Covid news – live: UK daily cases soar by 41,000 as dozens arrested over Rotterdam anti-lockdown riot

A further 40,941 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the UK today, according to most recent data.

Saturday’s figures mark the third consecutive day that the number positive tests have tipped over into the 40,000 threshold, bring the seven-day total to 283,718.

Meanwhile, 150 deaths within 28 days of positive test have been recorded.

It comes after the WHO said that it is “very worried” about the surge in Covid-19 infections being seen across Europe.

Meanwhile, authorities in Rotterdam have arrested 51 people following a violent protest against the country’s coronavirus restrictions on Friday night.

On Saturday afternoon, police said that around half of the people they had arrested were minors.

One officer was hospitalised with a leg injury sustained during the riot, while another was treated on-site by ambulance staff and “countless” others sustained minor injuries.

Two rioters were also hospitalised, after being hit by bullets. An investigation is underway to determine if they were fired by the police.

Read More

Two people shot as rioting erupts at anti-lockdown protest in Rotterdam

‘Incredible’ doctor who spent months apart from family on Covid frontline dies of virus

Covid lockdowns across Europe threaten travel plans for tens of thousands

Key Points

• A further 41,000 Covid-19 cases recorded in UK today

• Covid vaccine ‘could be given to children under 12 in spring’

• Tens of thousands march in Vienna against COVID measures before lockdown

• WHO says it is ‘very worried' about Covid surge in Europe

• 51 people arrested following Rotterdam riot

Pharmaceutical companies must invent new antibiotics – or it will be worse than Covid

18:05 , Emily Atkinson

Danilo Lo Fo Wong is right to suggest that antimicrobial resistance is another silent pandemic and an existential threat to humankind.

AMR could practically cause more horrifying repercussions than Covid-19 and I guess climate change.

Letters: We must invent new antibiotics – or it will be worse than Covid

Over 46 million second doses of Covid-19 vaccine delivered in UK

17:51 , Emily Atkinson

Some 46,129,532 second doses have been delivered, an increase of 20,924.

A combined total of 14,614,613 booster and third doses have also been given, a day-on-day rise of 348,245.

Separate totals for booster and third doses are not available.

A total of 50,734,556 first doses of Covid-19 vaccine had been delivered in the UK by November 19, Government figures show. This is a rise of 26,603 on the previous day.

PA

A further 40,941 Covid-19 cases recorded in UK today

17:48 , Emily Atkinson

A further 40,941 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the UK today, according to most recent data.

Saturday’s figures mark the third consecutive day that the number positive tests have tipped over into the 40,000 threshold, bring the seven-day total to 283,718.

Meanwhile, 150 deaths within 28 days of positive test have been recorded, alongside the a weekly total of 1,194 deaths with COVID-19 on the death certificate.

To read the full UK daily update for for data and insights on coronavirus, click here.

Ireland taking ‘mitigating actions’ amid rise in Covid cases

16:55 , Emily Atkinson

Ireland is to take “all mitigating actions” as the country copes with nearly 6,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases amid a recent surge, the head of the HSE has said.

Paul Reid, in a tweet on Saturday morning, said: “We’re surging across the whole health system and taking all mitigating actions.

“We value and appreciate everyone’s support.”

Covid vaccine ‘could be given to children under 12 in spring’

16:45 , Emily Atkinson

Leaked proposals suggest jabs could be given to those aged between five and 11 by next spring, according to The Sun, writes Peter Stubley.

Covid vaccines are currently licensed in the UK only for those aged 12 and over.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said extending the vaccine to younger children would only be authorised “if the expected standards of safety, quality and effectiveness are met”.

“As with children aged 12 and above, parents can be fully assured that for any potential authorisation in this age group, the safety of the children would be our top priority,” a spokesperson said.

Covid vaccine ‘could be given to children under 12 in spring’

Should Covid jabs be made mandatory in the UK? Tell us in our poll

16:36 , Celine Wadhera

As Austria has announced that Covid vaccination will be mandatory as of 1 February, questions about mandatory vaccination are being raised as coronavirus cases surge across Europe.

We want to know what you think – should Covid jabs be made mandatory in the UK? Tell us in our poll below.

Should Covid jabs be made mandatory in the UK? Tell us in our poll

Hundreds march on Belfast city centre to protest Covid certification plans

16:35 , Emily Atkinson

Hundreds of people descended on Belfast city centre today to reject the introduction of Covid-19 certification backed by a majority of Stormont ministers despite DUP opposition.

