Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News 20240711

In large scale, will be available more quickly than the original vaccines, and just as we did first time round we got in their early and we thought at risk, so we are having exactly the same conversations right now with Pharmaceutical Companies to make sure we are right at the front of this one. Video link david morris. Thank you madam deputy video link david morris. Thank you madam deputy speaker. Video link david morris. Thank you madam deputy speaker. Madam l video link david morris. Thank you madam deputy speaker. Madam deputy speaker, there have been Scare Stories in lancashire others shortage of vaccines due to these vaccines being diverted elsewhere in the country, causing a shortage and perpetuating further urban myths. Can my honourable friend confirmed that my constituents are going to be covered and that were not seeing vaccines redirected to other regions of the uk and lancashire will continue to receive the required proportions in the future, safeguarding my constituentsyes, i can give my honourable friend that absolute assurance. Of course, the supply of vaccines is the rate limiting step and we have seen just what the strain is a Vaccine Supply and some weeks the supply is higher than others and you can see on the website the daily move in the overall supply across the country as a whole, but lancashire will get its fair share, a whole, but lancashire will get its fairshare, it a whole, but lancashire will get its fair share, it will get enough to be able to deliver the target of the offer to everybody in cohort one to fall by the 15th of february. I have looked very closely specifically into the figures for the north west and the north west is getting its fair share and he reports circulating on the internet do not come from credible sources and i can hope that i can give my honourable friend that assurance. Friend that assurance. Video link. Madam deputy friend that assurance. Video link. Madam deputy speaker, friend that assurance. Video link. Madam deputy speaker, i friend that assurance. Video link. Madam deputy speaker, i wouldl friend that assurance. Video link. I madam deputy speaker, i would like to give my congratulations to the workers in the nhs who are delivering the roll out of the vaccines. The reopening of schools is going to be a major step towards returning to some form of normality, particularly for the young people. But the presence of the new variant is likely to create some anxiety among staff. In order to minimise the disruption to the education when we return and create some confidence amongst the staff when the moment comes and they asked to go back into schools in large numbers, this will make does the Secretary Of State agree that we should now be planning to vaccinate Staff Members of schools and to do so if at all possible before half term, if not during . Possible before half term, if not durin . ~ ~. During . Well, the challenge with the ro osal during . Well, the challenge with the preposal that during . Well, the challenge with the proposal that the during . Well, the challenge with the proposal that the honourable proposal that the honourable gentleman puts forward is that vaccinating those who are not as vulnerable to this disease before those who are more vulnerable means that you are essentially increasing the overall clinical vulnerability to this disease, and i am glad that the honourable gentleman, the member for the Labour Front Bench opposite did not raise this issue from the health part of the Labour Front Bench. I know others on the Labour Front Bench do. But we do have to follow clinical order of priority because my priority is saving lives. Hear, hear. Because my priority is saving lives. Hear. Hear because my priority is saving lives. Hear, hear. Thank because my priority is saving lives. Hear, hear. Thank you, j hear, hear. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy hear, hear. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy speaker. Hear, hear. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy speaker. Further. Hear, hear. Video link. Thank you, | madam deputy speaker. Further to hear, hear. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy speaker. Further to the Prime Ministers suggestion yesterday at batley that we may not see a return to different regional tier restrictions due to the viruss behaviour, how how will the government of a disadvantage in areas with low covid rates if they go ahead with this approach does the fantastic Vaccination Programme roll out mean that the whole country can make steady progress out of lockdown together . That can make steady progress out of lockdown together . Can make steady progress out of lockdown together . That is our goal, that the whole lockdown together . That is our goal, that the whole country lockdown together . That is our goal, that the whole country can lockdown together . That is our goal, that the whole country can make that the whole country can make steady progress together, and, in fact, if you look at the case rates across the uk, they are similar in parts of the uk when there have been useful sometime and of course there were significant regional variants over the awesome but that is much less widespread now and hence the comments that the Prime Minister Made Yesterday. Comments that the Prime Minister Made Yesterday comments that the Prime Minister| Made Yesterday. Thank Made Yesterday. Video link. Thank ou, Made Yesterday. Video link. Thank you. Madam Made Yesterday. Video link. Thank you. Madam deputy Made Yesterday. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy speaker. Made yesterday. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy speaker. The| you, madam deputy speaker. The Secretary Of State will know that i have written to him several times recently on the subject of the gut microbe in which the Immune System heavily depends on and its impact on covid 19. Will the Secretary Of State meet with me to discuss the emerging research including the use of pre and probiotics, positive mitigation on the impact of the worst effects of covid 19, having people suffer less and saving the nhs money . Im people suffer less and saving the nhs money . People suffer less and saving the nhsmone . ,. , nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of my nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of my team nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of my team to nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of my team to meet nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of my team to meet with i nhs money . Im very happy for either me or one of my team to meet with a | me or one of my team to meet with a honourable lady to discuss this issue and make sure it is looked into properly. Issue and make sure it is looked into preperly issue and make sure it is looked into properly. Thank| into properly. Video link. Thank ou, into properly. Video link. Thank you. Madam into properly. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy into properly. Video link. Thank you, madam deputy speaker. L into properly. Video link. Thank. You, madam deputy speaker. The production and roll out of vaccines in britain is increasingly envied across the world. What our factory in north wales is doing is part of the faces. What plans to increase the production of vaccines increase the production of vaccines in the uk further to assist our friends in the republican in ireland and elsewhere . The friends in the republican in ireland and elsewhere . And elsewhere . The on serving a Vaccine Manufacturing and elsewhere . The on serving a Vaccine Manufacturing is and elsewhere . The on serving a Vaccine Manufacturing is an Vaccine Manufacturing is an incredibly important part of our strategy. We were previously very, very good at the research, indeed, very good at the research, indeed, very good at the research, indeed, very good at the regulation of vaccines, but unsure manufacturing was sparse. We have built that Manufacturing Capacity and now have more than scotland, teesside and elsewhere. I think it is a strategic choice of this country that we should make that we should bring unsure the manufacturing of Critical Industries and critical products like vaccines, not least because there isnt going to be a global glut of Vaccine Manufacturing capability for a long time to come and we are at the forefront of the science, at the forefront of the science, at the forefront of the manufacturing and the production team. The production team. Video link. Think ou the production team. Video link. Think you madam the production team. Video link. Think you madam deputy the production team. Video link. L Think You Madam deputy speaker. Doctor wendyjones who operates the drugs invest Milk Helpline continues to be getting queries from people who have been told they cannot get the vaccination if they are Breast Feeding so can i tell the Secretary Of State to make it absolutely Crystal Clear that this is not a contradiction for people who are Breast Feeding and those who are Breast Feeding should get the vaccination. Madam deputy speaker, i will ensure that the Chief Medical Officer writes to the honourable lady setting out the precise details at this point because while she is right, i do not want to opine on the clinical points, i want to make sure that comes from the top doctor in the land. Matt hancock theyre giving an update and dealing with the new variant end Vaccination Programme. Total of 9. 2 Million People vaccinated in the uk, one in 60 adults according to that statement from matt hancock. He says nine out of ten over 80s and half of over 70s have been offered the vaccine and all 10,307 eligible care homes in england have been visited by vaccination teams. We will keep an eye on anything more to come from that. Theres growing concern in the meantime of the potential impacts of mutations and of Coronavirus Variants on the effectiveness of vaccines. Door to door testing is being offered to 80,000 people in eight postcodes in england after cases of a new South African Coronavirus Variant were found, with no links to travel. The Health Secretary said that more mutations of concern had been discovered with 11 cases in bristol and 32 in liverpool. Earlier it was revealed that some samples of the variant first identified in the uk show it may hav acquired a mutation which could affect vaccine effectiveness. Of people in their 70s, as i was saying, have now received their first dose of the Coronavirus Vaccine. Our Health Correspondent Sophie Hutchinson reports. Kent, where it is thought the new, more Infectious Uk variant of coronavirus evolved late last year. Now, just a few months on, Scientists Say it has mutated again. The new kent mutation is called e484k. Its worrying because its the same changes seen in the brazilian and South African Variants, which are thought to make vaccines less effective. Effectively what we now have is we have two different variants with both the increased Infectiousness Mutation associated with the early kent strain and the increased resistance to vaccine that is associated with the South African strain. Mutations of the virus occur randomly, but Scientists Say they are more likely to happen where there are high infection levels, and ensuring as many people as possible are vaccinated is key. Lets get everybody immunised, that makes a huge difference. These variants, you cant really hold them back. You can slow them with border controls, but all the experience is that eventually they arrive. The South African Variant continues to cause concern here. These are the Testing Centres set up this week to track it down after more than 100 people were discovered to be infected by it in the uk. Weve identified those areas where it is prevalent and there are 11 cases that havent been directly linked to travel, and our message in those areas has been very clear make sure you do stay at home, get a test. This Testing Centre in walsall is hoping to pick up any more infections. It is part of the enhanced testing of around 80,000 people across england. In the walsall area there has been one isolated case. We hope that we have contained it, the individual acted incredibly responsibly, lets hope the chain has been broken. And ensuring people infected with the South African Variant minimise social contact is seen as vital. Scientists in south africa say they have real concerns about the impact it could have on the current vaccines. I have to say, i am very deeply concerned. It is deeply concerning that we have a Vaccine Result that has 89 efficacy in the uk but only 49 efficacy in south africa. That should be worrying to everyone. Home testing kits being dispatched in woking today. It is too early to know whether this push will catch the new variant in time. Sophie hutchinson, bbc news. Earlier we heard from our correspondent from the heart of the operation in woking, frankie mccamley. We are in a car park next to woking fire station, and this has really become the hub of this operation. The operation that is well under way. It started at around eight oclock this morning, where around 150 volunteers came here to join Police Officers and members of the fire service, to come and get their initial briefing. They came to these big red tents, these Welfare Tents, you can just see one behind the fire engine, and their� s another one being blown up as we speak. They came here to go and get their initial briefing. What is going to be happening today . They were going to be given ppe, and given, of course, testing kits and then, for the door to door testing, they did exactly what it says on the tin. They headed out, knocking on doors, offering anyone over the age of 18 a testing kit. They dropped them off this morning. This afternoon, theyll be going back to these households to pick them up. Over the next 2 3 days, theyre hoping to test around 9500 people in this area. Theyve chosen this area specifically to try and track down the South African Variant of the virus, because two people in this community have already tested positive for that. Its a tiny number, but its very important, because these two people had no association with south africa at all, so, now, Health Experts are worried that this South African Variant is spreading within the uk. Its not just here. There are other big testing projects going on in london, kent and herefordshire. The main focus of that, trying to test around 80,000 people, to try to stop the spread of this South African virus as quickly as possible. Our medical editor fergus walsh says authorities are trying to work out whether the South African Variant has established itself in the community, whilst at the same time trying to keep the kent variant at bay. What we dont want is to create a melting pot, a crucible, for different variants to mix together and provide a virus that could evade the vaccine, so its absolutely vital that we buy as much time for the millions and millions more people to get immunised, but the Mutation E484k is the one that in tests with novavax and janssen, their vaccine was less effective against the South African strain but still very effective against keeping people out of hospital and ultimately that is the main thing with these vaccines, they seem to still be effective against serious disease. And coming up this afternoon well try to answer your questions on the new Coronavirus Variants. Thats at 3 30 this afternoon. Get in touch with the Hashtag Bbcyourquestions or you can text 61124 , or email yourquestions bbc. Co. Uk checks on food arriving at the ports of belfast and larne have been suspended because of fears for the safety of staff working there. The inspections are carried out on goods arriving from the british mainland, under the terms of the brexit deal but grafitti opposing the checks has appeared in some loyalist areas. Our Northern Ireland correspondent, chris page has been in larne for us this afternoon. Well, police are in discussions with Government Agencies and with the trade unions representing the workers to give them a assessment of the risk. To put this into context, there has been political controversy here over the brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland and the practical output of them happens at ports like larne here. Since brexit data have been checks on goods, particularly food, arriving here from england and wales. That is because part of the brexit deal known as the Northern Ireland protocol which means that in effect Northern Ireland is remaining in the eu Single Market for goods while the rest of the uk has left. Unionist in particular were opposed to the protocol because they see it as being effectively an economic border in the ibc. Yesterday, the council here has withdrawn its staff from Inspection Duties at larne because of concerns about graffiti. Vd had appeared in town and concern that people are trying to gather personal, personal information is like car number plates. The checks won by the Democratic Unionist Party, it has decided to suspend all physical checks on food here at larne and also in belfast boat. This morning we have heard from brussels. The European Commission has told its officials working at the site is not going to working at the site is not going to work as well. It is important to stress, though, at the moment there is no indication that loyalist paramilitaries are involved in a sort of intimidation. It is being seen as, perhaps, an indication of unease, though, between unionist and loyalist communities. Our correspondent in larne. The United States has threatened to impose sanctions on myanmar, following a Military Coup in the country. Troops are on the streets of the capital and the biggest city, yangon where a curfew has been put in place. The army is stationed at key checkpoints around the countrys parliament and the main roads have been blocked. The Main International airport has also been closed down. Jonathan head reports from bangkok. All along the Oversized Boulevards of myanmar� s capital, the soldiers are still making their presence felt, a day after they seized power. Naypyitaw was built by the military as its own citadel, in the days before it allowed myanmar� s democratic experiment to begin. An experiment it has now abruptly halted. Somewhere behind these army units, dozens of elected politicians are still being detained. Among them, aung san suu kyi, whose enduring popularity won her party a third decisive election victory just three months ago. She hasnt been seen since she was detained. In the Main Commercial city, yangon, a stronghold of her party, there were few signs of open opposition to a coup which caught most by surprise. But there is plenty of anger over what many see as a cynical power grab by the burmese generals. Translation i thought the military would step l back after it happened. The duty of the military is to protect the country, not to rule it. We can only say were very sorry about what has happened, but i dare not say we dont accept the coup. The new Biden Administration in washington Hasjoined A Chorus Of Western Disapproval and threatened new sanctions. The response from myanmar� s neighbours, though, has been more muted notably from china. Translation china is a friendly neighbour of myanmar. We hope that all parties in myanmar will properly handle their differences under the constitution and within the Legal Framework to maintain political and social stability. With diplomatic cover from china, there is Little International pressure can do to make the military change course. Its coup risks dragging myanmar back to the dark age of repression and international isolation. The generals dont appear to care. Jonathan head, bbc news, bangkok. The headlines on bbc news at 2 20pm. The uk variant of coronavirus has mutated again scientists are urgently studying the mutated versions the Health Secretary says hes seen cases of concern in bristol and liverpool. Hit it hard the uk steps up measures to control the spread of the South African Variants with a door to door Testing Blitz of 80,000 people. Nicola sturgeon is set to confirm whether Scotlands Covid lockdown will be extended beyond mid february. Lets cross to holyrood now, where the First Minister is about to give an update on the Scottish Governments coronavirus strategy. Nicola sturgeon is expected to speak next two minutes to give an update on the lockdown and whether it will be extended beyond mid february. In the next few minutes. Lets cross to holyrood now where the First Minister hundreds of schools have closed and travel has been disrupted after heavy snow fell across parts of Northern England. It also led to the cancellation of Coronavirus Vaccinations in some areas. The met office has issued an amber weather warning, saying up to six inches of snow could fall on higher ground. Danny savage reports. The snow started before dawn this morning in some areas. On the m62 where it climbs over the pennines, a jackknifed lorry blocked the eastbound carriageway on the Greater Manchester side. Despite lighter traffic than normal, there were Numerous Accidents and road closures. The roads, though, was far from empty. This was the view from the cab of a snowplough near huddersfield. You cant clear the roads if you cant get through. A large part of Northern England is affected. The snow is forecast to turn to rain later, but Weather Warnings are in place for here and scotland until midnight. The hilly roads in leeds proved too much of a challenge for some vehicles. Local authorities across the north appealed to people to stay at home. Those who couldnt get to their Vaccine Appointments were assured they wouldnt miss the opportunity to have their injection. Late morning in this part of North Yorkshire in a moment well take you to holyrood where the First Minister will give an update on the Scottish Governments coronavirus strategy. Let me say at the out sites that are limited but that the important exception on some early years that i will come onto later, the cabinet has decided that the current lockdown including the stay at home except for Essential Purposes requirement does need to remain in place until the end of february. In the course of this statement, it will give an update on the current state of the epidemic which provides the context for this decision. I were also give an update on the Vaccination Programme and set out some of the additional measures that we intend to take and. Finally set out when we begin to the progress of getting children Back To School. Firstly, i will set out very briefly the latest statistics. 