COVID-19 Inquiry

COVID Public Inquiry exposes Government’s pandemic failures

— The COVID Inquiry has revealed the UK’s pandemic prep failures, including a lack of lockdown planning, PPE stockpiling, slow testing, and isolation response. Bereaved families demand justice and accountability for their loved ones.

Long COVID Kids

Why children in the UK should still be offered the COVID vaccine

— Widespread vaccination of children would likely avert thousands of cases of long COVID in the UK.

COVID-19

Brexit obsession left UK vulnerable to COVID, ex-Cabinet Office director reveals

— A former official said the UK Government neglected its pandemic preparedness due to its obsession with Brexit, adding that the government did not plan for lockdowns, social support, or PPE, and ignored the health inequalities and vulnerabilities of the poor and ethnic minorities.

COVID-19

Long COVID: Effects on fatigue and quality of life can be comparable to some cancers

— Of all symptoms studied, fatigue was associated with the biggest effect on long COVID patients’ daily lives.

COVID-19

Thousands of people in the UK are out of work due to long COVID

— Studies from multiple countries have found that long COVID is linked to an increased likelihood of not working. Here’s what’s happened in the UK.

COVID-19

COVID is officially no longer a global health emergency – here’s what that means

— COVID no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, but we need to be better prepared for future pandemics.

COVID-19

WHO declares COVID-19 no longer a global health emergency, after 3 years

— COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, according to the WHO. However, it still poses a threat and countries are urged to remain vigilant and not let their guard down against the virus.

COVID-19

COVID Inquiry accused of ignoring families who paid the ultimate price

— A campaign group of bereaved families who lost relatives to COVID-19 and want the government to account for its errors during the pandemic are dissatisfied with the COVID Inquiry and feel they are being sidelined.

COVID-19

Experts urge Britons to wear face masks on public transport as new COVID variant spreads

— Experts are warning Britons to wear masks on public transport as the COVID variant Arcturus spreads. Despite milder symptoms and eased restrictions, COVID-19 remains a threat.

COVID-19

Unpredictable COVID variants: Concerns and hopes for the future

— The ongoing emergence of COVID-19 variants every two months is concerning due to the virus’ ability to evolve unpredictably. The potential impact of the new Arcturus strain on vulnerable populations, students, and the economy is a cause for concern.

COVID-19

Move over, Omicron: Arcturus is here to steal the spotlight

— Arcturus, a subvariant of Omicron first identified in India, has been included in the CDC’s monitoring list following its involvement in 7% of the COVID infections in the United States. A strain that has also been reported as causing red and itchy eyes in young patients.

COVID-19

Sanofi vaccine: What to know about this protein-based COVID booster being offered in the UK

— A vaccine produced by Sanofi is being given as part of the 2023 spring booster campaign. An immunology expert explains how it works. I n the UK a spring booster campaign has recently begun, offering an additional vaccine to people at highest risk from COVID. Between April and June 2023

COVID-19

COVID origins debate: What to make of new findings linking the virus to raccoon dogs

— New reports suggest the coronavirus pandemic’s origins may be linked to raccoon dogs sold at Wuhan’s Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market. A virologist explains.

COVID-19

UK rolls out spring COVID-19 booster programme

— Over 5 million people in the UK are eligible for a COVID-19 booster this spring.

COVID-19

New COVID variant XBB.1.16 fuels surge in cases in India and causes conjunctivitis among children

— A new COVID variant, XBB.1.16, is causing a surge in pediatric COVID cases in India, with doctors noting an increase in conjunctivitis among children, and reports suggesting already an increase in the US, Singapore, and Australia.

Long COVID

Three in five long COVID patients have organ damage a year after infection

— A recent study found 59% of people with long COVID had damage to at least one organ a year after their initial symptoms.