Get the most recent coronavirus news every day, including coronavirus cases and features, interviews with New Scientist, and important information about the covid-19 pandemic.SolStock/Getty ImagesThe latest coronavirus news, as of 5pm on 30 JulResearch shows that covid-19 hospital admissions by pregnant women in the UK is on the rise.Jacqueline Dunkley, England's chief midwifery officer, is encouraging pregnant women to be vaccinated against the covid-19 virus. This is because new research shows that covid-19 hospitalizations among pregnant women in England are on the rise and that there may be an increase in the risk of contracting the delta variant. Vaccines save lives and this is yet another reminder that covid-19 vaccinations can help keep your baby, your family, and loved ones safe. Dunkley-Bent released a statement on 30 Jul.Marian Knight, University of Oxford, conducted a preliminary study that analyzed data from 194 UK hospitals. She found that 331 pregnant women had been admitted to hospital with covid-19 symptoms in the period between 1 March 2020 - 11 July 2021. Knight and her coworkers found that the severity and duration of illness increased with each successive wave of the UK's epidemic. 26% of pregnant women admitted for covid-19 symptoms in the first wave of infection were diagnosed with moderate or severe disease. 36% of those admitted during the second wave, when the alpha version of coronavirus was dominant, and 46% when the delta variant was dominant.AdvertisementKnight stated that it is concerning that covid-19-treated pregnant women are being admitted to hospitals more frequently. She also said that the delta variant appears to have a greater impact on these women.From 1 February through 11 July, data shows that only four of the 742 women who were admitted to hospital with covid-19 symptoms had received a single dose or were fully vaccinated. This means that over 99 percent of covid-19-infected pregnant women were not vaccinated. About 60% of covid-19-infected patients are not vaccinated in the general population.The UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that pregnant women be given covid-19 vaccines. Preferably, they should receive the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna jabs. Although this recommendation cleared the way for the vaccination to be offered during pregnancy, there has been little official guidance.Coronavirus news and other informationAccording to the Office for National Statistics' latest random swab testing survey, one in 65 English people had covid-19 during the week ending July 24, up from one of 75 the previous week. The equivalent estimates for Wales were one in 210 and one in 170 respectively, both an increase over the week before. One in 110 people in Scotland were infected with the virus during the week ended, compared to one in 80 in the previous week.In an attempt to combat the rise in delta coronavirus cases, Israel began offering third doses to those over 60 who have not received the BioNTech/Pfizer covid-19 vaccine. The body's immunity is declining over time, according to research. According to Israel's prime minister Naftali Bennett, the supplement dose is meant to rebuild immunity.Japan has extended a state emergency to Tokyo, the host of the Olympics, due to rising coronavirus cases. It also expanded it to Osaka and surrounding areas. These emergency measures include reduced hours at certain venues such as restaurants or karaoke bars and will continue until 31 August.China is now testing Nanjing residents for coronavirus. Nearly 200 people have been diagnosed with the virus in a new outbreak.Coronavirus deathsThe global death toll from covid-19 has surpassed 4.2 million. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 196.7 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.19 billion people have had at least one dose.Information essential about coronavirusFrom where did coronavirus originate? Other covid-19 questions answeredWhat is covid-19?Long covid: Is it real? How long is it likely to last? And how can it be treated?Which is the fairest way for covid-19 vaccines to be shared around the globe?All you need to know about Covid-19 vaccine passportsCovid-19: The tale of a pandemicLearn, watch, and listen about the coronavirusNew Scientist Weekly provides updates and analysis about the latest developments in covid-19. The podcast features expert journalists discussing the most important science stories that hit the news each week, from space and technology to health and the environment.The BBC Radio 4 series "The Jump" explores how viruses can spread from animals to humans and cause pandemics. This episode examines the origins and spread of the covid-19 pandemic.Why is covid killing people of colour? This BBC documentary examines the health inequalities in the UK, including the high covid-19 deaths in patients from ethnic minorities.Panorama: The Race for a Vaccine - A BBC documentary that reveals the inside story behind the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination against covid-19Race Against the Virus: Hunt for a Vaccine, a Channel 4 documentary, tells the story through the eyes and experiences of scientists at the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.The New