This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The UK has recorded the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, with 78,610 reported on Wednesday. The previous record was 68,053 on 8 January – when the UK was in lockdown.
Month: December 2021
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Adults in England must now show a Covid pass to enter nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events – despite nearly 100 Conservative MPs voting against the government’s plans. The new rules – which kick in
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Boris Johnson has won backing for Covid passes in England, despite the biggest revolt by Tory MPs since he became PM. A total of 99 Conservatives voted against the government, but the measure was passed by a
EPA Boris Johnson is facing his biggest backbench rebellion since the 2019 general election when MPs vote on new Covid rules for England later. Around 70 Conservatives are expected to vote against plans to introduce mandatory Covid passes to enter large venues such as nightclubs. The PM calls them a sensible response to rising Omicron
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. At least one person in the UK has died with the Omicron coronavirus variant, the prime minister has said. Boris Johnson said the new variant was also resulting in hospital admissions and the “best thing” people could
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. The UK is in a “race between the virus and the vaccine” over the spread of Omicron, Sajid Javid has warned. The health secretary said the NHS would be focusing on urgent needs and vaccinations for a
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Booster jabs will be offered to everyone over 18 in England from this week, the PM has announced, as he declared an “Omicron emergency”. “No one should be in any doubt, there is a tidal wave of
The Sunday Mirror Boris Johnson took part in a virtual Christmas quiz in No 10 last year, Downing Street has confirmed. The Sunday Mirror has published a picture of Mr Johnson at the event, which it said took place on the 15 December – when indoor household mixing was banned in London. Downing Street said
Getty Images The UK is facing a substantial wave of Omicron infections in January without further restrictions, scientists say. The number of deaths from the variant by the end of April could range from 25,000 to 75,000 depending on how well vaccines perform, they said. But the experts behind the study said there was still
Getty Images Health officials have renewed their call for everyone eligible to come forward for a Covid booster jab. It comes after early analysis by the UK Health Security Agency showed a third vaccine dose prevents about 75% of people from getting any Covid symptoms. The Omicron variant is spreading so quickly every one is
Getty Images Two doses of a Covid vaccine are not enough to stop you catching the Omicron variant, UK scientists have warned. Early analysis of UK Omicron and Delta cases showed the vaccines were less effective at stopping the new variant. But a third booster prevents around 75% of people getting any Covid symptom. Meanwhile,
Getty Images US actor Jussie Smollett lied to police when he claimed to have been the victim of a racist, homophobic assault, a Chicago jury has found. At trial this week, Smollett, 39, stood by denials that he staged the hoax attack against himself. Prosecutors countered that he “lied for hours” on the stand as
Andrew Parsons/No 10 Downing Street Downing Street’s press chief addressed No 10 staff at a party last Christmas that is now under investigation, it is understood. Jack Doyle, then deputy director of communications, gave a speech to 20-30 people at the gathering on 18 December. A source told the BBC there were food, drinks and
EPA People in England are preparing for more restrictions on daily life after the PM approved his Covid Plan B to limit the spread of Omicron. The new rules, some of which start on Friday, include masks in most public places, Covid passes for some venues and work from home guidance. But Boris Johnson faces
PA Media People in England are being asked to work from home again if possible and face masks will be compulsory in most public places, as part of new rules to limit the spread of Omicron. Vaccine passports will also be needed to get into nightclubs and large venues from next week. Boris Johnson announced
Getty Images Existing vaccines should still protect people who contract the Omicron variant from severe Covid cases, a World Health Organization (WHO) official says. It comes as the first lab tests of the new variant in South Africa suggest it can partially evade the Pfizer jab. Researchers say there was a “very large drop” in