758 positive cases reported yesterday. That is 7. 4 of all tests carried out. Means that the overall number of confirmed positive cases is now 181,291. 1939 people are currently in hospital which is a decrease of 19 from yesterday and 143 people and an Intensive Care. That is the same number of yesterday. I also regret to report that over the last 24 hours a further 69 deaths were registered of patients who first tested positive over the previous eight days and the total number of deaths under this daily measurement now stands at 6981 and yet again i want to send my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one. The level of Covid Infections clearly remains too high. That is evident from these figures. However, the most recent figures provide further evidence that the Lockdown Restrictions our working to improve the situation and that is, i believe, positive. Average daily case numbers have more than halved in the last few weeks. In the most recent week up to the 29th Of January an average of 1062 cases were reported each day. Three weeks ago, the average daily number was more than 200. Weekly, cases per 100,000 cases have also fallen. 136 and the most recent week. Test positivity has reduced as well. In the seven days up to the 29th Of January it averaged 6. 6 . That is still higher but it is closer than it has been in recent weeks to the 5 that the who considers to be indicative of an outbreak being under control. Pressure on the National Health service does continue to be severe. The number of Covid Patients being treated in hospital remains around 30 above the high point of the first wave backin the high point of the first wave back in april last year. However, Hospital Admissions in this wave do appear to have peaked on the 12th of january. They have now stabilised and are starting to reduce, albeit slowly. I see you numbers at this stage are more volatile but did not reach the peak of the first wave and also appear to have peaked in this wave and have done so in the 18th of january. So, all in all, the statistics do show real progress. However, this progress is down to compliance with the Lockdown Restrictions and i want to thank everybody across the country for that compliance. However, the situation does continue to be fragile. Case numbers still remain higher now than there were in the week before christmas. That means that if we were to ease restrictions to quickly live as a real risk that infections would rise again very quickly. That this is, of course, increased by the fact that the new variant of covid, which is more infectious, now accounts for, we estimate, around 73 of all new cases in scotland. I can also advise palin that the Public Health scotland is examining evidence suggesting they may be an increased risk of hospitalisation of people infected with this new verve. However, at this stage, there is no statistically significant evidence of any increased risk of death. Despite people infected with this variant. Public Health Scotland is continuing to advise parliament and we will Keep Parliament updated. You can also confirm that to date there have been five cases of the new South African Variant advice in scotland but all of these have links to travel which means that there is no evidence so far of Community Transmission of that variant. All of what i have just set out underlines the need for continued and very extreme caution in ourfight the need for continued and very extreme caution in our fight against covid especially if, as i think well do, we want to get some children Back To School later month. That is why cabinet has reached the conclusion that the Lockdown Restrictions must stay in place until at least the end of february. However, if our progress continues, then i am cautiously, and i stress cautiously, optimistic that as more and more people get vaccinated with the protection of some of the additional measures that i will set out shortly we may be able to look into the careful and gradual easing and the start of march and i will give an update on that in two weeks time. Let me know report on the progress of the Vaccination Programme. I can confirm that we have, as of this morning, given a first dose of the vaccine to 610,778 people in scotland. That includes 90 of all residents in older care homes which is a truly extraordinary update and 83 of the uptake of over 80s we estimate to be living in the community. Im going to return to that point shortly. In addition, i can advise that 21 of over 75 euros already receive the first dose and we are on track to have ad vaccinated with the first dose all over 70 year olds and all adults who are extremely considered considered clinically trainee vulnerable by the end of next this month. Unpaid carers etc will start to receive appointments in the first week of february. We are making Good Progress in protecting those who are most at risk from covid. Nevertheless, i expect there will be legitimate questions today about the overall number of vaccinations in scotland compared to other parts of the uk. As is reasonable. However, it would make two additional points at this stage. Firstly, we have been very deliberately trying to achieve as high in uptake as possible in the top priority groups and we believe we are achieving a higher uptake than elsewhere. So, for example, we have notjust offered vaccination to all older people in care homes we have achieved an actual uptake of 98 amongst residents and 88 among staff working in older peoples care homes and that really matters in terms of reducing the burden of illness and deaths. Similarly, in the over 80s group, the 83 i reported earlier space in a Cohort Number that we think is overestimated. The work we have been doing with Health Boards to refine these numbers suggest that the actual uptake amongst the over 80s group is already closer to 90 . These Uptake Figures are way anything achieved in the flu Vaccine Programme and vaccinating the most vulnerable to the greatest extent possible is really important even if it takes more time to do so. It will help to save more times. Overall, though, it is clearly the case that overall volumes matter to an that is my second point. As we make more use of Mass Vaccination Centres for the younger age groups we expect the. To increase. This figure reported today, for example, says Thatjust Over 35,000 Visitors Vaccines were wooden yesterday the flexing impact the opening of new centres. That is the opening of new centres. That is the highest number so far and it is 55 higher than last monday. Having achieved greater depth in the programme this far in the form of a high uptake and priority groups a challenge now is absolutely to accelerate on breadth in the form of numbers overall and that is what were doing. It is right, of course, but all of this is subject to close and ongoing scrutiny and we will continue to provide the daily figures that allow that to happen. Now, as we continue to suppress the virus within our own borders and increase the protection of the vaccine it is essential that we also guard against fresh imitation of cases from overseas. This is particularly important as the virus mutates a new, more infectious, and potentially more severe variants emerge. As we look ahead, we must learn from past and thirdly, an approach a man is quarantined that only includes countries where new variants have already been identified as too reactive because by the time a new variant has been identified through genomic sequencing, it will already have spread across borders. In order to minimise the risk of new strains coming into the country, Managed Quarantine must be more compressor. I can confirm we intend to introduce a managed Quarantine Requirement for anyone who arrives directly into scotland, regardless of which country they have come from. Obviously, we cannot unilaterally implement immediate Managed Quarantine for people who arrive in other parts of the uk before travelling onto scotland, so we will continue to urge the uk government to adopt a similar comprehensive approach. However, if they dont wish to do so, as is their prerogative, we will ask them to work with us to reduce the risk among people travelling to scotland via ports elsewhere in the uk, and we will set out more detail of how and exactly when they managed Quarantine System will be operational as soon as possible. I understand how tough restrictions are for the travel and Aviation Industry as well, of course, as they are tough for individuals. We will also look to work with the uk government to make sure the sector gets the support it needs until such time as we are able to ease Travel Restrictions. It is vital, as i said, that we guard against the importation of new cases but also crucial that we continue to identify cases and break chains of transmission here in scotland. We are already increasing the accessibility of testing, by increasing the number of mobile Test Facilities that are available, creating additional local and regional test centres and more use of fire service stations or testing in rural areas. Today i can set out further expansion of regular Routine Testing of those without symptoms. Firstly, we will from later this month widened the regular testing of Health Care Workers so that it covers Primary Care Workers in patient facing roles such as gps, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists. From mid february regular testing will be available to all staff who work directly with patients and hospices. We intend to expand the availability of regular testing and other health care settings, such as addiction and Mental Health services. And we will introduce targeted testing to support some essential Public Service functions, including Emergency Service control rooms and nhs 24. Staff and patients in Certain Health settings obviously based on an elevated risk of transmission, which is why it is right to have such a focus on those settings. However, we know that there are some industries which also have higher transmission risks such as Food Production and distribution, so we are working with businesses in those sectors with a view to introducing Routine Testing for their workforces over the course of this month. Alongside these proposals to test people whose work potentially puts them at risk, we will be expanding targeted Community Testing where testing is made available to everybody in the local area, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. This can play a particularly valuable role in communities where prevalence is stubbornly high, or starting to rise again. Local councils have been submitting proposals for Community Testing and we have been considering these,in testing and we have been considering these, in light of the lessons from Pilot Projects conducted at the end of last year. Community schemes have already been agreed across seven local Council Areas within the Health Boards of fife, grampian and ayrshire, and aaron, but by the end of this week well have Community Testing plans across the majority of mainland local authority areas, and in addition to that, Mobile Testing Units are already being used for targeted Community Testing and ayrshire and arran, dumfries and galloway, the Scottish Borders and the forth valley. These testing units, which are often tested people regardless of whether they have symptoms, are already finding cases on a daily basis that would otherwise not be identified. Secretary will in due course set out more detail of everything that i have announced today. The purpose of increased testing, one of the purposes, is of course to help break more chains of transmission. However, that requires good support for Self Isolation. The latest available survey evidence, which is uk wide, suggests there is good compliance with Self Isolation, but we know we need to do more. I can therefore confirm today that we £500 Self Isolation payment to everyone on an income below the level of the real living wage. More we intend taking to support people required to self isolate will be set out shortly by a Social Security secretary. Presiding officer, let me turn now to education, which im sure, for many parents in particular watching, is the information they most want to hear today. It is a statement of the obvious that all of us want to see children and young people back in full time face to face education, just as as soon as possible. The closure of School Premises to most pupils right now is unfortunately interest of protecting the country overall from the harm of this virus, but evidence of the wider health, developmental and social harm is being experienced by children and young people concern all of us, and i have to say, i know this will resonate with parents in particular, the concern is more with every single day that passes. I closures is putting on working candid that a judgment based on and taking full account we can begin a violence continues, we can begin a phased albeit a gradual return to school from the 22nd Of February, following the february mid term break. The decisions im about to outline are intended to give parents and teachers as much notice as possible but i must stress that they are subject to continued progress in Suppressing The Virus, and they will be subject to final confirmation in two weeks time. As of now, our intention is that on the week beginning 22nd February, there will be, firstly, a full time return of Early Learning and child care for all children below school age, secondly a full time return to school for all pupils in primary is 13, school for all pupils in primary is 1 3, and thirdly a part time return, albeit on a limited basis, forcing your phase pupils to allow in school practical work that is necessary for the completion of National Qualification courses. Initially, it is intended that there will be no more than around 5 8 of a Secondary School role physically present at any one time for these purposes. We also intend to enable increases in provision for children and young people with Additional Support needs where there is a clear and demonstrable necessity. We will hopefully confirm these decisions in two weeks time and at that stage i hope that we can set out the next phase of the gradual return to school, and also at that time, set out an indicative timescale for the return of in Person Learning in colleges and universities. Presiding officer, before i leave education, let me make one additional point. I spoke about testing earlier on. That is relevant here, too. I can confirm that there will be a significant expansion of testing in educational settings, to support the return to nurseries and schools in the weeks ahead. It is our intention that those who work in schools and in Early Learning and child care settings attached to schools will be offered at home testing twice a week. All senior phase secondary School Pupils will be offered this as well. This will be in place for schools as soon as possible to support their return on the basis that i have set out and we will extend it to the wider childcare sector in the weeks that follow. We are, presiding officer, and i think i speakfor everyone are, presiding officer, and i think i speak for everyone across the country, determined to get children back to normal schooling, and by extension, back to much greater normality in their lives, just as quickly as it is safe to do so. That is our overriding priority, and i think it is right that it is the overriding priority of all of us. I want to thank young people and their families as well as teachers and school and nursery staff more generally for the patience and understanding you have shown during these incredibly stressful times. To conclude, we are making Progress Both in Suppressing The Virus and then getting people vaccinated. We need to do more on both of those fronts in the weeks to come. But the path i have read remains difficult and its important to be candid about that, the virus is still circulating across the uk, europe and the world, and of even greater concern right there, the viruses mutate in, so we must remain vigilant and we must remain disciplined. To get the virus more under control, so that we can prioritise every bit of headroom we create to get children Back To School, unfortunately we must all stay at home except for permitted Essential Purposes for a bit longer, at least until the end of this month. When we are able to start the process of slowly easing lockdown, to give us all more normality in our day to day lives, we will have to accept that some mitigations like physical distancing and Face Covering, will be necessary for a while yet. And i am afraid we will also have to accept that the price of Greater Domestic Normality is likely to be, for a period at least, not going on holiday overseas. These are not easy trade offs, but they are not easy trade offs, but they are essential, as we continue our journey through and totally out of this pandemic. I am grateful to everyone for their continued sacrifice. I ask everyone to stick with it. Please stay at home, protect the nhs and save lives. Thank you very much, First Minister. The First Minister without a question is, ruth davidson. The return date question is, ruth davidson. The return date for question is, ruth davidson. The return date for nurseries and some older pupils is welcome and will allow parents to plan but it is clear heavy restriction shall remain in place until enough covid 19 vaccine is delivered to enough people. At the moment all the evidence shows the Scottish Government roll out is slow, stuttering and lagging way behind the rest of the uk. We saw record highs elsewhere this weekend. On sunday, scotland saw the lowest number ofjags administered since number of jags administered since the number ofjags administered since the start of them are spread out over a month ago. The new Mass Vaccination Centres already open elsewhere will help pick up the pace. But throughout January The 1st minister has disputed any and all criticism. She has rubbished suggestions from gps, patients and even the bma that scotland � s that was sluggish and missing targets that it needed to hit. Her argument todayis that it needed to hit. Her argument today is that we are starting to catch up on vaccinating the over 80s, but the same problem is happening in the next cohort stop todays statement indicates 21 of 7579 todays statement indicates 21 of 75 79 Year Olds receive the vaccine which is good news for them but is stilljust which is good news for them but is still just a which is good news for them but is stilljust a quarter of which is good news for them but is still just a quarter of the proportion vaccinated south of the border. The problem extends to all of the over 70s. They are writing to us in huge numbers about another missed target. Last Nightjeane Freeman said they would get Invitation Letters by the end of the week. They have been waiting but it hasnt happened. Let me ask the First Minister. By what date will all over 70s now get their letter or be otherwise contacted . She will she accept further offers of support from the armed forces until she now finally explain why the roll out in scotland is so far behind . First minister. Every scotland is so far behind . First minister. Every single scotland is so far behind . F st minister. Every single one of these questions is a fair question. I wouldnt dispute that. I will address each and every one of them, whether all of them are accurate is another matter but theyre all fair and it is incumbent on me and the government to make sure that we address them. I have not rubbished the concerns of anybody. We have worked with gps and others to make sure that any issues that are being raised are appropriately addressed and any challenges that are being phased are overcome. In terms of the notion that we will be living with restrictions until all of us across the uk and further across the world have vaccinated significant numbers of people, that is right to a point. It is also important for all of us to be candid, given what we dont yet know about the impact of the vaccine on transmission, we may be living with some degree of restrictions even after we have vaccinated significant proportions of the population. That is why, what we do know about the impact of the vaccine, that it operates to reduce severe illness and death, that it is so important that all of us have focused first on vaccinating those who are most clinically vulnerable. The specific question about over 70s, all of the 70s, everybody in the clinically Vulnerable Group will have had a letter by the end of this week at the latest, but more importantly, we are on track to name make the target we set you have vaccinated everybody in these groups, with a first dose, by the middle of february, and we have got to a higher uptake of over 80s are ahead of the target we set for over 80s than i thought was possible that we would, even just a week ago. Im not standing here denying that we want to accelerate the overall progress. I will come back to that point on a second. Nor will i apologise for having deliberately focused on Maximising Uptake in the most clinically Vulnerable Groups, so i can stand here and say that, of the older residents in our care homes, it is notjust the case, as is being said elsewhere, that they have all been offered vaccinations. 