York Times evaluates the progress made in developing potential drugs to treat covid-19 and ranks them according to safety and effectiveness.Humans of COVID-19 focuses on the experiences of those who work at the frontline of the fight against coronavirus. It uses social media to highlight their stories.Belly Mujinga: Looking for the Truth is a BBC Panorama Investigation into the death of Belly Mujinga, a transport worker from covid-19. It follows reports that she was coughed on by a customer at London's Victoria Station.Coronavirus, Explained, Netflix is a documentary series that examines the coronavirus pandemic and the efforts to combat it. It also explains how to manage the mental health toll.COVID-19, The Pandemic That Never Should Have Been and How to Stop the Next One By Debora Mackenzie is about the history of the pandemic and what we can do to prevent it from happening again.The Rules of Contagion focuses on the emerging science of contagion, and the unexpected ways it affects our lives and behavior. Adam Kucharski is an epidemiologist from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In the book, he explores how and why diseases spread.Previous updatesA Covid vaccination centre in London, London, England. ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock29 JulyIt is important to be cautious, as coronavirus cases are increasing in the UK every day, warns the health minister.The number of daily coronavirus cases in Britain rose for the second consecutive day, to 31,117 on the 29th July. This is an increase from the 27,734 cases the previous day. This recent increase has reversed a seven-day decline in daily cases numbers. Simon Clarke, University of Reading, stated that this could be the first sign of an increase in infections following the lifting of restrictions on 19 Jul. Clarke stated that it was still too early to predict how the trend in UK cases will develop. It is never a good idea to place too much weight on data from a few days ago.Sajid Javid, the UK's health minister, stated that no one knows where their next case will be. He also said that it was important to be cautious when visiting a west London vaccination center on 28 July. Javid stated that the number of cases in the UK could reach 100,000 per day following the removal of all coronavirus restrictions.Coronavirus news and other informationChildren are less likely to become ill from covid-19 if their immune systems are different than adults. Sophie Valkenburg from the University of Hong Kong and her colleagues compared immune responses of 24 children and 45 adults who had tested positive for coronavirus. The children showed less activation of coronavirus specific T-cells immune cell cells, which can target and destroy virus infected cells. Children also had lower levels antibodies against beta-coronaviruses (the coronavirus responsible for covid-19), than adults. Researchers conclude that children have a lower immune response than adults and may experience milder diseases. This is because overzealous immune reactions can lead to severe covid-19. Nature Communications published the study.The US president Joe Biden will announce that all civilian federal employees must be vaccinated against the covid-19 virus or they will face regular testing and other hygiene requirements. Similar rules were announced by Andrew Cuomo, New York's governor, on 28 July. He stated that all state employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination and undergo weekly coronavirus testing starting in September. California recently announced plans for mandatory vaccinations for state employees. Nearly half of Americans are currently fully vaccinated against covid-19. However, the rate has been slowing and coronavirus cases have been increasing in recent months.Japan recorded 10,699 coronavirus new cases on 29 juillet, which is the highest daily increase since the outbreak. Tokyo, the capital, saw a record 3865 cases of coronavirus in the same day. This is an increase from the 3177 reported on 28 July, and 1979 from a week earlier. Japan's chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato stated that the infection rate has never increased to this extent.Coronavirus deaths4.18 million people have died from covid-19 worldwide. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 196 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.17 billion people have had at least one dose.New Scientist: Latest news on coronavirusVariants of Coronavirus: Countries like the UK, which are only partially vaccinated but have high rates for infection, are in danger. This is where immunity-eating covid-19 variants are most likely.Heathrow Airport, London, England. 8 June 2021. ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock28 JulyUK announces exemption from quarantine for all travellers who arrive in England from the EU and USThe BBC reported that all fully vaccinated individuals arriving from the US or EU will soon be exempted from quarantine. At the moment, people who have been fully vaccinated in the UK don't need to be quarantined when they return from the amber list countries which includes most EU countries but France. New rules will allow people who were vaccinated in the EU and US to be exempted from quarantine in England. They will do so at 04.00 BST (on 2 August). Quarantine will be required for fully vaccinated travellers from France to England. Grant Shapps, the transport minister, stated in a tweet that travellers will still need to undergo coronavirus testing before arriving and again on their second day in England. It's not yet clear if rules will change for those travelling to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, stated that plans to remove the requirement for fully vaccinated individuals to self-isolate in the event of a positive test for coronavirus were to be implemented on 16 August. Johnson stated to LBC that August 16th has been nailed down, and there's never been any doubt about a review date for August 16th.Coronavirus news and other informationA review of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the antiparasitic drug, ivermectin showed that there is no evidence to support its use in the prevention or treatment of covid-19. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published the analysis. It included 14 studies that examined ivermectin's effectiveness and 1678 participants. Stephen Evans, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, stated that the analysis supports previous advice issued by the World Health Organization and other bodies. Large, carefully conducted randomised trials will be required to prove any benefit at any stage in the disease process, from prevention of death to infection. Evans said that such trials are currently in progress.No matter if they have been vaccinated, people living in areas with high coronavirus transmission rates are advised to use face masks indoors. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) announced updated guidance on 26 Jul, citing the need for maximum protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant of coronavirus.Thailand began transporting covid-19 patients from Bangkok to relieve pressure on the city's hospitals as coronavirus cases continue rising. The first train leaving Bangkok on 26 July was used to transport asymptomatic patients or people with mild symptoms back to their homes in north-east Thailand. On 27 July, there were 16,533 new cases in Thailand and 133 deaths.Coronavirus deathsThe global death toll from covid-19 has surpassed 4.17 million. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 195.4 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.15 billion people have had at least one dose.An ambulance crew with a patient outside Royal London Hospital in London, England. ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock27 JulyHealth leaders in England say rising covid-19 hospitalisations, covid cases, and a large care backlog are all putting pressure on the health service.England's health leaders have warned that the country's health system is now stretched as much as it was in January during the second coronavirus outbreak. The NHS Providers is a membership organization for NHS Trusts in England. It said that the NHS is currently facing a difficult combination of pressures. These include rising covid-19 hospitalisations, long covid cases and a large care backlog. There are also large numbers of staff who are self-isolating as a result of recent increases in community cases in England.Trust chief executives claim that they are feeling the same pressure as they did in January, when the NHS was experiencing the most severe pressure in its history. This is according to a letter the NHS providers sent to Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, and other ministers on 26 July. In the letter, the chief executives of trusts demanded more funding from the government for the health system to help free up hospitals beds, reduce the patient backlog, and increase emergency department and ambulance capacity in time for winter.According to NHS providers, the number of beds in hospitals in England occupied with confirmed covid-19 patients has increased from 6 July 1998 to 431, on 23 July. The letter stated that given the time lag between hospital admissions and infection rates, and the likely effect of lifting restrictions on July 19th it seemed reasonable to expect these numbers to rise further.Coronavirus news and other informationAccording to the Office for National Statistics, there were 218 deaths due to covid-19 in England & Wales during the week ending 16 July. This is an increase of 183 deaths in the previous week. This latest number is the highest covid-19 death rate in the two countries since the week of 23 April when 260 were recorded. The number of coronavirus infections in the UK has been declining over recent days. However, there is a delay between new cases and hospitalisations or deaths. According to Neil Ferguson, an Imperial College London student, vaccines have a significant impact on hospitalizations and deaths. Ferguson said that he is confident that we will have a complete picture of the pandemic by October or September.Due to a recent rise in coronavirus cases, hospitals in Thailand are facing increasing pressure. Authorities in Bangkok announced plans to convert 15 abandoned railway carriages into an isolation ward with 240 beds for covid-19 patients on 27 July. Since mid-June, the number of Coronavirus cases in Thailand has been increasing rapidly. On 26 July, there were 14,150 daily cases. This is an increase from the 7970 cases reported just two weeks ago.On 27 July, Tokyo saw a record number of new coronavirus infections. The number of cases in Tokyo, the host city for the Olympics, has been increasing over the past eight days. According to Reuters, 16 coronavirus cases were reported by Olympic organizers on 26 July. This includes three athletes. The total number of cases related to the event is now 148.Coronavirus deathsThe global death toll from covid-19 has surpassed 4.17 million. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 194.8 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.14 billion people have had at least one dose.New Scientist: Latest news on coronavirusUK cases: Official statistics suggest that coronavirus infection rates in the UK have dropped for six consecutive days, although there are many reasons why this may not be true.Pedestrians in central London, July 26, 2021 TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images26 JulyScientists say it is too early to assess the full impact of lifting restrictions in England on the UK's epidemic as daily UK cases are fallingOn 26 July, the number of daily coronavirus infections in the UK dropped for six consecutive days. On 26 July, there were 24,950 new coronavirus cases. This is the lowest daily number since 4 July. James Naismith, University of Oxford, said that it is necessary to collect more data in order to better understand the progression of the UK's epidemic. In a statement, Naismith stated that daily fluctuations in numbers are not useful in understanding the progression of disease.According to the UKs Office for National Statistics, coronavirus infection rates increased in all four countries during the week ending 17 July. It is too soon, 26 July, a week after the restrictions in England were lifted, for us to understand the effect of that final lifting, stated Jeremy Farrar of the UK's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies during a Q&A session at the Institute for Government, London.Boris Johnson, the spokesperson for the UK prime minister, stated that any decrease in cases was encouraging but that Johnson has repeatedly stressed that the pandemic continues and that we are far from over.Coronavirus news and other informationNearly 60 medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have called for covid-19 vaccination to be mandatory for all US healthcare workers. Our health care societies and organizations have jointly stated with the Washington Post that covid-19 vaccination is a necessity due to the recent surge in demand and the availability of safe, effective vaccines.The French parliament approved a law that requires people to have a health card. This will show that they have been fully vaccinated against the disease, have recovered from it, or have had a recent coronavirus test. They can then enter bars, restaurants, and other public places starting in August. All adults are affected initially, but it will be extended to anyone 12 years old and older starting on September 30th. Healthcare workers who are medically capable of receiving the vaccine will need to be vaccinated. Those who don't comply could face suspension if they do not get their full dose by 15 September.Public Health England conducted a survey of over 5000 adults in England and found that 41% reported having gained weight since March 2020's coronavirus lockdown. Public Health England's chief nutritionist Alison Tedstone stated that many have made changes in their diets over the past 16 months. It is therefore not surprising to see people reporting weight gains.Coronavirus deathsThe global death toll from covid-19 has surpassed 4.16 million. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 194.3 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.12 billion people have had at least one dose.Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is administered to a member of the general public. TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images23 JulyAntibody responses may be boosted if there is a longer interval between the first and second Pfizer/BioNTech jabsPreliminary research suggests that the immune response may be boosted by a longer interval between the first and the second doses of Pfizer/BioNTech's covid-19 vaccine. This study examined coronavirus antibody reactions in 503 English healthcare workers who were given two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at different times in late 2020 and early 2021. The experiment was conducted at a time when alpha coronavirus was becoming more prevalent. They tested the effects of a 3-week and 10-week intervals between the first and second shots. The longer intervals produced more neutralizing antibodies that can bind to the virus and prevent it from infecting cells.Susanna Dunachie, a researcher at Oxford, said that due to the dominance of the highly transmissible Delta coronavirus variant, an eight-week period may be the best. This will ensure that people are fully vaccinated quickly without compromising their immunity. Eight weeks seems to be the best time for me because people want the two vaccines [doses] and there's a lot of delta right