Covid index - December 2021 - February 2022
1 Jan 2022: More restrictions a last resort, Sajid Javid says
Avoid cruises even if vaccinated, CDC tells Americans
Covid: Cathay Pacific flights cut after Hong Kong clampdown
Muted celebrations as Hogmanay curtailed by Covid
Covid: Wales welcomes in quiet new year
Public events to see in 2022 were scrapped in London and Edinburgh
Hospitals suspend visits amid Covid-19 cases rise
New Year Honours for Covid medics and scientists
Prof Chris Whitty and his deputy Prof Jonathan Van-Tam have been knighted
Dr Jenny Harries of the UK Health Security Agency and Dr June Raine of medicines regulator the MHRA made dames
2 Jan 2022: Face masks to be worn in England's classrooms
Workplaces told to plan for absences of up to 25%
Pupils in Scotland urged to get second jabs before new term
US flight cancellations hit new holiday record
Antarctic outpost hit by Covid outbreak
Chris Silverwood: England men's head cricket coach tests positive for Covid-19
3 Jan 2022: Covid data suggests no further restrictions are needed in England, education secretary Nadhim Zahawi tells the BBC
Even though Omicron infections are moving into older age groups, most over-50s have had a booster jab, he adds
There are nearly 12,000 people in UK hospitals with Covid but the number needing intensive care is stable, say NHS bosses
A hospital trust in Lincolnshire has declared a critical incident due to Covid-related staff absences
Meanwhile all secondary school pupils in England will be tested for Covid before returning to classrooms this week
They will also have to wear masks in classrooms, which Zahawi said was "not ideal" but would help cut transmission
Twitter permanently bans US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's personal account for repeated Covid violations
ScotRail to introduce temporary timetable for January
Hospitalisations in London have 'dropped significantly' - health boss
Covid: Thousands needed hospital treatment after lockdown DIY
4 Jan 2022: Millions of pupils in England and Northern Ireland are back to school today, but there are concerns Omicron may cause staff shortages
Head teachers say staffing could be "challenging" as teachers need to isolate, and pupils might need to be sent home to learn online
The government is urging schools to merge classes if needed and insists face-to-face teaching will remain the norm
Secondary school students in England will take lateral flow tests in school, while those in Northern Ireland are urged to test at home
At least six hospital trusts have declared critical incidents, meaning priority services may be under threat
The number of daily Covid cases has shot up in recent weeks, but early evidence suggests Omicron is causing milder illness so far
Tennis star Novak Djokovic says he'll compete at the Australian Open with a medical exemption from being vaccinated
5 Jan 2022: The government is expected to stop asking for pre-departure Covid tests for UK arrivals
Ministers are also finalising plans to drop the need for confirmatory PCR tests in England after lateral flows
Boris Johnson will face MPs at 15:00 GMT in the first Prime Minister's Questions of 2022
At a news conference on Tuesday, he said he hoped the country could "ride out" the Omicron wave
Sir Keir Starmer will miss PMQs as he has tested positive for Covid
On Tuesday, the UK recorded more than 200,000 coronavirus cases in a day for the first time
Greater Manchester hospitals cancel surgery as NHS pressures mount
In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon is considering whether to reduce the isolation period for positive cases
Novak Djokovic: Australian Open vaccine exemption ignites backlash
6 Jan 2022: World No 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated, has been denied entry to Australia
Speaking about his rival's predicament, Rafael Nadal says the vaccine "is the only way to stop this pandemic"
"Everybody is free to take their own decisions, but then there are some consequences," he adds
A court hearing on deporting the Serb star has been adjourned and he remains in a Melbourne detention hotel
Elsewhere, Italy's government announces compulsory vaccinations for people over the age of 50
The UK reported 194,747 new cases on Wednesday, plus 334 deaths
England's current Plan B rules will continue for now, Boris Johnson has confirmed, despite intense pressure on many hospitals
1 in 15 people in England now have virus
7 Jan 2022: New figures from NHS England reveal the extent to which Covid is affecting staff at hospitals
There were 39,142 staff at England hospital trusts off work for Covid reasons on 2 January
That is a 59% rise compared to the previous week
The biggest percentage jump in absences for all reasons was in north-east England and Yorkshire
Armed Forces have sent 200 personnel to NHS hospitals in London to tackle staff shortages
Royal College of Nursing says deployment shows government cannot deny there is a "staffing crisis"
From Sunday, fully vaccinated travellers to the UK will be able to take a cheaper LFT within two days of arriving
Arrivals who receive a positive lateral flow result must take a PCR test - which can be a free NHS one