98 of them have had the first dose of the vaccine. 88 of the staff working with them have had a first dose of the vaccine. Now, it is important, because that will help save lives and reduce the burden of illness. Similarly, although we are, as i said in a statement, we are refining the numbers we believe in the over 80 cohort, we are close to 90 now of over 80s, actually having had the vaccine, and you will see the number in the Over 70s Group grow day by day over the course of this week. Coming on to the point of overall rate of progress, i actually do think this is legitimate. I want to see the daily rate grow and accelerate. That is why i look at todays number and i will be looking even more closely at the numbers tomorrow and for the rest of this week, but the number we are reporting today of people vaccinated yesterday as 55 higher than the number last monday, and is the highest daily number that we have recorded so far stop that is our challenge now, having got the depth in these top clinical priority groups is to get the breadth, in terms of the overall acceleration of the progress in the programme and thatis the progress in the programme and that is what we are absolutely focused on. That is what we are absolutely focused on focused on. Nicola sturgeon announcing focused on. Nicola sturgeon announcing that focused on. Nicola sturgeon announcing that progress i focused on. Nicola sturgeon announcing that progress is| focused on. Nicola sturgeon announcing that progress is being made, but restrictions in scotland remain for the rest of the month. We must go to our glasgow correspondent, lorna gordon. She talked about a managed Quarantine Requirement introduced for anyone arriving directly into scotland regardless of which country they come from. That puts her out of step with the rest of the uk. It come from. That puts her out of step with the rest of the uk. With the rest of the uk. It does, ust with the rest of the uk. It does, just unpacking with the rest of the uk. It does, just unpacking that with the rest of the uk. It does, just unpacking that statement, | with the rest of the uk. It does, i just unpacking that statement, one of the big areas that Nicola Sturgeon spoke about was these Quarantine Hotels that the uk government has spoken about for people coming in from certain countries from abroad, and Nicola Sturgeon has long made sure that she thought this measure doesnt go far enough. She said anyone who arrives directly into scotland, regardless of which country they come from, will have to go into a quarantine arrangement. Of course, that is a bit tricky because a lot of people who come to scotland fry in through hubs, say, heathrow, for instance, so that is out with her control. She acknowledged that in her statement. She said the Scottish Government cannot unilaterally implement immediate Managed Quarantine for people who arrive in other parts of the uk, before travelling on to scotland. I think we can take from that that there will not therefore be Quarantine Arrangements for the people who are having to do necessary travel between, say, england and scotland, although of course, that is not allowed under the current restrictions, for anything but Essential Purposes. find anything but Essential Purposes. And anything but Essential Purposes. And a hased anything but Essential Purposes. And a phased return to schools, with the youngest going back first. Yes. Youngest going back first. Yes, thats right youngest going back first. Yes, thats right. Again youngest going back first. Yes, thats right. Again the youngest going back first. Yes thats right. Again the Scottish Government has always said schooling is their top priority. The First Minister said in her statement that the room for manoeuvre was very limited, but that every inch of head room was going to be used to get children Back To School. So they are talking about a phased return from the 22nd Of February, starting with early years and nursery and the first three years of Primary School in scotland, primary one through to primary three, children between the ages of five up to about eight, and ages of five up to about eight, and a part time return on a very limited basis for senior phased pupils needing to complete practical work for the National Qualifications. She did acknowledge that that would actually affect very few children, no more than 5 8 would be physically present at any one time in Secondary Schools. She said there would be a small increase in existing provision for children and young people with Additional Support needs, so there will be some parents today Breathing A Sigh of relief that their children are going Back To School, back to that structured environment, others are left disappointed, but hoping that when the next review takes place in two weeks time, more details might be given of when their children can return to school as well. Interesting to note, she spoke about expanding Community Testing, testing as well in workplaces where there is believed to be at additional risk of spread of the virus, talking about food plants and distribution centres, and she spoke about bringing in testing in schools for all staff in schools, there will be Testing Available twice a week and Testing Available twice a week and Testing Available twice a week and Testing Available for senior School Pupils when they eventually get Back To School, as well. To school, as well. Lorna, we believe it to school, as well. Lorna, we believe it there. To school, as well. Lorna, we believe it there. It to school, as well. Lorna, we believe it there. It is to school, as well. Lorna, we believe it there. It is looking | to school, as well. Lorna, we | believe it there. It is looking a bit chilly. Ht believe it there. It is looking a bit chill. ,. , believe it there. It is looking a bit chill. ,. , believe it there. It is looking a bitchill. ,. , bit chilly. It is a little bit nippy. A l bit chilly. It is a little bit nippy pay. Yes bit chilly. It is a little bit nippy pay. Yes thank bit chilly. It is a little bit nippy pay, yes thank you, bit chilly. It is a little bit nippy pay, yes thank you, lorna i bit chilly. It is a little bit nippy i pay, yes thank you, lorna gordon. Face coverings are compulsory in shops or on public transport here in the uk and in many other countries. But Around The World, there is differing advice about which masks offer the best protection. Our science editor, david shukman, has been looking at the range of masks on offer, and the Science Behind them. All over the world, people are now covering their faces in a million different ways. There is a lot of choice about what type to wear, and in some countries the advice is changing, as we learn more about how the virus spreads. So what are the options . Well, a home made Face Covering is the simplest and cheapest and it was promoted in 2020 because of worries about shortages of professional masks that medics desperately needed. This one is made from an old t shirt, its got three layers so should do a reasonable job of stopping any virus that i might release, which really matters, because up to one in three people may be infected without even realising. And to make it more effective, theres the idea of doubling up, having two coverings, one on top of the other, because that gives you more layers to stop the virus getting through. So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on. Itjust makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. We saw a lot of these double masks on Inauguration Day in washington. They are not recommended by the Us Government or by the world health organization, but they are catching on. Next up in quality is the surgical mask. These are water resistant so if someone coughs right at you, the virus should be blocked. They should provide you with some good protection, and others around you, but they dont fit very well, there are gaps at the side that tiny Virus Particles called aerosols could get through. You can see how that happens in these lab tests. They show how air and aerosols can escape from around the masks. So to guard against that there are better grades of mask. They are called n95 in the us or ffp2 or ffp3 in the uk. In austria, they are now required on buses and in other public areas, while in germany elderly people have been given them for going shopping. These have a much closer fit, no gaps, which means you should be safer, but they are a lot more expensive. While home made coverings are basically free, surgical masks cost about 10p each, while the ffp2 cost about £3. On their own, masks are not going to defeat the pandemic, no one is claiming that, but Research Shows they can make a difference. Look how far a cough goes when there is no Face Covering to stop it. So anything that helps is worth pursuing. David shukman there. Despite the high number of deaths from coronavirus, thousands more people are being successfully treated in our hospitals. Our correspondent, alastair fee, and cameraman, brandon walsh, were invited by the basingstoke and north Hampshire Hospital to spend a day following a matron, becky hutchinson, on a covid ward. Heres their report. Its just before dawn and becky has yet another long day ahead. Just thinking about what kind of day, what the staffings going to be like, how the patients are, because i know that i left some quite poorly patients yesterday afternoon. Shes matron of two covid wards at basingstoke hospital. 21 years, ive been a nurse, this year, and i still come in and i still have the same enthusiasm and i still have the same passion for it and its still. Its still what i want to do. Do you want airway support . Right, so youre going to have a tablet now. There are 20 patients, all with covid, to care for on this ward. Its a busy start to the day. Weve got some poorly patients that we need to sort out, have a little look at, make sure they are doing ok. There is quite a few patients that are doing quite well and weaning off their oxygen, which is really good, so that going to be my main aim today. Oh, my sweet the shift has barely started and a patient needs urgent care. I know it is frightening, my darling. All right, my sweet. This gentleman has deteriorated. His Oxygen Requirement has gone up and his blood pressures dropped a little bit. So is that a worry, or is that a very normal occurrence . No, its not a normal occurrence. He is very poorly, it was quite a quick deterioration this morning, and the doctors would like him to go down to the Intensive Care unit for a bit of closer observation. I know, im so sorry. Its just new, its uncharted territory, isnt it . And with each wave or surge in cases that we see, we never really know, but it does weigh really heavy. Its those small moments, people cant see their relatives and youre just trying the best that you can. It doesnt matter how beaten you are, you will have special moments in every single shift, whether it is with your team mates or whether it is a special moment with a patient. It is different every day and amazes me, but i still love it. A little birdie told us you had a birthday. Todays special moment came mid morning, celebrating tonys 80th birthday. And he is on the mend. You dont do it for the glory or the recognition or anything, you just do it because thats what you do. We are nurses, thats what we do. We look after your loved ones when you cant. Dale is one of many success stories. Nearly 800 Covid Patients have been discharged from the hospital alone in the last ten months. Take care, my darling. Thank you. I was born in basingstoke hospital, ive grown up here, my children have been born here, my husband was born here, my sister works here, my mum used to work here many moons ago, so i think being local has helped me. It sounds like you are giving Something Back to the town that you have always been in. 0h. Maybe. This shift was 13 hours long. At the moment it is not unusual for becky and others to work up to 70 hours a week. Its definitely getting harder, and we do have to be there for each other more and more. I think there are chinks starting to show in the armour, and we are tired. While the night shift takes over, becky will be on call and back here first thing in the morning. Alistair fee, bbc news. Myanmar hit headlines Around The World on monday when its military seized control. But its this footage. Of a pe teacher carrying on her aerobics routine apparently oblivious to the coup unfolding behind her that has captured the surreal nature of what happened. The armoured vehicles and black suvs are making their way to myanmar� s parliament to seize power. Khung hnin wai posted the footage of her workout to facebook yesterday. She insists she didnt know what was taking place behind her and thought the vehicles were nothing more than an official convoy. If it was an attempt at publicity it worked. The video has gone viral with thousands of people watching it online. Now, the weather with helen willetts. Good afternoon. Still treacherous conditions out there throughout the remainder of the day and overnight, with the snow still coming down and blowing in the stronger wind, and where that is picking up it will be quite icy. Showers with a rumble of thunder in the cell. That mild air the south overnight, with some longer spells of rain as we head towards morning. Look at this putting in toward southern areas. At the same time we still have that continuation of snow blowing around in the strengthening wind and still very icy and temperatures falling away. We start the day with rain in southern areas clearing to brighter skies, but the snow continues to fall, particularly on the hills and blowing around in that wind, which will make it feel pretty bitter in the north. This is bbc news. The headlines. The uk variant of coronavirus has mutated again. Scientists are urgently studying the mutated versions the Health Secretary says hes seen cases of concern in bristol and liverpool. In all these areas, it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential. Hit it hard the uk steps up measures to control the spread of the South African Variants, with a door to door Testing Blitz of 80,000 people. Nicola sturgeon says she hopes schools in scotland will reopen from February The 22nd as she introduces Quarantine Measures for anyone entering the country. In Orderto Minimise the risk of new strains coming into the country, Managed Quarantine must be much more comprehensive. Northern Ireland Police hold talks with Council Staff after brexit related checks at ports were suspended because of threats against staff. And Travel Disruption in parts of the north of england and scotland, with some motorists stranded as heavy snow brings chaos. Hello and welcome to bbc news. Just when the government said it was trying to get on top of one variant, now comes another one, and theres growing concern about the mutations and the impact of variants on the effectiveness of vaccines. Door to door testing is being offered to 80,000 people in eight postcodes in england after cases of a variant first discovered in south africa were found, with no links to travel. This afternoon the Health Secretary said that more mutations of concern had been discovered with 11 cases in bristol and 32 in liverpool. Earlier, it was revealed that some samples of the kent variant first identified in the uk show it may have acquired a mutation which could affect vaccine effectiveness. The government says that over half of people in their 70s have now received their first doses of the Coronavirus Vaccine. Nicola sturgeon hasjust announced that Lockdown Measures across mainland scotland will remain in place until the end of february. But she did say a phased return of schools would hopefully begin from the 22nd February. She also announced a system of Managed Quarantine which would mean that everyone arriving in scotland from all overseas locations will have to self isolate for ten days. More on those stories soon first, lets listen to this update from the Health Secretary on the Vaccination Programme and the governments work to surpress the new variants. Across the country, and will vaccine them out continues a place. With each vaccine we administer we are one step closer to normal. As of today, we vaccinated 9. 2 Million People and i want to thank everyone involved in this collective National Effort that saw nearly a Million People get vaccinated last week and the loan, or, to put it another way, one in 60 of all the adults in the uk. We have now protected almost nine out of every ten people over 80 and half of people in their 70s and i am delighted that we have been able to visit every eligible care home, 10,307 in total. I want to thank everyone involved in that effort, including, of course, the nhs, our dedicated staff and social care, the residents themselves are coming forward, and i want to pay tribute to my honourable friend the Minister Of State for care who has worked so hard to help us meet this ambitious target. Despite this optimistic backdrop, we must continue to act with caution, not least because of the renewed challenges posed by new variants of the coronavirus. We have found here 105 cases of the new variant first identified in south africa, including 11 cases which do not appear to have any links to international travel. As with the variant first identified him in the uk, there is currently no evidence to suggest it is any more severe, but we have to come down and it had. Our mission must be to stop its spread altogether and make this change of transmission. In those areas where this variant has been found, parts of. Southalland woking, we are putting an extra testing and sequencing every positive test. Working with local authorities, we are going door to door to test everyone in those areas and Mobile Testing Units will be deployed offering pcr tests for people who have to leave their home for work or other essential reasons. We have also seen 11 cases of mutations of concern in bristol and 32 in liverpool and are taking the same approach. In all these areas, It Imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home when it is absolutely essential. When your local authority offers you a test, you must take up the offer, because we know that around one in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms but can still pass it on. We are Offering Testing to everyone aged 16 and over evenif testing to everyone aged 16 and over even if you have been vaccinated and if you live in one of those areas but have not been contacted and you are unsure if he should have a test i encourage you to visit your local Authority Website to find out. Anyone who must leave home to go to a workplace, for instance, because they cannot work from home, should get tested. All local employers should support and encourage their workers to get tested and the message is more important than ever, to stay at home, maintain social distancing, and get testing. The shadow Health Secretaryjonathan ashworth said the government wasnt doing enough to support the amount of people who have to self isolate, which could increase due to the new variant spreading. He wants to come down hard on this variant. But isnt the lesson of mass testing, such as in liverpool, that people are hesitant to take a test, if they arent compensated for any loss of income associated with Self Isolation . We are fighting this virus with one hand tied behind our back, asking the low paid to go hungry in order not to spread the virus. Transmission chains wont be broken without decent sick pay and isolation support. Weve seen the kent b1777 variant spread with speed. Now, Public Health englands latest Technical Briefing reports, that the b117 sequencing, sequences with the E484k Mutation, seen in the new South African Variant, and this has now been identified, this is very worrying, because this is, it is this mutation because its this mutation which is thought to be behind the partial vaccine evasion. Surely this suggests that further action is going to be needed. Lets talk about the politics of all this with our correspondent at westminster damian grammaticas. What is the Government Saying the government needs to do now then . Despite what of the opposition saying the government needs to do . Domestically, the controlling these new variants which have been identified like the South African mutation which has been found in different parts of the country, we were hearing their from some to expand this targeted testing that is going into those places, so we had some mps saying can you extend it to neighbouring to neighbouring areas, neighbouring to neighbouring areas, neighbouring postcodes, but it doesnt make sense in some cases to simply focus your testing in a very narrow area because people cross