Boris Johnson covid announcement – Novak Djokovic to be KICKED OUT of Australia if tennis legend has broken vaccine rule
01/05/2022NOVAK Djokovic will be KICKED OUT of Australia if he cannot provide a medical reason for his controversial vaccine exemption, it has been declared.
The men's tennis number one has repeatedly refused to reveal his covid vaccine status in public and in doing so has become something on a poster-boy for anti-vaxxers around the world.
Australia has strict rules on travellers who haven't had a vaccine, so until he revealed the shock news of his exemption on medical grounds, Djokovic was considered unlikely to defend his Australian Open title later this month.
Djokovic's exemption sparked fury in Australia where locals claim it's one rule for multi-millionaire sportsmen and another for citizens, many of whom have lost jobs over not being vaccinated in one of the planet's most covid-cautious countries.
Amid calls for a boycott of the Australian Open, Aussie PM Scott Morrison today vowed that Djokovic would "be on the next plane home" if he couldn't provide a legitimate reason for why he was granted the vaccine exemption.
The news comes as Boris Johnson last night insisted a UK-wide lockdown simply isn't needed and says the country can "ride out the Omicron wave".
Read our Covid-19 live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Louis Allwood
How do I order and use a Covid lateral flow test?
Head online to this website – where you can request a pack of tests to use at home.
The testing kit comes with instructions and is fairly simple to use.
It first involves taking a swab of the throat and nose and dipping it into a solution.
This is then placed onto a paper pad on the device – that looks like a pregnancy stick.
Inside the device is a strip of test paper that changes colour if coronavirus proteins are in the sample.
Usually, one line next to the “C” means negative, two lines next to “C” and “T” means positive, and no lines or one next to “T” means the test is void.
They often have key timelines in which the results are valid, so if you spot a change hours later it could be wrong.
The best way to know for sure is to repeat the test to stay as safe as possible.
- Louis Allwood
What is a Covid lateral flow test?
A Covid lateral flow test uses a swab from a patient’s nose or throat to quickly determine if they are infected with coronavirus.
They are being used to check if people have the virus but are not showing symptoms.
By catching these people it means they can isolate at home and not spread the virus.
Around one in three people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus without knowing.
- Louis Allwood
Sign up to The Sun’s Jabs Army campaign
The Sun’s Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits’ arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
Boris Johnson has begged millions of people to book their first, second or booster jabs in now to protect them from the virus, admitting that cases of omicron are still rising.
- Louis Allwood
Get a PCR test if you have any symptoms
If you have Covid symptoms of any kind, you should get a PCR test and self-isolate until the results come back.
The common early warning signs of Omicron include:
- Scratchy throat
- Lower back pain
- Runny nose/congestion
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Night sweats
- Body aches
20 hospital trusts declare critical incidents
The seven-day isolation period is causing a staff shortage at hospitals – amid demands for it to be cut to five days.
Downing Street has now confirmed 20 trusts now have "critical" status, though it is hoped this will be short-lived.
The situation has sparked renewed calls to slash isolation for people who test positive for the virus from seven to five days to get healthy and much-needed healthcare staff back to work.
Currently, confirmed cases are forced to stay at home for at least a week, down from 10 days before Christmas.
Tory MPs are among a legion of voices demanding the quarantine period be cut to speed up the return to work.
Can I walk my dog if I have Covid?
Under the current guidance, you must stay home and isolate for 10 days if you test positive for Covid-19.
This means that if possible, you have to let your dog out in the garden or just outside your house.
In case this is not possible, you should ask another member of the household or someone outside of it to walk the dog, if they are not positive and have been fully vaccinated.
If you have been asked to walk someone else's dog, you can do that as long as you are not displaying any symptoms of the virus.
This counts as caring for a vulnerable person, which includes those self-isolating or being shielded.
Remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog and keep two metres away from other people and animals while walking, including when handing over the dog to the owner.
What advice is there for pet owners with Covid?
Battersea have a detailed guide on taking care of pets during the Covid pandemic.
The Canine and Feline Sector Group – made up of the UK’s leading dog, cat, and veterinary organisations – have also put together guidance for pet owners and dog walkers during the pandemic.
The British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) advice for pet owners diagnosed with Covid-19 is:
- If you are unwell and worried about passing anything onto your pet, wash your hands before stroking them and wear a mask while being close to them
- If your pet shows clinical signs, please do not take it to the vet but call the practice for advice.
- If your pet requires emergency treatment, call the practice for further advice. Do not take your pet to the surgery unless the vet instructs you to. You may need to arrange for someone else to transport your pet for treatment.
Can I take my pet to the vet if I have Covid?
All non-essential trips to vets should be avoided, unless someone else can take your pet for you while you are ill.
If your pet needs urgent treatment, you must phone the vet to arrange the best approach to meet your pets’ needs.
Can pets catch COVID?
