Covid UK news live: New Omicron BA.2 sub-variant under investigation

Welsh First Minister says UK Government has ‘abandoned science’ in new Covid rules

A sub-variant of the Omicron strain has been formally designated as a “variant under investigation” by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Up to the 10 January, just 53 cases of the BA.2 lineage had been detected in the UK.

Unlike the original Omicron variant, which accounts for the majority of infections in the UK, BA.2 does not carry a unique mutation that was used as a proxy to first track and compare its early spread against Delta last month.

Pubs and restaurants in Wales will once again be able to operate outdoors without the rule of six or social distancing and all restrictions on sports events have been discarded as Covid case numbers continue to drop off.

Mark Drakeford said: “We have passed the peak and the situation has improved significantly.”

“We have weathered this storm together in Wales by following the rules and these measures that have kept us safe for nearly two years.

“Sadly the pandemic is not over and coronavirus is still with us but we can look forward to the future with renewed hope and with better and brighter days ahead of us.”

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Major incident in London stood down but mayor urges caution over Omicron

The major incident declared in London last month as Omicron spread across the capital has been stood down.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan took the decision on December 18 to declare a major incident due to the spread of the variant, a rise in patients in London hospitals and the impact of staff absences in frontline services.

Mr Khan said he is standing down the major incident status but warned the city will remain on high alert.

Catherine Wylie has more here:

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 14:25

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EU health ministers warned to prepare to administer fourth vaccine dose

European Union nations have been told to make preparations to deliver a fourth dose of the Covid vaccine the moment data shows if is needed amid a surge in cases driven by the highly-infectious Omicron variant.

The EU drugs regulator said earlier week it would be reasonable to give a fourth dose to people with at risk of developing severe symotoms, but more evidence was needed.

“If we see data which is conclusive on whether a fourth dose is needed, we need to be ready to act,” EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides told health ministers in a video conference.

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 14:08

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Omicron sub variant BA.2 ‘under investigation’ by UK health officials

A sub-lineage of the Omicron strain has been formally designated as a “variant under investigation” by the UK Health Security Agency.

Just 53 cases of BA.2 have been detected in the UK up to 10 January, the UKHSA said.

Unlike the original Omicron variant, which accounts for the majority of infections in the UK, BA.2 does not carry a unique mutation that was used as a proxy to first track and compare its early spread against Delta last month.

Our science correspondent Samuel Lovett has the story:

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 13:40

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Sadiq Khan standing down major incident in London

The Mayor of London has taken the decision to stand down the major incident declared in London last month amid Omicron fears.

Sadiq Khan declared a major incident in the capital on 18 December due to the fast spread of the variant, a sudden surge in patients being admitted with Covid-19 into London hospitals and health service staff absences.

Mr Khan said: “Our NHS and emergency services have gone above and beyond during an extremely testing period for our city.

“Everyone who wore a mask, took a lateral flow test or followed the advice to work from home where possible, has played their part in reducing the pressure they faced and enabled us to stand down the ‘major incident’ in London today.

“But the virus and the Omicron variant is still with us and daily infection rates are still too high.

He added that Londoners must “all remain vigilant” and to continue to take personal measures to allow the city to “reopen safely”.

“Wearing a face covering remains one of the single most important and easiest things we can all do to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and that’s why I’m renewing my calls for the Government to rethink their plans and keep legislation in place to make them mandatory on public transport.

“They still have a huge role to play in keeping our city open and our friends, family and communities protected.

“Covid-19 continues to pose a significant threat and our hospitals remain under pressure.

“That’s why it’s crucial that Londoners test regularly and report their results, come forward for vaccinations, and continue to wear a face covering when travelling on TfL services, where it remains a condition of carriage.”

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 13:25

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Boris Johnson: Teachers must abandon masks as face-to-face education ‘vital’

Boris Johnson has urged teachers who insist masks should still worn in lessons to follow the rules which state that they are no long required for use in classrooms.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said “children have been one of the hardest hit as a result of the disruption throughout the pandemic”, adding that Mr Johnson “believes it is vital that children are receiving face-to-face education and can enjoy a normal experience in the classroom”.

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 13:19

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Watch: Welsh First Minister says UK Government has ‘abandoned science’ in new Covid rules

Welsh First Minister says UK Government has ‘abandoned science’ in new Covid rules

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 13:00

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One in five adults had difficulty getting lateral flow tests in January – ONS

More than a fifth of adults in Britain had difficulties getting lateral flow tests earlier in January, figures suggest.

The most common places difficulties were experienced were when ordering on the Government website for home delivery (68%) and collecting from pharmacies (60%).

Jemma Crew has the details:

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 12:35

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Education secretary’s letter on mask-wearing in classrooms ‘unnecessary’ and ‘bizarre’, says teaching union

A teaching union has called a letter sent from Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to MPs saying he will personally review plans to bring back face masks to classrooms “utterly unnecessary, if not bizarre”.

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU teaching union, told the PA news agency: “Schools and colleges who take the decision to keep face coverings as a requirement in classrooms will have… done so following a risk assessment, and with the head using his or her professional judgment and knowledge about what’s best for the school to protect face-to-face education.

“This is a sensible precaution, particularly given we are now in the run-up to national examinations and the issues to education caused by staff and pupil absences.

“That Whitehall would seek to micromanage such decisions seems utterly unnecessary, if not bizarre.”

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 12:10

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UK Health Security Agency designates new sub-strain of Omicron as variant ‘under investigation’

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 12:01

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Newcastle’s European fixture against Toulon cancelled due to Covid-19 issues

Newcastle’s European Challenge Cup game against Toulon on Saturday has been cancelled due to coronavirus cases at the Gallagher Premiership club.

The Falcons said nine positive Covid-19 tests had been recorded following Newcastle’s European Challenge Cup trip to Biarritz seven days ago.

Emily Atkinson21 January 2022 11:46

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/covid-vaccine-omicron-cases-restrictions-latest-b1997673.html

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