COVID-19

A year of COVID vaccines: how the UK pinned its hopes on the jab – and why those hopes are under threat.

— The UK has been rolling out COVID vaccines for a year. It’s been quite a ride.

Omicron Variant

Will Omicron be more contagious than Delta? A virus evolution expert explains what researchers know and what they don’t.

— It’s too early to say whether the newly identified Omicron variant is going to overtake Delta. But particular mutations in the new strain have researchers deeply concerned.

Analysis

Reintroducing masks in England may be met with resistance – Here’s how the government can overcome it.

— Inconsistent rules, those in charge setting a poor example, and feeling rebellious are all factors that may prevent people from wearing a mask.

Omicron Variant

Why the WHO designated Omicron a variant of concern.

— Lessons have been learned of the importance of acting quickly to nip dangerous new variants in the bud, or at least to slow their spread to buy the world some time.

Omicron Variant

How Omicron was found and what we know so far.

— There’s a new COVID lineage called B.1.1.529. The World Health Organization called it Omicron as it declared it a “variant of concern” because it has a genetic profile very different from other circulating variants.

COMMENT

Omicron variant – Signs so far suggest the potential threat is high.

— Given the potential threat of Omicron, it makes sense to assume a worst-case scenario and plan for this, rather than respond too late.

What The Experts Say

COVID never left. Now, it’s firmly back on the agenda.

— Experts and health professionals on the current rise in COVID infections in Europe, what it means for the UK, and what happens with children.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Novavax COVID vaccine is nearing approval – What impact will it have?

— Beset by delays, this vaccine is becoming available when low-income countries are desperately short of doses.

Testimony

Around the wards in 80 days.

— This is the moving story of Derek Walsh, a COVID survivor. You may find it difficult to read... just imagine how difficult it was for him to write! This is what the reality looks like for thousands of people in ICU with COVID-19 today.

COVID-19

Increased COVID restrictions in the UK look inevitable as winter arrives.

— Cases are high in people over 60, who are far more likely to develop severe COVID and need hospital treatment.

OPINION

The NHS is in trouble. It needs our help and support now.

— Time to make some noise. The NHS and healthcare staff need our help and we must all fight for them. Demand your right to have your money spent directly to secure access to basic healthcare.

Analysis

COVID-19 cases rise when schools open – but more so when teachers and students don’t wear masks.

— A new study in the United States found school reopening in late 2020 was associated with an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths. But this was mostly the case where masks weren’t required.

What The Experts Say

“We are now storing up trouble for the future” – Experts.

— Experts and health professionals on the rise in infections in secondary-age children, on whether the worst effects of the pandemic may not just be over yet, and on the lack of face coverings at the Conservative Party Conference.

COMMENT

Long COVID and why choosing to expose children to infection rather than vaccinate them is negligent and harmful.

— Let’s do a deep delve into Long COVID – this syndrome that some in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are in denial about!

COVID-19 & Children

Blowing bubbles is dangerous for children.

— The removal of centrally mandated bubbles in UK schools is a calamitous move, and one based on a gross misrepresentation of the facts.

Open Letter

We trust grown-ups to protect us, but they are doing the opposite of protecting us — concerned children.

— It feels like those making decisions about our future and our lives are not listening to us. We are not numbers – we are children.