A 2021 study suggested that Covid is common in pet cats and dogs whose owners have the disease.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been multiple reports of pets testing positive for Covid-19 following close contact with their infected owners.
The World Organisation for Animal Health said: "Now that Covid-19 virus infections are widely distributed in the human population there is a possibility for some animals to become infected through close contact with infected humans."
In the UK, official government lines state "There is limited evidence that some animals, including pets, can become infected with Covid-19."
However, in line with the general advice on fighting coronavirus, pet owners who are displaying symptoms should restrict contact with pets and wash their hands thoroughly before and after interacting with their pet.
Researchers in China discovered that cats can be infected with the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, and can spread it to other cats through respiratory droplets.
A study has also found that pets that sleep in their infected owner's bed are more likely to catch the virus.
- Louis Allwood
Critical workers fast tracked
Boris Johnson has announced that more than 100,000 critical workers will be fast-tracked for lateral flow tests to stop essential services grinding to a halt.
Critical workers in fields ranging from food processing to transport and the Border Force will get lateral flow tests every working day from January 10, he said.
Kits will be sent directly to organisations.
- Louis Allwood
Families can now save hundreds
Travel bosses will be happy with the move towards restriction-free travel, with many previously calling for them to be scrapped to help the industry.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, praised the move: "This is a hugely welcome move at a critical time in the booking season for passengers, and will provide a massive boost to those wanting to travel abroad or come to the UK this year.
"People will now be able to book knowing that – for the fully-vaccinated – all emergency testing restrictions have been removed.
“Today marks an important step towards learning to live alongside the virus, helping passengers and the travel sector look ahead to what will be an all-important spring and summer season.”
- Louis Allwood
WFH & face masks will remain for at least 3 more weeks
COVID rules telling people to work from home and wear masks indoors will stay for another three weeks after Boris Johnson stuck with Plan B.
The PM today insisted the "balanced" measures were necessary to help fight "rapidly" rising Omicron cases and hospitalisations.
Another 194,747 Covid cases were recorded today, with infections spreading quickly among vulnerable older patients.
Mr Johnson told the Commons: "So in response to the latest data, the Cabinet agreed this morning that we should stick with Plan B for another three weeks, with a further review before the regulations expire on 26 January."
But in an optimistic outlook he all but ruled out returning to a full-fat lockdown and warned crippling restrictions would take a wrecking ball to livelihoods.
H praise from lockdown-hating Tory MPs, he said: "Lockdowns are not cost free.
"They impose a devastating toll on our physical and mental wellbeing, on our businesses, jobs and livelihoods, and, worst of all, on the life chances of our children.
"So this government does not believe we need to shut down our country again."
- Louis Allwood
‘London outbreak slows’ (Continued…)
Sarah Crofts, Head of Analytical Outputs for the Covid-19 Infection Survey said: "We continue to see infections across the UK increase, with Omicron now the dominant variant across all four nations.
“There are early signs of a potential slowing of infections in London in the days before New Year’s Eve. However, it is too early to suggest this is a change in trend overall.
“The data continues to change rapidly, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
- Louis Allwood
‘London outbreak slows’
THE UK has seen 194,747 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours – a dip on the record high reported yesterday.
Another 334 deaths have also been logged today, taking the tragic toll to 149,284.
Today's new fatalities are higher than the past few days – but this is also because they include a backlog of hospital deaths unreported by NHS England since January 1.
The latest infection figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the highest number of Brits since records began were hit with the bug.
However there are early signs that cases are going down in younger Londoners, which could pave the way for the end of the outbreak in the capital.
Cases have risen sharply in the past month since Omicron arrived in the UK, but while it spreads quickly, the variant has been found to be a less serious illness.
The ONS infection survey for last week shows 3.7million people were infected with Covid – up from 2.3million in the week before Christmas.
- Louis Allwood
Labour leader gets Covid
SIR Keir Starmer has tested positive for Covid, meaning he will miss his first bust-up with Boris Johnson of the new year.
Angela Rayner will step in at PMQs after the Labour leader was forced into isolation for the SIXTH time.
- Louis Allwood
No need for PCR follow up
BRITS who test positive with a DIY lateral flow test will no longer need a follow-up PCR check under imminent rule changes.
Instead, they will be told to self-isolate for a week as long as they are negative on day six and seven.
Officials hope a change in testing rules will also reduce infection spread, as Brits will no longer leave home to get an extra test.
A health source said: “The overwhelming likelihood is that if you have a positive lateral flow, then you are infectious.
“So there is no need for an extra PCR check when testing is already under huge strain.”
- Milica Cosic
Walk-in PCRs and lateral flows ‘unavailable’
SLOTS for PCRs and lateral flows have run out today – as a major change to Covid test rules has been confirmed.
Brits hoping to book a PCR test at a drive-through or walk in site in England have been told there are none left.
Lateral flow tests for home delivery have also run out, with no slots available on the Government website.
However, local pharmacies or collection points should have supplies left so it's worth checking there, and PCRs for at home testing are still available through the post.
