Coronavirus vaccine news: AstraZeneca vaccines suspended in Ireland over side effect fears as UK deaths hit 5 MONTH low

LOCKDOWN PET BOOM DRIVEN BY MILLENIALS AND GEN Z

More than three million Brit households have got pets since the start of the pandemic - largely driven by Millennials and Gen Z.

Almost two-thirds of the new pooches and moggies were bought by people aged between 16 and 34.

Young people have been looking for pets to keep them company during the various lockdowns.

Research carried out by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association found a whopping 74 per cent claim their new pet has helped their mental health during the pandemic.

OXFORD PROFESSOR SEEKS TO REASSURE PUBLIC OVER ASTRAZENECA COVID VACCINE

The head of the Oxford University vaccine group has sought to reassure the public over its Covid-19 jab.

Professor Andrew Pollard said that while it was right that regulators investigate reports of blood clots in people who have had the vaccine, data from millions of people was "very reassuring" that there was no link.

It comes after the Netherlands became the latest country to suspend use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine over concerns about possible side-effects.

Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand have all also temporarily suspended their use of the AstraZeneca jab.

The Dutch government said the precautionary move will last until at least March 29, following a similar decision made by the Republic of Ireland.

TURKEY PLANS TO WELCOME UNVACCINATED UK HOLIDAYMAKERS

UK holidaymakers could be heading to Turkey this summer, without requiring proof of a coronavirus vaccine or negative test.

Tourism minister Mehmet Ersoy said the country is "looking forward to welcoming British tourists with open arms".

British nationals made more than 2.5 million visits to Turkey in 2019, according to Government figures.

Mr Ersoy said: "We have world-class border processes in place for ensuring travel will be low-risk throughout Turkey.

"We are working with the British authorities to ensure these necessary processes are world class and as up to date as possible."

ROGER DALTREY: I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE RECEIVED MY CORONAVIRUS JAB

The Who star Roger Daltrey has said he is "grateful" to have received his coronavirus jab.

The singer, 77, who is also patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, had the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"I haven't had blood clots and I haven't got horns growing out of my head. I'm really grateful," he told Good Morning Britain.

EU CONSIDERS TURNING TO SPUTNIK VACCINE

The EU is reportedly in discussions to place an order of Russia's Sputnik vaccine.

According to , the bloc is considering a move to Moscow's Sputnik V vaccine as it attempts to speed up its lagging immunisation programme.

The news comes as several countries pause their roll out of Astrazeneca’s Covid jab, over a handful of health concerns.

The EU has approved four vaccines so far - the Astrazeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson jabs.

However, the bloc's vaccination programme has been slowed by production glitches and manufacturing scale-ups.

CONTINUED

Speaking via videoconference in Geneva, Ghebreyesus said “WHO is aware that some countries have suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccines based on reports of blood clots in some people who have received doses of the vaccine from two batches.

“This measure was taken as a precaution while a full investigation is finalised.

“It’s important to note that the European Medicines Agency has said there is no indication of a link between the vaccine and blood clots and that the vaccine can continue to be used while its investigation is ongoing.”

WHO ISSUES STATEMENT ON ASTRAZENECA VACCINE

The World Health Organisation has issued a statement on the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, after several countries suspend the jabs.

Ireland, Norway and Thailand are among a handful of countries who have paused the roll-out of the vaccine, following a small number of reported health problems linked to its use.

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said: “As countries roll out Covid-19 vaccines, WHO is continuing to keep a close eye on their safety."

SIR KEIR STARMER RECEIVES JAB

Sir Keir Starmer received his Covid jab yesterday and urged Brits to get their dose.

The Labour leader, 58, praised the vaccination program as the “light at the end of the tunnel”— as a further 512,108 people got their first dose and 52,155 got their second.

He popped in to London’s Francis Crick Institute in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency.

It is one of five mass vaccination centres set up by University College London Hospital.

Sir Keir said: “I am so grateful to the staff and volunteers at the Francis Crick Institute for their warm welcome and exceptional work throughout the pandemic.

'GET THE JAB,' MEDICS URGE

People across the UK have been urged to get their coronavirus vaccine, despite a growing list of countries temporarily suspending use of the AstraZeneca jab amid concern around blood clots.

The vaccine's manufacturer has insisted it is safe, saying a review of available data in more than 17 million people who have been vaccinated across the UK and EU has shown no evidence of an increased risk.

After Ireland announced on Sunday that it was suspending use of the jabs as a "precautionary step", the UK's medicines regulator said the available evidence "does not suggest the vaccine is the cause" of clots.

VARIANT CAUSES WORST-EVER DEATH TOLL IN BRAZIL

Things are starting to look much brighter in the UK.

But in some countries, the situation is getting worse rather than better.

Brazil reported 2,216 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours - the third day in a row that fatalities exceeded 2,000.

