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Covid: People 45 or over in England invited to book vaccine

It comes after all over-50s and those in high-risk groups in the UK have been offered a first dose. Read more here

Covid-19: England gets third jab as Moderna rollout begins

It offers an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab for under-30s, after very rare blood clot concerns. Read more here

Covid: South African variant in Wandsworth and Lambeth surge test areas

NHS Test and Trace says 44 cases of the South African variant in two areas is "significant". Read more here

Covid: Asthma drug 'speeds up recovery at home'

GPs can now prescribe it to treat Covid patients on a case-by-case basis, the NHS has announced. Read more here

AstraZeneca: Irish health body recommends vaccine restriction

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee says the AstraZeneca vaccine should be limited to over-60s. Read more here

Covid lockdown eases: Celebrations as pub gardens and shops reopen

Shoppers have been rushing back to the High Street, where queues were seen outside some retailers. Read more here

Chinese official says local vaccines 'don't have high protection rates'

However he later appeared to backtrack, saying his comments were a "complete misunderstanding". Read more here

Covid-19: G7 nations 'should finance global vaccine scheme' - Brown

Former PM Gordon Brown says £22bn is needed so vaccines can be administered in lower income countries. Read more here

Covid vaccine: Fasting during Ramadan 'should not stop Muslims getting jab'

Islamic scholars and NHS leaders say Muslims can still get the vaccine during Ramadan. Read more here

Covid: Deaths in England and Wales fall 92% since January peak

The drop in England and Wales comes amid efforts to reassure the public about vaccine safety. Read more here

Covid-19: Debunking the latest wave of medical misinformation

A round-up of the latest false and misleading posts about Covid-19 going viral on social media Read more here

'I went from spreadsheets to proning Covid patients'

Thousands of NHS staff, from dentists to physiotherapists, have been redeployed during the pandemic. Read more here

'Long Covid has destroyed me but I am fighting back'

A former health coach is blogging about her experience with the condition to help others get diagnosed. Read more here

AstraZeneca vaccine - was it really worth it?

AstraZeneca has become a political football in a European blame game over its Covid vaccine. Read more here

What are the Brazil, South Africa and UK variants and will vaccines work?

More cases are being found in the UK, including a variant first seen in Brazil. Read more here

How do we know Covid vaccines are safe?

Busting myths and explaining the facts around vaccines. Read more here

Covid: When will I get the vaccine?

People 45 or over in England are being offered a Covid vaccine. Read more here

What's the roadmap for lifting lockdown?

Pub gardens and non-essential shops can now open in England - as part of the next stage of easing lockdown rules. Read more here

Coronavirus: What are the rules for face masks or face coverings?

As the UK cautiously unlocks, experts will review the evidence on when and where masks are needed. Read more here

Coronavirus: Who has been shielding and why?

Shielding in England is ending on 31 March. Read more here

South Africa coronavirus variant: What is the risk?

Why experts are concerned about the emergence of this particular new version of coronavirus. Read more here

How many cases in your area?

Explore the data on coronavirus in the UK and find out how many cases there are in your area. Read more here

Coronavirus: What it does to the body

What is it like to have the coronavirus, how will it affect you and how is it treated? Read more here

Support bubbles: How do they work and who is in yours?

Some people across the UK have been able to form "support bubbles" or "extended households". Read more here

How to get a Covid test

What are the tests for coronavirus, who are they for, and how do they work? Read more here

All you need to know on the coronavirus

A new cough, fever and change in smell or taste are the key symptoms that mean you may have coronavirus. Read more here

Coronavirus: Intensive care and other key terms explained

Use our tool to check the meaning of key words and phrases associated with the Covid-19 outbreak. Read more here

Coronavirus: What is the risk to men over 50?

While most people will have mild symptoms and recover quickly, some are more prone to getting sick. Read more here

Coronavirus: Do face masks actually work?

With face masks in high demand, we look at whether they really can protect people from the virus. Read more here

Covid-19 vaccines: Gordon Brown on G7 helping poorer countries

The US and Europe should each pay a quarter of the cost to help vaccinate poorer nations, says the former UK PM. Read more here

'I was told my BMI wasn't low enough to get help'

Victoria Spence says she was refused NHS help for her eating disorder because her BMI was too high. Read more here

Lockdown easing: What to watch for when you’re out and about

The BBC’s David Shukman on how to navigate lockdown easing while keeping yourself and others safe. Read more here

Pharmacist says get vaccinated despite brother's death

Alison Astles encourages vaccine uptake despite brother's death from blood clot, saying he was "extraordinarily unlucky." Read more here

Covid: Applause for 104-year-old Colombian who beat coronavirus - twice

Carmen Hernandez was given a standing ovation as she left hospital in Colombia. Read more here

