COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 29th /30th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 29th /30th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,807,036 (+36,480)
In Hospital yesterday Weds 29th: 6,853
Using A Ventilator yesterday: 813
Losses of Life: 136,662 (+137)
Tests: 1,115,605
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,829,118 (this would be 89.8% of UK population aged 16+, but we are vaccinating 12+ now, so it's not the actual percentage.)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,867,373

Rep. Of Ireland: 389,932 (+1,267) cases and 5,249 losses of life

World: 234,304,776 reported cases and 4,791,753 losses of life

Today's Surveillance Report from the UK Health Security Agency (honestly, they are a room full of number crunchers, not men in black) shows that during the week 20th to 26th September 2021, the picture was very similar to last week. Cases are slightly up, but hospitalisations down, which has to be a bit of a win:
- Case rates are highest in those aged 10 to 19 years old and lowest in over 80s.
- Case rates are highest in the East Midlands and lowest in London.
- Hospital admissions are still highest among those aged 85 and older and have decreased since last week.
- The North East has the highest amount of hospital admissions this week.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 27th / 28th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 27th / 28th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,736,235 (+34,526)
In Hospital Yesterday Monday 27th: 7,000
Using A Ventilator Yesterday: 831
Losses of Life: 136,375 (+167)
Tests: 1,010,007
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,765,726 (89.7% of UK adults aged 16+ - although we are now vaccinating young people aged 12+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,799,748 (82.4%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 387,218 (+1,497) cases and 5,209 losses of life

World: 233,338,734 reported cases and 4,773,711 losses of life

Social distancing rules in English hospitals are being changed, so that patients can be treated 1m apart rather than the current 2m. It's hoped this will enable more bed space to be released, in order to plough through the backlog of elective patients more quickly (elective is anything that's not urgent). 1 metre is the WHO recommendation.
It won't mean twice as many beds in each ward, patients weren't crammed in like sardines before the pandemic, so don't panic if you are vulnerable and due in hospital soon. Any clearing of a backlog will also heavily depend on hospitals actually having the staff available to make it possible.
The other changes they are making are:
- Removing the need for a negative PCR and 3 days self-isolation before selected elective procedures. Selected patients in low risk groups who are fully vaccinated, asymptomatic, with a negative lateral flow test on the day of their procedure will no longer need to have a negative PCR and isolate for 3 days, unless they are a contact of a confirmed case.
- Re-adopting standard rather than enhanced cleaning procedures. Enhanced cleaning can be discontinued in agreed low risk areas and providers can revert to standard cleaning procedures between patients. It's not entirely clear what benefit it offers in practicality, and scrupulous hand hygiene seems to have a far bigger effect.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 25th / 26th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 25th / 26th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,664,230 (+32,417)
Losses of Life: 136,168 (+58)
Tests: 1,063,394
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,722,414 (89.6%)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,739,473 (82.3%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 383,218 cases and 5,209 losses of life.

World: 232,468,443 reported cases and 4,759,808 losses of life.

Even the UK Government's SAGE Government advisory panel are surprised that UK hospital admissions are going down, because they expected a peak around 2,000 people. They aren't quite sure how this is happening, but clearly it's a great thing.
The scientific response surely has to be, 'shush, no-one touch anything. Keep doing what you're doing'...

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 24th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 24th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,601,487(+35,623)
In Hospital on Thursday 23rd: 7,124
Using A Ventilator on Thursday 23rd: 916
Losses of Life: 135,983 (+180)
Tests: 1,063,394
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,705,771 (89.6% of UK adults)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,644,887 (82.1%)
Up until Friday 10th September, 158,664 people had COVID listed as a cause on their death certificate.

Rep. Of Ireland: 380,720 cases and 5,209 losses of life (not yet reported today).

World: 231,605,504 reported cases and 4,745,680 losses of life.

"The UKHSA’s best estimate for R in England is between 0.9 and 1.1. R is estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.5 for Scotland, 1.1 and 1.3 for Wales, and 0.9 and 1.1 for Northern Ireland."

During its most recent week (ending 3 September), the ONS COVID infection survey estimates that an average of 754,600 people had COVID-19 in the community in England, Scotland 117,300, Wales 46,800, Northern Ireland 31,800. (Community only - doesn't include prisons, care homes or hospitals.)