That means the country is experiencing the worst run of deaths since the pandemic began a year ago.

The health ministry also reported 85,663 new coronavirus infections, its second highest number for a single day.

The pandemic is surging in the South American country, driven by a highly contagious new local variant.

BRITS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY SUMMER, SAYS PROFESSOR LOCKDOWN

Professor Lockdown has said he is "80 per cent sure" that Brits will be able to enjoy this summer as the vaccine rollout beats back Covid.

Neil Ferguson, one of the scientists who spearheaded the UK's lockdown policies, believes most restrictions will be lifted as around one third of population have already had their Covid jab.

Prof Ferguson was speaking on the first anniversary of his grim warning that Covid rates in the UK were much higher than original estimations.

"It is highly likely that we will have driven Covid down to very low levels of case numbers, and we can begin enjoying summer," he said.

However, despite his 80 per cent prediction - he warned there remains a 20 per cent chance that mutating virus variants could derail the progress, reports .

VIRTUAL COMMONS PARTICIPATION SHOULD END WITH COVID RESTRICTIONS, MPS SAY

Virtual participation in Commons debates should cease as the final coronavirus restrictions come to an end, the Procedure Committee has recommended.

The cross-party group of MPs said the temporary "hybrid" proceedings should be extended until stage four of the Government's roadmap for easing restrictions, which is earmarked for June 21.

But in a report, they said the House should ultimately revert to "all aspects of its pre-pandemic practice and procedure" after that point.

The MPs did, however, recommend that officials are given the scope to further develop the hybrid proceedings allowing virtual and in-person participation in case it is needed in the future, such as during the Palace of Westminster's restoration works.

Committee chair Karen Bradley MP said: "The Government has set out a cautious and steady easing of lockdown restrictions, and the House of Commons Commission has set out a similar roadmap for the House at an administrative level. This committee's recommendations for a return to something approaching 'normality' are consistent with both the commission and the Government, but the ultimate decision must be made by all MPs."

IN PICTURES: FRANCE PLANES FLY COVID PATIENTS FROM OVERRUN PARIS FACILITIES TO OTHER REGIONS

WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS HONOURS 21 'ANGELS' FOR THEIR WORK DURING THE PANDEMIC

The WhatsOnStage Awards have honoured 21 people for their contribution to the theatre industry and society as a whole during the coronavirus pandemic.

The recipients, dubbed "angels";, were honoured during the 21st annual edition of the theatre awards night.

Among those to be given awards were Elaine and Graeme Blackmore, who hosted a free community online stand-up event titled Whole Lotta Comedy to provide entertainment during the pandemic.

Leontine Hass was also recognised for helping performing arts students by providing online lessons and industry events to keep them engaged with theatre during the pandemic.

Alex Young was honoured at the ceremony for setting up the Corona Day Plays Theatre Company to offer people the opportunity to read scripts together online.

GOVERNMENT MUST ACT URGENTLY AND SET OUT PLANS FOR EXAMS NEXT YEAR, SAYS LABOUR

Ministers must urgently put in place a plan for next year's GCSE, A-level and vocational qualification exams, Labour has urged.

Shadow schools minister Wes Streeting called for the Government to guarantee there would be a "level playing field" for pupils who have missed the most learning because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He will use a Westminster Hall debate on Monday to urge ministers not to repeat mistakes made this year.

Mr Streeting said: "The Government's poor planning and preparation has created a second year of exam chaos. Ministers urgently need to set out plans for next year giving teachers and pupils time to prepare and adjust their teaching.

"Exams remain the fairest and most robust way to assess pupils, but ministers must guarantee a level playing field for pupils who have missed most learning this year."

BRAZIL REGISTERS 1,127 NEW COVID-19 DEATHS

Brazil reported 1,127 COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours and 43,812 new cases of the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said on Sunday, ending the most lethal week since the pandemic began a year ago.

The South American country is fighting a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by a new, more contagious local variant of the virus that has overwhelmed intensive care wards in most large cities.

The week saw 12,818 deaths in Brazil from COVID-19, an average of 1,831 fatalities a day. That was far above the 1,000-death daily rolling averages for January and February and points to the gravity of the resurgence.

Brazil has now registered 11,483,370 cases in all, while the official death toll has risen to 278,229, according to ministry data, in the world's deadliest and most widespread outbreak after the United States.

WATCH: UK DAILY COVID DEATHS FALL TO LOWEST IN FIVE MONTHS WITH 52 FATALITIES AND 4,618 CASES

NETHERLANDS SUSPENDS ROLLOUT OF ASTRAZENECA JAB

Dutch health officials said they had suspended the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine on Sunday for two weeks after "possible side effects" were reported in Denmark and Norway.

"Based on new information, the Dutch Medicines Authority has advised, as a precautionary measure and pending further investigation, to suspend the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine," the Health Ministry said in a statement.

