Mancunians have delivered a resounding endorsement to the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops and on public transport as the UK braces itself against the new Covid variant.

Health secretary Sajid Javid took to the BBC's Andrew Marr Show today to explain why mask-wearing from Tuesday onwards was necessary and that PCR tests would be required 'as soon as possible' for all overseas arrivals.

The measures, he said, would ensure that 'we can all continue to enjoy Christmas with our families'. Although the government has stopped short of extending vaccine passports to England, there were those on the streets of the city centre today, who believe much more stringent measures are necessary. READ MORE:Oasis tribute band and 50 punters trapped

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COVID-19: Wastewater shows decline of virus in Waterloo Region may have hit a wall

COVID-19 wastewater signal in the last few weeks has slowed or plateaued at all sites,” medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang told reporters on Friday morning.

city Waterloo virus covid-19 testing

Despite decline in patients, Waterloo hospitals remain ‘under great pressure’: Wang

COVID-19 patients in area hospitals continues to decline but that has not relieved the pressure on hospitals, according to the region’s top doctor.According to Friday’s dashboard update, there are 75 patients in the three hospitals in Waterloo Region, including 20 who are in need of intensive care. Premier Doug Ford declares state of emergency amid protests at land border and in Ottawa Three weeks ago, on Jan.

Doug Ford Hsiu-Li Wang city Ottawa city Waterloo hospital death patient

Ambassador Bridge protest blockade disrupts car manufacturing sector

As protesters remain at the Ambassador Bridge, the blockade disrupting the busiest border crossing between Canada and the U.S. is taking a toll on economies on both sides.

Canada economy Action Manufacturing

Covid-19 Ayrshire: List of next week's vaccination drop-ins as residents urged to roll up sleeves for jabs

Ayrshire residents are being urged to roll up their sleeves for Covid-19 vaccination jabs.

covid-19 vaccine Provident

Ontario on track to remove ‘almost all restrictions’ on businesses ‘very soon,’ Doug Ford says

Doug Ford says the province is on track to “very soon” lift “almost all” COVID-related restrictions on businesses.The premier made the remarks during a press conference Friday morning, where he declared a state of emergency in the province due to ongoing protests and blockades, sparked by opposition to COVID-19 measures.Ford said he understands many people are frustrated, but urged the “illegal occupation” in Ottawa and at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor to end.“There’s no doubt these were the right decisions,” Ford said of his government’s move to impose measures in a bid to combat COVID-19. Timeline to lift all COVID-19 measures in Ontario coming soon, top doctor says “There’s no doubt they protected our hospitals from collapse and saved lives.

Doug Ford Kieran Moore county Ontario city Ottawa county Windsor county Ford county Moore city Moore covid-19 recommendations Health track

COVID-19: MLHU reports 3 deaths, LHSC has 87 COVID inpatients

Middlesex-London Health Unit reported three deaths and 117 COVID-19 cases on Friday, compared with three deaths and 122 cases last Friday.The deaths involved three women in their 70s, 80s and 90s. The woman in her 90s was associated with a long-term care home. LHSC, meanwhile, is caring for 87 inpatients with COVID-19, 20 of whom are in adult critical care.As noted, LHSC is caring for 87 COVID-19 inpatients, with 20 inpatients in adult critical care.

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With low COVID vaccine uptake, rural US bore brunt of Delta surge

Rural US counties with low COVID-19 vaccination rates had 2.4 times more infections per 100,000 people than urban counties amid the summer 2021 Delta surge, according to a study published yesterday in JAMA Network Open.

Delta Covid Usa state West Virginia state Florida state Texas state Missouri state Virginia state Louisiana state Colorado state Georgia city Cincinnati covid-19 vaccine infection

Reality check on Alberta politicians’ statements on schools, COVID-19 transmission and vaccines

#AbEd #AbLeg pic.twitter.com/NIDW973Tg0— Adriana LaGrange (@AdrianaLaGrange) February 10, 2022Dr. Chris Mody, head of the department of microbiology, immunology and infectious disease at the University of Calgary, said there’s no data to suggest children “pose absolutely no threat” as the education minister claimed.However, Mody said the correlation between symptom severity and viral load taken with the observations that children tend to have less severe symptoms could mean children have less viral load with a COVID-19 infection, with a caveat.

