Covid index - November 2021 - January 2022
1 Dec 2021: NHS England to issue guidance to hospitals, pharmacists and GPs about expanding booster vaccine rollout
Offer all eligible adults in England a booster by the end of January in response to the new Omicron variant
NI has also announced extra vaccination clinics
Scotland and Wales have said their booster programmes will be ramped up
22 cases of Omicron have been confirmed in the UK so far
13 cases in England and nine cases in Scotland linked to a single event
Health Secretary Sajid Javid is urging people to be "sensible" around Christmas parties and consider taking rapid tests
Meanwhile, Europe continues to battle rising Covid cases as travel bans take effect to slow the spread of Omicron
In Australia, police have arrested three people who broke out of a Covid quarantine compound in the middle of the night
2 Dec 2021: UK government signs deals to buy 114 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to use in 2022 and 2023
The deals were speeded up after the Omicron variant emerged - but talks were already under way
Pfizer's boss tells the BBC that annual jabs "are likely to be needed" to maintain high levels of protection
But the WHO points out that many poorer countries have still not been able to vaccinate their most vulnerable
UK regulators approve new treatment that could reduce hospitalisation and death by 79% in high-risk adults
Scientists in Cardiff meanwhile find the trigger for very rare blood clots after the Oxford-AZ jab
On Wednesday, the UK recorded a further 48,374 coronavirus cases and another 171 deaths
3 Dec 2021: The number of countries detecting the Omicron variant is “increasing daily”, the World Health Organization says
Its geographic distribution is “likely already wider than currently reported” and nations must prepare for surges
But scientists say it's still too early to say if the variant causes more serious illness
US has meanwhile unveiled stricter travel rules after confirming a handful of Omicron cases
UK trial of seven different jabs finds that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines give the best overall booster response
Review finds the risk of catching Covid remains higher for people belonging to certain ethnic groups
The UK reported a further 53,945 confirmed Covid cases on Thursday
4 Dec 2021: GPs can defer some services in booster jab push
Mums who were severely ill urge pregnant women to get jabs
5 Dec 2021: Travel test changes a 'hammer blow' to industry
Doctors' leaders back postponed health checks
"It will be last-minute decision on Covid passes in Wales" said First Minister
Mandatory jabs: Three reasons for and against
Snotty-nosed Belgium hippos test positive for Covid
6 Dec 2021: Nigeria changes to red. (SI2021/1367)
Omicron could become the UK's dominant variant within weeks, says infectious diseases expert Prof Paul Hunter
He estimates it's likely that there are already more than than 1,000 cases - four times more than officially confirmed
The return of pre-departure Covid tests for travellers to the UK will come into force on Tuesday
Nigeria is now on the UK's red travel list - arrivals from the country will now have to spend 10 days in hotel quarantine
Criticism that these changes have come too late, but Boris Johnson says the UK acted very quickly on Omicron
South Africa is preparing its hospitals for more admissions amid a fourth wave driven by the new variant
Separately, people can now show evidence of a negative Covid test to get into clubs, concerts or large events in Scotland
Matt Hancock tells the BBC that flouting social distancing guidance earlier this year was a "failure of leadership"
7 Dec 2021: People travelling to the UK must now take a Covid test before their journey
UK arrivals already have to take a PCR test upon their return
Contacts of a suspected Omicron case must self-isolate for 10 days
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed Omicron spreading in the community in multiple areas of England
There are currently 336 confirmed cases of the highly-mutated Omicron variant in the UK
Scientists say it could overtake Delta to become the dominant variant but it will take weeks to see how effective vaccines are against it
On Monday, 51,459 UK cases of Covid were reported, as well as 41 deaths within 28 days of a positive test
Elsewhere, nightclubs in France must close on Friday for four weeks, amid a rise in cases
8 Dec 2021: Boris Johnson under pressure to admit dozens of people attended a Christmas party in Downing Street during lockdown
He is facing Labour leader Keir Starmer and other MPs on the issue at Prime Minister's Questions
Meanwhile the Cabinet will this afternoon discuss a potential move to "plan B" , including working from home
Omicron case numbers are doubling every two or three days, according to government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson
Covid: Vaccines should work against Omicron variant, WHO says
Covishield: India vaccine maker halves production
Covid booster jab booking system opens to over-40s in England
9 Dec 2021: Tougher restrictions are being introduced in England to tackle the new Omicron variant
They include the extension of mandatory face masks, Covid passes to enter some venues and advice to work from home
Health Secretary Sajid Javid says the measures are needed to protect the NHS
But the government is facing a backlash from some Tory MPs
Backbencher Marcus Fysh says plans to bring in Covid health certificates are "really draconian" and an "utter disgrace"
