Monday's #Covid19 thread starts here. Still holidays around the world for many, including #UK. But here all eyes on Boris Johnson - will he, or won't he make more restrictions or even lockdown? We should know today.
I've got more hospital data in the thread, updated real time..
I've got more hospital data in the thread, updated real time..
So let me start with #UK. I've managed to get new health data, which will be critical to the decision on new restrictions in #England
As of y'day there were 7,536 #Covid19 patients in English hospitals; up 17.1% in a week.
But 2,425 of those are in London and that's up 45.5%
As of y'day there were 7,536 #Covid19 patients in English hospitals; up 17.1% in a week.
But 2,425 of those are in London and that's up 45.5%
Strangely, South-East & South-West areas of #England have fewer #Covid19 patients in hospital.
Occupied hospital beds by region (weekly change):
#London 2,425 +46%
#Midlands 1,345 +17%
#East 681 +16%
#NorthWest 945 +8%
#Yorkshire/NE 847 +3%
#SouthEast 803 -2%
#SouthWest 490 -5%
Occupied hospital beds by region (weekly change):
#London 2,425 +46%
#Midlands 1,345 +17%
#East 681 +16%
#NorthWest 945 +8%
#Yorkshire/NE 847 +3%
#SouthEast 803 -2%
#SouthWest 490 -5%
But much better news in #England if we look at the number of mechanical ventilation beds needed for #Covid19 patients.
As of last night 758 MV beds used, down 9 from last Sunday
In #London the total was up 6.7% from 210 to 224
But only 2 weeks into #Omicron it may get much worse
As of last night 758 MV beds used, down 9 from last Sunday
In #London the total was up 6.7% from 210 to 224
But only 2 weeks into #Omicron it may get much worse
At 4pm GMT today new case data for the #UK will be released for the last 3 days.
The PM and Cabinet must get sight before then.
There are data to support both the Lockdown "doves" and "hawks", so which way does Boris Johnson lean?
The PM and Cabinet must get sight before then.
There are data to support both the Lockdown "doves" and "hawks", so which way does Boris Johnson lean?
With a whole raft of Conservative MPs ready to rebel on any further restrictions, the PM will be loathe to go too far. A lockdown is off the cards & rightly so.
There is a fear about hospital rises which probably justify action, but is there any point acting now after Christmas?
There is a fear about hospital rises which probably justify action, but is there any point acting now after Christmas?
The answer is yes. It will do less good, but it may help spread the peak hospital admissions/serious illnesses and even a little could help.
I expect nightclubs to be closed (as in rest of UK) and possibly at-seat service in bars.
Social distancing will be guidance only, not law
I expect nightclubs to be closed (as in rest of UK) and possibly at-seat service in bars.
Social distancing will be guidance only, not law
I suspect Boris will advise to limit mixing to 2-3 households but not enforceable by law.
With the fear of more kids being admitted to hospital and with work-from-home to continue, I reckon it's prudent to delay reopening schools for a week, but PM may baulk at that.
With the fear of more kids being admitted to hospital and with work-from-home to continue, I reckon it's prudent to delay reopening schools for a week, but PM may baulk at that.
I don't expect any travel restrictions whatsoever.
Funerals, weddings, gyms, shops should all be unaffected.
Theatres/Cinemas may also escape, with Covid pass and mask mandate deemed enough
Most morning papers agree there will be some restrictions except Express which says none!
Funerals, weddings, gyms, shops should all be unaffected.
Theatres/Cinemas may also escape, with Covid pass and mask mandate deemed enough
Most morning papers agree there will be some restrictions except Express which says none!
Let's get to the data we have already seen today now.
#Norway with another big drop this morning, down 30%, but no data on number of tests or positivity rate.
2,214 new #Covid19 cases.
#Norway with another big drop this morning, down 30%, but no data on number of tests or positivity rate.
2,214 new #Covid19 cases.
#Bulgaria's been flirting with higher #Covid19 cases as #Omicron arrives in the #Balkans.