COVID UK and World News Update 22nd / 23rd September 2021

COVID UK and World News Update 22nd / 23rd September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,565,867 (+36,710)
In Hospital on Tuesday 21st: 7,588
Using A Ventilator on Tuesday 21st: 943
Losses of Life: 135,803 (+182)
Tests: 969,173
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,674,154 (89.6% of UK aged 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,600,070 (82.1%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 380,720 (+1,354) cases and 5,209 losses of life

World: 231,117,855 reported cases and 4,736,455 losses of life

The UK Government have learnt a few lessons from the pandemic, and have been in consultation about how to improve things for British workers.
They have made a proposal to make the right to request flexible working a day one entitlement - meaning employees can go to their boss and reasonably ask for flexibility over when and where they work - obviously this isn't possible for everyone.
The Government will also introduce "a day one right to one-week’s unpaid leave for carers balancing a job with caring responsibilities"- if you are a carer and have a disaster which keeps you off work, or need to attend an important meeting, you really shouldn't be risking your job for it.

LEGO NINJAGO Empire Temple of Madness Review Set 71712 Age 9+ (Sent for review)

Over the years one of my children has collected several LEGO NINJAGO dragons, so the LEGO NINJAGO Empire Temple of Madness set 71712 took his eye immediately. We were sent this set for review, and no surprises, the 12 year old was on it like a shot... 

This is an 810 piece set, which is recommended for builders aged 9 and over, and we agree with that assessment. My 12 year old had no problem building independently, and was not at all disappointed with either the build or the final model. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 20th / 21st September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 20th / 21st September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,496,543 (+31,564)
In Hospital on Monday 20th: 7,731 (DOWN from 8,413 a week earlier)
Using A Ventilator on Monday 20th: 982 (DOWN from 1,056 a week earlier)
Losses of Life: 135,455 (+203)
Tests: 984,065
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,617,703 (80.4% of age 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,512,572 (81.9% of age 16+)

Rep. Of Ireland: 376,517 cases and 5,179 losses of life (not yet reported today)

World: 230,045,673 reported cases and 4,717,179 losses of life.

The latest ONS figures show that:
- In the week ending 10th September there were 1,853 more deaths than the 2015-19 average. (Up by 20%.)
- Since the beginning of 2021 we have reported the loss of 404,768 people. (Up by 9%.)

Despite those grim figures, over the last 10 days new UK cases have dropped to a lower average level, and now hospital admissions are showing a marked drop - including in Scotland.
"Number of covid+ patients in English hospitals has fallen by nearly 900 over the last 8 days (14%) - the vaccination of younger people beginning to have an impact? Lowest total for over a month."
Alistair McLellan,  Editor of the Health Services Journal.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 18th / 19th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 18th / 19th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7.429,746 (+29,612)
Losses of Life: 135,203 (+56)
Tests: 1,059,522
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,573,881 (89.4% of UK aged 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,428,209 (81.7%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 374,143 cases and 5,179 losses of life. (Not yet reported today.)

World: 229,144,868 ( +235,770 since midnight GMT ) reported cases and 4,703,212 (+4,002) losses of life (added numbers are not a full 24 hours' reports). 

Good news for everyone who has had the Moderna vaccine, including around 1 million people in the UK. A CDC study has found it is most effective at preventing hospitalisation, and after 3 months, that gap is even wider.
Overall from March 11th to August 15th (while the USA had mainly Alpha then Delta Variants), Moderna was 93% effective at preventing hospitalisation, Pfizer 88% and Johnson and Johnson 71% (in US adults without compromised immune systems).
After 120 days, Moderna was 92% effective at preventing hospitalisation, and Pfizer 77%. (Johnson and Johnson only has data to 28 days, which was 68% - they don't have enough people past 120 days to give a reliable figure).
This could become Dolly Parton's biggest hit yet. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 17th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 17th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,371,301 (+32,651)
In Hospital on Thursday 16th: 8,068
Using A Ventilator on Thursday 16th: 1,020
Losses of Life: 134,983 (+178)
Tests: 1,059,522
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,528,901 (89.3%)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,298,076 (81.5%)