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FDA postpones advisory meeting on COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 5

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. regulators on Friday put the brakes on their push to speed Pfizer's COVID-19 to children under 5, creating major uncertainty about how soon the shots could become available.The Food and Drug Administration had urged Pfizer and its partner BioNTech to apply for authorization of extra-low doses of its vaccine for the youngest children before studies were even finished — citing the toll the omicron variant has taken on children.Kids between the ages of 5 and 11 are now eligible to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.Next week, FDA advisers were supposed to publicly debate if youngsters should starting getting two shots before it's clear if they'd actually need a third.But Friday, the FDA reversed course and said it had become clear it needed to wait for data on how well that third shot works for this age group.

Peter Marks Washington covid-19 vaccine

‘10 Truths About Love’: Watch the ‘timeless’ rom-com on Tubi for Valentine’s Day

Los Angeles - Love is in the air — well, on Tubi it is! FOX’s free streaming platform kicks off its Valentine’s Day slate with "10 Truths About Love," a new original rom-com starring Camilla Belle and David LaFontaine. Written by frequent romance scribe Shannon Latimer ("A Whirlwind Wedding," "Ghosts of Christmas Past"), the feel-good movie features a thriving romance columnist Carina (Belle) who thinks she’s got her love life all figured out — until her longtime boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her.Meanwhile, Carina’s editor hires a new writer, Liam (Lafontaine), to work with her and give the column a male perspective. Subsequently, the two clash over their approach, but to prove himself, Liam offers to help Carina get her ex-boyfriend back.

Los Angeles state California county Day county Hill city Beverly Hills, state California county Love Hollywood stars platform

76ers wait on Harden's debut following big trade for Simmons

James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets passes the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of their game at Golden 1 Center on February 02, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d CAMDEN, N.J. - The oversized Ben Simmons magazine cover that hung inside the 76ers' training complex was gone.The former MVP acquired for the one-time franchise guard? Well, James Harden wasn't in town, either, and his debut for Philadelphia is on hold at least until next week.But yet another new era is soon set to begin for the Sixers as they chase their first NBA title since 1983, this time with the superstar pairing of Harden and MVP candidate Joel Embiid.The clock is ticking for Harden to win a championship.Harden, though, will not play for the Sixers in games Friday and Saturday night, and he won't play until he's evaluated this weekend by the team's performance staff.The earliest Harden could play for Philly is at home Tuesday against Boston.

Joel Embiid state California state New Jersey city Boston county Camden city Houston city Milwaukee city Brooklyn city Sacramento, state California city Oklahoma City county Kings Sacramento, county Kings Ball Career Camden

White House urges Americans to leave Ukraine in next ‘24 to 48’ hours; Russian invasion could be days away

WASHINGTON - The White House is urging Americans to leave Ukraine in next "24 to 48 hours," warning U.S. won't rescue civilians if Russia invades.The White House has expressed increasing alarm about the prospects of a war, and Biden has been looking to solidify support among European allies for economy-jarring sanctions against Russia if it moves further with an invasion.KHARKIV REGION, UKRAINE - FEBRUARY 10, 2022 - Soldiers operate a military vehicle during the drills of the Ivan Sirko 92nd Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kharkiv Region, northeastern Ukraine.

Joe Biden Vladimir Putin Winter Olympics Jake Sullivan John Kirby Usa Washington county White Russia Ukraine region Kharkiv president information strain

Canada trucker protest: Ontario declares state of emergency over truck blockades

TORONTO - Canadian authorities Friday turned up the legal and public pressure on protesters to lift their blockades in Ottawa and at the U.S. border, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warning: "This unlawful activity has to end and it will end."Federal, provincial and local officials moved simultaneously on different fronts to break the standoff, which began with truckers and others angry over the country's COVID-19 restrictions and has morphed into a broader attack from the right on Trudeau and his Liberal government, cheered on by conservatives in the U.S."We heard you.

Doug Ford Justin Trudeau Canada county Ontario city Ottawa county Windsor covid-19 vaccine Government

COVID and Americans' Trust in Government

The Lancet, in part using Gallup World Poll data, demonstrated a significant correlation between trust in government and COVID-19 infections. The review looked at COVID-related outcomes, trust in government and interpersonal trust (along with many other variables) across 177 countries.