Today a big rise with 838 infections confirmed. Last Monday there were only 456.
There could be some Christmas lag, but the trend looks to be rising.
46 more deaths.
Today a big rise with 838 infections confirmed. Last Monday there were only 456.
There could be some Christmas lag, but the trend looks to be rising.
46 more deaths.
#USA now and just 12 states reported overnight.
But still one new all-time high.
The record came in #Hawaii with 2,205 #Covid19 cases detected.
Also worth noting a high of 6.620 new infections in #PuertoRico
But still one new all-time high.
The record came in #Hawaii with 2,205 #Covid19 cases detected.
Also worth noting a high of 6.620 new infections in #PuertoRico
Part of northern #China remains in lockdown. The country admits to only 200 new #Covid19 cases, although the amount of community transmission is at its highest since March 2020.
The coming days will tell whether the outbreak has been contained.
Beijing @Olympics begin in 6 weeks
The coming days will tell whether the outbreak has been contained.
Beijing @Olympics begin in 6 weeks
#Australia's certain to get new records in the days ahead. But today the reduced weekend and holiday testing and processing means only 9,331 new #Covid19 infections confirmed. Six deaths.
#Thailand's #Covid19 cases are still falling a little, but more or less flat at a mean of around 2,630 a day.
Today 2,437 new infections.
However as a precaution, the Thai government has still decided to cancel the New Year celebrations in #Bangkok.
Today 2,437 new infections.
However as a precaution, the Thai government has still decided to cancel the New Year celebrations in #Bangkok.
Back to #Australia where local TV is reporting 1,000 MORE people may have been given wrong #Covid19 test results from the Sydney hospital which I wrote yesterday gave 400 incorrect results.
https://twitter.com/JoshBavas/status/1475305419711025158
Oh if only @SkyNews @BBCNews et al read my thread!
All speculating about restrictions for England and all saying "no hospital data". Errr, excuse me chaps!
All speculating about restrictions for England and all saying "no hospital data". Errr, excuse me chaps!
In #Finland, new #Covid19 cases seem to fall, but it's down to backlog from Christmas and still being holiday time.
3,649 new infections for the last three days (5,932 last Monday).
16 further deaths
3,649 new infections for the last three days (5,932 last Monday).
16 further deaths
Despite Christmas reporting issues, #Covid19 cases in #Estonia continue to rise - and there may be a bigger bump if there's a backlog.
535 new infections, up 38%. 7 deaths.
The more encouraging news is the positive test rate fell to 9.5%
535 new infections, up 38%. 7 deaths.
The more encouraging news is the positive test rate fell to 9.5%
#Latvia and #Lithuania also fractionally up today. However can't read much into this as the previous two days saw big falls in both countries.
335 #Covid19 cases today in Latvia (+9, four deaths)
Lithuania saw 639 infections (+30, while 13 have died)
335 #Covid19 cases today in Latvia (+9, four deaths)
Lithuania saw 639 infections (+30, while 13 have died)
#Malta's problems keep mounting.
You'll remember yesterday I reported that #Covid19 hospital admissions have doubled in a week. Another 4% increase today alone, with 83 patients now hospitalised and new cases still sky-rocket.
832 today, up 230% on last Monday.
You'll remember yesterday I reported that #Covid19 hospital admissions have doubled in a week. Another 4% increase today alone, with 83 patients now hospitalised and new cases still sky-rocket.
832 today, up 230% on last Monday.
I see @SkyNews live blog was the first to report my hospital data post. But didn't link to the thread 😔 
And as you can see various media now reporting a @PA report saying Boris Johnson will NOT make changes to #Covid19 restrictions today.
@PA Quick update on #UK health data - the figures may be slightly worse than I published.
