1st class interview on govt's handling of Hancock affair by @bbcnickrobinson on #bbcr4today ... and frankly ridiculous of normally top-guy @RobertBuckland to say the questions weren't quite legit. Ministers should eagerly answer questions that are definitely on public's lips too...