Australia is checking the visas of other tennis players, after detaining Novak Djokovic in a vaccine rules row
Mask refusals in some of England's secondary schools spark parents' concern
8 Jan 2022: No need for a fourth Covid jab yet, say UK advisers
No 10 drinks may have broken Covid rules - Cummings
Canada party plane 'idiots' fly home to face music
Fertility treatment has been deferred for all patients who are not fully vaccinated in Scotland
Novak Djokovic: Having Covid gave tennis star vaccine exemption - lawyers
Texas teacher 'locked Covid-positive son in car boot'
Covid: Different rules across UK causing fatigue, expert says
9 Jan 2022: UK records more than 150,000 Covid deaths
How rapid tests changed the pandemic.
"They have been the single most powerful tool in reducing transmission of the virus," says professor of epidemiology.
No fans at Six Nations may devastate Welsh economy
Covid infection gave Djokovic exemption - lawyers
Thousands oppose stricter French Covid pass
Covid-19: Cutting self-isolation to five days would be helpful, former vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi says
Hospital boss admits they may lose staff over compulsory vaccines
10 Jan 2022: Boris Johnson says the government will "look at the science" over cutting the isolation period from 7 days to 5
We have to ensure we "see off" the Omicron wave, the prime minister adds on a visit to a vaccination centre
After newspaper reports that free lateral flow tests could end, the PM says we'll continue to use testing as an important line of defence
Michael Gove also denies the government plans to stop supplying free lateral flow tests, calling them vital
Some 100,000 critical staff including food processing, transport and the border force will start to receive LFT today
The cancellation of the unvaccinated tennis star's Australian visa has been quashed
Australian government could yet make another move to block his entry
11 Jan 2022: About 100 people were invited to a "bring-your-own-booze" drinks party in Downing St garden in the first lockdown
Witnesses say Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were among about 30 people at the gathering on 20 May 2020
The PM has declined to say if he was there after ITV News obtained the original email invitation
No 10 says the gathering - and others - are subject to an independent probe by a top civil servant
Dr Hannah White, from Institute for Government, says it is "extremely unlikely" invites went out without the PM's consent
Meanwhile, from today, people asymptomatic no longer need a PCR test to confirm a positive lateral flow in England
The change reflects high Covid in the community and the accuracy of rapid tests, the UK Health Security Agency says
12 Jan 2022: Boris Johnson will face MPs shortly following fresh revelations of a drinks party at No 10 during the first lockdown
Witnesses say both the PM and his wife were among about 30 people there - but he has declined to confirm or deny this
No 10 says it is waiting for the results of an inquiry
On Tuesday another 379 Covid deaths were recorded in the UK, as well as 120,821 new cases
Covid cases in the UK are on the way down - at least according to the daily figures released by the government
Novak Djokovic admits breaking isolation while Covid positive
Government's PPE 'VIP lane' unlawful, court rules
13 Jan 2022: The PM is facing calls to resign from Labour and some senior Tories after attending a drinks party during lockdown
Boris Johnson has apologised for the way he handled the May 2020 event in the No 10 garden
But Cabinet members have defended their leader, calling on people to wait for the results of an inquiry
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted their support late yesterday evening
Johnson has now cancelled a scheduled visit to Lancashire because a family member has tested positive for Covid
England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam is leaving his role
France is relaxing its travel rules for vaccinated Brits, who will no longer need a compelling reason to go there
The UK recorded 129,587 new cases and 398 deaths on Wednesday
Isolation period for people Covid test positive has been cut to "five full days" in England, Sajid Javid announces
Hospital waiting lists hit six million in England
Next cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff forced to self-isolate
14 Jan 2022: Boris Johnson is facing further calls to resign, after it emerged his staff held two leaving parties in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral
The Telegraph reports around 30 people were drinking alcohol and dancing until the early hours
The next day, Queen Elizabeth sat alone the funeral of her husband of 73 years, in line with social distancing rules
Johnson was not at either gathering
BBC account of all those parties
Australia has revoked Djokovic's visa for a second time over his right to remain in the country unvaccinated
UK economy above pre-Covid levels in November
Covid in Wales: Restrictions to ease after Omicron peak
15 Jan 2022: Covid in Wales: Rules easing welcomed by sports clubs
Novak Djokovic: Tennis star detained ahead of deportation appeal
Endemic Covid: Is the pandemic entering its endgame?