Senior NHS figures stress Muslims can get COVID jab in Ramadan

Two leading Muslim figures working in the NHS have today joined other medical leaders and Islamic scholars in stressing that Ramadan should not stop anyone from getting the NHS COVID vaccination. Imam Yunus Dudhwala, Head of Chaplaincy at Barts Health NHS Trust, and Dr Farzana Hussain, a senior GP, stressed that getting the jab does […] Read more here

‘Nightingale effect’ sees thousands of healthcare support workers join the NHS

The NHS has boosted support for patients, their families and staff by recruiting 10,000 healthcare support workers (HCSWs) in the first three months of the year. The new staff will support the workforce and assist nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals to perform health checks, update patient records, help patients wash, dress and move around, […] Read more here

New dedicated mental health services for new expectant and bereaved mums

Thousands of new, expectant or bereaved mothers will receive help and support for mental health problems through dozens of new dedicated hubs which are being set up across the country. The 26 new hubs will bring together maternity services, reproductive health and psychological therapy under one roof as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. […] Read more here

Thousands of patients set to benefit from five-minute breast cancer treatment

An injection that cuts the amount of time breast cancer patients spend in hospital from two and a half hours to as little as five minutes is being rolled out across the country by NHS England. Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will be offered a new combined treatment called PHESGO, which is injected and takes […] Read more here

NHS rolls out headache-busting gadget across the country

A small, portable device that can zap away excruciating headaches is now available to anyone who needs it on the NHS. The gadget is held against the neck and delivers a low-level electric current to block pain signals, relieving pain from people suffering from ‘cluster’ headaches. NHS England is expanding the use of gammaCore after […] Read more here

NHS encourages people to come forward for care over Easter Bank Holiday

The country’s top trauma doctor is reminding people the NHS is there for them if they need it over the Easter break. Easter bank holiday weekend traditionally sees people tackle DIY projects and data shows there were more than 5,000 hospital admissions last year for drill and power tool injuries, an increase of 200, compared […] Read more here

Cold weather alert: Level 2 – alert and readiness

Issued at 10.48am on Thursday 1 April 2021. There is a 70% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between midnight on Monday 5 April and midnight on Friday 9 April in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […] Read more here

NHS Chiefs urge: book an NHS COVID jab without delay

NHS Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens has today urged anyone currently eligible for a COVID vaccination, who has not received one, to book an appointment without delay. The call came as new figures showed the NHS has jabbed more than 26 million people across England since the NHS made history by giving Maggie Keenan the […] Read more here

‘COVID-friendly’ cancer care at home extended for more patients

Thousands of people with cancer can benefit from ‘COVID friendly’ treatments from home, the NHS announced today. More than 30 different drugs are available to treat patients, offering benefits such as fewer hospital visits or a reduced impact on their immune system. Around 8,000 people have already benefitted from the treatment ‘swaps’ since April helping […] Read more here

Second dose milestone as 2.5 million get top-up jab

The NHS in England has vaccinated more than 25 million people against COVID-19, with the number of people receiving their second dose reaching a new weekly high. Over 2.5 million people have now received their second jab, with more than one in three of those taking place just in the last week, when more than […] Read more here

Official Statistics: PPE deliveries (England): 5 April to 11 April 2021

Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England. Read more here

Independent report: Priority groups for phase 2 of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme: advice from the JCVI

Final statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination in phase 2 of the programme. Read more here

Guidance: Private providers of coronavirus testing

Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19). Read more here

Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care

Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more here

Press release: Surge testing to be deployed in Wandsworth and Lambeth

NHS Test and Trace is providing additional testing across parts of South London where the variant first identified in South Africa has been found. Read more here

Guidance: Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals

Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book. Read more here

Guidance: Self-isolation compliance checks after international travel

Information on the self-isolation compliance checks carried out by the government on people who have entered England following international travel. Read more here

Guidance: Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace

Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus. Read more here

Promotional material: Step 2 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 12 April 2021

A poster displaying information about COVID-19 Restrictions in England from 12 April. Read more here

Detailed guide: The R value and growth rate in England

The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in England. Read more here

Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult day care centre workers

Sets out how open day care centres providing essential care in England can order weekly PCR testing for their staff. Read more here

Detailed guide: Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for personal assistants

How personal assistants working in adult social care in England can access twice-weekly COVID-19 testing. Read more here

News story: Visas extended for thousands of frontline health and care workers

Extension to benefit 14,000 applicants. Read more here

Press release: New campaign urges public to get tested twice a week

From Friday 9 April, everyone in England will be eligible for free rapid COVID-19 tests, twice a week. Read more here