#NHS has just advised that 5 health trusts (Whittington Health, Bradford Teaching, East Cheshire, Northern Care Alliance, Hampshire Hospitals) did not supply data y'day
#NHS has just advised that 5 health trusts (Whittington Health, Bradford Teaching, East Cheshire, Northern Care Alliance, Hampshire Hospitals) did not supply data y'day
https://twitter.com/TWMCLtd/status/1475295868530143232
* BREAKING *
New record in #Denmark
15,525 new cases of #Covid19 confirmed today and 7 more deaths. That's still 50% up on last Monday.
Difficult to be sure if there's any backlog in these data as numbers have been quite consistent throughout Christmas.
1/2
New record in #Denmark
15,525 new cases of #Covid19 confirmed today and 7 more deaths. That's still 50% up on last Monday.
Difficult to be sure if there's any backlog in these data as numbers have been quite consistent throughout Christmas.
1/2
2/2
#Denmark's health situation worth a look.
608 #Covid19 patients now in hospital. That's 29 higher than yesterday (5% in a day).
Yesterday's increase was well over 50. So a 15% increase in 2 days
71 of these patients are in ICU and 43 on ventilators.
#Denmark's health situation worth a look.
608 #Covid19 patients now in hospital. That's 29 higher than yesterday (5% in a day).
Yesterday's increase was well over 50. So a 15% increase in 2 days
71 of these patients are in ICU and 43 on ventilators.
#Iceland's just published its first #Covid19 update since 23 December.
The last 4 days producing 590 new cases. That's enough to create a new 7-day infection record of 746 AD/M
But I sense a lot of lag. There were 500 infections in a single day on 23 Dec. Let's see tomorrow!
The last 4 days producing 590 new cases. That's enough to create a new 7-day infection record of 746 AD/M
But I sense a lot of lag. There were 500 infections in a single day on 23 Dec. Let's see tomorrow!
I've been keeping an eye on #Kenya, with a large population & reasonably reliable data.
I was first to highlight the #Omicron surge there, since confirmed by authorities.
Today "only" a 50% rise in #Covid19 cases: 1,596
But positive test rate tells a different story: up to 37.6%
I was first to highlight the #Omicron surge there, since confirmed by authorities.
Today "only" a 50% rise in #Covid19 cases: 1,596
But positive test rate tells a different story: up to 37.6%
** EXCLUSIVE ** BREAKING **
A huge leap in #Covid19 patients in hospitals in #England TODAY
Earlier i told you the total was up 17% in a week to 7,536.
Today that total is 8,474. That's up 12.4% in a single day. Over the week now an increase of 26.7%
A huge leap in #Covid19 patients in hospitals in #England TODAY
Earlier i told you the total was up 17% in a week to 7,536.
Today that total is 8,474. That's up 12.4% in a single day. Over the week now an increase of 26.7%
2/
#Covid19 health data in #England - exclusive
Mechanical ventilation beds being used up from 758 to 776 in a day. So now higher (by 8) than a week ago
New hospital admissions were only updated to 22/12
Here's the old+new data
21 Dec 1,098
22 1,264
23 1,252
24 1,020
25 1,281
#Covid19 health data in #England - exclusive
Mechanical ventilation beds being used up from 758 to 776 in a day. So now higher (by 8) than a week ago
New hospital admissions were only updated to 22/12
Here's the old+new data
21 Dec 1,098
22 1,264
23 1,252
24 1,020
25 1,281
3/
*Exxclusive* health data in #England by region.
Hospital beds occupied by #Covid19 patients (change from Y'DAY):
#London 2,640 (+8.1%)
#East 809 (+18.8%)
#Midlands 1,443 (+7.3%)
#Yorkshire/NE 889 (+5%)
#NorthWest 1,226 (+29.7%)
#SouthEast 926 (+15.3%)
#Southwest 541 (+10.4%)
*Exxclusive* health data in #England by region.
Hospital beds occupied by #Covid19 patients (change from Y'DAY):
#London 2,640 (+8.1%)
#East 809 (+18.8%)
#Midlands 1,443 (+7.3%)
#Yorkshire/NE 889 (+5%)
#NorthWest 1,226 (+29.7%)
#SouthEast 926 (+15.3%)
#Southwest 541 (+10.4%)
Today's #Covid19 case numbers for the #UK are a little irrelevant as they're badly suppressed by Christmas holidays.
