Covid-19: 'No interruption' to UK vaccine supply, and 'warrior' baby survives Covid
- Published
Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday evening. We'll have another update for you Friday morning.
1. UK experts back AstraZeneca jab
The prime minister and Public Health England have both defended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, after Germany recommended that it should only be given to people aged under 65. Dr Mary Ramsay of PHE said the jab offers "high levels of protection" against Covid-19, particularly against severe illness, while Boris Johnson said he was not concerned by Germany's recommendation. AstraZeneca said the latest analyses of the jab's trial data supported efficacy in the over-65s. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is to decide on Friday whether to approve the vaccine for use across the EU.
2. Tory MP refuses to apologise over Covid claims
Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne has refused to apologise after claims he spread "dangerous misinformation" about coronavirus. The New Forest West MP told an anti-lockdown group that statistics on the virus "appear to have been manipulated" and risks to the NHS were "manageable". Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the comments were "unacceptable" and called for him to apologise, while Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has called for the prime minister to "condemn these comments and take action". But Sir Desmond has stood by his remarks, saying he held a "legitimate point of view".
Sir Desmond Swayne says he is 'a most enthusiastic vaccinator'
3. Government withdraws 'sexist' Stay Home advert
The government has withdrawn a social media advert urging people to "Stay Home. Save Lives" after it was criticised for stereotyping women. The image showed women home schooling children and doing domestic chores, while the only man featured was depicted relaxing on a sofa. The infographic was withdrawn after going viral on social media and facing criticism for being "sexist". The government said the ad did "not reflect" its "view on women".
4. UK holiday bookings 'coming in thick and fast'
After the news that British residents arriving in England from Covid hotspots will have to quarantine in hotels, many would-be holidaymakers are again thinking of opting for UK destinations this summer. But there may be a shortage of the kind of UK accommodation they are looking for as demand is on the increase, say providers of holiday lets. Sarah and Steve Jarvis, who run the Independent Cottages website, say inquiries during the current lockdown in England are 300% up on the first lockdown in March to July 2020. "People have got confidence in UK self-catering holidays, because the bookings are coming in thick and fast," Steve said.
5.' Warrior' baby born at 1lb 11oz survives Covid
A mother whose baby survived an E-coli infection, sepsis and Covid after being born at 1lb 11oz has said he is "our little warrior". Sheree Murray was 25 weeks pregnant when she gave birth to Archie, who weighed just 765g, on 1 December. Archie was five weeks old when he got an E-coli infection which led to sepsis, and a week later his parents were told he had tested positive for Covid-19. He had to go into isolation for 10 days, but when his mother was finally able to hold him again she said she felt like she was on "cloud nine".
Archie is being looked after at the neonatal intensive care unit at Burnley General Hospital
And don't forget...
You can find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page. Read BBC Asian Network presenter Harpz Kaur's experience of what it was like having coronavirus - which saw her needing three weeks off working on the station's breakfast show.
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