Boris Johnson confirms final Christmas Covid-19 tiers decision date in letter to MPs

Convicted rapist and murderer Wayne Couzens has been placed in isolation after catching coronavirus in prison with reports suggesting he is "suffering badly".

Train services are set to increase again as ScotRail recovers from staff shortages following a Covid surge over the festive period.

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a news conference after a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill February 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. McConnell told reporters he disagrees with fo WASHINGTON - Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is going against the Republican National Committee calling the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services, Dr. Hemanth Herath has slammed the organizing of mass gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 spread in the island.‘This is not something that needs to be said over again.

Truckers paralysing the Canadian capital in anger at Covid rules show no sign of backing down, as several of the nation's provinces announced it was time to roll back restrictions that count among the world's toughest.

First nasal spray for covid-19 treatment in India: For the treatment of adult patients suffering from Covid-19, pharma company Glenmark has launched Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (FabiSpray) in India. The nasal spray was launched by the pharma company in partnership with SaNOtize. "Phase 3 trial in India met the key endpoints and demonstrated reduction of viral load of 94 per cent in 24 hours and 99 per cent in 48 hours. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) was safe and well-tolerated in COVID-19 patients. Glenmark to market NONS under the brand name FabiSpray," the company said in a statement.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!!

ladies tights such as pantyhose on your face could reduce the risk of getting Covid, more so than masks.A major risk identified with commonly worn face masks is that they do not fit tightly enough to block viral particles from being inhaled or exhaled significantly.Cambridge University researchers have tested seven hacks to improve the fit of masks.Their new study outlined DIY hacks people have used to make masks fit better, including using rubber bands or tape.They found the most effective tactic was to wrap pantyhose around the bottom half of the face or on top of a mask.Researchers have said that this could reduce the number of viral particles by up to seven times more than a loose mask on its own by sealing the gaps around the nose and mouth.They raised that the social and physical impact of wearing tights on your face in public was "unlikely to be tolerated for an extended period of time".Tight-fitting medical masks are great at blocking out the virus, but many describe them as uncomfortable.The study raised that the most common surgical or cloth masks are far less resistant to Covid.Cambridge researchers recruited four volunteers to try seven different mask hacks - the study looked at both surgical and KN95 masks.Other methods included tying the ear bands to make the masks fit more tightly or stuffing the gaps with bandages.Participants did seven minutes of various exercises designed to mimic real-world interactions such as talking, smiling, nodding and eating.The researchers measured how well the masks fit by monitoring the filtration efficiency and calculating a 'fit factor' score.Pantyhose and cloth tape were most effective, increasing the fit factor by 27.7 and 14.7.Surgical masks performed better if worn in

Epik High frontman Tablo has tested positive for COVID-19.OURS, Epik High’s management agency, confirmed the news through a press statement released earlier today (February 9).“Tablo experienced minor symptoms on February 3 and underwent PCR testing, and his results came back negative the next day (January 4),” the agency said, as translated by Soompi. “However, he voluntarily got tested again on February 8, and his results came back positive this morning.”The statement also noted that the rest of Epik High and staff members who were recently in contact with Tablo underwent rapid antigen testing following the hip-hop artist’s diagnosis.

New Zealand anti-vaccine mandate protesters faced off with police outside parliament today, as demonstrators camped inside the Wellington legislature's grounds vowed to stay "as long as it takes".

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has announced the province’s public health restrictions will now be lifting, while a blockade of protesters demanding an end to mandates resumes at the U.S.-Canada border crossing near Coutts. Heather Yourex-West looks at the province’s plan, and whether it will be enough to satiate demonstrators.

Director Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker joins Global News’ Linda Olsen to discuss how she is using her experiences growing up Black in Calgary and how that has inspired her art.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to press hard on the importance of COVID-19 vaccines. But Quebec Liberal MP Joël Lightbound is challenging his own government’s strategy, demanding Trudeau to stop driving up divisions and deliver a roadmap to end public health mandates.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Thousands of Sri Lankan health workers are on strike for the third consecutive day, citing several demands.The trade unions demand that the authorities eliminate existing salary disparities in the sector just as they eliminated the teacher and principal salary anomalies.Health workers across Sri Lanka including nurses, and Public Health Inspectors are on strike citing multiple demands.They resorted to the indefinite trade union action from Monday (7).As a result of the strike activities at the Colombo General Hospital, Kandy General Hospital, 24 Teaching Hospitals, 26 General Hospitals, 46 Base Hospitals, 410 District Hospitals, and 293 MOH Officers came to a complete standstill.