And Steve Baker, a prominent figure in the Covid Recovery Group, called on his colleagues to vote against Plan B measures
Police meanwhile say they will not investigate allegations Downing Street staff broke Covid rules with a party last year
Sajid Javid said a video of staff laughing about it had upset him, but he was assured no rules were broken
More parties involving Tory and No 10 staff also took place in November and December last year, the BBC has been told
10 Dec 2021: "Plan B." Work from home if possible. Masks required in churches, cinemas, museums, libraries, theatres and like places (NOT restaurants, pubs, nightclubs & gyms). (SI2021/1400)
Extra "Plan B" measures to tackle the Omicron variant of Covid begin in England
Face coverings are now compulsory in theatres, cinemas, places of worship, museums and indoor sport stadiums
But they are not required in hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants
An investigation has started into three Downing Street parties in late 2020 when gatherings were banned under Covid rules
The PM's press chief addressed staff and gave out awards at one of the gatherings being investigated, sources say
Confirmed UK Omicron cases stand at more than 800 but the government says the real number is probably more like 10,000
UK vaccinated abroad or in NI can now use England's NHS Covid Pass if they have had two doses of an approved jab
Mandatory jabs for Germany's health workers and soldiers a stop closer after Bundestag vote
11 Dec 2021: Omicron data prompts fresh call by health officials to get booster jab
Care home visitors cut to three to slow Omicron spread
Firms are calling on the government for more support after Plan B Covid restrictions take effect
Wales introduces weekly Covid rule reviews
Austria will be introducing a vaccine mandate from February
12 Dec 2021: First people in UK hospitals with Omicron variant
Covid booster jabs extended to over-30s from Monday
Omicron study suggests major wave in January
PM Boris Johnson took part in No 10 Christmas quiz last year
13 Dec 2021: Sajid Javid says the Omicron variant is spreading at a rate "that we've never seen before" with Covid
England and Scotland have set new targets to give boosters to all eligible adults who want one by the end of the month
NHS needs to match its best vaccination day yet - 844,000 in March - and then must beat it "day after day", says Boris
But many people are already reporting issues with the booking system, which the NHS says is facing very high demand
Meanwhile, people in England should now work from home if they can, as more Plan B guidance comes into effect
Vaccinated close contacts of Covid cases in England are asked to take daily lateral flow tests for week from Tuesday
Ten people in England are in hospital with Omicron but the health secretary says it's better to "act now" than wait
Another 48,854 infections and 52 deaths recorded in the UK on Sunday
14 Dec 2021: MPs will vote later on a set of measures for England aimed at slowing the spread of the Omicron variant
BBC estimates about 70 Tory MPs will vote against so-called Covid passes for nightclubs but Labour will back it
In Scotland, new guidelines on social contact will be outlined this afternoon by Nicola Sturgeon, but there could be exceptions around Christmas
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab meanwhile has said "people can feel reassured" about their festive plans
The government has warned the real number of daily Omicron infections is 200,000, and that hospitalisations are set to "dramatically increase"
But the top vaccine adviser says it would not have made sense to have rolled out boosters to all adults before Omicron
More than half a million people booked booster jabs on Monday
Long queues are forming again at some vaccination centres on Tuesday
15 Dec 2021: Vaccine passports required in nightclubs. (SI2021/1416)
Red list cancelled. (SI2021/1434)
The Omicron variant is "probably the most significant threat" since the pandemic began, Dr Jenny Harries warns
The head of the UK Health Security Agency says the doubling time of the variant is now under two days in most of the UK
Covid cases are set to surge past the previous peak seen at the start of 2021, infectious diseases expert Prof Graham Medley says
Grant Shapps says the government believes England's Covid measures "will see us through to the new year"
Over-18s in England can now book a booster appointment from two months after their second dose
Meanwhile, England's Covid pass scheme begins despite a revolt among Tory MPs
PM Boris Johnson suffers his biggest rebellion over the measure - but it passes with Labour support
A substantial increase in the number of confirmed Omicron cases is expected later after a data delay on Tuesday
But strong immunity in UK should help ability to deal with Omicron
Very few in-person PCR tests available in London
16 Dec 2021: England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty is speaking to MPs on the surge in Omicron cases
He says the route to getting back on a normal track is via boosters
On festive socialising, Whitty says people must make their own choices prioritise their important events
He says there is still debate about whether Omicron inflicts a milder version of the illness
The Royal family's pre-Christmas lunch is cancelled due to fears it would risk too many people's festive plans
France puts new restrictions on UK travellers
From Saturday, people arriving from the UK will have to have a negative Covid test within less than 24 hours