Lead or step aside, senior Tory Tobias Ellwood tells Boris Johnson
Sutton Coldfield Tories vote unanimously against PM
Reported UK Covid cases at lowest level for a month
16 Jan 2022: Novak Djokovic: Tennis star deported after losing Australia visa battle
17 Jan 2022: It is "cautiously good news" that Covid cases seem to be falling across England, an infection modeller says
Prof Mike Tildesley tells BBC Breakfast "it's pretty clear that the Omicron wave is slowing down"
The UK recorded 70,924 daily Covid cases on Sunday - the lowest figure since 14 December
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi says England is now in a "better place" for restrictions to be eased later this month
Hundreds more train services cut because of staff shortages
Meanwhile, the PM continues to face pressure over lockdown parties held in Downing Street
People with Covid in England can now stop self-isolating on day 6 if they test negative on days five and six
Large outdoor public events e.g. football can take place again after some of Scotland's Covid restrictions were relaxed
18 Jan 2022: PM was warned about lockdown drinks - Cummings
Job vacancies hit a record high in the first figures that exclude the government's furlough scheme (Oct-Dec)
Unvaccinated staff at supermarket chain Morrisons who test negative but must isolate will see their sick pay cut
Anti-vax protesters fighting UK vaccine rollout using "common law" (doesn't exist)
19 Jan 2022: Boris Johnson is expected to announce an easing of England's coronavirus restrictions later, as he also battles to save his position
The PM and ministers are holding a cabinet meeting to look at Covid-19 data before making a final decision
England's Plan B measures are set to expire in a week's time
This includes work from home guidance and face masks in shops and on transport
Johnson will make a statement on Covid restrictions in the Commons later - around 12.40
The head of the WHO meanwhile warns the global pandemic "is nowhere near over"
France, for example, reported nearly half a million daily cases on Tuesday
The UK recorded 438 deaths yesterday - the highest daily number since February - and 94,432 cases
And a study finds depression and anxiety rose over Christmas in the UK, particularly among young people
20 Jan 2022: People in England are being urged to return to offices, as advice to work from home is lifted
The UK is entering a new chapter in its fight against Covid-19, the health secretary says
Sajid Javid says it is the right time to ease Plan B restrictions in England as Omicron is in "retreat"
From today, secondary pupils in England no longer have to wear face coverings in classrooms
Compulsory face masks in public places and Covid passport rules will also end next Thursday
NHS staff absences due to Covid are falling across the country
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson continues to be under pressure over lockdown parties held at No 10
But a minister says Tory MPs are starting to think twice about a leadership challenge
21 Jan 2022: Wales' first minister accuses UK government of "abandoning the science"
Mark Drakeford, the Welsh Labour leader, says UK ministers are using Covid announcements "to distract people's attention from the awful mess" in Westminster
Measures eased in Wales today, with thousands of fans set to return to sporting stadiums
Pubs and restaurants will also be able to operate outdoors without the rule of six or social distancing
Northern Ireland is bringing in new rules on shorter self-isolation periods and table service in pubs and restaurants
Meanwhile Adele has postponed her Las Vegas residency 24 hours before it was due to start, blaming Covid
On Thursday, the UK reported 107,364 new cases and 330 deaths within 28 days of a positive test
22 Jan 2022: Kiribati goes into first lockdown after Covid flight cases
MP blackmail claims: Tory William Wragg to meet police (over threats re party fury)