PHILADELPHIA - Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department are searching for two men wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a Domino’s Pizza in North Philadelphia. According to police, the robbery took place on Monday around 1:00 a.m. at the location on 2628 N.

A majority of Brits feel the Government's handling of coronavirus has been a national humiliation.

Sir Keir Starmer is self-isolating after coming into contact with a positive case. The 58-year-old politician will continue working but from home after a member of his private office staff caught the bug.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is self-isolating at home again after a member of his private office staff tested positive for coronavirus.

direct to your inbox A mum who was left 'scared' by Boris Johnson daily updates has lost half her body weight to protect herself from coronavirus.

coronavirus restrictions from tomorrow. MPs have now voted to approve the increased regulations that will see three tiers of restrictions applied to counties across the country.

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inboxMPs have voted in favour of the new coronavirus tiers in the House of Commons, set to be introduced this week.Prime Minister Boris Johnson's proposals passed in the House of Commons by 291 votes to 78 after the Labour Party abstained. It marks the biggest Conservative rebellion of this Parliament.

Boris Johnson will create more localised tiers that will only last for two months – as he faces a rebellion on a vote this evening.The Prime Minister is desperately trying to win support from backbench Tory MPs ahead of a vote on the new measures at 7pm. The tiers are set to be reviewed in mid-December if they are voted through.

direct to your inboxBoris Johnson has urged people to get a coronavirus test before they visit elderly relatives over Christmas.However, health officials have said community testing may not be fully up and running until the new year.Opening a Commons debate on the government’s new tier system for England, the prime minister said lateral flow tests were being rolled out across the country.Asked by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey whether tests would be available to anyone visiting family members over Christmas, he said: ”It is open for people to get a lateral flow test.“In general, the testing system is available, at the moment, for people who have symptoms.“But I would urge people who are worried that they may need to be in the company

LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to vote Tuesday for a new set of coronavirus restrictions in England, saying the country must “hold our nerve” until vaccines are approved and distributed.England’s current four-week national lockdown ends at midnight, and the government plans to replace it starting Wednesday with a three-tier regional system based on the severity of the outbreak in different parts of the country.The change requires Parliament’s approval, and it faces opposition from lawmakers — many from Johnson's own Conservative Party — who say the measures will devastate businesses, especially pubs, which face some of the tightest restrictions.

plans are approved. Dozens of Tory MPs are furious their areas are being left under tight restrictions as England emerges from a nationwide lockdown.Up to 100 MP Tory MPs could refuse to back the measures despite an assurance they will get a review in January.Johnson is expected to win the Commons vote on the new rules but only because Labour and the SNP are to abstain on the measures.

Disinformation about Covid-19 vaccines is still spreading on social media sites despite promises from firms to clamp down on the scourge.

Downing Street has warned celebrities flouting coronavirus rules such as Rita Ora and Laurence Fox that they could potentially face police action.A No.10 spokesperson said prime minister Boris Johnson was “clear” that everyone needs to follow the restrictions, “including celebrities”, and stressing that “it’s up to police to decide what action to take” if they are broken.It came after pop singer Rita Ora reportedly broke lockdown rules by holding a 30th birthday party for 30 people at a west London restaurant on Saturday.Meanwhile, controversial actor Laurence Fox was condemned on social media after boasting of having a “large group” over for lunch, where they “hugged, ate and put the world to rights”. When I read this tweet, I just think -

Covid-19 tore through Downing Street in the first wave of the pandemic.

Boris Johnson will today publish the Government’s assessment of the impact of Covid-19 tiers on health and the economy, as he faces down a backbench revolt on the measures.