A large crowd gathered outside City Hall, with many carrying anti-vaccine and anti-certification placards and banners.

Under the compulsory certification scheme, people wishing to gain entry to designated venues would need to demonstrate evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or proof of a coronavirus infection within the previous six months.

Surging Covid cases in Europe shows the ‘critical’ need to vaccinate millions in the UK

16:17 , Celine Wadhera

Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has warned that soaring Covid cases across Europe show “how quickly things can go wrong” in the UK, and urged people to come forward for their vaccinations and boosters as soon as possible to combat the spread of the virus.

Speaking on Sky News, Prof Edmunds pointed out that “many millions” of people across Britain are not yet fully vaccinated, and said that it was “essential” that they come forward for their jabs.

“What you see now particularly in central Europe is this very rapid increase in cases, you see the importance of vaccination, how critical it is that people who need their boosters should come forward as rapidly as possible and get vaccinated.

“Those who are still unvaccinated – and there are many unfortunately out there – should come forward and be vaccinated as rapidly as possible.”

He added that he was “concerned about waning immunity”.

“The booster doses, it is pretty clear, do give a clear boost to your immune system, which may last some considerable time, so I think it’s really essential that the booster doses are rolled out as fast as possible.”

https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1462050598497443844

Tens of thousands march in Vienna against COVID measures before lockdown

16:16 , Emily Atkinson

The anti-lockdown march in Vienna attracted tens of thousands, many of them far-right supporters, according to most recent estimates.

By mid-afternoon, the crowds had swelled to roughly 35,000 people, according to the police, and were marching down Vienna’s inner ring road before heading back towards the Hofburg.

A police spokesman said there had been fewer than 10 arrests, for breaches of coronavirus restrictions and the ban on Nazi symbols.

WHO says it is ‘very worried' about Covid surge in Europe

16:05 , Emily Atkinson

The World Health Organisation is “very worried” about the spread of Covid in Europe amid a surge in cases and deaths ahead of the winter season.

Dr Hans Kluge, regional director of the WHO, warned half a million more people may die due to the virus by March if countries continue “business as usual”.

“Covid 19 has become once again the number one cause of mortality in our region,” he told the BBC.

Liam James has the full story:

WHO says it is very worried about Covid surge in Europe

Protests continue in the Netherlands

15:58 , Celine Wadhera

Thousands of people gathered in Amsterdam’s central Dam Square to protest the government’s Covid restrictions, despite organisers cancelling the demonstration in light of the violent protests in Rotterdam on Friday night.

Police closely monitored the group as they exited the square and walked through the city’s streets peacefully.

Hundreds of protesters also marched through the southern city of Breda. Organiser Joost Eras told Dutch broadcaster NOS that he had consulted with police about security measures, and was not expecting any violence.

“We certainly don’t support what happened in Rotterdam,” he said. “We were shocked by it.”

Thousands protest vaccine passports, Covid restrictions in central London

15:46 , Celine Wadhera

Thousands of have gathered in central London for a protest against passports and Covid restrictions, in what has been called the ‘Worldwide Rally for Freedom”.

Protesters are demanding that NHS Covid passes be abolished.

Crowds were seen walking down Oxford Street and chanting “No vax passports!”

Later, they were seen outside Downing Street, chanting “Shame on You!”

Northern Ireland reports 1,846 new Covid cases

15:39 , Celine Wadhera

In the latest release of government data, Northern Ireland has reported 1,864 new cases and six deaths over the last 24 hours.

To date, 2,902,394 have been administered in Northern Ireland; 84.8 per cent of the population aged 12 and older has received a first dose of the vaccine, 78.8 per cent has received two doses and 17.3 per cent has received a booster jab.

Scotland reports 2,756 new Covid cases

15:20 , Celine Wadhera

Public Health Scotland reported 2,756 new Covid cases on Saturday, alongside 11 new deaths.

On Friday, there were 767 people in hospital in Scotland, with recently confirmed Covid-19, 61 of whom were in intensive care.

To date, 4,337,089 people aged 12 and over (90.6 per cent) have received a fist dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, 3,936,594 (82.3 per cent) have received a second dose, and 1,1375,779 (28.1 per cent) have received a third dose.

Head of far-right Freedom Party addresses Vienna protest via video

15:01 , Celine Wadhera

Herbert Kickl, the head of the far-right opposition Freedom Party, and one of the strongest critics of the Austrian government’s Covid-19 measures, addressed protesters in Vienna via video.