Usa vaccine Government infection

Queen's Covid scare sparks debate over role that could see Andrew step in for monarch

The Queen's recent Covid-19 scare has sparked debate over which royals should be allowed to step in for her if she is unable to fulfil her duties.

Harry Princeharry Charles Princecharles prince Andrew Williams Usa Britain state California city Dubai county Williams county Andrew county Prince William county Charles testing Monarch

Manitoba COVID-19 hospitalizations slowly on the decline

COVID-19 update, health officials said Friday the strain on Manitoba hospitals is slowly easing.According to the province, six Manitobans were checked out of hospital putting the number of those receiving care at 656. The ICU also went down by one, leaving the number of occupants at 41.

hospital covid-19 Health

Toronto officials prepare for weekend protests against COVID-19 measures

COVID-19 measures.Queen’s Park Circle was closed on Wednesday and remains blocked off from Bloor Street to College Street.College Street is also closed between Yonge and Bay streets.“Our objectives have and continue to be the public safety and to limit disruption to the city and its residents as much as possible,” Toronto police Chief James Ramer said at a press conference Friday updating plans on preparations for the protests. Roads closed around Queen’s Park in Toronto due to possible demonstration “We will continue to have a large police presence in and around the downtown core and in other areas around the city.

James Ramer county Park covid-19 Citi Parke

Substitute teacher removed from Farmington High School after making racist comment toward Black student

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A substitute teacher was recorded making a racist comment toward a Black student Thursday at Farmington High School."I was touching the teacher’s mic. I probably shouldn’t have been doing it," Keichean Wilson said.

county Hill state Michigan Injustice

Archdiocese of Philadelphia to make masks optional for students, staff in suburban county schools

PHILADELPHIA - The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced major changes to its COVID-19 protocols and masking policy on Friday afternoon. The use of masks will be optional for students and staff in elementary schools and high schools operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties beginning Feb.

state Pennsylvania Philadelphia state Delaware county Bucks county Chester county Montgomery covid-19 mask Ventilators

Two men wanted for robbery of Philadelphia Metro PCS, police say

PHILADELPHIA - Officers with Philadelphia police are asking for the public’s help to identify two men who allegedly robbed a Metro PCS in January. According to police, the robbery took place at the store on the 4600 block Frankford Avenue on Jan. 19, 2022 around 3:54 p.m. Police said the men entered the store with a gun and went to the counter and asked for money. After taking money, the men were last seen on Frankford Avenue. Police are searching for two suspects they say robbed a Metro PCS in Philadelphia on Jan.

city Philadelphia information Metro BLOCK

Guelph down to 11 hospital patients with COVID-19, 2 active outbreaks

Guelph General Hospital is reporting Friday that it is treating 11 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, while 17 staff members are off work due to the virus.Since Feb. 1, the number of patients has dropped by 17, while the number of staff away has dropped by 13.

city Wellington county Ontario city Ottawa hospital covid-19 vaccine

Ottawa vows update on COVID-19 border rules next week: ‘The worst is behind us’

COVID-19 border measures and expect to announce changes to the rules next week, said federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.Duclos spoke in a pandemic update alongside Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, who said the worst of this wave appears to be over.“Canada is past the peak of the Omicron wave,” Tam said, in a press conference that saw officials offering more information on a decline in cases across the country after roughly 20 to 25 per cent of the country became infected by the Omicron variant.“The worst is behind us,” Duclos added.Officials also emphasized that the highly infectious nature of Omicron means border controls have a limited impact because cases are already transmitting in Canadian communities.But they said it remains important to be aware that any changes may have to be reassessed in the event of future variants, and that the coronavirus will likely continue evolving.“Unfortunately, there may be more surprises,” said Duclos.The rapid spread of Omicron across the country began in late November 2021 and saw cases surge to record highs, sparking the imposition of tougher lockdowns in a bid to slow the spread.