Business groups ask the government for help as customers cancel bookings due to Covid
The CBI and UK Hospitality want support for struggling firms as Omicron's spread hits consumer confidence
A record number of 78,610 daily cases is reported in the UK on Wednesday
Schools say they are prepared to switch to online learning next term if they must
17 Dec 2021: Wales must introduce further restrictions because “the storm of Omicron is coming our way”, First Minister says
From 27 December, nightclubs in Wales must close in response to the Omicron variant
Social distancing will also be required in shops and workplaces
The UK reported a record 88,375 daily Covid cases on Thursday
Archbishop of Canterbury says he was "disappointed" to see a photo of a Tory staff party during lockdown last Christmas
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport has apologised after staff held a gathering last December
President Biden warns unvaccinated Americans faces a winter of severe illness and death because of Omicron
18 Dec 2021: Top civil servant quits party probe over own party
More restrictions needed, Sage says, to stop hospital admissions reaching 3,000 a day
Omicron spreading at lightning speed, says French PM
Footballers urged to get Covid jab
US court reinstates Covid vaccine mandate for large US businesses
Booster at least 80% effective against severe Omicron
19 Dec 2021: Sajid Javid says there are "no guarantees" in the pandemic when asked if ruled out new restrictions before Christmas
Tells Andrew Marr ministers are challenging scientific data and considering wider factors before bringing in more measures
London Mayor Sadiq Khan says more restrictions such as social distancing and limits on household mixing are "inevitable"
Brexit minister Lord Frost resigned on Saturday
He say he hopes the government will not be tempted by "coercive measures" seen elsewhere
It comes after 10,000 new Omicron cases are confirmed in the UK and London declares a major incident.
Germany is to ban British tourists and business travellers from entering the country from tonight
The Netherlands is entering a strict lockdown over Christmas amid fears about Omicron
20 Dec 2021: PM Boris Johnson is being urged by scientists to take further action to tackle the surging number of Covid cases
Civil servants have prepared three options ranging in stringency for ministers, sources tell the BBC
The cabinet is due to hold a virtual meeting on Monday afternoon
Many Tory MPs are likely to oppose tighter restrictions
Reports say cabinet ministers are divided, with some questioning the data
Deputy PM Dominic Raab says he cannot rule out a Christmas lockdown - but booster rollout makes this much less likely
Photo of Johnson and others with wine and cheese in the No 10 garden during lockdown
Downing Street says the picture, thought to be from May 2020 when outdoor socialising was restricted, was a work meeting
Meanwhile, figures show shoppers avoided UK High Streets and city centres on the weekend before Christmas
New Covid drug for vulnerable NHS patients is being offered from today
21 Dec 2021: If new data show Omicron cases and hospital admins continuing to rise fast, UK government has to act, says scientist
Otherwise the sheer number of people in hospital will put too much pressure on the system, Sir Jeremy Farrar says
Hospitality and entertainment firms call for a clear decision on any further Covid restrictions in England
UK Hospitality says firms are "in limbo" and need notice of any changes ahead of the new year
Ministers met to consider new measures on Monday but none were announced
The World Health Organization urges people to cancel some holiday plans as the variant spreads globally
Spectators will be banned from all sports events in Wales from Boxing Day
22 Dec 2021: Covid self-isolation in England has been cut from 10 days down to seven after negative tests on day six and seven
The change will mean some people who had been expecting to isolate for Christmas will now not have to
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford will set out plans for post-Christmas Covid restrictions later
And Stormont ministers will meet later to discuss the possible reintroduction of Covid measures in Northern Ireland
Scotland has already cancelled large public events for three weeks from Boxing Day
Boris Johnson says there will be no new Covid measures in England before Christmas but he cannot rule any out afterwards
EU nations including Germany and Portugal have announced post-Christmas restrictions as Omicron cases rise
Israel says it plans to become the first country to roll out a fourth vaccine dose
23 Dec 2021: There will be no new Covid rules in England announced before Christmas
"People should enjoy their Christmases - of course, remain cautious," says Health Secretary Sajid Javid
It does not mean there won't be any new rules for after 25 December
but if there are, they won't be announced today or tomorrow
Boris Johnson had already said people could go ahead with their Christmas plans
It comes as several preliminary studies suggest the Omicron coronavirus variant is milder
Scotland has tightened restrictions further - nightclubs will close for three weeks from 27 December
NHS England staff off work because of Covid increases by 54% in a week
The UK reported 106,122 new Covid cases on Wednesday - exceeding 100,000 for the first time
Spain is set to announce new measures including mandatory mask wearing outside.