Mr Kickl, who could not attend as he tested positive for the virus earlier this week, told the crowd that the proposed lockdown was a “totalitarian” measure, and added that the government “believes it should decide” for the people.

51 people arrested following Rotterdam riot

14:42 , Celine Wadhera

Authorities in Rotterdam have arrested 51 people following a violent protest against the country’s coronavirus restrictions on Friday night.

On Saturday afternoon, police said that around half of the people they had arrested were minors.

One officer was hospitalised with a leg injury sustained during the riot, while another was treated on-site by ambulance staff and “countless” others sustained minor injuries.

Two rioters were also hospitalised, after being hit by bullets. An investigation is underway to determine if they were fired by the police.

Ski resorts in Northern Italy open amid Covid concerns

14:23 , Celine Wadhera

Ski resorts In Northern Italy are opening for the winter season after lengthy Covid shutdowns. But a recent surge in infections is causing concerns about possible new restrictions.

Italy has witnessed a rise in daily case counts in recent weeks, particularly in some northern areas, where many ski slopes are located, but hospitalisations remain under control for the time being.

Anyone wishing to access ski lifts this year will be required to show a Covid-19 health pass, which demonstrates a person’s Covid-negative status either through confirmation of full vaccination, a negative test, or proof of recovery from the virus. Face masks will also be required, and social distancing measures are in place.

Fabio Sacco, the president of the Skirama consortium that brings together a number of resorts across the Trentino-Alto Adige region told Reuters: “It is really an exciting moment”.

“There is some uncertainty and fear due to the worsening of the pandemic trend, but the resorts in our consortium and across Trentino are prepared to handle different scenarios.”

Thousands of protesters gather on Vienna’s Heldenplatz

14:04 , Celine Wadhera

Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters have gathered on Vienna’s Heldenplatz on Saturday afternoon.

Chants of “resistance” and whistling could be heard as protesters moved along the city’s inner ring road.

Many demonstrators waved Austrian flags, while others carried signs that mocked government authorities. Some wore doctor’s scrubs while others donned tinfoil hats.

Around 1,300 police officers are on duty, patrolling the protest; they used loudspeakers to tell the crowd that masks were required, but most protesters were not wearing them.

AP

WHO says it is ‘very worried’ about virus surge in Europe

13:43 , Celine Wadhera

The World Health Organisation has said it is “very worried” about the surge in Covid infections in Europe.

Regional director Dr Hans Kluge told the BBC that more than 500,000 more Covid-related deaths could be recorded across Europe by March unless urgent action is taken.

“Covid-19 has become once again the number one cause of mortality in our region,” he said, noting, “we know what needs to be done” in order to fight the virus.

He added that vaccine mandates should be seen as a “last resort” but said it would be “very timely” to have a “legal and societal debate” around the issue.

“Before that there are other means like the Covid pass,” which he said is “not a restriction of livery, rather it is a tool to keep our individual freedom”.

More than 14 million people have received booster jabs across the UK

13:17 , Celine Wadhera

According to the latest government data, more than 14 million people across the UK have received a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Those eligible for a booster jab include:

· People aged 50 and over

· People who live and work in care homes

· Frontline health and social care workers

· People aged 16 and over with health conditions that put them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19

· People aged 16 and over who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid-19

· People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (someone who has HIV, has had a transplant, is undergoing certain cancer treatments, has lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

· People who are pregnant and in one of the above groups

Covid vaccines could be given to children in spring

12:58 , Celine Wadhera

Coronavirus vaccines could be given to children under 12 years old next spring, health officials have said.

The Sun reported on leaked proposals that showed health bosses were preparing to provide the jab to children aged 5-11 in the spring.

An unnamed source in the newspaper said that plans could change, but noted that asking parents for permission to vaccinate young children was “in the schedule”.

When asked about the report, a spokesperson for NHS England said: “The NHS regularly plans for how it would operationalise opening vaccines to more people so it is ready to extend the jab quickly when and if any decision is recommended by the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation).”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has not yet extended the licence for Covid vaccines to children aged 12 and younger; if and once the licence is granted, then the government will consider recommendations from the JCVI before rolling out the vaccination programme to young children.

Record high death doll persists in Russia

12:39 , Celine Wadhera

Russia’s coronavirus task force recorded 1,254 Covid-related deaths on Saturday, matching Friday’s tally.