boundaries in schools and that sources them. Mr hancock said they would look at that and do that sort of thing where it is sensible. People cross boundaries for schools and work on that sort of thing. There is also the effectiveness of testing because if people do not come forward because they are concerned about their ability to work, loss of income, and those questions they have seen before in the pandemic that the government is giving if people do had to take time off. The second thing, the other side of it is the question about the importation of these new variants and earlier today we heard yvette cooper, share of these Home Affairs Select committee saying that the fact that the South African Variant is here shows that the governments border policies dont work. One man was saying that blanket bans dont work, that the government was following the scientific advice it has been given coming with a sort of mixed policy of now bringing in the idea that you had to have a clear negative test showing that you are free of covid 19 if you have to enter the country and also have to isolate at home. More questions about whether the issue of having a blanket hotel, venting and, again, he was saying he didnt think that. Had thought the targeted approach would be better one. So, a balancing act. There are many pressures with the arrivals of the new variant and it spread around the country. New variant and it spread around the count. �. , new variant and it spread around the count. , a, new variant and it spread around the count. , country. And, as Matthew Hancock sits down. Country. And, as Matthew Hancock sits down, nicola country. And, as Matthew Hancock sits down, Nicola Sturgeon country. And, as Matthew Hancock sits down, Nicola Sturgeon in i sits down, Nicola Sturgeon in scotland says they are going to introduce some sort of total ban on people coming in. This disjointed and this is not going to help. It is difficult, isnt and this is not going to help. It is difficult, isnt it . And this is not going to help. Ut 3 difficult, isnt it . Because in scotland, obviously, now we have this announcement from Nicola Sturgeon that she is going to go for this Hotel Quarantine policy, all people directly arriving into scotland, all of those who they want to put into hotels will need to go and isolate. The question there is a difficult one, as i think she has indicated, is that they cannot stop people arriving elsewhere in the uk and then travelling to scotland. That is exactly the question, too, that has been put to the government, that has been put to the government, that you if you have a blanket bans on particular countries, 30 odd at the minute with no direct flights and you want quarantine for british citizens and those with residents who might come from those places, but how are you going to stop people who travel indirectly, people who maybe dont think they dont have symptoms and therefore can skirt around, without a Blanket Quarantine on Arrival Policy . And that is where the arguments revolve around this. Government saying that is not effective and ultimately not what the sciences, many of the saying you need a Blanket Policy if youre going to protect the country from those in. , ~ i. Our correspondent, frankie mccamley, is in woking. This is one of the front lines as they blitz areas that have been found . ,. ,. ,. , ~ found . Yes, i am on a par park next to wokin found . Yes, i am on a par park next to woking fire found . Yes, i am on a par park next to woking fire station found . Yes, i am on a par park next to woking fire station and found . Yes, i am on a par park next to woking fire station and this i to woking fire station and this really is the main hub of this front line operation. It is an operation that has been going on throughout the day and started at around 8am and we saw 150 volunteers gathered here going into these, what they were calling Welfare Tents and getting their initial briefing, being told exactly what was happening, handed out tests and given ppe and letters to the public to explain exactly what they are doing here. They then left this huge help and travel to the doors to go and do this door to door knocking. What were they doing . Exactly what it says on the tin. Going from one door to the next, knocking on the doors, and offering any one in those households over the age of 18 a test. I did speak to some of the volunteers when they came back this afternoon after they had dropped these tests. A lot of them so that people were expecting them, happy to do the tests, they said there was the odd person who didnt want to take part but many people were pretty receptive to the idea. They did say there were some people that were not expecting them, for example they were dying their hair, doing whatever people would usually do in their home during the day, but overall they say that people have really been co operating with this task. There are a few volunteers back here at the moment waiting to go out. They are off to go and collect these tests. Once they have got them they are going to be sent off to the lab and they are going to be sent off, any that come back positive, they are going to be sent for testing to find out exactly if anyone here has the South African Variant of the virus. The reason they have chosen this area is because two people here have already tested positive for the South African Variant. It might sound like a small number but these are important cases because the to the tested positive had no links to south africa whatsoever so Health Officials are now concerned that the South African Variant is spreading within the uk so they are doing tests not only here but also in hertfordshire, london and kent, and they might also be doing mass testing in other places as were hearing more about different variants emerging, so the overall aim for the government for Testing Centres like this is to try and get to 80,000 people over the next few days and weeks in order to try and curb and stop the spread at the South African Variant of the virus. Simon. , ~ ,. Margaretjones is the director of Public Health for sefton council. Theyre testing residents in southport. That is postcode pr9 the app it is crisp and was mentioning. How is that going . It crisp and was mentioning. How is that going . That going . It is ust parts of North Southporti that going . It isjust parts of North Southport that that going . It isjust parts of North Southport that we i that going . It isjust parts of North Southport that we are | that going . It isjust parts of North Southport that we are testing, hoping to get out testing started tomorrow, Mobile Testing Units in the area, also the piece before we will be doing door to door calls to residents and testing kits and collecting the testing kits we have distributed. ~ a collecting the testing kits we have distributed. ~. ,. ~ distributed. When matt hancock describes first distributed. When matt hancock describes first codes, distributed. When matt hancock describes first codes, your i distributed. When matt hancock i describes first codes, your postcode is an area of concern. What effect does that have on the community and people you talk to there . People you talk to there . Today, we have obviously people you talk to there . Today, we have obviously been people you talk to there . Today, we have obviously been dealing people you talk to there . Today, we have obviously been dealing with i people you talk to there . Today, we have obviously been dealing with a l have obviously been dealing with a lot of calls from members of the community and also staff who work in the area and i think most people would understand why we are having to do the testing and we have had really good uptake for asymptomatic testing across sefton so were quite confident that we will get people to test but i think people were a bit alarmed too, you know, think that they were facing a more threatening form of the virus or that they couldnt go out at all, so we have been trying to reassure people through the day and also our colleagues in other, you know, in the nhs and in schools, for example, that it the nhs and in schools, for example, Thatitis The Nhs and in schools, for example, that it is really important we follow the current Public Health advice around lockdown, that, you know, we stay at home unless we have a really important reason for home. And that if we are about working or caring for people that we follow all the good Public Health practice about, you know, hands, face, space, all of that advice still applies and thatis all of that advice still applies and that is what we are a distressing and i think as we are getting that message through it is helping to reassure people. Why is that there will be people who go into the pr9 postcode area for urgent shopping or Something Like that who do not live there. What advice do you give to them . The advice really is that we carry are normal but when i see no maligning the advice that we should be following when we are in lockdown so we should all be taking care, we should be taking care of ourselves and the people that we work with, the people that we meet, so it is important you carry on what you would normally be doing butjust be, you know, extra careful. Make sure you know, extra careful. Make sure you do follow the advice, you do wear your facemask when you are with other people, that you do wash your hands, keep your two metres distance from people, and if we do that that will protect us from any type of covid. ,. ,. , covid. One of the liverpool news a er covid. One of the liverpool news paper suggesting covid. One of the liverpool news paper suggesting that covid. One of the liverpool news paper suggesting that the covid. One of the liverpool news paper suggesting that the cost. Covid. One of the liverpool news l paper suggesting that the cost was centred around the Liverpool Womens hospital. I dont know if you have been able to trace in anyway the source of infection at there . Im source of infection at there . Im sor , i source of infection at there . Im sorry. I do source of infection at there . Im sorry. I do not source of infection at there . Fn sorry, i do not know any of the details about a cluster. Im sorry, thatis details about a cluster. Im sorry, that is in liverpool. Im details about a cluster. Im sorry, that is in liverpool. That is in liverpool. Im ust wondering i that is in liverpool. Im ust wondering how i that is in liverpool. Im ust wondering how long i that is in liverpool. Im just wondering how long you i that is in liverpool. Im just| wondering how long you will that is in liverpool. Imjust wondering how long you will take to test everyone but also to get a clear picture of whether there is a problem. Clear picture of whether there is a roblem. ,. , ~. , problem. So, sefton, like the other authorities that problem. So, sefton, like the other authorities that are problem. So, sefton, like the other authorities that are part problem. So, sefton, like the other authorities that are part of problem. So, sefton, like the other authorities that are part of the i authorities that are part of the testing operation, our understanding at the moment is were going to do one of testing once the community so were not looking at doing lots of love repeat testing. Obviously, things may change but at the minute we are looking at doing this over the next week or so as a one off, if you like, is a snapshot to give us an idea of how this particular variant might be transmitting on the local area. , variant might be transmitting on the local area. , a,. , variant might be transmitting on the localarea. , local area. That is Margaret Jones the director local area. That is Margaret Jones the director of local area. That is Margaret Jones the director of public local area. That is Margaret Jones the director of Public Health i local area. That is Margaret Jones the director of Public Health and l the director of Public Health and the director of Public Health and the cancelling sefton. Thank you very much and we wish you all the best with all the work theyre suddenly. Director of Public Health in the council in sefton. And coming up this afternoon well try to answer your questions on the new Coronavirus Variants. Thats at 3 30pm this afternoon. Get in touch with the Hashtag Bbcyourquestions or you can text 61124 or email yourquestions bbc. Co. Uk lets return now to several developments in scotland. Lets return now to our main story growing concern over the potential impact of mutations and variations of the coronavirus on the effectiveness of vaccines. Door to door testing is being offered to 80,000 people in eight postcodes in england after cases of a new South African Coronavirus Variant were found, with no links to travel. Lets speak now to professor Andre Strydom from Kings College london. Perhaps it is best if you just explain this story which certainly made my eyebrows shoot up. You came back from south made my eyebrows shoot up. You came back from south africa made my eyebrows shoot up. You came back from south africa in made my eyebrows shoot up. You came back from south africa in december back from south africa in december and just explain what happened then . Yes, i had to travel to south africa for personal reasons and took advantage of the gap after the previous lockdown so i returned on the 19th of december, fell ill seven days later, and went for a covid test which eventually was returned as a positive covid test, was contacted by nhs track and trace and in discussion with them we determined that it was most likely that i got infected on the return flight, given the delay in me getting ill, and i then asked them about tracing and tracking of other passengers on the plain that i was on and they said that that is generally done by Public Health england and gave me a numberfor Public Health england which i subsequently called but took several days before i managed to speak to somebody. Initially, iwas days before i managed to speak to somebody. Initially, i was asked to call british airways, the airline that i flew with, but later somebody did get through to me and then i asked to be tested for the South African Variant and eventually was sent a test for the variant and i understand that that has come back positive. So, my concern is that it looks like initially at least the International Track and tracing of passengers coming into the uk was not really worked as far as i can tell. And, also, i pass the infection onto a Household Member and they have not been tested for the variant, so it may be likely that there are lots more people that we are not aware of with the South African Variant at the moment all who have had the South African Variant. ,. , who have had the South African Variant. ,. , variant. That relative that you assed variant. That relative that you passed on variant. That relative that you passed on to. Variant. That relative that you passed on to, presumably i variant. That relative that you passed on to, presumably everybody is still in lockdown so the hope is that it hasnt been passed on . Yes. That it hasnt been passed on . Yes, so that was that it hasnt been passed on . Yes, so that was a that it hasnt been passed on . Yes, so that was a household that it hasnt been passed on . Us so that was a Household Member. So, yes, but still it is possible that people may be passing it on as your other correspondence pointed out. There have been cases now of Community Acquired South African Variants. Communityacquired South African Variants. � ,. ,. , variants. And when you hear the government variants. And when you hear the government say variants. And when you hear the government say things variants. And when you hear the government say things like i variants. And when you hear the | government say things like were going to hit that hard, come down on this particular strain, it would appear that that rhetoric does not seem to be matching what is going on . T seem to be matching what is going on . ,. ,. , on . I they are doing the right thing now and putting on . I they are doing the right thing now and putting in on . I they are doing the right thing now and putting in a on . I they are doing the right thing now and putting in a lot on . I they are doing the right thing now and putting in a lot of on . I they are doing the right thing now and putting in a lot of effort i now and putting in a lot of effort to track cases or pick up new cases and they have started Testing People before they get onto or are requiring people to have a negative test before flying to the uk and as we know that some flights have been eliminated as well so these measures are in place now but it wasnt until very recently. Are in place now but it wasnt until very recently are in place now but it wasnt until very recently. What happened at the South African very recently. What happened at the South African end very recently. What happened at the South African end of very recently. What happened at the South African end of the very recently. What happened at the South African end of the journey. I South African end of the journey. Was the sense of it being taken more seriously at the airport there . 50. Seriously at the airport there . So, at the time. Seriously at the airport there . So, at the time, we seriously at the airport there . So, at the time, we have seriously at the airport there . 5rr, at the time, we have acquired seriously at the airport there . 5h, at the time, we have acquired a negative test before we could straddle to south africa and they did Check Holes Passengers coming in, whether they have had a negative test, also the temperature checking, but other than that, i must say, south africa seem to be very careful, particularly in the shops and shopping centres. There were guards checking that everybody is making use of the sanitation, hand sanitation stations, and social distancing was quite good so i didnt feel unsafe there, i must say, but, yes, similarsorts didnt feel unsafe there, i must say, but, yes, similar sorts of arrangements for negative testing was not in place on my return journey. Was not in place on my return ourne. , was not in place on my return ourne. ,. , was not in place on my return ourne. ,. ,. , journey. That you are feeling fine now, is journey. That you are feeling fine now. Is that journey. That you are feeling fine now, is that right . Journey. That you are feeling fine now, is that right . Yes, journey. That you are feeling fine now, is that right . Yes, i journey. That you are feeling fine now, is that right . Yes, i have i now, is that right . Yes, i have covered now, is that right . Yes, i have covered it now, is that right . Yes, i have covered. It took now, is that right . Yes, i have covered. It took a now, is that right . Yes, i have covered. It took a little now, is that right . Yes, i have covered. It took a little while l now, is that right . Yes, i have i covered. It took a little while and i should say i didnt have severe illness, it was probably moderate level of illness. I was quite unwell but did not have to be hospitalised and have recovered. Izierr; but did not have to be hospitalised and have recovered. And have recovered. Very good for ou to and have recovered. Very good for you to talk and have recovered. Very good for you to talk to and have recovered. Very good for you to talk to you. And have recovered. Very good for you to talk to you. I and have recovered. Very good for you to talk to you. I should and have recovered. Very good for you to talk to you. I should pass i and have recovered. Very good for| you to talk to you. I should pass on condolences. I know the reason you went to south africa was to visit your father who was ill and my understanding is he has since passed so i pass my condolences on to you. Thank you very much for talking to us. The headlines. The uk variant of coronavirus has mutated again. Scientists are urgently studying the mutated versions. The Health Secretary says hes seen cases of concern in bristol and liverpool. The uk has stepped up measures to control the spread of the South African Variant with a door to door Testing Blitz of 80,000 people. Nicola sturgeon says she hopes schools in scotland will reopen from February 22nd as she introduces Quarantine Measures for anyone entering the country. Checks on food arriving at the ports in belfast and larne have been suspended because of fears for the safety of staff working there. The inspections are carried out on goods arriving from the british mainland, under the terms of the brexit deal but grafitti opposing the checks has appeared in some loyalist areas. Our Northern Ireland correspondent, chris page has been in larne for us this afternoon. Police are in discussions with Government Agencies and with the trade unions representing the workers, to give them an assessment of the risk. To put this into context, there has been political controversy here, and the practical outworkings of it, if you like, happen at ports, like larne, here. Since new years day, there have been some new checks on goods, particularly food, arriving here from england, scotland and wales. Thats because of the part of the brexit deal known as the Northern Ireland protocol, which means, in effect, Northern Ireland is remaining in the eu Single Market for goods while the rest of the uk has left. Unionist politicians in particular are strongly opposed to the protocol because they see it as being basically an economic border in the irish sea. Now, yesterday the council here withdrew its staff from Inspection Duties at landes, the likes