Theresa Tam Scott Moe Jean-Yves Duclos Canada city Ottawa county Canadian covid-19 vaccine Health

University of Alberta public health faculty calls plan to phase out COVID-19 restrictions ‘reckless’

COVID-19 health measures in the province, saying it could prolong the pandemic.In an open letter sent to Premier Jason Kenney and top-ranking United Conservative officials, about 25 people with varied experience in public health, infectious diseases and social epidemiology say the government is using selective data to support its desired policies. Alberta business group slams decision to eliminate COVID-19 vaccine passport program The letter comes after an announcement Tuesday from Premier Jason Kenney that detailed a phased approach to drop all COVID-19 public health measures in the province.Alberta’s vaccine passport program has now ended and masking requirements for children under 12 are to end Monday, with most remaining measures to be lifted in March.The letter also says the group is concerned the government is removing freedoms from municipalities, post-secondary institutions and school boards to make risk-informed decisions to protect public health.They say it is a “reckless” plan considering waning immunity after two vaccine doses, slow uptake for third doses and lagging vaccination of Alberta children.

Jason Kenney covid-19 vaccine Health

Trucker protests: Ontario declares state of emergency

Premier Doug Ford says he is declaring a state of emergency in Ontario and will enact emergency orders to end the protests that have crippled Ottawa for the last two weeks and have recently blocked the land border crossing in Windsor.

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What Plan B Covid restrictions would be if implemented by the government

Plan B of Covid restrictions could soon be implemented by the government to tackle the Omicron variant, it has been reported.

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New Covid antiviral pill could be offered to patients before Christmas

The first at-home treatment for Covid-19 could reportedly be offered to patients before Christmas.

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U.K. joins Canada, U.S. in tightening travel restrictions amid Omicron spread

COVID-19 test before they board their flight.Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the new rules will apply from 4 a.m. London time Tuesday.

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New coronavirus rules on people travelling into the UK from 4am on Tuesday

All travellers arriving in England will be required to take a Covid-19 pre-departure test from 4am on Tuesday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said.

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UK buys enough covid vaccines to give everyone fourth jab as fears over Omicron grow

A deal to buy enough vaccines to give every adult a fourth dose of protection against covid has been signed by the UK government.

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01.12.2021 / 14:43

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How to book a Covid booster vaccine and when you could get yours

With the emergence of the new Omicron strain of Covid-19, the government is encouraging Brits to book their Covid booster vaccine as soon as possible.

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29.11.2021 / 21:35

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Health Secretary Sajid Javid expects Covid Omicron cases 'to rise over the coming days'

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he expects Omicron cases to "rise over the coming days", as experts warned the new Covid variant could reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.

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Third case of Omicron variant of coronavirus detected in UK

A third case of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been detected in the UK.

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Omicron COVID-19 variant might spread among fully vaccinated people: PM Johnson

Omicron' has caused worry among governments around the world, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said that there are chances that the new strain could spread among people who are double vaccinated.

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COVID-19 rules tighten as U.K., Germany, Italy report first cases of Omicron variant

Britain and Germany and Italy detected cases of the new Omicron coronavirus variant on Saturday and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new steps to contain the virus, while more nations imposed restrictions on travel from southern Africa.The discovery of the variant has sparked global concern, a wave of travel bans or curbs and a sell-off on financial markets on Friday as investors worried that Omicron could stall a global recovery from the nearly two-year pandemic.The two linked cases of the new variant detected in Britain were connected to travel to southern Africa, British health minister Sajid Javid said.Speaking later, Johnson laid out measures that included stricter testing rules for people arriving in the country but that

Boris Johnson Sajid Javid Italy Germany Britain covid-19 testing travelers

Scottish Government announce 2,287 new covid cases and 17 deaths in last 24 hours

The Scottish Government has confirmed there have been 2,287 new Covid-19 cases in the latest 24 hour period.

Sajid Javid Britain Scotland death Government Discover

UK detects Omicron cases, as more countries eye new COVID-19 variant

In the latest Omicron (B.1.1.529) COVID-19 variant developments, countries reported more suspected cases and more travel bans took effect, including one imposed by the United States yesterday.

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27.11.2021 / 18:23

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Boris Johnson to make an urgent statement tonight after new Covid-19 variant found in UK

Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference later today as the first cases of the new Covid-19 variant have been identified in the UK.