Guidance: Adult Social Care Infection Control and Testing Fund

Sets out the measures that the new Infection Control and Testing Fund will support, including distribution of funds, conditions on funds and reporting requirements. Read more here

Detailed guide: Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms

An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic testing and the role these tests play in the national COVID-19 testing programme. Read more here

Detailed guide: Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested

Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested. Read more here

Correspondence: Letter from the Health and Social Care Secretary on use of the Moderna vaccine

Matt Hancock wrote to the JCVI in response to their advice on use of Moderna in the COVID-19 vaccination programme and recommended dosing intervals. Read more here

Guidance: Organisation testing registration: record of users

Guidance and spreadsheet to record the details of people you've tested for coronavirus on that day. Read more here

Guidance: Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund: round 2

Sets out the infection control measures that the new infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements. Read more here

Revealed: Trusts pay £15m to Serco in fallout from pathology deal

Two trusts have paid an outsourcing firm £15m to leave the joint venture which has provided their pathology services over the last 10 years, HSJ can reveal. Read more here

Daily Insight: The £15m mystery

The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership. Read more here

NHS Confed hires former Blair adviser as new CEO

The NHS Confederation has hired a former adviser to prime minister Tony Blair as its new chief executive. Read more here

North by North West: Fear of the 'hidden' patients

Essential insight into NHS matters in the North West of England. Contact me in confidence here. Read more here

Long-term plan target will fail without staffing increases, experts warn

Efforts to meet key NHS England ambitions to bolster community services are set to fall short without significant extra investment in staffing, experts have warned. Read more here

Daily Insight: Outsourcing out the door

The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership. Read more here

NHS England to set three models for NHS provider groups

Senior NHS England officials have outlined their expected models for new provider collaboratives, as well as how key funding flows could work within integrated care systems. Read more here

Daily Insight: Payback

The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership. Read more here

Surge of patients hit A&Es over Oxford jab clot fears

Emergency clinicians have raised concerns and called for central guidance for dealing with a rush of unnecessary A&E attendances triggered by health anxiety over the Oxford covid vaccine’s safety. Read more here

Stevens confirmed for HSJ leadership congress this week

Sir Simon Stevens will speak about NHS leadership and priorities for the coming year at HSJ’s leadership virtual congress on Wednesday, it has been confirmed. Read more here

Daily Insight: Enter Dr Findlay

The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership. Read more here

Hospital forced to evacuate ICU because roof could collapse

A hospital was forced to evacuate and then close its critical care unit for around three weeks last month because of concerns its roof could collapse. Read more here

London struggling to catch up on covid vaccine uptake

London has failed to make up ground with the rest of England on covid-19 vaccine uptake among eligible groups in recent weeks, despite the programme seeking to focus on reducing variation. Read more here

Major trust extends insourcing of catering, cleaning and portering staff

A major hospital trust has extended the in-housing of hotel services across its sites, after the success of a one-year trial. Read more here

Medical leader made chief exec at trust hard hit by covid

The medical director of a successful foundation trust is being brought in to run Medway Foundation Trust for 18 months. Read more here

Troubled hospital trust prosecuted by the CQC

A general hospital trust has been charged with failings in the care of two patients in separate cases by the Care Quality Commission. Read more here

Exclusive: Consultant ‘cliques’ and ‘unacceptable behaviours’ put patients at risk

Deep-rooted relationship problems between consultants in a major trust’s neurosurgery department distracted from patient care, according to a review leaked to HSJ. Read more here

Daily Insight: Incident puts scans in focus

The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership. Read more here

NHS to cancel thousands of under 30s’ first vaccinations immediately

Thousands of bookings for 18-29-year-olds to receive a first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be cancelled immediately by the NHS, HSJ has learned. Read more here

NHS England appoints new national A&E lead

NHS England and Improvement has appointed Dan Boden as interim national clinical director for urgent and emergency care following the death of Cliff Mann. Read more here

Two major hospitals share ex-Unilever boss as director

A former Unilever boss is now a permanent director at two major London providers. Read more here

Dozens of patients seen by independent provider suffered ‘moderate or severe’ harm

Nearly 30 patients suffered severe or moderate harm due to quality issues with ultrasounds carried out by an independent provider, a review has found. Read more here

‘My experience as a student nurse during a pandemic has been unique’

As a student nurse studying through a pandemic, I have been feeling insecure about becoming a registered nurse this year. Almost half of my degree was turned upside-down and although I completely appreciate the reasons for this, I wonder if it will affect my transition… The post ‘My experience as a student nurse during a pandemic has been unique’ appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Nurse trains to deliver eye injection previously only performed by doctors