Last week the system strained under the weight of Brits trying to order tests, as the variant rapidly spread during the festive period – with boxes being snapped up quickly.
- Milica Cosic
BREAKING: Holiday boost as pre-departure tests scrapped
BRITS have been given a holiday boost as the government confirms that pre-departure tests will be scrapped – and day two tests can be swapped for cheaper lateral flow tests.
Holidaymakers will no longer need to take Covid tests before they return to the UK, which risked travellers being stranded abroad if they tested positive.
Day two test rules will also change, with Brits no longer forced to pay for expensive PCR tests, and can instead have a cheaper lateral flow.
This means families could save hundreds of pounds on their holidays, with the £22 pre-departure scrapped – saving £88 for a family of four.
And lateral flows cost around £60 on average less than PCR tests – saving £240 per family.
Brits who are fully vaccinated also won't have to isolate on their return – currently they have to wait for the results of their day two test.
The new rules will be in place from 4am on Friday.
- Milica Cosic
Major Covid news you may have missed
- Multiple trusts around the country have declared critical incidents, with reports saying Greater Manchester's hospital beds are 96 per cent full.
- It comes as Brits who test positive with a DIY lateral flow test won't need to do a follow-up PCR check from January 11.
- Instead, people in England can self-isolate for a week as long as they are negative on day six and seven.
- Currently, Brits must have a gold-standard PCR swab after a positive lateral flow – and this is still the case until the new rules comes in.
Omicron signs you should NOT ignore
Experts across the globe have highlighted at least eight early warning signs of Omicron you should never ignore.
They seem to last for around five days, but of course can go quicker, and some can linger.
If you have Covid symptoms of any kind, you should get a PCR test and self-isolate until the results come back.
The common early warning signs of Omicron include:
- Scratchy throat
- Lower back pain
- Runny nose/congestion
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Night sweats
- Body aches
Covid boosters protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
The Sun's Jabs Army campaign is helping get the vital extra vaccines in Brits' arms to ward off the need for any new restrictions.
The two ‘strange’ Omicron symptoms
Two strange symptoms that have popped up for sufferers are pink eye or conjunctivitis and hair loss.
Eye trouble can appear alongside other symptoms, which is within about two days for Omicron, and hair loss is more likely near the end of an illness.
According to Healthline, the virus enters the body's cells through receptors for the enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) by tricking it into thinking it's the enzyme rather than Covid.
And although hair loss is not a typical Covid symptom, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association hair shedding is quite common after a high fever.
- Milica Cosic
BREAKING: Covid cases hit 3.7m last week
OVER three million people in the UK had Covid in the last week of 2021.
The latest infection figures showed the highest number of Brits since records began were hit with the bug.
One in ten people in London were hit with the super spreading virus in the week running up to December 31, with one in 15 people testing positive in England.
As a record 218,000 new Covid cases were confirmed yesterday, Boris Johnson ruled out any new curbs.
Cases have risen sharply in the past month since Omicron arrived in the UK, but while it spreads quickly, the variant has been shown to be a less serious illness.
- Milica Cosic
Booster for Brits
At Downing St last night the PM said: "We can keep our schools and our businesses open, and we can find a way to live with this virus."
He added the country has a "good chance of getting through the Omicron wave without the need for further restrictions" and ruled out a full-fat lockdown.
Mr Johnson is confident that boosters, rather than crippling Covid curbs, give Brits the best chance of beating the virus and sent up another plea for people to get jabbed.
The Sun's Jab's Army campaign is helping turbo-charge the rollout by getting vital shots into arms.
- Milica Cosic
Minister confirms how many Brits are currently isolating
A MILLION Brits are currently isolating with Covid, a minister confirmed today amid furious calls to slash the quarantine period to five days.
After days of the Government refusing to clarify the scale of the problem, Care Minister Gillian Keegan confirmed "around a million" people are hunkering at home.
However, top doc Sir Patrick Vallance told the nation "it was now clear" the variant was not as severe as previous mutations following a string of studies finding it cuts the risk of serious illness by up to 70 per cent.
- Milica Cosic
Stages of Omicron
There is a clearly established path now between when an individual is exposed to the virus and how long they may feel ill.
Though a string of positive studies does suggest that Omicron is milder than its Delta variant counterpart, one should remain alert nonetheless.
- Stage one is contact with an infected person. It's likely you won't be certain when you may have picked up the virus, as just a breath of infected air is enough to catch it.
- Stage two is around two or three days with no symptoms presenting yet.
Omicron is thought to be much faster working than Delta or Alpha – so you will likely see symptoms sooner, around the two-day mark. - Stage three is when early symptoms start to pop up, like lower backache, night sweats, and a scratchy throat.
Others include headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sneezing, nausea, and loss of appetite. - Stage four is test-taking – which, if you've had these symptoms is quite likely to come back positive.
- Stage five is isolation if you have tested positive or from when you started noticing symptoms.
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