UK Today in Coronavirus
Already it is looking like there are some problems with vaccine supply and delivery, which could be a major problem that gets in the way of meeting the 2 million vaccines per-week target that would allow withdrawal from lockdowns and other coronavirus restrictions to begin by the time the government wants it to begin. So far it appears the delivery/supply problems remain minor for now but they can still be a cause for concern, such as two batches that included 2,200 doses that were suppose to be delivered to a GP surgery in Kingston-upon-Thames but were cancelled. A number of other vaccine deliveries have seen multiple delays/setbacks. So far government officials have not seen the current delays and other supply chain problems as out of the ordinary, and that with time it will become smoother.
In other vaccine related news people are being warned to be wary of fraudsters offering fake coronavirus vaccines for money. In one such disgusting incident a 92-year-old woman was scammed out of £160 and jabbed in the arm with an implement that the man pretended was the vaccine. The incident took place on 30th December by a man who claimed to be from the NHS, the elderly woman had also allowed him into her home, in Surbiton west London, to administer the fake vaccine. The man also later returned to the woman’s home in an attempt to scam her out of a further £100. Authorities are currently hunting for the man.
The government has also announced that all travellers from abroad, including UK nationals returning home, will now need to have had a negative coronavirus test 72 hours before arriving back to enter England or Scotland with fines for those who do not comply, there is work to roll out similar measures in Wales and Northern Ireland. I am not sure why this wasn’t already in place even before the lockdown begun, it only seems like it’d be a reasonable measure even outside of a national lockdown during these times.
Some though will be exempt from the above, such as hauliers, children under the age of 11, transport crews and those travelling from countries that do not have the infrastructure in place to deliver tests (I can only assume that means this last group should have to self-isolate when getting back, otherwise it seems like a major loophole.)
In Wales the latest review of lockdown measures has led to the decision to keep them in place for now as well as making the restrictions tougher in some areas, such as by now requiring showrooms to close. The next review of the measures in Wales will take place on 29th January, and if measures are kept in place students in Wales will have to continue remote learning at least until the February half-term.
Trump Basically Concedes (Kind of)
Donald Trump has released another video speech from the White House and this time the video lays much more heavily into the actions of his supporters on the 6th January and also concedes to an orderly transition to the Biden administration on the 20th January. The video is likely the closest thing we will get to Trump conceding the election. This video also comes as a 5th person dies from injuries sustained on the day. The victim was a US Capitol Police Officer who had sustained injuries from violent confrontations with the Trump mob, leading to the police officer collapsing and being taken to hospital where he eventually died.
Trump said that he was outraged by heinous acts from his supporters during the Electoral College certification process. He also finally admitted that Joe Biden would be sworn in as President on 20th January. He also talked of exhausting all legal options but made no further claims on the election being “rigged”, but he did say “that our incredible journey is only just beginning” which could mean he is planning a future run for President.
For many this message comes little too late from Trump, with five people having died and the Capitol having been stormed.
It also appears that the 25th Amendment will not be used to remove Trump as reports say Vice-President Mike Pence has came out against it, who would be a key figure in getting such a ball rolling. Two of Trump’s Cabinet Secretaries, (Transport and Education) have also resigned. The White House Press Secretary also gave a short statement rebuking the events of 6th January. Democrats are continuing to pursue impeachment to remove Trump early, but without getting Republicans on side Trump’s removal seems unlikely.
The Head of the US Capitol Police has also announced he will resign on the 16th January, coming after Nancy Pelosi, the Majority Leader of the House called for it. The Sergeant-at-Arms for the House has also resigned, a figure who is responsible for the chambers security, it has also been called for his counterpart in the Senate to resign.
Meanwhile those who stormed the US Capitol could face sedition charges, as well as charges including civil disorder, destruction of property and rioting.
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