Cases by Nation for the last 7 days:
Area: Cases / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 15,697 / 495.2
Scotland; 37,155 / 679.7
Northern Ireland; 10,371 / 547.1
England; 162,811 / 287.9

Rep. Of Ireland: 371,301 (+1,413) cases and 5,179 losses of life

World: 228,078,110 reported cases and 4,687,928 losses of life

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has today confirmed that parts of Boris' Plan B are in his Plan A for Wales.
"We are able to remain at alert level zero but the rise in cases and the current uncertainty mean we will must all redouble our efforts to do the simple things which keep us all safe."
- Work from home whenever possible
- Face coverings will continue to be mandatory as before, in indoor public places and on public transport
- All frontline health and care staff, everyone living and working in care homes, everyone over 50 and all those with underlying health conditions aged 16 and over will be eligible for a booster at least six months after they received their second dose (as in England)
- 12 to 15-year-olds will start receiving letters next week, inviting them to be vaccinated
- The NHS COVID Pass (proving vaccination status, exemption or negative test) will need to be shown to enter the following venues and events from Monday 11 October:
1. Nightclubs and similar venues.
2. Indoor non-seated events for more than 500 people, where people are mixing closely for prolonged periods.
3. Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people, where people will be mixing closely for prolonged periods.
4. Any event, of any nature, which has more than 10,000 people in attendance.

September 2021 85 Months #TBCSmiles...

I'll start with my apology,  the smiles are a day late, and that's because I was stressing over an important hospital appointment this morning, and I just couldn't get into the headspace for writing anything yesterday. I guess we all have those days, even me, and I don't think allowing yourself to let go a little if you can is losing. I think it's protecting your own mental health.
Thankfully my appointment went swimmingly, and in 3 months I should have an idea of when I'll have some pretty major surgery. And crikey, the surgeon is the nicest bloke. I could have hugged him - so there are plenty of smiles from me today. 

Annoyingly I then got home to discover my Internet had the power of a baby's breath, and uploading photos wasn't happening, or this post would have been live many hours earlier... 

There are thankfully many smiles from you guys - we had loads over the last month - including all of those children in shiny shoes and new oversized uniforms, ready to go back to in-person school. Full of anticipation and nerves, especially when the school is new to them. You can also see Summer turning to Autumn over the last month, the blue is less, and the orange is creeping in...

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 15th/16th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 15th/16th September 2021

A note about today's figures:
"Because of a technical issue affecting the availability of data, there has been no update to cases, testing and vaccinations for Scotland. Therefore newly reported numbers for the UK include England, Northern Ireland and Wales only."
(That means tomorrow's numbers for the UK are likely to be artificially high.)

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,339,009 (+26,911)
In Hospital Weds 15th: 8,339
Using A Ventilator Weds 15th: 1,081
Losses of Life: 134,805 (+158)
Tests: 1,084,585
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,503,181 (89.2% of UK aged 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,229,777 (81.4%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 371,301 (+1,413) cases and 5,179 losses of life.

World: 227,512,652 reported cases and 4,677,473 losses of life.

There's not masses of COVID news today... the UK and a lot of the world press seems a bit distracted by the new AUKUS (Australia, UK, US) defence treaty announcement...

Today, 282 days after the first person in the UK was given the AstraZeneca jab, the NHS delivered their first booster dose.
All frontline NHS and social care staff, anyone aged 50 and over, people under 50 with health conditions that put them at risk of severe COVID, and 'adult household contacts of severely immunosuppressed people' should all receive an invitation in due course - around 8 months after your 2nd vaccine dose (a minimum of 6 months after).

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and COVID Response: Autumn And Winter Plan UK Briefing 13th / 14th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update and COVID Response: Autumn And Winter Plan UK Briefing 13th / 14th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,282,810 (+26,628)
In Hospital on Monday 13th: 8,413
Using A Ventilator on Monday 13th: 1,056
Losses of Life: 134,446 (+185)
Tests: 1,043,118
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,458,700 (89.2% of UK 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 44,108,746 (81.2%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 367,536 cases and 5,155 losses of life (not yet reported today)

World: 226,367,764 reported cases and 4,657,189 losses of life.