A specialist nurse in Swansea is believed to have become the first nurse in Wales to give a sight-saving injection – something that was previously only done by doctors. Melvin Cua from Singleton Hospital said he was “grateful” for the opportunity and encouraged fellow nurses… The post Nurse trains to deliver eye injection previously only performed by doctors appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

NHS England funds places for nurses on wellbeing leadership programme

A nurse wellbeing and leadership programme that has been in high demand since its launch in response to Covid-19 has received funding from NHS England to expand its reach. The Nightingale Frontline: Leadership Support Service was set up by the Florence Nightingale Foundation in April… The post NHS England funds places for nurses on wellbeing leadership programme appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Early mobilisation 2: comprehensive mobility assessment and goal setting

Early mobilisation is an important aspect of care to optimize patients’ recovery and independence. A comprehensive mobility assessment is necessary to ensure patients and staff safety The post Early mobilisation 2: comprehensive mobility assessment and goal setting appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Largest NHS union advises members in Scotland to accept 4% pay deal

Unison is calling on its members in Scotland to accept the government’s 4% NHS pay offer, arguing the deal is the best that can be achieved without “sustained and substantial” industrial action. The union’s recommendation is at odds with the Royal College of Nursing and… The post Largest NHS union advises members in Scotland to accept 4% pay deal appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Clinical assessment of the leg for a suspected deep vein thrombosis

Nurses in all clinical settings need to be able to identify suspected deep vein thrombosis. This article explains the risk factors and how to clinically assess the leg. The post Clinical assessment of the leg for a suspected deep vein thrombosis appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Using action learning to support newly-qualified nurses in practice

Action learning is a way of finding solutions to real-life challenges through structured peer support. This article outlines its use in training for newly qualified nurses. The post Using action learning to support newly-qualified nurses in practice appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Nurse jab access improving but still ‘more work to be done’, says RCN

More than nine in 10 nursing staff have received their first Covid-19 vaccine, according to a new survey from the Royal College of Nursing which suggested the gap between NHS and non-NHS staff being vaccinated has narrowed significantly. But despite this progress, the union warned… The post Nurse jab access improving but still ‘more work to be done’, says RCN appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Palliative care report raises concern about nurse redeployment during Covid-19

Nursing staff were redirected away from palliative care into other roles during the coronavirus pandemic despite a spike in deaths, particularly in the community, researchers have warned. They said their findings showed palliative and end-of-life care was not treated in the earlier stages of the… The post Palliative care report raises concern about nurse redeployment during Covid-19 appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Opportunities to support nurse wellbeing ‘have been missed’, finds report

There has been a “persistent failure” to act on previous recommendations around supporting the mental health and wellbeing of nurses, according to a new report informed by nursing and health leaders. The report, from health charity C3, higlighted that the biggest cause of nurse sickness… The post Opportunities to support nurse wellbeing ‘have been missed’, finds report appeared first on Nursing Times. Read more here

Doctors say $21bn could be saved by eliminating avoidable hospital admissions for older Australians

AMA urges Coalition to involve GPs more in aged care and raise Medicare rebate for longer visits to achieve the savingsMore than $21bn could be saved on avoidable hospital admissions involving older Australians over the next four years if doctors were better integrated into Australia’s aged care system and the Medicare rebate for longer visits was increased, according to an analysis from the Australian Medical Association.The AMA has said the current Medicare rebate does not reflect the time it takes general practitioners to travel to aged care facilities or conduct home visits for Australians aged over 65. As a result, the peak body for doctors argued that older Australians were not accessing the healthcare they needed and were ending up in hospital. Related: Cost of Australia’s aged care system to soar to $36bn a year if cheapest royal commission reforms adopted Related: Labor open to aged care levy as part of bipartisan funding agreement Related: Australia's aged care system needs massive investment, damning royal commission report finds Related: Relying on casuals in aged care will weaken royal commission's reforms, experts warn Continue reading... Read more here

Legumes research gets flexitarian pulses racing with farming guidance

Plant more bean-like crops in Europe and consider ‘healthy diet transition’ to beat climate crisis, say scientistsAdding the likes of peas, lentils, beans, and chickpeas to your diet, and farming more of them, could result in more nutritious and effective food production with large environmental benefits, scientists have found.Researchers calculated a “nutritional density” unit for different types of crops. They found that swapping cereals for leguminous plants in European crop rotations provided more nutrient-rich produce for both animal and human consumption. Thanks to the way that legumes grow, it also reduced synthetic fertiliser use and pollution. Continue reading... Read more here