98,515 is the official figure (91,743 a week ago), but it's still bank holidays today and tomorrow, so not worth paying much attention until Weds or Thurs.
98,515 is the official figure (91,743 a week ago), but it's still bank holidays today and tomorrow, so not worth paying much attention until Weds or Thurs.
The #UK deaths data is incomplete too.
I46 more #Covid19 related fatalities reported in the last 3 days. For the same 3 days last week, there were 214 reported deaths.
I46 more #Covid19 related fatalities reported in the last 3 days. For the same 3 days last week, there were 214 reported deaths.
#UK's alarming rise in #Covid19 hospitalisations will heap the pressure on Boris Johnson to act. His rebel MPs may struggle to maintain their outright opposition when these figures are presented.
Reports that the PM won't act today, but let's see if the new data change anything
Reports that the PM won't act today, but let's see if the new data change anything
By the way, no #Covid19 data today from any of the other nations of the #UK, so this figure is purely for #England.
https://twitter.com/TWMCLtd/status/1475500218397429761
More data coming in all the time... Government's dashboard not yet updated (hence incomplete numbers)
Sky reporting an all time daily #Covid19 record in #England on Christmas Day 113,628
Likewise in #Scotland with highest ever total of 11,030 new infections yesterday
Sky reporting an all time daily #Covid19 record in #England on Christmas Day 113,628
Likewise in #Scotland with highest ever total of 11,030 new infections yesterday
#UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid rules out any new restrictions "until the New Year".
That's despite the record #Covid19 cases announced today and the big spike in hospitalisations.
That's despite the record #Covid19 cases announced today and the big spike in hospitalisations.
Not sure if #Spain will be publishing #Covid19 data today (none since 23 December), but some regions are.
Looking grim in the autonomous northern Basque region though
Looking grim in the autonomous northern Basque region though
https://twitter.com/weayl/status/1475507381253685259
Genuine data from #Serbia which doesn't celebrate Christmas for another 11 days, so no holiday distortion.
And we can see the creeping influence of #Omicron, and I expect much larger rises this week.
1,249 new #Covid19 cases, up 21%
27 dead
And we can see the creeping influence of #Omicron, and I expect much larger rises this week.
1,249 new #Covid19 cases, up 21%
27 dead
Some of #Portugal's Christmas lag has come today.
6,334 new #Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours, 130% higher than last Monday.
More than half of the country's new infections are in #Lisbon, while #Algarve is still stable.
16 more have died with the disease.
6,334 new #Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours, 130% higher than last Monday.
More than half of the country's new infections are in #Lisbon, while #Algarve is still stable.
16 more have died with the disease.
Sadly this aged well... just a day later #Greece smashes its all-time daily #Covid19 record.
9,284 new cases. That's over 150% higher than a week ago.
67 further deaths.
9,284 new cases. That's over 150% higher than a week ago.
67 further deaths.
https://twitter.com/TWMCLtd/status/1475207821713158152
I will be interviewed live by @SkyNews this evening at around 8.20pm GMT.
Pleased to see they did also put my Twitter handle in the blog! Welcome new followers!
Pleased to see they did also put my Twitter handle in the blog! Welcome new followers!
#UK's 7-day infection rate hits another all-time high, at 1,662 AD/M or 1,163/100k
The last time there were this many #Covid19 patients in hospital in England was on 5 March.
But nowhere near as bad as a year ago. On 27/12/2020 the total was 19,277, peaking at 34,336 on 18 Jan.
The last time there were this many #Covid19 patients in hospital in England was on 5 March.
But nowhere near as bad as a year ago. On 27/12/2020 the total was 19,277, peaking at 34,336 on 18 Jan.
#Italy has reported every day throughout the holidays, but still a little backlog likely with restricted testing.