of environMental Health officers, because of concerns about their safety. Graffiti had appeared in the town, describing them as targets, and also the staff themselves had been suspicious that people were trying to gather personal information like car number plates. Then, the devolved government at stormont, particularly the Department Responsible for the checks, which is run by the Democratic Unionist Party well, it has decided to suspend all physical checks on food here at larne, and also in belfast port. This morning weve heard from brussels. The European Commission has told its officials working at the sites not to come to work as well. Its important to stress, though, at the moment, theres no indication that loyalist paramilitaries are involved in this intimidation, but it is being seen as perhaps an indication of unease within the unionist and loyalist communities. Lets return now to several developments in scotland. In the past hour, the First Minister has announced that lockdown in the scottish mainland will continue until the end of february, and that a system of Managed Quarantine is to be introduced for anyone arriving directly into scotland from overseas. Pupils will begin a phased return to school from 22nd February with the youngest going back to the classroom first. Lets talk to our correspondent in glasgow, lorna gordon. Yes, infections are high, not as high as they were three weeks ago, but because they are high the restrictions will stay in place until february and the Scottish Government will look at careful and gradual easing at the start of march so what they did announce today, however, was the third tee significant stuff when it comes to schools and when it comes to some pretty significant stuff when it comes to schools and when it comes to pointing hells tarmac hotels for those returning from abroad. In Orderto Minimise in order to minimise the risk of new things in order to minimise the risk of new things coming into the country managed warranty must be more comprehensive and i will therefore more comprehensive and i will therefore confirm that we intend to introduce therefore confirm that we intend to introduce a therefore confirm that we intend to introduce a manage Quarantine Requirement for anyone who arrives in scotland requirement for anyone who arrives in scotland regardless of which country in scotland regardless of which country they have come from. Obviously, we cannot unilaterally implement immediate manage quarantine for people who arrive in other quarantine for people who arrive in other Parts Quarantine for people who arrive in other parts of the uk before travelling on to scotland, so we will continue to urge the uk government to adopt a similar competitive approach. However, if they dont competitive approach. However, if they dont wish to do so, which is entirely they dont wish to do so, which is entirely their prerogative, we will ask them entirely their prerogative, we will ask them to work with us to reduce the risk ask them to work with us to reduce the risk of ask them to work with us to reduce the risk of people travelling to scotland via ports elsewhere in the uk we scotland via ports elsewhere in the uk we will scotland via ports elsewhere in the uk we will set out more detail of how and uk we will set out more detail of how and exactly when the manage Quarantine System will be operational as soon as possible. The other operational as soon as possible. Tue other interesting area is when it comes to schools. The First Minister confirmed that from the 22nd Of February the younger children in scotland, there is a nursery in the first three as of Primary Schools, roughly from about age five to eight, will return to school. She said there will also be a part time return on a very limited basis for senior School Pupils who are having to do practical work for their exams. That will only affect a small amount, between five and 8 of children will between five and 8 of children will be physically present at any one time in school. She said there will also be some limited expansion of provision for children with significant Additional Support needs. There have been some people who have been concerned about the children returning to school when this new variant that is more transmissible is becoming prevalent in scotland but i think, in an acknowledgement of that, there was also news of expanded Community Testing, expanded testing in areas and environments and workplaces where there are higher rates of transmission, such as Food Processing plants, and Nicola Sturgeon also said there will be testing twice a week for teachers and staff at schools and also for senior pupils as well when they return. , ~ ,. , senior pupils as well when they return. , ~ i. ,. Return. Thank you very much. Our correspondent return. Thank you very much. Our correspondent in return. Thank you very much. Our correspondent in glasgow return. Thank you very much. Our correspondent in glasgow joining| return. Thank you very much. Our. Correspondent in glasgow joining us. Now its time for a look at the weather with helen willetts. Stills stretches conditions about in the north of england and southern scotland because of the snow with temperatures down to freezing on the services. Snow starting to drift around more because of the wind is picking up two. Still treacherous conditions. Still showers further south, real contrast from very wintry weather in the north to heavy showers with the south and we keep that mild air in the south of the night, further showers, probably some longer shelf mac spells of rain as we head towards morning, look at this, pushing on toward southern areas, but at the same time we have still got the continuation of the snow blowing around on the strengthening wind and still very icy temperatures fall away so we start the day with some rain potentially in southern areas cleaning to brighter guys in showers later but the snow continues to fall, particularly on the hills, and blowing around that will, when we are sure will make it feel pretty better in the north. That wind will make it feel pretty bitter in the north. Hello this is bbc news with simon mccoy. The headlines. The uk variant of coronavirus has mutated again. Scientists are urgently studying the mutated versions. The Health Secretary says hes seen cases of concern in bristol and liverpool. The uk has stepped up measures to control the spread of the South African Variant with a door to door Testing Blitz of 80,000 people. Nicola sturgeon says she hopes schools in scotland will reopen from February 22nd as she introduces Quarantine Measures for anyone entering the country. Northern Ireland Police hold talks with Council Staff after brexit related checks at ports were suspended because of threats against staff. And theres been Travel Disruption in parts of the north of england and scotland, with some motorists stranded as heavy snow brings chaos. Sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. The government is discussing the issue of head injuries in sport today, culture secretary Oliver Dowden is meeting with several campaigners and former players whove been affected like the ex tottenham midfielder ryan mason, who was forced to retire because of a head injury. The number of former footballers being diagnosed with dementia is causing concern throughout the game and aston villa manager dean smith says its something that needs more looking into. I lost my father, obviously, down to dementia, so youre always thinking, myself and my brother, whether we might suffer from that, as well. There have been no signs, so thankfully we are very good. It is something that is in the forefront of our minds, thats for sure. Yes, ive headed a lot of footballs, as well, so there is a worry and, along with the medical world, we are looking into it and we will try to diminish it slightly where we can. After two games without a win including a shock defeat to Sheffield United at old Trafford Manchester united will be looking to bounce back in the premier league tonight. Ole gunnar solskjaer� s side are at home to southampton, a win would move them level with the leaders Manchester City albeit with two more games played. I think we should just focus on ourselves and take one game at a time and not talk about any title, and just focus on playing well, keep improving. We have improved a lot. So for us, its to get the momentum back on, get performances and continue where weve been. Defender marcos rojo has completed his transfer from Manchester United to boca juniors. The argentina defenderjoined united in the summer of 2014, and played 122 games for them, but hasnt featured in a match since november 2019. Tennis britains Katie Boulter has enjoyed one of the biggest wins of her career, in the run up to the Australian Open. She came from a set down to beat coco gauff in melbourne her second win in a row against a player ranked far higher. Gauff is number 48, to boulter� s 371. Next for boulter, its the 2019 Australian Open champion naomi osaka, who brushed aside frances alize cornet, dropping just four games. It was osakas first competitive match since she won the us open in september. World number one ash barty is also back after an 11 month lay off. She chose to stay at home in queensland during the pandemic. But she showed no signs of rustiness, as she beat ana bogdan in straight sets. Barty� s hoping to break australias 43 year run without a singles winner at their home grand slam. Cricket south africa have reacted angrily to australias decision to pull out of their tour there next month, due to what they described as an unacceptable level of risk to their players. They cited the new strain of coronavirus spreading in the country. They were due to play three tests as part of the world test championship but cricket australia said it had become clear that travelling to south africa was not safe given that variant at this time. The South Africans released a statement saying they were immensely disappointed and they had offered australia unprecedented covid protocols. As a consequence, new zealand have reached the world test championship final. They will play either india, england or australia at lords injune. Lebronjames has played down an altercation with a fan, which led to a group of spectators being thrown out during the la lakers win over the atlanta hawks. There was a crowd of around 1300 in the arena and one woman pulled down her mask to make a point. She released a video on social media blaming james for the incident. James played it down. I dont feel like it was warranted to be kicked out. There was a back and forth between two grown men and we said our piece, he said his piece, i said my piece and then someonejumped into it and said their piece, but i dont think they should have been kicked out. Thats all the sport for now. Now on bbc news, your questions answered. This afternoon were answering your questions on the south Africa Coronavirus variant that is spreading within communities in parts of england at the moment. With me is Public Health expert professor sian griffiths, who chaired the hong kong governments sars inquiry. Also im joined by dr Deepti Gurdasani epidemiologist and senior lecturer at Queen Mary University london. Professor griffiths, we are talking about an african variant. We are now concentrating on the variant that is already here, which seems to be mutating. How concerned would you be by this . Mutating. How concerned would you be b this . ,. ,. , , by this . Viruses mutate. Obviously the anxiety by this . Viruses mutate. Obviously the anxiety is by this . Viruses mutate. Obviously the anxiety is that by this . Viruses mutate. Obviously the anxiety is that the by this . Viruses mutate. Obviously the anxiety is that the vaccine i by this . Viruses mutate. Obviously the anxiety is that the vaccine we l the anxiety is that the vaccine we have got, they wont respond to vaccination. Thats the anxiety. Its very important that we stop transmission, which is what the current effort is about, as well as understand how they have mutated and so that the vaxxer knowledge tests are able to tweak vaccines to deal with the mutations because the real issue with the mutations that we have seen is that they spread more quickly and because they spread more quickly, that gives us a Public Health challenge in terms of reducing the number of cases in the community. So current efforts are on trying to understand the variant, how it is behaving, to decrease transmission and increase the vaccine uptake in the community, so that we get less spread then we will get to a situation where we are less worried about the mutations of the virus. ~. ,. ,. ,. , virus. While we are on air, i am ust virus. While we are on air, i am just reading virus. While we are on air, i am just reading that virus. While we are on air, i am just reading that public virus. While we are on air, i am just reading that Public Health | just reading that Public Health england have confirmed that the 11 cases mostly in the south west are the new kent variant with the new Mutation E484k. There are 32 cases in liverpool that are the original version of kent but have that new mutation. We will hear those letters and numbers e484k quite a lot. Why does that make things different . This particular variant, has to smack this particular variant, has to smack mutations, one mutation which we think smack mutations, one mutation which we think survives and is more transmissible and the e484k, we have been concerned about this mutation because been concerned about this mutation because in been concerned about this mutation because in the laboratory we have noticed because in the laboratory we have noticed that viruses with this particular mutation are more resistant particular mutation are more resistant to neutralisation by antibodies than directed against the previous antibodies than directed against the previous variant of a virus. And that previous variant of a virus. And that gives previous variant of a virus. And that gives us concerns about vaccine effectiveness. Recent trials carried out with effectiveness. Recent trials carried out with johnson effectiveness. Recent trials carried out withjohnson effectiveness. Recent trials carried out with Johnson Johnson and novavax. Out with Johnson Johnson and novavax, they have found that the effectiveness in south africa with both these vaccines was lower than with the both these vaccines was lower than with the uk and us where these variants with the uk and us where these variants dont have an equivalent. This is variants dont have an equivalent. This is the variants dont have an equivalent. This is the reason why we are looking this is the reason why we are looking to this is the reason why we are looking to stop the spread, because the vaccines are still highly effective, it is not that these are escaping effective, it is not that these are escaping vaccines completely but they may escaping vaccines completely but they may reduce effectiveness modestly and thats something we have to modestly and thats something we have to be aware of so it is important have to be aware of so it is important that we get on top of this quickly important that we get on top of this quickly and important that we get on top of this quickly and stamp them out before they become widely prevalent in the community. We they become widely prevalent in the communi. ~. , they become widely prevalent in the communi. ~. , they become widely prevalent in the community they become widely prevalent in the communi. ~. ,. , community. We have a question asking wh the community. We have a question asking why the new community. We have a question asking why the new variant community. We have a question asking why the new variant is community. We have a question asking why the new variant is more why the new variant is more contagious. Why the new variant is more contagious why the new variant is more contagious. Why the new variant is more contaaious. ~. , � , ~. , contagious. We dont exactly know wh. We contagious. We dont exactly know why we know contagious. We dont exactly know why. We know that contagious. We dont exactly know why. We know that it contagious. We dont exactly know why. We know that it is contagious. We dont exactly know why. We know that it is more i why. We know that it is more contagious based on the fact that it is spreading much faster than the previous is spreading much faster than the previous variants, but also when we look previous variants, but also when we took at previous variants, but also when we look at household transmission we find people are 50 more likely to transmit find people are 50 more likely to transmit through household contacts. In the transmit through household contacts. In the laboratory we know this particular in the laboratory we know this particular variant binds more strongly particular variant binds more strongly to the receptor for virus transmission into cells, so this could transmission into cells, so this could be transmission into cells, so this could be one of the mechanisms that is important in transmission but at the moment we dont know very much more the moment we dont know very much more than the moment we dont know very much more than this. I was previously told that more than this. I was previously told that virus levels in these people told that virus levels in these people were higher but more recent studies people were higher but more recent studies show this is not the case, so this studies show this is not the case, so this is studies show this is not the case, so this is an studies show this is not the case, so this is an area that needs active study. So this is an area that needs active study. But so this is an area that needs active study, but while we dont know this it is very study, but while we dont know this it is very important that we take precautionary measures, and more stringent precautionary measures, and more stringent than we would have taken previously stringent than we would have taken previously because it is clear that ultimately previously because it is clear that ultimately it does transmit through respirator ultimately it does transmit through respirator transmission and the usual respirator transmission and the usual measures were used to forward still apply usual measures were used to forward still apply but perhaps most stringently. Still apply but perhaps most stringently still apply but perhaps most strinaentl. , , stringently. Professor griffiths, which leads stringently. Professor griffiths, which leads me stringently. Professor griffiths, which leads me onto stringently. Professor griffiths, which leads me onto the stringently. Professor griffiths, i which leads me onto the question that may have been answered, from johnin that may have been answered, from john in doncaster, could the new variant from south africa be carried over on imported goods . T variant from south africa be carried over on imported goods . Over on imported goods . I dont think we know over on imported goods . I dont think we know that. Over on imported goods . I dont think we know that. Most over on imported goods . I dont think we know that. Most of i over on imported goods . I dont think we know that. Most of the | think we know that. Most of the Research Shows the virus is passed on from person to person, through aerosol and droplet spread, but of course, obviously droplets can drop onto surfaces and if the surfaces are not clean and you have to touch them and you happen to touch your eyes and your mouth it is possible that you can pick up the virus that way. However, it is highly likely that by the Time Packages get to the uk from south africa, that the virus is still transmissible that way. It is highly unlikely. The hygiene message, wash your hands, he very careful. Message, wash your hands, be very careful. , ~ ,. , message, wash your hands, be very careful. , ~ ,. ,. , message, wash your hands, be very careful. ~ ,. ,. ,. Message, wash your hands, be very careful. , ~ ,. ,. ,. , , careful. Thank you for that. This is from ra careful. Thank you for that. This is from raj who careful. Thank you for that. This is from raj who says careful. Thank you for that. This is from raj who says he careful. Thank you for that. This is from raj who says he had careful. Thank you for that. This is from raj who says he had his i careful. Thank you for that. This is from raj who says he had his first| from raj who says he had his first dose of the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine last week, will this protect me from the uk and South African Variant, the Pfizer Biontech vaccine is said to already work against these variants. 