South African Covid variant able to ‘break through’ Pfizer vaccine, Israeli study warns April 11, 2021 The relatively aggressive coronavirus variant first discovered in South Africa is able to “break through” Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine, according to a real-world study that was published in Israel yesterday. The SA mutation seems to be more effective in bypassing the vaccine than the original Covid-19 strain, as well as the British variant, known as the [...]
EU regulator probes possible blood clot risk with Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine April 9, 2021 The EU’s medicines regulator has announced it will investigate possible links between rare blood clots and Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot coronavirus vaccine. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it will review four serious cases of rare clots with low platelets in patients that had received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — one of which was [...]
Restaurants may be reopening but delivery kits are here to stay April 9, 2021 It’s just days until we’re allowed to sit outside and eat a socially distanced meal with people from one other household – a concept that’s far more appealing than that sentence might suggest. But that doesn’t mean the home delivery restaurant-in-a-box revolution is over. With top chefs and restaurants from across the culinary spectrum now [...]
Boots to offer free rapid Covid tests at 1,500 pharmacies April 9, 2021 Boots is offering free rapid Covid tests at more than 1,500 pharmacies across England as part of the government’s new testing drive. People without symptoms will be able to visit their local Boots pharmacy and collect a free box of seven lateral flow devices (LFDs) to use twice weekly at home. Marc Donovan, chief pharmacist [...]
France, Germany and Australia turn to alternative Covid vaccines amid Astrazeneca blood clot concerns April 9, 2021 A growing number of countries have begun to turn their backs on Astrazeneca’s Covid vaccine amid fears over a potential link to blood clots, despite health agencies around the world insisting it remains safe and effective. France this morning said it was preparing to recommend that under-55s seek an alternative vaccine even if they have [...]
Sporting bodies back vaccine passports and Covid tests for return of live events April 9, 2021 The UK’s leading sports bodies have backed the use of vaccine passports and Covid testing as a “credible” means of returning punters to stadiums this summer. In a joint letter to the leaders of the major political parties, the group said it could “see the benefit” of rolling out Covid certifications and rapid testing “in [...]
Under-30s face AstraZeneca vaccine cancellations from tomorrow April 8, 2021 Under-30s who were booked in to receive their first Covid-19 jab will now have their appointments cancelled, following the change in advice on the AstraZeneca vaccine. From tomorrow anyone aged under 30 who was scheduled for a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine will have their appointment cancelled. Individuals will then be asked to [...]
UK to achieve herd immunity by Monday, modelling shows April 8, 2021 Britain is on track to achieve herd immunity against coronavirus on Monday, according to the latest modelling by University College London (UCL). The UCL research, seen by The Telegraph, estimates that almost three-quarters of people in the UK will have immunity from the virus either through vaccination or previous infection by 12 April. The Scientific Advisory Groups [...]
In-person conferences to return to the capital with fintech event April 8, 2021 In-person conferences are set to return in July with Fintech Week London, as lockdown restrictions ease after a socially starved year. “Virtual conferences have served us well during the pandemic, but there’s nothing like being around fellow professionals and immersing yourself in face-to-face conversations,” CEO of Fintech Week London, Raf De Kimpe, said. “The Covid-19 [...]
London reports zero Covid deaths as cases slump to September levels April 8, 2021 London recorded zero Covid-related deaths yesterday for the third time this year, as infections slumped to levels not seen since September. The daily death toll has previously fallen to nil on 28 March and 27 February, with cases continuing to decline across the bulk of boroughs. Just 317 coronavirus infections were reported in the capital [...]