An additional 37,120 cases were also recorded on Saturday.

Despite an enormous human toll – the task force has reported nearly 9.3 million confirmed cases and 262,843 deaths – vaccination rates remain low in Russia. Only around 40 per cent of Russia’s 146 million people have been fully vaccinated.

Mass protest begins in Vienna

12:20 , Celine Wadhera

Thousands of protesters have descended upon central Vienna, demonstrating against Austria’s Covid restrictions and the lockdown which is set to begin on Monday.

Werder Bremen coach quits over claims of fake vaccine certificate

12:01 , Celine Wadhera

Werder Bremen coach Markus Anfang has quit the German football club over investigations into whether they used fake Covid-19 vaccine certificates.

The Bremen prosecutors’ office is currently looking into claims that he used fake vaccine documentation.

Currently, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from the virus is needed for entry into many restaurants and public spaces in Germany.

Mr Anfang has consistently denied any wrongdoing. “I received both my vaccinations in an official vaccination centre and got the documents to prove it,” he said in a club statement.

“I very much hope that this matter will soon be cleared up.”

He announced his resignation ahead of today’s game against Schalke, and said he was quitting “due to the extremely stressful situation for the club, the team, my family and myself”.

Mr Anfang took over as Bremen coach in June, following the club’s relegation from the Bundesliga. Bremen are currently eight in the second division table.

PA

Thousands expected at Dutch musical protest

11:42 , Celine Wadhera

Following the anti-lockdown riot in Rotterdam on Friday night, thousands are expected to attend a “musical protest” in the southern city of Breda this afternoon.

The protest was organised by DJs, and is demonstrating against the 8pm closure of bars, restaurants and clubs. It is expected to begin around 1pm.

A different protest against Covid restrictions, that was scheduled to take place in Amsterdam today, has been called off by organisers in the wake of the violence in Rotterdam on Friday.

“Our protest was going to take place under the sign of World Children’s day; it does not feel right to continue at this moment. The safety of demonstrators has priority,” organisers said.

Dutch justice minister calls violence in anti-lockdown protest “repulsive”

11:23 , Celine Wadhera

Dutch justice minister Ferd Grapperhaus said that the “extreme violence” against police and firefighters in Rotterdam, witnessed in Friday’s anti-lockdown protest, was “repulsive”.

In a statement, he acknowledged that the Covid-19 measures the government had taken were having significant impacts on Dutch communities and emphasised the importance of discussing and debating these measures in an ongoing manner.

But, he said: “Harassment and violence do not belong” in these discussions.

“The right to protest is very important in our society but what we saw last night was simply criminal behaviour.”

Thousands of protesters expected to gather in Vienna

11:04 , Celine Wadhera

Thousands of protesters are expected to gather in Vienna on today, demonstrating against the nationwide lockdown.

The lockdown, which is set to begin on Monday, was announced on Friday, and is intended to contain soaring Covid cases across the country. Under the new measures, most stores must close, and cultural events will be cancelled. People will only be permitted to leave their homes for specific reasons, including buying groceries, going to medical appointments, and exercising. It is expected to last for 20 days, at most.

The government also announced that beginning on 1 February, the country would make vaccinations mandatory.

Austria’s far-right opposition Freedom Party is among those who have called for the protest. Party leader Herbert Kickl, who will be unable to attend the protest, after testing positive for the virus earlier this week, referred to the new measures as “dictatorship”.

Voices: Boris Johnson should heed the Covid warnings coming from Europe

10:44 , Celine Wadhera

As Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Sweden are advising or ordering their citizens to wear masks, avoid crowded spaces, work from home, maintain social distancing and get vaccine passports, the so called “blizzard from the East” continues to gather storm force.

Scotland and Wales have begun implementing elements of England’s “Plan B”, but England, under Boris Johnson’s leadership, is determined to say the course, trusting in the defensive wall of vaccine coverage rather than implementing additional measures to stem the rising spread of infection.

While mitigation measures may cause some inconvenience, this pales in comparison to the prospect of a full lockdown, and it is difficult to see the downside of these policies when they will serve to protect the NHS, and protect the prospect of a ‘normal’ Christmas.

Read more from The Independent’s latest editorial on the Covid-19 pandemic below.

Editorial: Boris Johnson should heed the Covid warnings coming from Europe

Slovakia reports record of Covid cases

10:25 , Celine Wadhera

Slovakia reported 9,171 new Covid cases on Friday, marking its highest daily case count since the pandemic began.