50. Is said to already work against these variants. Is said to already work against these variants. ,. , ,. , these variants. So, this was before these variants. So, this was before the new variant these variants. So, this was before the new variant has these variants. So, this was before the new variant has arisen these variants. So, this was before the new variant has arisen with i these variants. So, this was before the new variant has arisen with the e484k the new variant has arisen with the E484k Mutation was actually quite susceptible to neutralisation with vaccines susceptible to neutralisation with vaccines in the laboratory and earlier vaccines in the laboratory and earlier studies showed effectiveness was likely earlier studies showed effectiveness was likely to be similar for that variant, was likely to be similar for that variant, but now we have this new mutation variant, but now we have this new mutation which makes it more similar to the mutation which makes it more similar to the so called south africa variant to the so called south africa variant and with that, we dont know how effective these vaccines are going how effective these vaccines are going to how effective these vaccines are going to be. We know that they will likely going to be. We know that they will likely be going to be. We know that they will likely be affected to some extent so if the likely be affected to some extent so if the virus likely be affected to some extent so if the virus is not going to fully escape if the virus is not going to fully escape them it is possible that effectiveness may be reduced. Can ou effectiveness may be reduced. Can you explain effectiveness may be reduced. Can you explain what you mean by less effective, what does that mean in practice to someone who has had the jab . Ht practice to someone who has had the ab . , ~ practice to someone who has had the ab . , ~. , practice to someone who has had the ab . , ~. , jab . It could be like what happened in the novavax jab . It could be like what happened in the novavax and jab . It could be like what happened in the novavax and johnson jab . It could be like what happened in the novavax and johnson i jab . It could be like what happened i in the novavax and Johnson Johnson in the novavax and Johnson Johnson trials were in the novavax and Johnson Johnson trials were effectiveness was reduced trials were effectiveness was reduced to about 60 from 89 in south reduced to about 60 from 89 in south africa so that is a reduction in effectiveness of preventing disease in effectiveness of preventing disease. At population level for an individuat disease. At population level for an individual it is hard to see what that means. Even if you do take the vaccine that means. Even if you do take the vaccine there are still a risk. It isrust vaccine there are still a risk. It isrust that vaccine there are still a risk. It isjust that it may not protect vaccine there are still a risk. It is just that it may not protect you fully against infection with the new variant fully against infection with the new variant like it would have done with previous variant like it would have done with previous variant. Previous variant. Professor, simon in margate previous variant. Professor, simon in margate asks. Previous variant. Professor, simon in margate asks, can previous variant. Professor, simon in margate asks, can you previous variant. Professor, simon in margate asks, can you get i in margate asks, can you get infected by more than one coronavirus variant at a time . The answer to that coronavirus variant at a time . The answer to that is coronavirus variant at a time . Tue answer to that is that there coronavirus variant at a time . Tue answer to that is that there have been some cases where people have been some cases where people have been infected by two variants, but obviously these are early days of having the variants identified, so it is possible but it is unlikely and it is not very common at the current time. And it is not very common at the current time. That sort is that one u. John current time. That sort is that one up john in current time. That sort is that one up. John in cambridge current time. That sort is that one up. John in cambridge asks, i current time. That sort is that one i up. John in cambridge asks, theres lots of information seeing the new variant isnt any more dangerous than the original virus, if the new variant is more transmissible, doesnt that make it more dangerous . Doctor . Yes, it does. If it is more transmissible, the r rate is higher so it leads transmissible, the r rate is higher so it leads to many more cases and even so it leads to many more cases and even it so it leads to many more cases and even if the so it leads to many more cases and even if the death rate individually doesnt even if the death rate individually doesnt change it leads to more deaths doesnt change it leads to more deathsjust working off doesnt change it leads to more deaths just working off increased transmission. In addition it is suggested the variant may be associated with a higher level of deaths associated with a higher level of deaths although there is uncertainty around deaths although there is uncertainty around this, but both those aspects definitely around this, but both those aspects definitely make the variant much more definitely make the variant much more dangerous and harder to contain more dangerous and harder to contain. , , contain. Professor, this raises the whole issue contain. Professor, this raises the whole issue of contain. Professor, this raises the whole issue of whether contain. Professor, this raises the whole issue of whether the whole issue of whether the vaccinations make you less transmissive, if you like and we still dont know the answer to that. We dont. Thats something that is under constant review. We dont know about transmissibility, how the vaccines affect transmission. Thats why we are advised, even if we have had one or two shots of the vaccine to still abide by the regulations, stay home, hands, face, space, all still important because we dont have stats about transmissibility and we dont want to put people at risk. , , , ~ , risk. How long before we know, because presumably risk. How long before we know, because presumably with i risk. How long before we know, because presumably with so i risk. How long before we know, i because presumably with so many people getting vaccinated, the ongoing test will eventually reveal figures. Ht ongoing test will eventually reveal fi. Ures. Ongoing test will eventually reveal fiaures. , , , figures. It will eventually so i cannot give figures. It will eventually so i cannot give you figures. It will eventually so i cannot give you an figures. It will eventually so i cannot give you an end i figures. It will eventually so i cannot give you an end point| figures. It will eventually so i l cannot give you an end point to that, but there is a huge amount of Research Going on as people are being vaccinated, looking at the impact of the vaccine on the population, so we will get the answers in time, and we should be able to follow it longer. Able to follow it longer. Elizabeth has asked. Able to follow it longer. Elizabeth has asked. Is able to follow it longer. Elizabeth has asked, is there able to follow it longer. Elizabeth has asked, is there a able to follow it longer. Elizabeth has asked, is there a new able to follow it longer. Elizabeth has asked, is there a new advice | able to follow it longer. Elizabeth l has asked, is there a new advice on masks, giving the increased transmissibility of the new variant is something we have been looking at this afternoon on bbc news. What would you say to people wondering what the best coverings are . I certainly think that we need to take more certainly think that we need to take more precautions giving that this variant more precautions giving that this variant is more precautions giving that this variant is more transmissible and we dont variant is more transmissible and we dont know variant is more transmissible and we dont know how it transmits, so that would dont know how it transmits, so that would include probably guidance in terms would include probably guidance in terms of would include probably guidance in terms of Face Coverings, in line with terms of Face Coverings, in line with what terms of Face Coverings, in line with what germany and france are doing. With what germany and france are doing, wearing high level protection, so n95 masks indoors, particularly protection, so n95 masks indoors, particularly in crowded indoor settings, particularly in crowded indoor settings, but also consider wearing mask settings, but also consider wearing mask outdoors, and also beyond the longer mask outdoors, and also beyond the longer range we thought about so social longer range we thought about so social distancing of two metres, those social distancing of two metres, those rules need to be considered and ventilation guidelines also need to be considered, in light of what we know to be considered, in light of what we know is to be considered, in light of what we know is an aerosol transmitted virus we know is an aerosol transmitted virus. ,. , we know is an aerosol transmitted virus. ,. ,. ,. , , virus. Professor, what that means is that it is important virus. Professor, what that means is that it is important that virus. Professor, what that means is that it is important that the virus. Professor, what that means is that it is important that the mask i that it is important that the mask covers you properly, it fits properly. Covers you properly, it fits ppel¥ covers you properly, it fits roerl. ,. , properly. Exactly. Cloth Face Coverings. Properly. Exactly. Cloth Face Coverings, which properly. Exactly. Cloth Face Coverings, which we properly. Exactly. Cloth Face Coverings, which we have i properly. Exactly. Cloth face i coverings, which we have been wearing, many of us, for the last year or so, the betterfor is from the ffp masks, and in europe, there was a move towards using ffp masks. In the us there is a move towards double masking and doctor anthony faucl double masking and doctor anthony fauci, who is the guru in this area, has been seen wearing a double mask. The who says that it hasnt changed its guidance. Itjust says that a mask with three layers, so that if youre wearing a cloth mask it should that there is mac layers, and one should be a filter which can be changed. The other thing is how you put them on and take them off, and to make sure that you wear them when you are in crowded situations. We will run our report on this straight after. Doctor, we have this question from merrill in liverpool who says, is there a higher ratio of asymptomatic people with each of the new variants, than with the original one . We new variants, than with the original one . ~. , new variants, than with the original one . ~. One . We have the data about the uk variant and looking one . We have the data about the uk variant and looking at one . We have the data about the uk variant and looking at data one . We have the data about the uk variant and looking at data from one . We have the data about the uk variant and looking at data from the | variant and looking at data from the ons. Variant and looking at data from the ons. It variant and looking at data from the ons. It is variant and looking at data from the ons, it is the opposite. People who have the ons, it is the opposite. People who have the new variant are more likely to be have the new variant are more likely to be symptomatic and less likely to be asymptomatic than those who had previous be asymptomatic than those who had previous variants. Previous variants. Professor, this asymptomatic previous variants. Professor, this asymptomatic issue previous variants. Professor, this asymptomatic issue has previous variants. Professor, this asymptomatic issue has been previous variants. Professor, this asymptomatic issue has been a l asymptomatic issue has been a problem from the start with this. Absolutely. I think when we first started on this journey of the pandemic, we didnt really realise what a large number of people would have the disease without knowing it, being asymptomatic, and it has led to all sorts of confusion. It has been a characteristic of the pandemic so far, and it reminds us how careful we have to be, because we could carry the infection and not realise it and expose Vulnerable People do it, so the message again about hands, face, space, ventilation and staying home all really important because of the asymptomatic nature of a lot of this disease. ,. , 11,5. , disease. Your chair of the 2003 sars in. Ui disease. Your chair of the 2003 sars inuui b disease. Your chair of the 2003 sars inquiry by the disease. Your chair of the 2003 sars inquiry by the hong disease. Your chair of the 2003 sars inquiry by the hong kong disease. Your chair of the 2003 sars. Inquiry by the hong kong government, people looking at how Southeast Asia dealt with this pandemic and the success of that, how much of that is because of the Lessons Learned in the sars outbreak . It is because of the Lessons Learned in the sars outbreak . Because of the Lessons Learned in the sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it. The sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it we the sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it. We realise the sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it. We realise that the sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it. We realise that you the sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it. We realise that you need i the sars outbreak . It is a lot to do with it. We realise that you need to j with it. We realise that you need to share scientific information, globally, and record all of the cases globally so you understand the epidemiology of the disease. There has been a massive amount of scientific advance in this pandemic and i think lessons from sars encourage that. Also if you look at populations, look at the population is affected by sars, you look at hong kong or taiwan, is affected by sars, you look at hong kong ortaiwan, or is affected by sars, you look at hong kong or taiwan, or south korea, those populations responded very much more quickly to things like mask wearing, actually, to social distancing, to the regulations. In hong kong they knew very much that clear messaging was important, and quick action was important, so they have been Holding Daily press conferences throughout the pandemic. There has been very much more openness this time round of where the cases are, who might be infected. Also, there has been test and trace. They were very much quicker off the blocks and we were, in terms of massive population testing stop we saw that in south korea and in wuhan itself, so some of the lessons where, be prepared for a pandemic, of the lessons where, be prepared fora pandemic, make sure of the lessons where, be prepared for a pandemic, make sure that your system can respond quickly, so we saw the Surge Capacity in hospitals, and we have seen also very much tighter Travel Restrictions and quarantine regulations, in hong kong, china, as well as australia, new zealand, countries where they understood that it was very important to act very quickly. Now, all countries are different and there are many geopolitical issues to be discussed, but i think the Hong Kong Response the china response, south korea, this time round, definitely, lessons were learnt through the sars epidemic in 2003. ,. ,. ,. , 2003. Doctor, we have a question from sarah 2003. Doctor, we have a question from sarah who 2003. Doctor, we have a question from sarah who says 2003. Doctor, we have a question from sarah who says are 2003. Doctor, we have a question from sarah who says are the i 2003. Doctor, we have a question from sarah who says are the tests being performed for the South African Variant different from regular tests, and if so, how . African variant different from regulartests, and if so, how . Ihia. Regular tests, and if so, how . No, the testing regular tests, and if so, how . No, the testing that regulartests, and if so, how . No, the testing that has been performed, the testing that has been performed, the tests the testing that has been performed, the tests detect all variants. Generally is very sad detected by genomic generally is very sad detected by genomic sequencing. We are lucky with this genomic sequencing. We are lucky with this mutation it can be detected by some routine pcr tests because detected by some routine pcr tests because it detected by some routine pcr tests because it is read out a slightly different because it is read out a slightly different so that has really helped us study different so that has really helped us study the epidemiology of this particular us study the epidemiology of this particular variant, us study the epidemiology of this particularvariant, because us study the epidemiology of this particular variant, because we are able to particular variant, because we are able to detect it in many more cases but ultimately, all test will detect these but ultimately, all test will detect these variants but you really need to sequence the virus. This question as to both of to sequence the virus. This question as to both of you, to sequence the virus. This question as to both of you, from to sequence the virus. This question as to both of you, from david, i to sequence the virus. This question as to both of you, from david, whol as to both of you, from david, who says i am currently shielding. It will shielding be extended because of the new variant . And that this is a question for politicians, but doctor, would you expect that to be the case . I doctor, would you expect that to be the case . ,. , the case . I would expect i would certainly exnect the case . I would expect i would certainly expect that the case . I would expect i would certainly expect that because i the case . I would expect i would certainly expect that because given | certainly expect that because given that these variants are potentially more that these variants are potentially more transmissible, and Community Transmission is very high in the uk right transmission is very high in the uk right now. Transmission is very high in the uk right now, people should continue to do so right now, people should continue to do so if right now, people should continue to do so if there are shielding but i dont do so if there are shielding but i dont know do so if there are shielding but i dont know what government policy will be dont know what government policy will be on dont know what government policy will be on this. Will be on this. Professor, presumably will be on this. Professor, presumably the will be on this. Professor, presumably the same i will be on this. Professor, i presumably the same answer . I will be on this. Professor, presumably the same answer . I was hoinu that presumably the same answer . I was honing that peeple presumably the same answer . Inn 3 hoping that people shielding, the most Vulnerable Groups, that they would be vaccinated and would have got protection from the vaccine, so i would hope that that would mean that the policy can be adjusted in the light of the protection they receive from the vaccine. Everybody would feel much receive from the vaccine. Everybody would feel much happier receive from the vaccine. Everybody would feel much happier if receive from the vaccine. Everybody would feel much happier if they i receive from the vaccine. Everybody l would feel much happier if they knew that even if you had the vaccine that even if you had the vaccine that you are less likely to transmit the disease and we still dont know. There are so many questions, there have been questions from the very beginning of this pandemic, and there are more and more questions that seem to arise, so it is questionable. I dont know what government policy would be on shielding but i would say that people who are immunised will get more protection, and that they may choose to shield, i know that lots of People Choose to still protect themselves because we still have got a lot of virus around in the community including the new variants, but these are small in number at the current time and any guests at a population level, we are getting protections from the vaccines, although at an individual level you may not know your own personal level of antibody response. Professor sian griffiths and doctor Deepti Gurdasani, thank you both for joining us. Deepti gurdasani, thank you both for oinin us. , ~ Deepti Gurdasani, thank you both for oinin us. , Deepti Gurdasani, thank you both for joining us just Deepti Gurdasani, thank you both for joining us just to joining us. Thank you. Just to re eat joining us. Thank you. Just to repeat the joining us. Thank you. Just to repeat the news joining us. Thank you. Just to repeat the news that joining us. Thank you. Just to repeat the news that broke i joining us. Thank you. Just to i repeat the news that broke while joining us. Thank you. Just to repeat the news that broke while we were doing that segment, looking at the new mutation cases, Public Health england has confirmed that cases in the south west in the bristol area are the new kent variant with that new mutation, e484k, which also features in the South African Variant, 32 cases in liverpool are the original version of covid but have the new mutation, e484k. There is some concern that this variant might make vaccines more effective but we have just discussed that with the experts, and there is lots more work still to be done but at the message is, the vaccines are still effective stop it is just a question of the level of effectiveness against those new variants. Something else that we discussed. Face coverings are compulsory in shops or on public transport here in the uk and in many other countries. But Around The World, there is differing advice about which masks offer the best protection. Our science editor, david shukman, has been looking at the range of masks on offer and the Science Behind them. All over the world, people are now covering their faces in a million different ways. There is a lot of choice about what type to wear, and in some countries the advice is changing, as we learn more about how the virus spreads. So what are the options . Well, a home made Face Covering is the simplest and cheapest and it was