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defends Covid hamster cull
23 Jan 2022: Covid: New Zealand PM Ardern cancels wedding amid Omicron wave
24 Jan 2022: Covid restrictions introduced to tackle Omicron are eased in Scotland
The changes, which take effect this morning, mean nightclubs and large indoor events can return
But people are still being asked to work from home and take lateral flow tests before meeting others
In France, adults must show a vaccination pass to visit cafes, restaurants and cinemas - negative tests no longer enough
The chief executives of the UK's largest airlines ask government for an end to coronavirus-related travel restrictions
Ministers are expected to approve a further relaxation of England's international travel testing rules when they meet today
The report into Downing Street parties during lockdown is due to be delivered this week
Welsh care providers say they could employ unvaccinated workers who've left their jobs under NHS England's mandatory vaccination policy
Covid-19 should not be compared to the flu, a top World Health Organization official has said.
25 Jan 2022: Police to investigate Downing Street lockdown parties
Holiday bookings jump as Covid travel tests axed
About a million children - 1/8 pupils - were absent from schools in England last Thursday, as Covid cases rose.
26 Jan 2022: Two-thirds with Omicron say they have had Covid before
Sainsbury's asks shoppers and staff to keep wearing masks
Boris Johnson set for Commons fight as No 10 parties report looms
Unvaccinated man denied heart transplant by Boston hospital
27 Jan 2022: Care home restrictions to be eased in England
Face mask rules and Covid passes end in England
28 Jan 2022: Welsh restrictions are easing, nightclubs being allowed to open and the "rule of six" out for pubs and restaurants
In Scotland, social distancing reverts to one metre in indoor settings, and adults taking part in organised activities with under-fives won't need a face mask
The Met have confirmed they want "minimal reference" in the Sue Gray report to events they're investigating
But they say they are not behind the delay to the report's publication, which had been expected this week
The timing of Novak Djokovic's positive Covid test used to enter Australia is in doubt
Scientists are warning that more dangerous variants could emerge unless people in poorer countries get vaccinated
29 Jan 2022: Joni Mitchell has joined Neil Young to remove her music from Spotify over Covid misinformation concerns
Long Covid: Hidden lung damage spotted on scans
Sue Gray won't wait for police probe
NHS staff seek jobs over border to avoid jab
Posts claiming just 17,000 died of Covid 'factually incorrect'
30 Jan 2022: Covid jabs offered to at-risk five to 11-year-olds in England
National Insurance to rise from April
Expert queries Wales' schools face-mask policy
The UK reported another 72,727 new Covid cases and 296 more deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test
31 Jan 2022: Ministers will meet later to decide whether to end mandatory jabs for NHS staff in England
Patricia Marquis, head of the Royal College of Nursing England, says mandatory vaccines are "not the way to go"
Sue Gray's report into Downing Street parties during Covid restrictions is with Boris Johnson
Front-line NHS workers must be fully vaccinated by 1 April - so they'll need a first dose by Thursday
Health bosses say the policy will cause a staffing crisis. Tens of thousands of NHS workers remain un-jabbed
Restrictions eased in care homes in England, with self-isolation periods reduced and the limit on visitors scrapped
In Scotland, work from home advice is ending, but the government wants a "phased return to the office"
It's two years since the first Covid patients in the UK were taken into hospital
Covid index - December 2021 - February 2022
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© Jo Edkins 2024