UK reports more than 100 coronavirus deaths for second day in a row
The UK has recorded 29,612 new COVID-19 cases and 104 more coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, according to the latest government figures.
The figures compare to 23,510 infections and 146 coronavirus-related fatalities reported on Tuesday – the highest number of daily COVID-19 deaths since 12 March, when 175 were recorded.
Last Wednesday, there were 29,312 cases and 119 deaths.
Meanwhile, 37,511 people had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine – taking the total to 47,129,400 (89.1% of the adult population).
And 151,143 were jabbed for the second time, meaning 39,839,709 people (75.3%) have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.
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Health Secretary Sajid Javid said plans are under way for autumn booster jabs, although Professor Adam Finn, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, indicated they would be for a relatively small number of people.
“We’ve been asked to advise as to who might receive a booster if it proves necessary to give boosters,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“I think it’s becoming quite clear that there are a small group of people whose immune responses to the first two doses are likely to be inadequate – people who’ve got immunosuppression of one kind or another, perhaps because they’ve got immunodeficiency or they’ve been receiving treatment for cancer or bone marrow transplants or organ transplants, that kind of thing.”
Prof Finn also said the reason the vaccine rollout has been extended to 16 and 17-year-olds is because of a small number of serious cases in the age group.
On Tuesday night, NHS workers and their families were treated to a free concert at the O2 Arena in London as Gorillaz returned to the stage.
The band performed their first gig in front of a live audience since October 2018 and the O2’s first full capacity live event since March 2020.
The O2 Arena was full for the first time as Gorillaz hosted a free gig for NHS workers and their families on Tuesday night. Pic: Luke Dyson
Concert-goers were required to show a negative COVID-19 test to attend.
Gorillaz celebrated their more than 20-year career with a setlist spanning their seven albums and invited The Cure’s Robert Smith, former Joy Division and New Order star Peter Hook, rapper Slowthai, and Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays on stage.
Meanwhile, Facebook has removed hundreds of accounts linked to a COVID-19 vaccine disinformation network operating out of Russia.
Advertising agency Fazze sought to pay social media influencers to repost misleading content about the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine, including one claim that the AstraZeneca jab would turn a person into a chimpanzee.
The plot was uncovered after influencers in France and Germany exposed offers they had been sent and 65 Facebook profiles and 243 Instagram accounts were banned after being traced back to Fazze.
An outbreak of a waterborne disease in Devon has prompted urgent warnings for residents to boil their tap water.
At least 22 cases of cryptosporidiosis disease have been confirmed in and around the town of Brixham in South West England.
But what is the parasite that is making people sick, what are the symptoms of being infected with it and how serious can it be?
What is cryptosporidiosis disease?
Cryptosporidiosis is the disease caused by the parasite cryptosporidium.
Often shortened to crypto, infections can be caused by drinking contaminated water or swallowing contaminated water in swimming pools or streams.
It can also be acquired through contact with the faeces of infected animals or humans.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include:
• profuse watery diarrhoea
• stomach pains
• nausea or vomiting
• low-grade fever
• loss of appetite
How long does it last?
Most people develop symptoms within one to 12 days of picking up the parasite.
Symptoms usually last for about two weeks, but can last up to six weeks or longer when the immune system is not working properly.
During the illness, you might think you are getting better but the illness returns a couple of days later before you fully recover.
How serious is it?
Most people recover, but in people with severely weakened immune systems it can cause severe disease and can be fatal.
Serious cases and death used to be more common, according to Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
This is because before effective antiretroviral treatments were introduced for HIV/AIDS, people living with these illnesses would not recover if they picked up cryptosporidiosis.
Who is most at risk of serious illness?
People with weak immune systems are at greater risk of serious illness. This includes:
• people on some immunosuppressive drugs, for example cancer or transplant patients
• people with untreated HIV/AIDS
• malnourished children
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Residents ‘worried’ over water parasite
Does it need treatment?
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
It important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration, according to advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
You might also want to talk to a pharmacist about oral rehydration sachets to help replace the sugar, salts and minerals the body has lost.
Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Torbay’s Director of Public Health, said anyone with “severe symptoms like bloody diarrhoea” should contact NHS 111 or their GP.
Severe cases may require hospital treatment.
How do you know if you have crypto?
The symptoms of crypto are similar to other stomach bugs, so the only way to know for sure if you have it is for your doctor to send a sample of your faeces to be tested in a laboratory.
Read more:
Water disease outbreak may last a week, expert says
Sickness outbreak forces farm to cancel animal cuddling
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How can you stop the illness spreading?
If you are ill, stay away from nursery, school or work while you have symptoms, and for at least 48 hours after they stop.
You should also avoid swimming for two weeks after being unwell.
You should not prepare food for anyone else until 48 hours after diarrhoea has stopped.
Make sure you’re using good handwashing practices too, washing your hands thoroughly when handling food and after using the toilet.
The UKHSA also advises washing bedding and towels on the hottest possible cycle.
A one-year-old girl has died after being struck by a Land Rover in the car park of a church in Aberdeenshire.
The incident occurred at Plymouth Brethren Christian Church on Eigie Road in Balmedie at around 7.45pm on Wednesday.
Police Scotland said the girl was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
The 40-year-old man driving the car was uninjured.
Inspector Scott Deans said: “At this time our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, along with everyone else affected by this tragic incident.
“Our investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing and we’d like to thank the wider Balmedie community for their patience and understanding as officers carry out their enquiries in the area.”
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
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