promoted in 2020 because of worries about shortages of professional masks that medics desperately needed. This one is made from an old t shirt, its got three layers so should do a reasonable job of stopping any virus that i might release, which really matters, because up to one in three people may be infected without even realising. And to make it more effective, theres the idea of doubling up, having two coverings, one on top of the other, because that gives you more layers to stop the virus getting through. So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on. Itjust makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. We saw a lot of these double masks on Inauguration Day in washington. They are not recommended by the Us Government or by the world health organization, but they are catching on. Next up in quality is the surgical mask. These are water resistant so if someone coughs right at you, the virus should be blocked. They should provide you with some good protection, and others around you, but they dont fit very well, there are gaps at the side that tiny Virus Particles called aerosols could get through. You can see how that happens in these lab tests. They show how air and aerosols can escape from around the masks. So to guard against that there are better grades of mask. They are called n95 in the us or ffp2 or ffp3 in the uk. In austria, they are now required on buses and in other public areas, while in germany elderly people have been given them for going shopping. These have a much closer fit, no gaps, which means you should be safer, but they are a lot more expensive. While home made coverings are basically free, surgical masks cost about iop each, while the ffp2 cost about £3. On their own, masks are not going to defeat the pandemic, no one is claiming that, but Research Shows they can make a difference. Look how far a cough goes when there is no Face Covering to stop it. So anything that helps is worth pursuing. David shukman there. Now, we all need cheering up, so here are some panda in the snow pictures. Theyre from the Smithsonian National zoo in washington yesterday. Thats all you need to know. For the next 45 seconds just relax. Lively classical piano ben brown has just walked ben brown hasjust walked in and said that they were running them all day yesterday, those pictures of the pandas. Any excuse now, the weather with helen. Good afternoon. Still treacherous conditions out there throughout the remainder of the day and overnight with the snow still coming down, and settling, blowing and the stronger winds as well, that are picking up. To the south are slightly brighter picture with shower starting to pack in and a real temporary could temperature contrast from that very wintry weather in the north to the heavy showers with a rumble of thunder in the south. We keep that mild air and thunder in the south. We keep that mild airand the thunder in the south. We keep that mild air and the south of the night with the showers and longer spells of rain as we head towards morning, pushing on toward southern areas, but at the same time we have that continuation of the snow, blowing around in a strengthening wind, still very icy as temperatures fall away. We start the day with some rain potentially clearing to brighter skies, showers later, but the snow continues to fall, particularly on the hills, blowing around in that wind, which will make it feel pretty bitter in the north. This is bbc news. Im ben brown. The headlines. The uk variant of coronavirus has mutated again and the Health Secretary says hes seen cases of concern in bristol and liverpool. In all these areas, it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential. A race to stop the spread in england of the variant from south africa with emergency testing of 80,000 people. Nicola sturgeon hopes schools in scotland can reopen from February The 22nd and therell be quarantine restrictions for anyone arriving back there from abroad. In order to minimise the risk of new strains coming into the country, Managed Quarantine must be much more comprehensive. Northern irelands leaders condemn threats against staff at ports which meant post brexit trade checks had to be suspended and Travel Disruption in parts of the north of england and scotland, with some motorists stranded as heavy snow brings chaos. Hello and welcome to bbc news. The so called kent variant of coronavirus has mutated yet again with changes scientists describe as worrying. There is some concern that this mutation might make vaccines less effective, and there are also worries about the variant which started in south africa now found in eight areas of england with no links to travel. Emergency testing is being offered to 80,000 people in these postcodes, and theyve been told its critical they stay at home. This afternoon, the Health Secretary said thereve also been 11 cases of concern in bristol and 32 in liverpool. The government says that over half of people in their 70s have now received their first dose of the Coronavirus Vaccine. Nicola sturgeon announced that Lockdown Measures across mainland scotland will remain in place until the end of february but she did say a phased return of schools would hopefully begin from the 22nd of this month. And she announced a system of Managed Quarantine, which would mean that everyone arriving in scotland from overseas will have to self isolate for ten days. Well, earlier, the Health Secretary gave an update on the Vaccination Programme and the governments work to surpress the new variants. Across the country, our vaccine roll out continues at pace. With each vaccine we administer, were one step closer to normal. As of today, we vaccinated 9. 2 Million People, and i want to thank everyone involved in this collective National Effort that saw nearly a Million People get vaccinated last weekend alone, or, put it another way, one in 60 of all of the adults in the uk. Weve now protected almost nine out of every ten people over 80, and half of people in their 70s, and im delighted that weve been able to visit every eligible care home, 10,307 in total. I want to thank everyone involved in that effort, including, of course, the nhs, our dedicated staff in social care, the residents themselves, too, for coming forward, and i want to pay tribute to my honourable friend the Minister Of State for care, whos worked so hard to help us meet this ambitious target. Despite this optimistic backdrop, we must continue to act with caution, not least because of the renewed challenges posed by new variants of the coronavirus. We have found here 105 cases of the variant first identified in south africa, including 11 cases which dont appear to have any links to international travel. As with the variant first identified here in the uk, theres currently no evidence to suggest it is any more severe, but we have to come down on it had. Our mission must be to stop its spread altogether and break those chains of transmission. In those areas where this variant has been found, parts of broxbourne, london, maidstone, southport, walsall and woking, were putting in extra testing and sequencing every positive test. Working with local authorities, were going door to door to test everyone in those areas, and Mobile Testing Units will be deployed offering pcr tests to people who have to leave their home for work or other essential reasons. We have also seen 11 cases of mutations of concern in bristol and 32 in liverpool and are taking the same approach. In all these areas, it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential. When your local authority offers you a test, you should take up the offer, because we know that around one in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms but can still pass it on. Were Offering Testing to everyone aged 16 and over even if you have been vaccinated, and if you live in one of those areas but have not been contacted and youre unsure if you should breaking news, captain tom moore has died. He raced so much money, £33 million you may remember for the National Health service. Had been taken to hospital on sunday in Bradford Hospital after being treated for pneumonia force on time and testing positive for the virus. Let us just bring you a little more on that statement and a family of captain tom moore say it is with Great Sadness that we announce the death of our dear father captain sir tom moore and, of course, there will be huge sadness across the country at that news. He had become the really something of a National Treasure after that extraordinary Fundraising Efforts. This isjust read you a little bit more of the statement we have from his daughters hannah and lucy. It is with Great Sadness that we announce the death of our dear father. Were so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life. We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about how childhood and our wonderful mother, we shared laughter and tears together. The statement goes on, the last year of our fathers life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he had only ever dreamt of whilst he had been in so many hearts forjust ever dreamt of whilst he had been in so many hearts for just a ever dreamt of whilst he had been in so many hearts forjust a short time he was an father and grandfather and he was an father and grandfather and he will stay alive in our hearts for ever. He was an incredible father and grandfather. This is back look back on the lives of captain tom with our correspondent David Sillitoe. It began as a Little Family challenge, 100 laps of the garden to mark his 100th birthday and so began his extraordinaryjourney. Hejoined the West Yorkshire regiment after being born in keighley and seven burma. Before the virus the closest he came to fame was an appearance on blankety blank. He came to fame was an appearance on blankety blank blankety blank. Tom, have you got famil or blankety blank. Tom, have you got family or anyone blankety blank. Tom, have you got family or anyone you blankety blank. Tom, have you got family or anyone you would blankety blank. Tom, have you got family or anyone you would ratherl family or anyone you would rather not be watching this . Family or anyone you would rather not be watching this . Yes, two years airls, not be watching this . Yes, two years girls. Coming not be watching this . Yes, two years girls. Coming up not be watching this . Yes, two years girls. Coming up 16 not be watching this . Yes, two years girls, coming up 16 and not be watching this . Yes, two years girls, coming up 16 and coming i not be watching this . Yes, two years girls, coming up 16 and coming up i girls, coming up 16 and coming up 14. ,. ,. , girls, coming up 16 and coming up 14. Y. ,. , 111. Everything changed with a virus. The ho e 111. Everything changed with a virus. The hone was 111. Everything changed with a virus. The hone was to 111. Everything changed with a virus. The hope was to raise 111. Everything changed with a virus. The hope was to raise money i 111. Everything changed with a virus. The hope was to raise money for i the hope was to raise money for charity to support the nurses and doctors of the coronavirus outbreak. Just over a week later the total had passed £1 million by the time he celebrated his 100th birthday at had topped 30 million. He also had a number one single. A duet with michael ball. Captain tom had become known Around The World. He received more than 140,000 cards. He was made an honorary colonel. He received a knighthood. And the raf staged a birthday flight past. I am birthday flight past. I am absolutely birthday flight past. I am absolutely delighted i birthday flight past. I am | absolutely delighted with birthday flight past. Ism absolutely delighted with older people like you who have come to wish me a very happy birthday. It is really is absolutely awesome. I am absolutely delighted with all the people like you. Pm . Am absolutely delighted with all the peeple like you people like you. Any time of illness, death, people like you. Any time of illness, death, and people like you. Any time of illness, death, and national| illness, death, and national lockdown, his optimism and determination was a beacon of good cheer. I determination was a beacon of good cheer. ,. Cheer. I never would have anticipated cheer. I never would have anticipated anything i cheer. I never would have anticipated anything in i cheer. I never would have| anticipated anything in my cheer. I never would have i anticipated anything in my life cheer. I never would have anticipated anything in my life like this. It really is amazing and i would say thank you very much to everyone wherever you are. Music plays. Youll never walk alone. David sillitoe there on the life of captain sir tom moore who has very sadly died. We are just hearing that in the last few minutes at the age of 100. That isjust in the last few minutes at the age of 100. That is just the cap on that statement that we have had in from the family. Let us just recap on that statement. They say it is with Great Sadness they announce the death of their father, captain sir tom moore. That is from his daughters and they are so grateful that they were with him on the last hours of his life. They said we spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother and we shared laughter and tears together. Hannah, benjamin, georgia, all by his bedside and lucy on facetime say that the family and the last year of our fathers life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he had never really dreamt of. These are pictures of him doing that incredible fundraising effort, whichjust grew and grew, didnt it . Raising more than £30 million in the end, more than £30 million in the end, more than £32 million, in fact, for the National Health service. He walked 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday. This was all during the First National lockdown back in april. He originally set out to raise £1000 for his Charity Challenge but those efforts really struck such a chord with the whole country and the praise and the donations flooded in and in the end he didnt raise £1000, he raised £32] he didnt raise £1000, he raised £32. 7 million. He got donations from 1. 5 million supporters before his sub fundraising page was finally closed at midnight. Following his 100th birthday on april the 30th. He started the challenge a little over three weeks earlier. He had encouraged people to continue to donate to the Nhs Charities together and in acknowledgement to those extraordinary efforts you will probably remember he was then knighted by the queen. Knighted by the queen giving a unique open air ceremony which was at Windsor Castle in the summer of last year. Now, at the end of the year, he went to barbados with his family for a well deserved holiday, but then his family confirmed his illness on sunday, they said he needed additional help with his breathing, and he was being treated on a ward at Bedford Hospital but not in Intensive Care. After he was in Bedford Hospital there were, of course, well wishes for many people including the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson amongst them, who said my thoughts are very much with captain tom moore and this was the moment that the queen knighted him so memorably during that unique open air ceremony at Windsor Castle in beautiful sunshine there. You may remember it in the summer of last year. That is when captain tom became captain sir tom and a tribute from the whole country and from her majesty the queen who really. Knighted him in the sunshine there and he had become something of a National Treasure, really, and he had become something of a nationaltreasure, really, by the end of his life, and 100 years of age, and as his family have been remarking in their statement today, he had been rejuvenated in the last few months of his life, experienced things he had only ever dreamt of, and, as they say in their statement, he will stay alive in our hearts forever. They have also paid tribute to the care that captain sir tom got in hospitalfrom the nhs that to the care that captain sir tom got in hospital from the nhs that he to the care that captain sir tom got in hospitalfrom the nhs that he did so much to help with his fundraising. The family say the nhs have been unfaltering the professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years within them and then we have thought we could have imagined. Over the last few days they said our father spoke a great deal about the last 12 months and how he felt being able to leave behind the growing legacy of his foundation. The family rounding off their statement saying we do politely ask for privacy at this time so that we can grieve quietly as a family and remember the wonderful 100 years that our father had. That is the statement from captain sir toms daughters, hannah, and lucy, who have announced, they say with Great Sadness, the death of their dear father, say with Great Sadness, the death of their dearfather, captain sir tom their dear father, captain sir tom moore, their dearfather, captain sir tom moore, and we havejust their dearfather, captain sir tom moore, and we have just received that news in the last few minutes. They say that they are very grateful that they were with him through the last hours of his life. Hannah, benji, georgia by his bedside and lucy has daughter on facetime. They say they spent hours chatting to him, talking about their childhood and their wonderful mother, sharing laughter and tears. Together. You may remember that when we heard he had gone into Bedford Hospital over the weekend, a spokesman for the family said that he actually hadnt been able to get the covid 19 vaccine because of the medication that he had been taking for new mania. But the family say they medical care he received in the last few weeks was remarkable. Medication he had been taking full pneumonia. They said the wonderful staff did all they could to make him comfortable and return him home as soon as possible but that sadly was not possible and his death has been announced in the last few minutes. Many figures while he was being treated in hospital. They send their good wishes. Borisjohnson, is a mention, saying he had inspired the whole nation. Labour leader, sir keir starmer, had also tweeted that he had been an inspiration to everybody throughout this crisis. Others had sent their well wishes while he was being treated in hospital, including the vaccines minister, the mayor of london, michael ball, who, of course, recorded that Charity Single that you might remember with captain sir tom that reached number one. Just one of the extraordinary moments for captain sirtom in one of the extraordinary moments for captain sir tom in the last few months of his life that he should reach number one as well as raising more than £32 million for the National Health service after walking those famous 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday. During the First National lockdown. Just getting some tributes in now. In fact, matt hancock has said that captain sirtom in fact, matt hancock has said that captain sir tom was a Great British hero that showed the best of our country and i send my best wishes to his family at this time, so that is the first of many tributes, i am sure, but will be coming in from politicians and figures around the uk and, indeed, Around The World. He became not only a National Treasure but also a figure of quite a good deal of fame right Around The World. His storyjust became famous right around the planet at a time when we were all coming to grips with the pandemic. Let us talk to ellie now, chief executive of the Nhs Charities together. Thank you so much for being with us. What an extraordinary life and was an extraordinary fundraising effort. He is a man that we will never forget. He is a man that we will never foruet. ~ , he is a man that we will never foruet. ~. ,. ,. 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That is just unheard of and has never been done before and it is notjust the funds that he raised, it is the inspiration that he has been to so many people throughout the country and that he inspired them to take on their own challenges, whether that was walking just a few steps every single day or whether that was running hundreds of miles or more and it is because he had this attitude of you are never too old, you are never too anything to care, to help, and to make a difference, and his legacy will be and is felt throughout the whole of the nhs, throughout the whole of the nhs, throughout the whole of the country. How much of a surprise was it when he ended up raising notjust £1000, which was the original, very modest plan, other that would have been quite an achievement in itself, but to end up with £32. 7 million . Utterly extraordinary achievement. Absolutely incredible. Record breaking, quite literally, and i dont think any of us saw it coming. I certainly know the family didnt see it coming and we didnt see it coming but he really was an extraordinary man and i think that combination of his service during world war ii as a veteran combination with how he described his incredible gratitude to the nhs for how he had been cared for previously and what that meant to him and his admiration for the nhs and his ability to just inspire people through his optimism and his attitudes and he isjust people through his optimism and his attitudes and he is just a phenomenal man that touched the hearts of every Single Person in this country and throughout the world just, you know, just to give in to support his fundraising. Which was amazing. In to support his fundraising. Which was amazing was amazing. And, in the end, the nhs that he was amazing. And, in the end, the nhs that he had was amazing. And, in the end, the nhs that he had raised was amazing. And, in the end, the nhs that he had raised so was amazing. 