Slovakia currently has the EU’s third-lowest vaccination rate with around 45 per cent of the population having received two doses of a Covid vaccine.

Earlier this week, the Slovakian government imposed tighter Covid restrictions, which prime minister Eduard Heger referred to as a “lockdown for the unvaccinated”, in hopes of easing the burden on the country’s already overwhelmed hospitals.

According to Our World in Data, the Slovakia currently has the worst reported epidemic situation in the world, with a seven-day incidence rate of 11,500 new infections per 1,000,000 residents.

Visitors to the Belfast Christmas Market must prove Covid negative status

10:03 , Celine Wadhera

Visitors to Belfast’s Christmas Market will now be required to prove their Covid negative status to be granted entry to the event.

Previously, event organisers had said these measures would only apply on weekends and busy days, but on Friday said the rule would be in place at all times.

In a statement shared on Facebook, they said the decision was taken ahead of the rollout of Northern Ireland’s Covid passport scheme, which is expected to be introduced on 29 November.

Accepted forms of proof include: covid passports, proof of vaccination, negative Covid tests taken within the previous 48 hours (lateral flow or PCR), and proof of recovery from Covid, through a positive PCR test taken within the previous 30 to 180 days.

Organisers added that they were “recommending mask wearing for all those in attendance” and “encouraging payment using card rather than cash” to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus while protecting staff and customers.

The market opens today at noon outside Belfast City Hall.

Czech Republic records highest daily Covid cases since pandemic began

09:44 , Celine Wadhera

On Friday, the Czech Republic reported 22,936 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily tally since the pandemic began.

The country also recorded 110 deaths on Thursday, marking the first time that the death toll has surpassed 100 since April.

The government has moved to increase restrictions in an effort to ease the burden on hospitals. As of this coming Monday, only people who are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months will be able to enter bars, restaurants and hotels, or visit hairdressers, museums and similar facilities.

To date, the country of 10.7 million people has registered nearly two million Covid cases, and 32,005 deaths.

It is hoped that the new measures will encourage more people to get vaccinated. According to Our World in Data, only 58.2 per cent of the Czech Republic’s population is fully vaccinated.

Photos from Friday night’s riot in Rotterdam

09:25 , Celine Wadhera

Scenes from the anti-lockdown protest in Rotterdam:

Mayor of Rotterdam calls riots “an orgy of violence”

09:04 , Celine Wadhera

Speaking to reporters in the early hours of Saturday morning, the mayor of Rotterdam criticized the anti-lockdown riots witnessed in the port city on Friday night.

Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said: “On a number of occasions the police felt it necessary to draw their weapons to defend themselves,” and “even fire direct shots”.

It was “an orgy of violence,” he said. “I can’t think of another way to describe it.”

Covid lockdowns across Europe threaten travel plans for tens of thousands

08:45 , Celine Wadhera

Holiday plans are in doubt for up to 100,000 Britons as Covid-19 restrictions return to many parts of Europe, following a surge in cases.

On Monday, Austria became the first European country to reimpose a full lockdown

Similarly, Germany appears to be considering a lockdown, as it faces a fourth wave of infections that, according to outgoing chancellor Angela Merkel, has hit the nation “with full force”. The country has already cancelled the Munich Christmas market which was due to begin next weekend.

Meanwhile, infections continue to soar in the Netherlands, where 23,000 new cases on Thursday – nearly double the peak of 13,000 reached in December 2020 – despite entering a three-week partial lockdown last week, under which bars, restaurants and essential shops are required to close at 8pm.

Science correspondent Samuel Lovett reports.

Covid lockdowns threaten Europe travel plans for tens of thousands

Two people shot as rioting erupts at anti-lockdown protest in Rotterdam

08:26 , Celine Wadhera

Police in Rotterdam used a water cannon and fired shots in an effort to disperse hundreds of rioters at a violent anti-lockdown protest on Friday night.

The protest was in response to the Dutch government’s plan to introduce a law that would prevent unvaccinated people from accessing select venues. It follows the reimposition of a partial lockdown a week ago – bars, restaurants and essential shops are now legally required to close at 8pm.

At least two people were shot, and seven are understood to have been injured, with police officers among them.

My colleague Tom Batchelor reports.

Two people shot as rioting erupts at anti-lockdown protest in Rotterdam

08:21 , Celine Wadhera

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic across Europe.

Stay tuned for live updates.