In Sweden, people must work from home if they can and restaurants and pubs have to serve guests at tables.
Germany will shut nightclubs and restrict private gatherings to 10 people from 28 December.
Austria recommends that people celebrate the new year on a small scale.
Shops in Slovenia have been told to limit the number of customers, according to the size of the premises.
France has not yet announced extra restrictions - and is instead relying on its ramped-up booster programme.
24 Dec 2021: Covid: Glimmer of Christmas hope on Omicron, says Jenny Harries
Omicron may be less likely to result in serious illness than Delta
Too early to retract her statement that Omicron was the most serious threat the UK had faced during the pandemic
Christmas flights cancelled
Italy, Spain and Greece have made face masks compulsory outdoors again
Catalonia, in northern Spain, has imposed an overnight curfew, and the Netherlands is in a strict lockdown
Record infections were tallied in the UK, France and Italy on Thursday
In the US, daily Omicron cases have risen beyond the peak of the recent Delta wave, and hospitals are filling up across the country
Shoppers avoid city centres on Christmas Eve, figures suggest
25 Dec 2021: Push for vaccinations on Christmas Day
Thousands spending Christmas in isolation
For some, Covid means taste strangely distorted instead, leaving food smelling of foul water or chemical scents and tasting disgusting.
Churches should stay open, says Catholic leader
Kate shows surprise piano skills at Covid concert
26 Dec 2021: New rules in force for three UK nations (not England)
Tens of thousands of airline passengers have been hit by the grounding of thousands of flights as a surge in Covid cases causes staff shortages
Chinese and US airlines appear to be the hardest hit, with further delays and cancellations announced for Monday
First and second Covid jabs surge in England (because of booster publicity?)
Covid in Wales: 'Give every adult £100 shopping voucher' says retailing group
27 Dec 2021: PM briefed on post-Christmas Covid data
Table service returns in Northern Ireland
Social-distancing required in Scotland
2021 a challenging year - Welsh leader
Travel chaos continues as flights grounded. More than 1,400 flights have been scrapped so far on Monday
28 Dec 2021: No new curbs welcomed by hospitality industry
France tightens Covid restrictions
Hundreds of people were told they did not have Covid when they had tested positive at a lab in Sydney, Australia
US halves self-isolation time for asymptomatic cases
Medic hopes vaccine uptake will mean Wales avoids more lockdowns
29 Dec 2021: Boris Johnson says he "cannot stress too much" how important it is to get a booster jab against Covid-19
The UK PM says the vaccination campaign has allowed England to maintain its current level of coronavirus controls
People should enjoy the new year in a sensible and cautious way, he adds
There are no plans to cut the isolation period after a positive Covid test in England, minister Chloe Smith says
There have been no slots for PCR tests available in England or NI this morning - and no postal tests available
Pharmacists are also urging to government to sort the "patchy" supply of lateral flow tests
The US and France have reported their highest daily rises in new Covid cases since the pandemic began
The Scottish Parliament is being recalled for a Covid update from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
30 Dec 2021: Health officials say eight million lateral flow kits will be sent to pharmacies before New Year's Eve
There are shortages of the rapid tests and PCR slots in many parts of the UK
Health secretary Sajid Javid says the government will buy hundreds of millions more LFTs
In a letter to MPs, he says supplies in Jan/Feb will be tripled from pre-Omicron levels to 300 million per month
855 deaths registered in the UK in the week to 17 December involved Covid-19, new data shows
Covid absences are having a significant impact on the NHS and the economy, says the head of NHS Providers
Meanwhile, Nightingale surge "hubs" are being prepared at hospitals across England
31 Dec 2021: The government says it has met a target to offer Covid booster jabs to all adults in England by today
The same goal is said to have been reached in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Covid absences in acute NHS trusts in England rise by more than 40% during Christmas week
PM Boris Johnson is urging people to take a Covid test and think about ventilation before celebrating New Year's Eve
It comes as UK daily Covid cases reach another record high of 189,213 on Thursday
But in South Africa, where the Omicron started, officials say the fourth wave of Covid infections may be over
Covid index - November 2021 - January 2022
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© Jo Edkins 2024