Daily Covid-19 cases in the UK exceed 100,000 for first time
December 22, 2021, 5:34 pm

Daily Covid-19 cases in the UK exceed 100,000 for first time

UK-Christmas in London-Street lights/Pixabay

The BBC reported that latest UK government figures show, Daily Covid-19 cases in the UK have exceeded 100,000 for the first time.

The 106,122 cases tops the previous record for daily infections, when 93,045 were reported on 17 December.

A record number of boosters and third doses were reported on Tuesday, with more than 30.8 million delivered - 6.1 million in the past week alone.

On Tuesday, Boris Johnson said no new restrictions will be introduced in England before Christmas.

However, the prime minister refused to rule out introducing fresh measures after Christmas with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

There were 140 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive Covid test on Wednesday.

The new daily reported cases figures are the highest since mass testing began in May and June last year.

Infections have remained at record levels in recent days, with eight of the 10 highest daily totals for reported infections coming since 15 December.

People with Covid in England have had their self-isolation requirement reduced to one week from 10 days, if they can test negative on days six and seven.

UK to vaccinate vulnerable children aged five to 11 against COVID-19

Covid self-isolation period cut to seven days with negative test results in England

Boris Johnson: No new Covid restrictions for England before Christmas

At the same time, UK government vaccine advisers have recommended vulnerable children aged between five and 11 should be offered a low-dose Covid vaccine, as well as boosters for 12 to 17-year-olds.

The other UK nations have already laid out plans for post-Christmas restrictions:

In Wales groups of no more than six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants from Boxing Day

Limits to gathering sizes in Scotland from Boxing Day have seen the cancellation of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations and other large events

Nightclubs in Northern Ireland will have to close on 27 December, the BBC understands, with other restrictions awaiting approval from ministers.

The announcements come as pressure mounts on the prime minister to lay out the government's plans for England.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford criticised the UK government for being in a "state of paralysis", with reports of "infighting within the cabinet" amid experts "urging the prime minister to act to protect the NHS".

Source: BBC

UK to vaccinate vulnerable children aged five to 11 against COVID-19 Postponement of Libyan elections left the internationally backed peace process in chaos

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced its sponsorship of the “Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition (GU - IST Solutions), hosted by Gulf University at its main campus.
This strategic sponsorship reflects BENEFIT’s active role in advancing technological innovation and fostering sustainable solutions to future challenges. It also seeks to empower Bahraini youth by enhancing their skills, capabilities, and competitiveness in innovation and solution development—contributing meaningfully to the broader goals of sustainable development across all sectors.
As part of BENEFIT’s active involvement in the competition, the company has announced that Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication, will serve on the competition’s supervisory committee. Her upcoming participation reflects BENEFIT’s forward-looking commitment to championing academic and professional excellence.
Commenting on the occasion, Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Communication at BENEFIT, said, “We are privileged to support this pioneering initiative, which aligns seamlessly with BENEFIT’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the potential of Bahrain’s youth. Our participation is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility and a firm belief in the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future. Through such platforms, we seek to empower the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and foresight required to develop impactful solutions that address future challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.”
Dr. Aseel Al Ayash Dean of the College of Engineering in Gulf University commented, “We extend our sincere gratitude to BENEFIT for their generous sponsorship and support of the Innovation and Sustainable Technology Solutions Competition. This contribution plays an instrumental role in helping us achieve the strategic goals of this initiative, namely, cultivating a culture of innovation and sustainability, encouraging efforts that address the imperatives of sustainable development, and enhancing the practical and professional capabilities of our students and participants.”
The event will bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, including secondary school students, university undergraduates, engineers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines.
The competition seeks to inspire participants to develop and present innovative, sustainable technologies aimed at addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. It encourages the formulation of business models that integrate advanced technological solutions with core principles of sustainability. Moreover, it serves as a platform for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the ethos of responsible technology, and demonstrate its transformative potential across various sectors.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view a series of project presentations submitted by participants, covering diverse areas such as eco-friendly product design, smart and sustainable innovations, renewable energy technologies, water conservation and management, waste minimisation and recycling, green architectural solutions, and sustainable transportation systems. Outstanding projects will be formally recognised and awarded at the conclusion of the event.