CASES WILL SOAR IN AUTUMN, SAYS EXPERT

Covid cases will soar AGAIN in the Autumn despite hopes that Brits will be able to enjoy summer holidays, an expert has warned.

Despite the UK's world-class vaccine rollout, coronavirus is a problem that isn't just "going to go away," warned Sir Ian Diamond.

Sir Ian emphasised people need to understand how the data is moving forward and look at the impact of the "wonderful" vaccine rollout.

"But having said that, we need also to recognise that this is a virus that isn't going to go away," he told The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One.

"And I have no doubt that in the autumn there will be a further wave of infections."

BRITS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY SUMMER, SAYS PROFESSOR LOCKDOWN

Professor Lockdown has said he is "80 per cent sure" that Brits will be able to enjoy this summer as the vaccine rollout beats back Covid.

Neil Ferguson, one of the scientists who spearheaded the UK's lockdown policies, believes most restrictions will be lifted as around one third of population have already had their Covid jab.

Prof Ferguson was speaking on the first anniversary of his grim warning that Covid rates in the UK were much higher than original estimations.

"It is highly likely that we will have driven Covid down to very low levels of case numbers, and we can begin enjoying summer," he said.

However, despite his 80 per cent prediction - he warned there remains a 20 per cent chance that mutating virus variants could derail the progress, reports .

SEVERAL THOUSAND DUTCH ANTI-LOCKDOWN PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE AT THE HAGUE

Dutch riot police used water cannon and batons on Sunday to disperse a crowd of several thousand anti-lockdown protesters gathered in the centre of The Hague a day before national elections.

Police took action after the protesters flouted social distancing rules, ignored warnings to disperse and threw fireworks and other objects at the police.

Police said they had detained 20 people and that two demonstrators had been injured by police dogs after refusing to leave.

A warning shot was fired by police when protesters kicked a police dog and threatened the dog's handler during an arrest, a police statement said. Dutch authorities had stopped train services to the city, the seat of government, to prevent more protesters arriving.

Many in the crowd, gathered at the central Maliveld field in the city, were holding yellow umbrellas in a show of opposition and chanted "Love, freedom, stop dictatorship."

WORLD-FAMOUS CELLIST YO-YO MA PERFORMS AS PEOPLE WAIT FOR CORONAVIRUS VACCINE

Internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma celebrated receiving his second dose of the coronavirus vaccine by performing an impromptu concert for those waiting in line after him.

Ma, who has won 18 Grammy Awards and sold millions of records during his career, was filmed performing in a mask at the vaccine site in Berkshire Community College, Massachussetts, on Saturday.

The 15-minute turn included renditions of pieces by Bach and Schubert, and at its close prompted an enthusiastic round of applause and cheers from the lucky crowd of socially-distanced patients.

Ma, 65, had "wanted to give something back", Richard Hall of the Berkshire Covid-19 Vaccine Collaborative told local paper the Berkshire Eagle.

";What a way to end the clinic," he added.

HOSPITALITY BODIES URGE CHANGES TO LEVELS SYSTEM TO SAVE JOBS AND BUSINESSES

Hospitality bodies in Scotland have joined together to call on the Scottish Government to reform the coronavirus level restrictions to help save businesses.

Five industry organisations have submitted changes to the level system which they said would save 68,000 jobs and contribute more than £1.2bn to the economy.

The trade bodies - the Scottish Hospitality Group, UK Hospitality Scotland, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, the Night Time Industries Association and the Scottish Beer and Pub Association - said the changes proposed would ensure strict measures to prevent Covid-19 spreading remain in place.

They call on ministers to mirror reopening plans in England, with no curfews or need to order alcohol with a meal.

If this does not happen they want the levels system to be overhauled.

ITALY: NEW GOVERNMENT AIMS TO VACCINATE 80% OF POPULATION BEFORE OCTOBER

The new Italian government says it aims to have 80% of the population vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of September.

Premier Mario Draghis office on Saturday announced more goals of the national vaccination program, which only recently has started picking up its pace after delays in vaccine deliveries and other logistics slowdowns.

Just under 2 million people in Italy or roughly 3% of the population had been fully vaccinated as of Saturday.

On Monday, much of the country, including Romes region, Lazio, will be put under tougher restrictions on citizens movements outside the home. Hospitals are struggling with an increase of ICU admissions for COVID-19 patients. Daily new caseloads of confirmed infections have soared above 20,000 in recent days, including on Saturday, with the Health Ministry reporting 26,062 cases.

Italy has now tallied some 3.2 million cases in the pandemic. After Britain, Italy has Europes second-highest known death toll, with 101,881 dead.

HOW MANY COVID VACCINATIONS HAVE BEEN GIVEN OUT IN THE UK?