"You have to take it as it comes. I think anybody that can say, with confidence, they know how this is going to work over the next few months, has not fully understood, I think, the range of possible ways this could happen."
Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England. 

UK (are vaccinating kids 12+) Briefing 13th September 2021

UK (are vaccinating kids 12+) Briefing 13th September 2021

I don't usually write up the scientific and data briefings specially, but this is a biggie - it's important even if you don't have secondary aged children.

Today's briefing was with:
Chris Whitty, - Chief Medical Officer for England
Dr Gregor Smith - CMO for Scotland
Dr Frank Atherton - CMO for Wales
Sir Michael McBride - CMO for Ireland
Dr June Raine, MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency)
Prof Wei Shen Lim, JVCI (Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation)

Chris explains this is a difficult decision, and the first principle of medicine is balancing risk and benefit.

 

This decision started with the MHRA approving both Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines as safe and effective for age 12+.
(They found it to be as effective in children 12-15 as in adults, with a clear result after only 1 dose. The safety matched that of young adults.)

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 11th / 12th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 11th / 12th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,226,276 (+29,173)
Losses of Life: 134,200 (+56)
Tests: 1,241,334
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,422,588 (89.1% of UK 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 43,991,875 (80.9%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 365,313 cases and 5,155 losses of life (not yet reported today).

World: 225,307,666 reported cases and 4,641,812 losses of life.

The UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on telly this morning that England WILL NOT be going ahead with the vaccine passport scheme. This is mere days after Nicola announced Scotland WILL be having a scheme, and she's really arguing with Boris right now, so I wouldn't like to guess on the complete list of motivations.
That said, Nicola has generally been less cavalier with her population's wellbeing throughout.
So, as it stands at the moment, from next month in England, you won't have to prove vaccination status to enter a nightclub or book a festival ticket, but in Scotland, and for any other establishment or event which decides they require it, you will.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 10th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 10th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,168,806 (+37,622)
In Hospital on Wednesday 9th: 8,098
Using A Ventilator on Wednesday 9th: 1,060
Losses of Life: 133,988 (+147)
Tests: 1,241,334
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,370,340 (89% of UK aged 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 43,805,608 (80.6%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 362,228 cases and 5,155 losses of life.

World: 224,269,097 reported cases and 4,624,307 losses of life.

The UK's JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) are due to make a final decision on Booster Jabs any day now.
Although the UK seems to be swimming in vaccines, we are limited. We have to ensure we have enough for everyone who is entitled, and it has to be fair.
We recently signed a deal for 35m Pfizer, which could offer boosters in a different flavour to everyone over 50, or vaccinate schoolchildren, and boosters for more vulnerable people could be AstraZeneca. These sort of decisions go on behind closed doors all the time - which is exactly why the independent SAGE collective started - they wanted to discuss options and plans openly in front of the public. Don't forget the indieSAGE group contains members of the UK Government's actual SAGE panel. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 8th / 9th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 8th / 9th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,132,072 (+38,013)
In Hospital on Weds 8th Sept: 8,085 (Up from 7,596 a week earlier, which is actually a slightly slower increase than the previous week).
Using A Ventilator on Weds 8th Sept: 1,060 (Up from 1,030 a week earlier - again, a slower increase this week than last week. Fingers crossed).
Losses of Life: 133,841 (+167)
Tests: 1,254,874
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,344,566 (88.9% of UK adults 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 43,708,906 (80.4%)

Cases by nation in the last 7 days:
Area: Cases / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 16,273 / 513.4
Scotland: 43,950 / 804.1
Northern Ireland: 10,073 / 531.4
England: 186,998 / 330.7

Rep. Of Ireland: 360,957 cases and 5,155 losses of life (not yet reported today).

World: 223,720,246 reported cases and 4,614,250 losses of life. 

"After all this time, this still has to be said. Head. Desk.
Also more clarification is needed. Indeed SARS-CoV-2 is not one of the 4 coronaviruses that cause common colds, but the majority of common colds are caused by rhinoviruses, which are from a totally different family."
Dr Angela Rasmussen of the Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security, responding a hoax which is doing the rounds right now.
No, COVID is not the same virus as the common cold - built in a similar way, but like polar bears and sloths, not actually the same. You all knew that already though.