African health workers left without Covid jabs as paltry supplies dwindle

Fear of third wave and new variants as sub-Saharan vaccine distribution is dogged by supply disruptionCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMillions of healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa continue to risk their lives to fight Covid-19 as authorities across the continent struggle to obtain and distribute vaccines to frontline medical staff.Though hundreds of millions of people in western nations are now protected from the virus, doctors, nurses and others on the frontline of the fight against Covid in Africa will have to wait months, or even years, for a vaccine. Related: Sub-Saharan meningitis epidemics could be signalled by weather forecasts Continue reading... Read more here

Everything you need to know about the plan to release treated Fukushima water

Japan has announced it will dump 1m tonnes of contaminated water into the ocean, sparking controversyFukushima: Japan announces it will dump contaminated water into seaJapan’s decision to release more than 1m tonnes of treated radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea has sparked controversy inside and outside the country. Here are some questions and answers about the plan, which is expected to take decades to complete. Related: Three stories of hope: 10 years on from Japan's triple disaster Related: Fukushima radiation did not damage health of local people, UN says Continue reading... Read more here

All over-50s and high-risk groups in UK offered vaccine ahead of target date

Achievement hailed by PM as ‘hugely significant milestone’ means people in late 40s should be next to be immunisedCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAll over-50s and high-risk groups in the UK have been offered a coronavirus vaccine a few days before the mid-April deadline set by the government – meaning the second phase of the rollout to younger cohorts can now begin.Despite fears of a supply slowdown and possible knock in confidence after a change in advice on who could get the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab, Boris Johnson hailed the passing of “another hugely significant milestone”. Related: Ignore the pessimism: Covid vaccines are quietly prevailing | Stephen Buranyi Related: Young people in the UK: share your thoughts on the vaccine rollout Continue reading... Read more here

Surge testing deployed in south London as South African Covid variant cases rise

About 44 cases have been confirmed, mostly in Wandsworth and Lambeth, while a further 30 probable cases have been identifiedOfficials are deploying surge testing in parts of south London after detecting dozens of cases of the South African variant, which appears to be more resistant to current vaccines.About 44 cases have been confirmed, chiefly in the boroughs of Wandsworth and Lambeth, while a further 30 probable cases have also been identified, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said. Related: What we know about the South African variant of Covid Continue reading... Read more here

The Guardian view on mental health: this emergency requires a response | Editorial

As Britain unlocks, we ignore psychiatrists’ warnings about the psychological impact of Covid at our perilThe toll on the UK’s mental health caused by the pandemic is becoming much clearer. The dismaying, if unsurprising, news as shops and businesses reopen is that fears that Covid would result in higher levels of mental illness have been borne out. What is particularly disturbing about the warning issued by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on Friday is that it most strongly applies to children. There were 80,226 more under-18s referred to NHS mental health services in England between April and December last year than in the same period in 2019. The number of children and young people needing emergency care rose 20% to 18,269, while the number of adults needing emergency treatment reached a record high of 159,347.Parity of esteem for mental health was supposedly enshrined in law in the 2012 Health and Social Care Act. But the promise was not fulfilled. Five years later, Theresa May named the lack of support for people with mental illnesses as one of the “burning injustices” that she hoped her premiership would address. But the prospect of measures such as legal limits on waiting times for… Read more here

UK vaccinations to be rolled out to over-40s this week, says NHS chief – as it happened

Health department adds that Moderna vaccines will be rolled out in England from mid-April after first doses delivered in Wales and ScotlandSpring cold snap hits as England relaxes lockdown restrictionsShoppers surge back to high streets as lockdown eases in EnglandApple and Google block NHS Covid app update over privacy breachesGlobal coronavirus updates – live 5.00pm BST Here the latest key developments at a glance: 4.35pm BST Footfall at all the UK’s retail destinations had risen 116% by 3pm on Monday compared with the same time a week ago, according to figures from Springboard. Shopping centre footfall rose 176%, while high street footfall rose 144%, the figures show. Meanwhile, retail parks saw a 5.6% drop in footfall. 4.20pm BST A gym in Kirkstall, Leeds, Xercise4less, opened its doors this morning at 6am after a three-month wait – and reached 80% capacity only half an hour later, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports.Sam Teesdale, a 21-year-old student, told the paper: The queue was out the door. I would say it was roughly 80% capacity by 6.30am.I overheard people talking saying they were feeling overwhelmed being in the same space as so many people after what feels like a lifetime. 4.11pm BST Pub and… Read more here