Even so, 30,810 new #Covid19 cases today, not far from doubling last Monday's 16,213
Italy reports another 142 Covid deaths
Even so, 30,810 new #Covid19 cases today, not far from doubling last Monday's 16,213
Italy reports another 142 Covid deaths
I mentioned #Serbia a few minutes ago, and looking to #Montenegro gives a good idea of the immediate future.
The little brother today reports 581 new #Covid19 cases today. That's an enormous 340% increase for Montenegro
The little brother today reports 581 new #Covid19 cases today. That's an enormous 340% increase for Montenegro
#Ireland has also reported each day over Christmas.
6,735 new cases of #Covid19 today, a 40% hike from last Monday.
Health data getting rapidly worse again now.
Covid patients in hospital now total 461, with 91 of them in ICU
6,735 new cases of #Covid19 today, a 40% hike from last Monday.
Health data getting rapidly worse again now.
Covid patients in hospital now total 461, with 91 of them in ICU
#UnitedArabEmirates today continues its exponential growth.
1,732 new #Covid19 cases, more than 5 times last Monday's total of 302.
One more death reported by #UAE today, but #Omicron won't be affecting health data yet.
1,732 new #Covid19 cases, more than 5 times last Monday's total of 302.
One more death reported by #UAE today, but #Omicron won't be affecting health data yet.
#France (correcting figure) has its deadliest day in the pandemic for 7.5 months
256 more #Covid19 related deaths reported - the worst daily toll since 10th May.
The data for new cases should be released soon, but it won't be near recent records - Mondays always lower numbers.
256 more #Covid19 related deaths reported - the worst daily toll since 10th May.
The data for new cases should be released soon, but it won't be near recent records - Mondays always lower numbers.
The case figures now in for #France, and it is still doubling last week's numbers.
30,383 new positive tests for #Covid19 in the last 24 hours vs 15,075 last Monday.
Health:
16,921 Covid patients in hospital (+6% in a week)
In ICU: 3,333 (+10.2%)
30,383 new positive tests for #Covid19 in the last 24 hours vs 15,075 last Monday.
Health:
16,921 Covid patients in hospital (+6% in a week)
In ICU: 3,333 (+10.2%)
#Switzerland's just released a data dump for the last 4 days. Usually Monday's figures are for 3 days, so it looks to me like an increase of around 20% in new #Covid19 cases, and that's despite lower testing.
35,882 new infections and 37 deaths since the last update on 23 Dec.
35,882 new infections and 37 deaths since the last update on 23 Dec.
Live on Sky News after this break in 2 minutes
Enormous new record in #Cyprus
The previous worst daily high number of new #Covid19 cases has been smashed by 65% tonight.
1,925 new infections. The positivity rate is 1.5%, still low but 150% higher than 2-3 weeks ago
2 deaths
161 Covid patients in hospital, 78 seriously ill.
The previous worst daily high number of new #Covid19 cases has been smashed by 65% tonight.
1,925 new infections. The positivity rate is 1.5%, still low but 150% higher than 2-3 weeks ago
2 deaths
161 Covid patients in hospital, 78 seriously ill.
Incidentally in the North of Cyprus (#TRNC) #Covid19 cases today are down a little to 157.
Across the Mediterranean, a big spike in #Turkey.
26,099 more infections diagnosed and that's 39% up on a week ago. Remember Turkey's data unaffected by Christmas.
157 Covid related deaths
Across the Mediterranean, a big spike in #Turkey.
26,099 more infections diagnosed and that's 39% up on a week ago. Remember Turkey's data unaffected by Christmas.
157 Covid related deaths
Well this divided opinion. I suspect it's not an even split, but the angry ones sure shout the loudest.