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27.11.2021 / 17:43

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Boris Johnson to address the nation as two cases of new Covid-19 variant detected in the UK

Two cases of the new Covid-19 variant have been identified in the UK, according to the health secretary.

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Mutant Omicron covid strain found in UK after two people test positive with testing ramped up

Two people infected with the mutant Omicron coronavirus strain have been identified in the UK.

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Two cases of new Covid-19 variant detected in UK

Two cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant which was first detected in southern Africa have been found in the UK, according to British health secretary Sajid Javid.

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Christmas lockdown on the cards as Omicron Covid mutation 'could be in UK already'

Covid-19 variant may already be in Britain.Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the Omicron strain, which has an unprecedented 32 mutations, may already have arrived from southern Africa after Belgium said it had a confirmed case.The World Health Organisation warned evidence suggests the variant has an increased risk of re-infection and may spread more rapidly.But despite previous reports, it appears the new strain may not be as resistant to vaccines as first feared.The UK yesterday banned flights from six southern Africa countries, as experts fear festive restrictions may be required to tackle the spread of the variant, which was named Omicron by the World Health Organisation.But it's feared the variant may already be here after it emerged

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New Covid strain branded 'variant of concern' as new strain 'threatens holidays'

Covid-19.The B.1.1.529 variant, also known as the Omicron or Nu variant after the WHO declared it a "variant of concern", has also been detected in Belgium, Israel, Malawi and Hong Kong. There is widespread speculation that other countries could be added to the Red List at very short notice.Travel industry experts fear its emergence could threaten Christmas holidays for Brits.

Sajid Javid Britain Israel Hong Kong South Africa Belgium Malawi travelers strain Health

New COVID-19 variant is ‘huge international concern,’ UK health secretary says

LONDON - A worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa is causing concern among health officials worldwide. The U.K.‘s health security agency has classified B.1.1.529 as a new variant under investigation, and the country has identified the potential threat of the new variant and alerted international partners. While there are currently no detected cases of the variant in the U.K., the country’s health secretary told Parliament on Friday that the new COVID-19 variant was "of huge international concern" and that it was "highly likely" that it has spread to countries beyond where it has been detected.Britain's Health Secretary Sajid Javid speaks during a press conference at Downing Street on October 20, 2021

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26.11.2021 / 18:01

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Sajid Javid warns new Covid variant could pose 'substantial risk to public health'

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has warned that a new variant of Covid could pose a "substantial risk to public health", as he told MPs the government would be introducing new travel restrictions on effected countries.

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Nicola Sturgeon tells Scots 'don't press the panic button' as concerns grow over covid variant

Nicola Sturgeon has said Scots should not be "pressing the panic button" over growing concerns about a new variant of covid discovered in southern Africa.

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'Worst ever' super mutant Covid variant: Hunt for passengers who just arrived in UK

Coronavirus with them, has begun.Alarm bells started ringing last night, when Health Minister Sajid Javid confirmed that six African countries were being added to the Red travel list, due to the dangerousness of the new variant – known as the “nu” variant.Anyone coming from South Africa and its surrounding countries Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe will be forced to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.There are worries that the new variant is more transmissible and that the current vaccines are less effective in fighting it.The long-term worry is that, should this variant spread out of control, then the country will be plunged back into the depths of a UK-wide lockdown just before Christmas.Mr Sajid said: “Our scientists

Sajid Javid Britain South Africa Namibia Lesotho Botswana Zimbabwe vaccine travelers strain

'Worst Covid variant so far' lands South Africa back on UK red travel list

Covid variant described as the "worst we've seen so far" rages on across the world.Health Minister Sajid Javid has confirmed from noon tomorrow, flights from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe will be temporarily banned and UK travellers must quarantine.UK scientists have raised the alarm on Thursday night over the new B.1.1.529 variant, which they described as the "worst we've seen so far".

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Six African countries to be put on travel 'red list' as scientists raise alarm over 'worst ever' covid variant

Six African countries will be put on England's travel 'red list' imminently due to concerns about a new covid variant officials said is the 'worst one we’ve seen so far'.

Sajid Javid Britain city Manchester South Africa Namibia Lesotho Botswana Zimbabwe experts vaccine travelers

United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

'We will do whatever it takes': Manchester city centre shoppers' resounding message as Covid face masks return

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