Ad|Guest Post: Should You Enforce a Sleep Schedule for Your Kids?

This month I'm sharing some posts from Maria Miguel at Better Help, where you can find a huge FREE resource library of advice for all kinds of mental health niggles and problems. Today, it's sleep. We raised 7 children, and even though I'm one of the softest parents you might find, I have always insisted on a regular bedtime routine. It's for my own sanity at least as much as theirs... 

 Should You Enforce a Sleep Schedule for Your Kids?

There are many reasons a parent may want to enforce a bedtime on their children; there are just as many reasons for families to do away with the practice. However, for certain age groups and households, a regular bedtime routine can benefit your children’s mental health, lifestyle developments, and sleep quality. Here are some benefits of creating a sleep schedule and tips to ensure it’s the right move for you and your family.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 6th / 7th September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 6th / 7th September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 7,056,106 (+37,489)
In Hospital yesterday: 7,976 (UP from 7,015 ten days earlier)
Using A Ventilator yesterday: 1,062 (UP from 988 ten days earlier)
Losses of Life: 133,483 (+209)
Tests: 1,346,631
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,292,811 (88.8% of UK popn. age 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 43,535,098 (80.1%)
According to the ONS, up until Friday 27th August, 156,888 people had COVID listed as a cause of death.

Rep. Of Ireland: 359,420 (+1,465) cases and 5,112 losses of life.

World: 222,266,621 reported cases and 4,593,633 losses of life.

Congratulations to Boris, Matt, Rishi, Dominic and everyone else who is ultimately responsible for the UK's handling of COVID. The UK has recorded over 7 million official cases - and this is probably somewhere between one and two thirds of the true figure.
Award yourself a hearty slap on the back (face).
This is only officially beaten by the USA (population 331m), India (population1,396m), Brazil (population 214m) and Russia (population 146m).
It may well in reality be matched by a few other poorer countries... 

Ad | Guest Post: How to Effectively Express Your Love to a Teenager

This month I'm sharing some tips from the experts over at Better Help, where you can find a huge FREE library of advice that anyone can access. This post is written by Marie Miguel, who has been covering health related topics for over a decade, and something very important to my own family. 

How to Effectively Express Your Love to a Teenager

There’s a notorious stigma that after becoming a teenager, we start to disconnect from our parents and their affection. However, this isn’t necessarily true and it’s important for parents to avoid leaning into this stereotype. Instead of using affection as a tool for teasing or withholding it because they seem “too old”, recognise changes and make adjustments to the way you express your love for your children.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 4th/5th September 2021.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 4th/5th September 2021.

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 6,978,126 (+37,011)
In Hospital Thursday 2nd: 7,541
Using A Ventilator Thursday 2nd: 1,038
Losses of Life: 133,299 (+68)
Tests: 1,155,929
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,245,337 (88.8% of UK aged 16+)
Vaccinations Fully Vaxxed: 43,378,193 (79.8%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 356,819 (+1,180) cases and 5,112 losses of life.

World: 221,394,352 reported cases and 4,579,498 losses of life.

"Good to meet Dr Tedros ahead of G20 Italy health summit.
We discussed shaping the current global health response inc. supporting work on Covid origins, establishing a Global Pandemic Radar, and getting ahead of the threat from AMR."
Sajid Javid,  UK Health Secretary

"Great meeting with UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid in Rome. Constructive discussion about the proposed treaty on pandemic preparedness and response, the origins of COVID19, antimicrobial resistance and building a stronger WHO. Grateful for the UK's long-standing partnership."
Dr Tedros, Head of WHO.
(Psst, I'm not sure Sajid got the bit about a stronger WHO?). 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 3rd September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 6,904,969 (+42,076)
In Hospital Thursday 2nd: 7,541
Using A Ventilator Thursday 2nd: 1,038
Losses of Life: 133,041 (+121)
Tests: 1,155,929
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,171,998 (88.6% of UK population aged 16+)
Vaccinations 2 Doses: 43,142,747 (79.4%)

UK Nations Cases Last 7 Days:
Area: Cases / Rate per 100,000 population
Wales: 13,566 / 428
Scotland: 40,309 / 737.4
Northern Ireland: 11,035 / 582.2
England: 171,166 / 302.7

Rep. Of Ireland: 354,236 cases and 5,112 losses of life.