Ignore the pessimism: Covid vaccines are quietly prevailing | Stephen Buranyi

Nightmare scenarios involving deadly new variants are making us all too gloomy – but there’s a scientific case for optimismIt can be quite easy, reading the press, to believe that the pandemic will never end. Even when good news about vaccines started to arrive in the autumn, this grim narrative managed to harden. In the past month, you could read “five reasons that herd immunity is probably impossible”, even with mass vaccination; breathless reports about yet-uncharacterised but potentially ruinous variants, such as the “double mutant” variant in India, or two concerning variants potentially swapping mutations and teaming up in a “nightmare scenario” in California; get ready, some analysts said, for the “permanent pandemic”.Among many people I know, a sort of low-grade doom has set in. They think the vaccines are a mere sliver of hope, only holding back the virus for a short time before being worn down by a rush of ever-cleverer variants that will slosh around us, perhaps for ever. Things might briefly get better, they believe, but only by a little, and even that is tenuous.Stephen Buranyi is a writer specialising in science and the environment Continue reading... Read more here

Apple and Google block NHS Covid app update over privacy breaches

App was to have been updated before English lockdown easing, but firms objected to data-sharing changesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMinisters have paused a planned update to the NHS Covid-19 app after Apple and Google blocked it from their stores over privacy violations.The app, which aids contact tracing in England and Wales, uses technology built by the Silicon Valley companies to track interactions between users with their bluetooth signals and venue “check-ins”. Continue reading... Read more here

Coronavirus: enjoy freedoms but stay wary of risks, PM says as England reopens

Boris Johnson says easing of restrictions will be welcome relief for businesses that have been closed Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePeople should enjoy new freedoms but remain wary of the risks, Boris Johnson has said, as beer gardens, alfresco restaurants, shops and salons prepared to reopen across England on Monday for the first time in almost four months.The prime minister hailed the reopening – a major and “irreversible” step in the roadmap of easing restrictions – as “a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed”. Related: Happy Monday: booking frenzy for first day of lockdown-lite in England Related: ‘I’ve missed the gym and art galleries’: the big reopening in England Continue reading... Read more here

NHS staff are suffering from ‘moral injury’, a distress usually associated with war zones | Mariam Alexander

Adequate support now could head off a post-pandemic exodus of health workers who feel broken by their experiencesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMariam Alexander is an NHS consultant liaison psychiatristI remember the exact moment when the enormity of the Covid-19 crisis dawned on me. In the days before the pandemic was even called a pandemic, I was sitting in a hastily organised meeting of senior hospital colleagues. We were thrashing out how we might respond if the terrifying scenes emerging from northern Italy were to be replicated in our hospital. A critical care consultant stood up and said: “People have to understand that we are entering a war zone – we have to adapt accordingly.” There was a moment of stunned silence in the room. From somebody else these words might have seemed melodramatic, but from this wise, well-respected doctor, they struck a sobering chord.With the latest UK government figures showing that there have been nearly 150,000 deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, it’s understandable why some people compare the pandemic with a war. Indeed, daily life in the NHS is now peppered with military language: the frontline, gold command calls, redeployment, buddy systems. As… Read more here

‘Out of Trump playbook’: UK accused of ‘abandoning’ women with cuts to aid

Charity warns of 22,000 additional deaths in poorest countries if Wish reproductive health programme ends ‘My son could die’: the disabled Syrian refugees on the sharp end of UK aid cuts – photo essayThe director of a leading sexual and reproductive health charity has accused the government of “abandoning” women and girls it promised to help, as aid cuts derail a leading Tory programme to reduce maternal deaths and prevent unsafe abortions in poor countries. The threat to the women’s integrated sexual health (Wish) programme could mean 7.5m additional unintended pregnancies, 2.7m unsafe abortions and 22,000 maternal deaths over the next year, said Dr Alvaro Bermejo, director general of International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Related: ‘My son could die’: the disabled Syrian refugees on the sharp end of UK aid cuts – photo essay Continue reading... Read more here

Gordon Brown calls for G7 to act on Covid vaccine ‘apartheid’

Former prime minister says group should commit to global vaccine drive and slams UK’s foreign aid cutGordon Brown: G7 must push for global vaccinationCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePreventing poor countries suffering from vaccine “apartheid” will require the G7 group of rich nations to commit $30bn (£22bn) a year to a global immunisation drive, Gordon Brown has said.The former Labour prime minister said the UK should use June’s G7 summit in Cornwall to rekindle the moral purpose of the Make Poverty History campaign of 2005, paying for its share of the new fund by reversing the government’s “misguided” cut to the foreign aid budget. Continue reading... Read more here

Sub-Saharan meningitis epidemics could be signalled by weather forecasts

Pilot scheme is under way to harness forecasts to predict where conditions that fuel cases are likely to developA weather-based surveillance system that could offer advanced warning of outbreaks of meningitis is being piloted across sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to save lives, researchers have revealed.According to the Meningitis Research Foundation, meningitis affects about 5 million people around the world each year, one in 10 of whom die, while two in 10 are left with lasting impacts, such as brain damage. Related: I lost my baby girl to meningitis – that’s why I’m passionate about vaccination | Bobby Joseph Continue reading... Read more here