now.The UK government increased the dosing gap to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination to 12 weeks in December 2020. However, NHS England announced on 15 July that it would begin asking people to bring their second covid-19 vaccine forward to eight weeks.Coronavirus news and other informationAccording to the Office for National Statistics, Coronavirus infections are on the rise in all four UK countries. One in 75 English people had covid-19 during the week ending July 17, a rise from the one-in-95 figure the previous week. In the week ending 10 July, equivalent estimates for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland were one in 80, one in 170, and one in 210, respectively.New Zealand has announced that it will close its travel bubble with Australia for at most two months. This is due to the fact that a number states in Australia have been affected by the delta coronavirus variant. People could travel between Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the world without being quarantined upon arrival thanks to the travel bubble. Reuters reported that Qantas Australia and Air New Zealand announced that most Australia-New Zealand flights would be cancelled as of 31 July.The Moderna covid-19 vaccine was approved by the European Union's medicines regulator for use in children 12 years old and older. In May, the EU approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children 12 years and over.According to preliminary data from Israel's health ministry, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for covid-19 is less effective in preventing coronavirus infections and symptoms caused by the Delta coronavirus variant of coronavirus than it is for other variants. The vaccine was only 40 percent effective against the infection and symptoms of delta coronavirus variant, but it was still 91.4 percent effective in preventing severe covid-19.Coronavirus deaths4.13 million people have died from covid-19 worldwide. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 192.7 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.09 billion people have had at least one dose.A large, Please Take Your Covid Vaccine If Offered LED sign is passed by an emergency ambulance. Maureen McLean/Shutterstock22 JulyBoth weekly coronavirus cases in England and alerts from the NHS Covid-19 app are on the riseCoronavirus infections continue to increase in England. A record number of people have received alerts from NHS Covid-19 telling them to self isolate. The latest data from NHS Test and Trace shows that 259,265 people were tested positive for coronavirus in England during the week ending July 14, an increase of 33% from the previous week and the highest weekly number since January 20th. The number of people who were alerted by NHS Covid-19 in England and Wales jumped 16.8%, reaching 618,903 in week to 14 Jul, the highest weekly figure to date.UK businesses, including retailers and supermarkets, are reporting staff shortages. Kwasi Kwarteng, the UK's business minister, told the BBC that the government would release only a few jobs for which fully vaccinated individuals would not be subject to self-isolation.One reason so many people are getting notifications is that we have a highly transmissible disease that is being allowed spread across the country without any mitigation. This is according to Stephen Griffin, a UK scientist at the University of Leeds. Griffin was among more than 1200 scientists that backed a Lancet journal article criticizing the UK's plans to lift coronavirus restrictions. This is despite increasing cases.Coronavirus news and other informationChina rejected a World Health Organization plan to conduct a second phase in an investigation into the source of the coronavirus epidemic. This included investigation into whether the virus may have escaped from a laboratory located in Wuhan. Reuters reported this on 22 July. WHO proposed a second phase of investigation that included audits of Wuhan's markets and laboratories. Zeng Yixin (vice minister of China's national health committee), told reporters that some aspects of the WHO plan ignore common sense and defy science. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, said last week that it was too early to rule out the possibility of the virus being released from a laboratory. He urged China to join the WHOs investigation.Joe Biden, the US president, stated that children younger than 12 years old may be able get vaccinated against the covid-19 virus in the country by August. Moderna and BioNTech started covid-19 vaccine trials in children as young as 12 years old in March. More results are expected in the months to come. Biden stated that he expected to receive a final approval at some point, possibly in the beginning or end of the school year, September, October for the vaccination of children.Coronavirus deaths4.12 million people have died from covid-19 in the world. Johns Hopkins University says that there are more than 192.1 millions confirmed cases, but the actual number will be higher. Our World In Data reports that 2.08 billion people have had at least one dose.Check out previous updates from June-July 2021 and May 2021. Also, see February 2021 and January 2021. November/December 2020.