World: 220,296,235 reported cases and 4,562,014 losses of life.

The UK's JCVI have just announced updated advice regarding vaccinating young people 12-15, and they say NO.
"The assessment by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is that the health benefits from vaccination are marginally greater than the potential known harms. However, the margin of benefit is considered too small to support universal vaccination of healthy 12 to 15 year olds at this time.
It is not within the JCVI’s remit to consider the wider societal impacts of vaccination, including educational benefits. The government may wish to seek further views on the wider societal and educational impacts from the Chief Medical Officers of the UK 4 nations."
That's the JCVI passing the hot potato, and the Government have already publicly written to the 4 Chief Medical Advisers to request their advice:
"We agree with the approach suggested by JCVI, and so we are writing to request that you take forward work (drawing on experts as you see fit) to consider the matter from a broader perspective, as suggested by the JCVI.
We will consider the advice from the CMOs of the 4 nations, building on the JCVI’s advice, in making our decision. Given the importance of this issue, we would be grateful if you could provide your advice as soon as possible."
Watch this space... 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 1st /2nd September 2021

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 1st /2nd September 2021

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases: 6,862,904 (+38,154)
In Hospital 1st September: 7,596
Using A Ventilator 1st September: 1,030
Losses of Life: 132,920 (+178)
Tests: 1,027,201 (higher - reflecting the first of the school testing)
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 48,131,996 (88.6% of UK age 16+)
Fully Vaxxed: 43,023,372 (70.2% of UK age 16+)

Rep. Of Ireland: 354,236 cases and 5,112 losses of life (not yet reported today).

World: 219,622,854 reported cases and 4,550,511 losses of life. 

"People who refuse to accept vaccines, I think the right response for them is not to force them to, but rather to insist that they be isolated.
If people decide 'I am willing to be a danger to the community by refusing the vaccine', they should then say, well, I also have the decency to isolate myself."
Noam Chomsky, American Linguist and Philosopher.
Not a massively popular opinion, but he is being quoted out of context in the media with this. If you watch the whole interview, he's referring to an imagined scenario where COVID became as deadly as Smallpox (30% mortality, 1 in 3).
It has precedent. Quarantine islands and facilities are historical fact. Possibly the most famous detainee was Typhoid Mary, who spent a total of over 30 years isolated on North Brother Island, because she refused to stop working as a cook and killing people.  

Ad| Blackburn Brickburn Town Centre LEGO Trail 2021 - Brickosaurs!

When you think of a good day out in the North West of England, Blackburn Town Centre might not be top of your list, but it's well worth a visit. Often overshadowed because we have so much to see and do locally, Blackburn has a huge pedestrianised town centre, lots of shops, a really vibrant, airy indoor market, and some gorgeous buildings.
And if you arrive by car, you can always find somewhere to park right in the heart of the town, at a really reasonable rate...

We were in Blackburn last week to have a go at the Brickburn LEGO Model Trail, and this year the theme was dinosaurs, or 'Brickosaurs'. 15 models were placed around the town centre, and although we didn't catch them all, we genuinely did have a 'roarsome' time.

Ad: Coping With An Empty Nest And Maintaining Strong Relationships

Mental Health is something that is incredibly important to me, and I'm delighted to be working with author Marie Miguel, who, over at Better Help, has played a part in creating a huge free online mental health advice library that anyone can access. Here she writes about something very familiar to me, and anyone else with grown up children - the time when they move out... and how that can affect all of the relationships in the home. 

Coping With An Empty Nest And Maintaining Strong Relationships

For many parents, there seems to be an unseen countdown to the day when you no longer have your kids in the house. There will no longer be shouting from the other end of the house, an extra pair of shoes at the door, or a cluttered bedroom to clean. Instead, what is there to expect? And are you ready to take on that new step in life after they’re grown and on their own? Here’s how you can cope with empty nest syndrome and effectively maintain a strong relationship with your kids.