The G7 must push for global vaccination. Here’s how it could do it | Gordon Brown

We can’t afford inaction. The funds needed are a fraction of the trillions Covid is costing usReport: Gordon Brown calls for G7 to act on Covid vaccine ‘apartheid’This June, President Biden will fly into Britain to attend his first summit of the world’s richest nations. The routine meetings of the G7 – made up of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union – come and go, and are quickly forgotten, but this time around there is an opportunity not to be wasted. The principal item on the agenda should be health: the mass vaccination of the world.As things stand, affluent countries accounting for 18% of the world’s population have bought 4.6bn doses – 60% of confirmed orders. About 780m vaccines have been administered to date, but less than 1% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa have been injected. Immunising the west but only a fraction of the developing world is already fuelling allegations of “vaccine apartheid”, and will leave Covid-19 spreading, mutating and threatening the lives and livelihoods of us all for years to come. Related: A 'me first' approach to vaccination won't defeat Covid | Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Gordon Brown was UK… Read more here

Top Beijing official admits efficacy of China’s Covid vaccines is low

Head of country’s disease control centre says vaccines ‘don’t have very high protection rates’Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageChina’s top disease control official has admitted that the efficacy of the country’s domestically produced vaccines is low as it emerged the authorities are considering mixing them to try to offer greater protection against coronavirus.The rare admission of weakness on the part of Beijing’s pandemic approach came from the director of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Gao Fu, who said Chinese vaccines “don’t have very high protection rates”. Continue reading... Read more here

UK reports lowest daily Covid death toll in nearly seven months

Seven deaths within 28 days of testing positive for Covid reported, the lowest total since 13 SeptemberCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe UK reported seven deaths within 28 days of testing positive for Covid on Sunday, the lowest daily toll in nearly seven months.At the peak of the second wave, the government had reported 1,820 deaths in a single day, on 20 January. The last time the tally of daily recorded fatalities was lower than this weekend was on 13 September, when five deaths from the virus were logged. Related: UK Covid deaths pass 150,000 milestone, analysis shows Continue reading... Read more here

‘I’ve missed the gym and art galleries’: the big reopening in England

Three people talk about what the lifting of Covid restrictions will mean for themCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFrom Monday, non-essential shops, gyms and art galleries will be reopening in England. People will also be able to stay at campsites, holiday lets and other forms of self-contained accommodation as restrictions are eased.Three people talk about their plans and what the change in restrictions means for them. Continue reading... Read more here

Heaven on earth is not without its sorrows | Brief letters

Loneliness | GPs | Letters | Gorillas | Church of EnglandWhile I was not entirely surprised to learn that nearly three-quarters of the population of West Dunbartonshire had experienced loneliness lately, I was shocked that over half of dwellers in Eden had (3.7m over-16s in Britain often or always feel lonely, ONS finds, 7 April). On reflection, however, I recollected that Adam was 100% lonely until God did something about it!Tim HillTarporley, Cheshire• I can, from Monday, get my hair cut, my nails done, and go to the pub garden for a pint, but I’m still unable to see my GP face to face unless I am granted a rare appointment. When will GPs deign to restart face-to-face appointments? Surely the risks to us, and to them, are now no greater than for hairdressers or publicans.Sue RobinsonTyldesley, Greater Manchester Continue reading... Read more here

Reporting of AstraZeneca studies may have caused vaccine reservations

Abbasi asks whether the negativity towards the AstraZeneca vaccine in the European Union is a political hangover from Brexit.1 I think the initial reservations were related to the way the results... Read more here

Covid-19: Budesonide shortens recovery time in patients not admitted to hospital, study finds

Inhaled budesonide, a common corticosteroid used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can shorten the time it takes for people not admitted to hospital to recover from covid-19... Read more here

Covid-19: Rare immune response may cause clots after AstraZeneca vaccine, say researchers

Two teams of researchers have published detailed observations of patients who developed thrombotic thrombocytopenia after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine and have speculated about a possible... Read more here

Sixty seconds on . . . a covid-19 inquiry

Surely it’s not the right time?That’s what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said when he committed last July to an independent inquiry.1 Such a thing would be “an irresponsible diversion” while the... Read more here

Overcoming spectrum bias for accurate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence estimates

Repeated population based SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies provide evidence on how immunity develops in a population. They are especially relevant now, as we are at a turning point with vaccines... Read more here

Radiologist who secretly filmed women in toilets on mobile phone is struck off

A consultant radiologist who was twice convicted of voyeurism after hiding his mobile phone to film women in toilets has been struck off the UK medical register.Mark McClure, 52, was only recently... Read more here

