These are the UK coronavirus stories you need to know about today.
COVID Deaths fall by about a quarter
The number of deaths from COVID-19 in England and Wales fell by more than a quarter, the latest official figures show.
In the week ending Feb. 19, 4079 death records reported COVID-19, a decrease of 1612 compared to the previous week, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported.
Of the 4079 deaths, 85.7% registered COVID-19 as a primary cause.
COVID-19-recorded deaths fell in all areas of England compared with the previous week, with the South East recording the biggest drop of 338 deaths.
In Wales, the number of COVID-19 recorded deaths fell from 216 to 179.
Overall, the total number of deaths recorded in England and Wales in week 7 was 18.8% above the five-year average.
The ONS published the latest data from their infection study on antibody frequency.
The figures showed:
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In England, around 1 in 4 people would have tested positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the 28 days to 11 February.
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In Scotland, the figure was 1 in 8
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In Wales and Northern Ireland, the figure was 1 in 6
The highest percentage of people positive for antibodies was in those aged 80 and over in England.
Kevin McConway, professor emeritus in applied statistics at the Open University, said there appeared to be “clear evidence of a vaccine effect in all four countries”.
Dr Zania Stamataki, a viral immunologist at the University of Birmingham, noted that the second highest group for antibodies after those over 80 was the 16 to 24 group, who had not yet been offered a vaccine.
“These data highlight the importance of this group in the spread of virus, and we should look carefully at supporting young people to prevent infection while vaccines are in place. spread to all ages, “she said, adding,” We need to reduce the risk. release new changes to keep our vaccines working longer. “
French ‘Oui’ to Oxford vaccine for the elderly with comorbidities
France has abandoned its advice that the AstraZeneca / Oxford vaccine should not be given to people over 65 with pre-existing health problems.
Speaking to broadcaster BFMTV, French Health Minister Olivier Véran said: “Anyone aged 50 or over who is affected by comorbidities can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, including those aged 65 to 74 . “
People aged 75 and over would continue to receive only the Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, Mr Véran said.
France has been struggling with its vaccination program since French President Emmanuel Macron was summoned to tell reporters that the Oxford vaccine was “semi-effective” for people over 65.
The conclusion came as ‘real world’ data from Public Health England suggested that both the AstraZeneca / Oxford and Pfizer / BioNTech vaccines were highly effective in reducing COVID-19 in the elderly.
The preliminary study showed that typical COVID protection for people over 70 from a single dose ranged from 60% to 75% for the AstraZeneca / Oxford vaccine and between 60% and 70% for the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine.
Both vaccines were also effective in reducing emergency hospitalization from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the UK anxiety strain, while the Pfizer vaccine also reduced the risk of death by 51%. There were insufficient data on deaths for the Oxford vaccine as a result of its subsequent release.
Professor Azra Ghani, chair of infectious disease epidemiology at Imperial College London, said: “All those who have been vaccinated so far should feel confident that they will be well protected. with a single dose but they will benefit more from their second dose, no matter what vaccine they have received. “
Professor Anthony Harnden, vice-chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Vaccination, said the study also confirmed the decision to split the two doses of the two vaccines by 12 weeks. “There is no doubt that the bold decision to vaccinate more older people by delaying the second dose has saved a huge number of lives,” he told the Science Media Center.
Data today
A further 6391 positive trials were reported in the UK and 343 deaths.
The estimated R number was between 0.6 and 0.9 with a daily infectious growth rate range of -6% to -2% as of February 26th.
Up to and including 1 March, 20,478,619 people in the UK received the first dose of vaccine, and 844,098 the second dose.
Hunt Narrows for missing missing Brazilian variable
Investigations aimed at finding an unknown person in the UK who tested positive for Brazil’s P.1 anxiety difference have dropped to 379 homes in the South East of England, the Health Secretary said.
The individual is one of six UK cases of the variant that were first identified in Manaus, Brazil.
It was announced yesterday that the passenger could not be located as they had not completed a test registration card.
Matt Hancock told the House of Commons this afternoon that officials had now “identified the batch of home-tested kittens”.
The variant P.1 has been a cause for concern as it may escape immune recognition.
Another Circuit Breaker for the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is to go into lockdown 21 days after seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19.
After identifying a number of issues of concern, the Prime Minister said in a statement. One of the most recent cases was observed in a school setting.
The ‘circulatory disruption’ decision was reversed because there was little capacity left at the island’s hospital, as well as avoiding risk from the vaccination program.
Non-essential sales must close and schools will close most pupils during the lockout, which takes effect from 00:01 GMT on Wednesday.
Pandemic Dementia Tax
It is estimated that 34,000 people with depression have died from COVID-19 in England and Wales since the outbreak began, said a consortium of charities.
The Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK, and the John Initiative said new statistics from the Office for National Statistics suggested that the deaths of care home residents, where at least 70% of people have dementia, were 30% higher than expected previously, bringing the total number of deaths to 11,624 since January this year.
In a survey of 1001 people caring for a family member, partner, or loved one with dementia, 92% said the pandemic had accelerated the symptoms of loved ones’ depression 28% of family carers said they had seen an ‘uncontrolled decline’ in a loved one’s health.
Kate Lee, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We urge the Government to support people with depressive disorders who have spent their lives, implementing recovery plans, but also making the legacy of COVID-19 as a social care system that cares for the most vulnerable when they need it. “
See more global coronavirus updates in the Medscape Coronavirus Resource Center.