Pity they all assume I'm a hardened pro-lockdown type and don't bother viewing the whole interview and reading here before they spout abuse
Pity they all assume I'm a hardened pro-lockdown type and don't bother viewing the whole interview and reading here before they spout abuse
https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1475571432277131264
* BREAKING *
1/3
#Spain has just reported 214,619 new cases of #Covid19
I wasn't even expecting an update today! These figures are for the last 4 days, but even so with reduced testing over the holidays, it's a huge number
Spanish govt gives the average positivity rate at 18%
1/3
#Spain has just reported 214,619 new cases of #Covid19
I wasn't even expecting an update today! These figures are for the last 4 days, but even so with reduced testing over the holidays, it's a huge number
Spanish govt gives the average positivity rate at 18%
2/3
#Spain's #Omicron wave and huge new caseload of over 200,000 today, is already showing itself in health data.
9,530 #Covid19 patients hospitalised, up 27% in a week.
120 further deaths reported this evening.
#Spain's #Omicron wave and huge new caseload of over 200,000 today, is already showing itself in health data.
9,530 #Covid19 patients hospitalised, up 27% in a week.
120 further deaths reported this evening.
3/3
#Spain's now got 1,715 #Covid patients in ICU, up 19% on a week ago.
Cases are doubling in 4.9 days despite the lull for the holidays
Worst hit regions (7-day rate/100k)
#Navarra 1,610
#PaisVacso 1,278
#Madrid 1,179
Holiday hotspots not as bad:
#Canaries 756
#Balearics 440
#Spain's now got 1,715 #Covid patients in ICU, up 19% on a week ago.
Cases are doubling in 4.9 days despite the lull for the holidays
Worst hit regions (7-day rate/100k)
#Navarra 1,610
#PaisVacso 1,278
#Madrid 1,179
Holiday hotspots not as bad:
#Canaries 756
#Balearics 440
#Covid19 cases in #Germany not falling as much today. But that's likely to be catch up of some post Christmas backlog rather than the advent of #Omicron
18.237 new infections diagnosed in the last 24 hours, around 3,000 lower than last Monday.
223 deaths
18.237 new infections diagnosed in the last 24 hours, around 3,000 lower than last Monday.
223 deaths
More on #Australia in tomorrow's daily thread, but a new state record already announced in #Victoria
2,738 new #Covid19 cases, obliterating the old record of 2,297
#NSW declares 6,062 new infections
2,738 new #Covid19 cases, obliterating the old record of 2,297
#NSW declares 6,062 new infections
In #USA big new records in #Florida
The Sunshine State has just declared over 100,000 new cases of #Covid19 in the last 4 days alone.
The previous daily high was 27,668 in August. But this has been surpassed twice over the holidays, culminating in 32,874 on Christmas Day.
The Sunshine State has just declared over 100,000 new cases of #Covid19 in the last 4 days alone.
The previous daily high was 27,668 in August. But this has been surpassed twice over the holidays, culminating in 32,874 on Christmas Day.
#Illinois also creating a new state record over Christmas. Its data drop reveals an all-time high 21,131 #Covid19 infections on Christmas Eve, beating the record set 13 months before in November 2020.
#Arizona with 7,641 cases has its worst day since January.
#USA #Omicron
#Arizona with 7,641 cases has its worst day since January.
#USA #Omicron
Already 19,288 new #Covid19 infections in #Canada. It could yet set a record for daily cases.
21,493 is the current all time high, set 4 days ago.
21,493 is the current all time high, set 4 days ago.
#USA
#Connecticut announces 14,654 new #Covid19 infections over Christmas. It's the highest ever daily declaration but as it's over 4 days likely not a genuine daily record (6,000).
The previous highest total was 8,457 which also came after the Christmas holiday a year ago.
#Connecticut announces 14,654 new #Covid19 infections over Christmas. It's the highest ever daily declaration but as it's over 4 days likely not a genuine daily record (6,000).
The previous highest total was 8,457 which also came after the Christmas holiday a year ago.
#USA another all time state record to report.
This time it's #Massachusetts with 13,791 new #Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours.
The new data dump for Christmas shows 10,997 infections yesterday, which was the record but it lasted only 24 hours.
This time it's #Massachusetts with 13,791 new #Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours.
The new data dump for Christmas shows 10,997 infections yesterday, which was the record but it lasted only 24 hours.
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