UK COVID-19 vaccination programme tracker

GPs across the UK are playing a leading role in the largest-ever NHS vaccination programme in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how the campaign is progressing with the GPonline tracker. Read more here

Common asthma drug speeds up COVID-19 recovery in community for high-risk patients

A common corticosteroid shortens COVID-19 recovery times for patients aged over 50 who are at high risk of developing severe illness, a groundbreaking GP-led trial has found. Read more here

Salaried GPs must not be coerced into vaccinating for free, BMA warns

Salaried GPs should not be coerced into unpaid work for the COVID-19 vaccination programme, the BMA has warned, after reports of doctors being pressured to work on a 'goodwill basis'. Read more here

Delayed risk assessments may have cost BAME doctors' lives, BMA chair warns

Delayed risk assessments may have contributed to disproportionate deaths among doctors from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds during the pandemic, the BMA chair has warned. Read more here

First-dose COVID-19 vaccine supply for GP sites to stop completely for a fortnight

Supplies of COVID-19 vaccine for first-dose vaccinations at GP-led vaccination sites will halt completely for a fortnight from 12 April, NHS England's primary care medical director has said. Read more here

More than 70% of COVID-19 jabs this month have been second doses

More than seven in 10 COVID-19 jabs administered UK-wide since the start of April have been second doses as reduced supply saw total vaccinations per week drop to the lowest point since mid-January. Read more here

Accountant's theft of more than £60,000 from GP practices uncovered in pandemic

An accountant has been handed a suspended jail term after stealing more than £60,000 from GP practices she worked for as debts from a gambling habit spiralled out of control during lockdown. Read more here

GMC to contact thousands of GPs due to revalidate from August

The GMC is writing to thousands of doctors due to revalidate from August to set out 'next steps and options for those not yet ready to revalidate' after disruption during the pandemic. Read more here

NHS England spells out next steps as GPs told to cancel AZ jabs booked for under-30s

GP-led vaccination sites should offer under-30s due to receive a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from 9 April a chance to rebook at a site offering alternative vaccines, NHS England has said. Read more here

Under-30s to be offered alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine over blood clot risk

People under 30 will be offered alternatives to the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a first choice after a 'course correction' by UK health authorities amid concern over a link to rare blood clots. Read more here

Vaccine certificate role for GPs could bury practices in red tape, warns RCGP

Plans to introduce COVID-19 vaccination certificates or passports must have ‘zero impact’ on GP workload, the RCGP has warned. Read more here

GPs reveal grim experiences of 'aggressive' CQC inspections

Practice staff have been left in tears by CQC inspections that felt aggressive or unfairly negative, according to accounts collected by GPs - while one report accused an inspector of racist and sexist comments. Read more here

Call for urgent reform as GMC uses appeal powers 14 times since Bawa-Garba case

Healthcare leaders have urged the government to speed up plans to halt GMC appeals against fitness to practice decisions - warning the regulator has used its powers more than a dozen times since its controversial appeal in the case of Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba. Read more here

Rise in medicines shortages adds to intense GP workload pressure

Shortages of medicines widely used in primary care spiked in the final months of last year and remain high - causing 'constant frustration' for GPs and patients, and driving up practice workload. Read more here

Map: Which CCGs have the highest COVID-19 vaccine coverage?

More than 26m people in England have now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine - but with supplies set to 'dry up' over the coming month, how does progress vary between CCG areas? Read more here

BMA launches investigation into suspended GP committee election

The BMA has set up an independent investigation into a potential breach of election rules by a candidate in its GP committee elections. Read more here

GPs asked to consider drive-through COVID-19 vaccine clinics to boost coverage

GPs should work with partners to determine whether drive-through COVID-19 vaccination clinics could help to improve uptake in ‘low coverage areas’, according to updated guidance from NHS England. Read more here

How UK GPs are helping to support doctors in Myanmar following the military coup

Dr Jim Brockbank has worked with GPs in Myanmar for a number of years. He describes how the military coup has impacted on doctors in the country and how new organisation, Myanmar UK GP Health Action, is aiming to support doctors in Myanmar. Read more here

New Office for Health Promotion to take over from Public Health England in autumn

The government is to set up a new Office for Health Promotion, which will take over Public Health England's health improvement remit from this autumn. Read more here

Basic GP workload far outstrips pre-pandemic level as practices deliver COVID-19 jabs on top

GPs delivered hundreds of thousands more appointments and a third more clinical admin work in the first weeks of 2021 compared with last year - with the COVID-19 vaccine campaign on top, GPonline analysis reveals. Read more here

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