Business as usual: Mid-tier firms predict rapid recovery after vaccine rolloutAccording to The Guardian no names are thought to have been confirmed, however Rashford, who is widely admired for his child food poverty campaign, is understood to be considered an ideal candidate, along with the likes of the royal family. Politicians will not be used.Moderna and Pfizer/Biontech said their vaccines were more than 90 per cent effective. Boris Johnson appoints new minister for UK coronavirus vaccine rolloutAstrazeneca/Oxford University announced that their jab was around 70 per cent effective, although some have questioned the data.

Boris Johnson’s pet dog Dilyn may have caught the coronavirus as the deadly bug swept through Downing Street, it has been claimed.

The UK is at risk of a third wave of coronavirus infections in January unless it gets the balance of restrictions right, a Cabinet minister has warned.

A Conservative former health secretary has said Boris Johnson should have scrapped plans for lockdown easing over Christmas.

Mass rapid testing is just the latest in a long line of game-changing Covid-19 breakthroughs hailed by Boris Johnson which may not deliver on the promise.

Covid-19 vaccine candidate, the government said in a statement on Sunday. The country now has access to a total of 357 million doses of vaccines from 7 different developers, it added.The new deal came a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson named Nadhim Zahawi, a junior business minister, to be minister responsible for the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines.Britain now has access to enough doses of Moderna's vaccine candidate for around 3.5 million people.

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inboxEngland's coronavirus tier system – which many have slammed as nonsensical and unfair – could end in just nine weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly told Tory MPs this evening.According to the Daily Telegraph, the prime minister said in a letter to Conservative MPs on Saturday night that the much maligned Covid tier system could end on February 3, as any continued measures would need to be voted on in Parliament around January 27.Mr Johnson reportedly wrote: "The Government will again need to secure Parliament’s support before then, in order for the tiered approach to remain in place until the end of March as we believe

This picture taken on May 23, 2020 shows a laboratory technician holding a dose of a COVID-19 novel coronavirus vaccine candidate LONDON - The British government appointed a vaccines minister on Saturday as it prepares to inoculate millions of people against the coronavirus, potentially starting within days.Penn Medicine's Dr. Mike Cirigliano talks with Thomas Drayton, of FOX 29 News Philadelphia, about more promising news on the COVID-19 vaccine front.

coronavirus vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer next week and deliveries would begin within hours of the authorization, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.The first immunizations using the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine could take place from Dec. 7, the Financial Times said, citing unnamed sources.Earlier in the day, U.K.

coronavirus after a laboratory error, the Department of Health and Social Care told Reuters on Saturday.“NHS Test and Trace has contacted 1,311 individuals who were incorrectly told that the result of COVID-19 tests, taken between Nov. 19 and Nov.

London: The British government appointed a vaccines minister on Saturday as it prepares to inoculate millions of people against the coronavirus, potentially starting within days.Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Conservative lawmaker Nadhim Zahawi will oversee the country’s biggest vaccine program in decades.The U.K. medicines regulator is currently assessing two vaccines — one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the other by Oxford University and AstraZeneca — to see if they are safe and effective.

the Financial Times reported on Saturday.

LONDON – The British government appointed a vaccines minister on Saturday as it prepares to inoculate millions of people against the coronavirus, potentially starting within days.Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Conservative lawmaker Nadhim Zahawi will oversee the country’s biggest vaccine program in decades.The U.K. medicines regulator is currently assessing two vaccines — one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the other by Oxford University and AstraZeneca — to see if they are safe and effective.

Boris Johnson has appointed Tory minister Nadhim Zahawi to oversee the deployment of the coronavirus vaccine.

Boris Johnson placed millions in a second lockdown at the start of November which is due to end on December 2. Next month England will enter a three-tier system to replace the current lockdown.

England's coronavirus tier system won't be lifted until Easter Monday, according to reports.

Harlow in Essex is the latest area to record a spike in coronavirus infection rates, as England's lockdown comes to an end.

Boris Johnson spoke with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss a wide range of global and bilateral issues, including collaboration on COVID-19 vaccine, climate change, and trade and investment flows.Downing Street said Johnson reiterated the year 2021 as an important one for UK-India ties and also re-emphasised the UK's commitment to the wider Indo-Pacific region, ahead of the first deployment of the HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier group to the region next year."The leaders discussed the work the UK and India are doing together across trade, climate change, defence, security and health.