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His hope, ithink, is definitely the word that he brought to so many of us and i used to be told in so many occasions by people i spoke to that he had inspired and particularly inspired so many artists as well who really wanted to capture that essence of him as a man, as they hope and the inspiration that he brought to others, and there is a particular artist that was telling me about every time he saw him on the tv during the first lockdown, just what a difference just listening to captain tom made to him at that time. For lots of isolated people who are really struggling to and through the first lockdown he really was that beacon of hope and light and, you know, touched all of us in and, you know, touched all of us in an incredible way. Mi. And, you know, touched all of us in an incredible way. An incredible way. Ali, stay with us. I ust an incredible way. Ali, stay with us. I just want an incredible way. Ali, stay with us. I just want to an incredible way. Ali, stay with us. I just want to tell an incredible way. Ali, stay with us. I just want to tell our i an incredible way. Ali, stay with us. I just want to tell our view l an incredible way. Ali, stay with | us. I just want to tell our view is that we have heard from Buckingham Palace, a spokesman at Buckingham Palace, a spokesman at Buckingham Palace saying that the queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of sir captain tom moore. Her majesty says the statement very much enjoyed meeting sir tom and his family at windsor last year. We were seeing this pictures of him being knighted in the summer of last year and her thoughts say the spokesman at Buckingham Palace and those of the royal family are with them and recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and for others across the world. That just in from our royal correspondent ellie diamond. This is the chief executive of nhs families together. We were just hearing from his family and the last death that that he was in his last days very much able to look back at his life and talk to them about his achievements and how he had been rejuvenated, really, in the last year, but everything he did in everything he achieved. She is of a remarkable man. To have that legacy if you are never too old or too anything to raise funds but to have a world record, to write a book, you know, absolutely incredible centenary year. I think for all of us in this country when somebody reaches 100 we all know what a remarkable achievement that is and that inspires all of us but to turn 100 and to do it in the way that he did with being knighted in just the accolades that he has throughout the world, what an absolute centenary year that he has had. The difference that he has made to the nhs this year, the gratitude we hear every day from staff and from patients and the funding that he raised has gone to support isolated patients to be able to keep in touch with loved ones but they wouldnt have been able to do so without his funding, to be able to even give bereavement support to other families that tragically have also lost loved ones to 20 covid 19 and we are on the ground ri and getting real on the ground emotional and practical support to nhs staff that he had so much admiration for an gratitude too and i think itjust really demonstrated to everybody that we care and it is ok to care for each other and it is ok to step up for each other and it is ok to step up and make a difference and, you know, just an incredible man. In terms of his achievements, you have talked about so many of them, in terms of cold, hard cash it was that £32 million and of course it is very hard to raise money at such a difficult economic time i suppose the work he did has inspired others as well . Absolutely, that 32 million when she put gift aid into it is nearly 40 million. It is the most money ever fund raised by somebody walking and it is certainly the most we have ever had a somebody fundraising for Nhs Charities. Yes, like we say, it is about the inspiration that he gave to other people thought so many people throughout the country have told us about the inspiration he has given them to run marathons, to swim lakes, to really go that extra mile. So grateful to you for coming on and giving us your tribute to captain sir tom. Giving us your tribute to captain sirtom. Chief giving us your tribute to captain sir tom. Chief executive of Nhs Charities together. Thank you so much for your tributes. Just a reminder, we were hearing just a few moments ago that the queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of captains sir tom moore who has sadly died at the age of 100. Much more on that to come in the next few minutes but less us just pause for a moment to get a look at the Weather Forecast with helen. Still treacherous conditions, Weather Warnings, north of england, snow, real contrast with that mar the wintry weather in the north of heavy showers with rumble of thunder in the south and we keep that out there in the south overnight, further showers, probably some longer spells of rain as we head towards morning, look at this, head pushing on toward southern areas, but, at the same time, we have got that continuation of the snow blowing around in the strengthening wind and still very icy as temperatures fall away. We start the day with some rain potentially in southern areas clearing to brighter skies later but the snow continues to fall particularly on the hills and blowing around in that wind that will still make it feel pity that minimal. Feel pretty bitter in the north. Welcome to viewers on bbc one for this new slice. In the past 30 minutes it has been announced that captain sir tom moore has died. He was 100 years old and had raised almost £33 million for the National Health service, and was taken to hospital earlier this week with coronavirus. The army veteran from West Yorkshire came to prominence by walking 100 laps of his garden in bedfordshire during the First National lockdown. He bedfordshire during the First National lockdown. Bedfordshire during the First National lockdown. , national lockdown. He was knighted b the national lockdown. He was knighted by the Queen National lockdown. He was knighted by the queen last national lockdown. He was knighted by the queen last Summer National lockdown. He was knighted by the queen last summer and i by the queen last summer and Buckingham Palace has issued a statement, saying that the queen and the royal familys thoughts are with his family and she is sending a private message of condolence. Captain sir toms family have issued a statement saying that the last year of our fathers life was nothing short of remarkable. Whilst he had been in so many hearts for somejust a short whilst he had been in so many hearts for some just a short time he was an incredible father and grandfather and he will stay alive in our hearts for ever. Captain sir tom moore, who has died at the age of 100. Lets reflect more now on the extraordinary life of captain sir tom moore, who has sadly died with coronavirus. The 100 year old had raised almost £33 million for the nhs, 32. 7 million to be precise. He was taken to Bedford Hospital after requiring help with his breathing on sunday. Our correspondent David Sillitoe takes a look back at his life. It began as a Little Family challenge, 100 laps of the garden to mark his 100th birthday, and so began his extraordinary journey. Born in keighley in 1920, he joined the West Yorkshire regiment after being born and served in burma. Before the virus the closest he came to fame was an appearance on blankety blank. Tom, have you got family or anyone you would rather not be watching this . Yes, two years girls, coming up 16 and coming up 14. Everything changed when his family set up a fundraising page for captain tom. The hope was to raise money for charity to support the nurses and doctors of the coronavirus outbreak. Just over a week later the total had passed £1 million. By the time he celebrated his 100th birthday at had topped 30 million. Walk on. He also had a number one single. A duet with michael ball. Captain tom had become known Around The World. He received more than 140,000 cards. He was made an honorary colonel. He received a knighthood. And the raf staged a birthday flypast. I am absolutely delighted with all the people like you who have come to wish me a very happy birthday. It is really is absolutely awesome. Amid a time of illness, death, and national lockdown, his optimism and determination was a beacon of good cheer. I never would have anticipated anything in my life like this. It really is amazing and i would say thank you very much to everyone wherever you are. Music plays youll never walk alone. The incredible life of captain sir tom moore, who has sadly died at the age of 100. We had that news in the last few minutes. He was being treated in Bedford Hospitalfor pneumonia and coronavirus. In fact he hadnt had the covid 19 vaccine because he had been suffering from pneumonia, so it wasnt possible to give it to him. We have had a statement from his family, saying that they are so grateful that they had time with him at the end of his life, and they were able to reflect with him on what an extraordinary achievement his life had been, but particularly the last year, and they said that he had been rejuvenated, really, by those amazing experiences. Experiences that he had only ever dreamt of, said his family. Fundraising with those 100 laps of his garden, just before his 100th birthday during the First National lockdown back in april. He expected to raise £1000 for his Charity Challenge. But somehow it struck a chord with the whole nation. Before he knew it he had become a National Treasure. And the donations were notjust pouring in, they were flooding in. He raised not £1000, but a total of £32] million, with donations from 1. 5 million different people. That was before his fundraising page was then closed at midnight after his 100th birthday on april the 30th. He had started that challenge three weeks earlier. He encouraged people to continue to donate to Nhs Charities together. And then after that, he was knighted by the queen for his extraordinary efforts. There was an open air ceremony at Windsor Castle last summer, and he became captain sir tom moore. He rounded off 2020 with a holiday to barbados, with his family, and his Fundraising Efforts were marked during the new years display in london and his figure appeared over the o2 arena as well. He got ill on sunday. His family said he needed additional help with his breathing. He was treated at a ward in Bedford Hospital but not in Intensive Care. He was being treated for pneumonia. He had been, for some time. And it wasnt possible to give him the covid 19 vaccine. We have had a statement from Buckingham Palace, saying that the queen is sending a private message of condolence, and matt hancock, the Health Secretary, has been saying what an extraordinary achievement. That sir tom was able to raise so much for the Nhs Charities together, 32. 7 million as we had been hearing. I am sure that is going to bring many more statements, and that family statement, saying, weve had many inquiries asking if captain tom had been offered the vaccine. Due to other medication he was receiving for pneumonia, he was unable to be vaccinated. The statement also said that referee had been receiving treatment for prostate and skin cancer for the past five years but with the help of his medical team, had made the decision not to have invasive treatment, and a family statement also saying, bit of additional information, doctors were consulted before sir tom and his family flew off to barbados on december 11, which was before bedford was put into tier 3 on December The 19th and later tier 4, in december 20. December the 19th and later tier 4, in december20. He December The 19th and later tier 4, in december 20. He returned to the uk onjanuary the 6th, and as i have been saying, later injanuary, he was treated for pneumonia at Bedford Hospital and because of that treatment was unable to be vaccinated for coronavirus. A little earlier i spoke to the chief executive of the Nhs Charities together, who he was raising so much money for, ellie alton, and she told me about his amazing achievement and how grateful she and her organisation is. We are seeing pictures there of captain sir tom being knighted in the sunshine, punching the air in delight at that knighted that he got from the queen, who, as i say, has sent a message of condolence. Lets hearfrom the chief executive of Nhs Charities together. Captain sir tom moore isnt was an absolute inspiration to all of us. Particularly as Nhs Charities together, you know, in the matter of weeks he fund raised and raised nearly £40 million including gift aid for our covid 19 appeal. That is just unheard of and has never been done before and it is notjust the funds that he raised, it is the inspiration that he has been to so many people throughout the country and that he inspired them to take on their own challenges, whether that was walking just a few steps every single day or whether that was running hundreds of miles or more and it is because he had this attitude of you are never too old, you are never too anything to care, to help, and to make a difference, and his legacy will be and is felt throughout the whole of the nhs, throughout the whole of the country. How much of a surprise was it when he ended up raising notjust £1000, which was the original, very modest plan, although that would have been quite an achievement in itself, but to end up with £32. 7 million . Utterly extraordinary achievement. Absolutely incredible. Record breaking, quite literally, and i dont think any of us saw it coming. I certainly know the family didnt see it coming and we didnt see it coming, but he really was an extraordinary man and i think that combination of his service during world war ii as a veteran, that combination with how he described his incredible gratitude to the nhs for how he had been cared for previously, and what that meant to him and his admiration forthe nhs, and his ability tojust inspire people through his optimism and his attitudes and he is just a phenomenal man that touched the hearts of every Single Person in this country and throughout the world just, you know, just to give and to support his fundraising, which was amazing. And, in the end, the nhs that he had raised so much money for looked after him in his last few days and did their best for him. But sadly couldnt save him. No, absolutely, and i know that everybody at Bedford Hospital would have known that they had somebody very, very precious to care for and they would have made his last moments and his last days with his family very, very well cared for and done their absolute best for him and for the family. Our hearts go out to them, to his family, to his friends, and we are absolutely devastated by this news. Also our gratitude to them will be forever more because he has really changed the landscape of Nhs Charities and his support and the difference his fundraising has made throughout the uk and nhs right now isjust incredible. I suppose it was notjust the money raised but that he became a sort of National Inspiration at a time of such national difficulty and pain. Absolutely. His hope, i think, is definitely the word that he brought to so many of us and i used to be told in so many occasions by people i spoke to that he had inspired and particularly inspired so many artists as well who really wanted to capture that essence of him as a man, of the hope and the inspiration that he brought to others, and there is a particular artist that was telling me about, every time he saw him on the tv during the first lockdown, just what a difference just listening to captain tom made to him at that time. Through the first lockdown he really was that beacon of hope and light and, you know, touched all of us in an incredible way. Ellie, stay with us. I just want to tell our viewers that we have heard from Buckingham Palace, a spokesman at Buckingham Palace saying that the queen is sending a private message of condolence to the family of sir captain tom moore. Her majesty says in the statement she very much enjoyed meeting sir tom and his family at windsor last year. She says that her thoughts and those of the royal family are with them, and recognise the inspiration that he provided for the whole nation and for others across the world. That just in from our royal correspondent. Ellie autumn, we were just hearing that he was, in his last days, able to look back on his life and talk to his family about it, his achievements, and how he had been rejuvenated in the last year, by everything that he did and everything that he achieved. A; everything that he achieved. Remarkable man. To have that legacy of youre never too old or never do anything to raise funds, to write a book, absolutely incredible centenary, here. Forall of us book, absolutely incredible centenary, here. For all of us in this country, when somebody reaches 100, we know what a remarkable achievement that is. That inspires all of us. But to turn 100, and to do it in the way that he did, in being knighted and just the accolades that he has throughout the world, what an absolute centenary year that he has had. The difference that he has made to the nhs this year, the gratitude that we hear every day from staff and from patients, the funding that he raised high is going to support isolated patients, to be able to keep in touch with loved ones, that wouldnt have been able to do so without his funding, to be able to give bereavement support to other families that tragically have also lost loved ones to covid 19, and real on the ground emotional and practical support to nhs staff, that he had such admiration for, and such gratis a such gratitude too, and he just demonstrated to everybody that we care, and that it is ok to care for each other, and it is ok to step up and make a difference, im just, an incredible man. In step up and make a difference, im just, an incredible man. Step up and make a difference, im just, an incredible man. In terms of his achievements, just, an incredible man. In terms of his achievements, he just, an incredible man. In terms of his achievements, he spoke just, an incredible man. In terms of his achievements, he spoke about i just, an incredible man. In terms of. His achievements, he spoke about so many of them, and then cold, hard cash it was £32 million. It is hard to raise money at such a difficult economic time. I suppose the work he did has inspired others to give as well. ,. , did has inspired others to give as well. Absolutely, yes. Once you put 32 million into well. Absolutely, yes. Once you put 32 million into that well. Absolutely, yes. Once you put 32 million into that with well. Absolutely, yes. Once you put 32 million into that with gift well. Absolutely, yes. Once you put 32 million into that with gift aid i 32 million into that with gift aid it is nearly 40 million, the most funds raised by somebody other, walking, and certainly the most that we have had somebody finding for Nhs Charities together. It is about the inspiration that he gave to so many people throughout the country, who have told us about the inspiration that he has given them to run marathons, to swim lakes, to really go that extra mile. That marathons, to swim lakes, to really go that extra mile. Go that extra mile. That was ellie autumn, chief go that extra mile. That was ellie autumn, chief executive go that extra mile. That was ellie autumn, chief executive of i go that extra mile. That was ellie autumn, chief executive of nhs. Autumn, chief executive of Nhs Charities together, the beneficiary of all that amazing fundraising by captain sirtom of all that amazing fundraising by captain sir tom moore. Weve had word that the Prime Minister has put out a statement saying that captain sir tom moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word, and also a tribute, letsjust truest sense of the word, and also a tribute, lets just see truest sense of the word, and also a tribute, letsjust see it truest sense of the word, and also a tribute, lets just see it in a bit more detail, borisjohnsons more detail, Boris Johnsons statement. More detail, borisjohnsons statement. There it is. That statement from the Prime Minister. We gather that the flag at downing street, the union flag, will be at half mast in tribute to captain sirtom be at half mast in tribute to captain sir tom moore, and be at half mast in tribute to captain sirtom moore, and in be at half mast in tribute to captain sir tom moore, and in memory of his amazing life. Lets reflect on that life with our reporterjohn maguire, who is outside Bedford Hospital. John, you covered his extraordinary charity raising efforts. I will ask you about that in a moment. But first, just tell us, in terms of the statement from his family, they were saying that he hadnt been able to have the Coronavirus Vaccine because he was suffering from pneumonia. Yes. Suffering from pneumonia. Yes, absolutely suffering from pneumonia. Yes, absolutely. You suffering from pneumonia. Yes, absolutely. You can suffering from pneumonia. Yes, absolutely. You can imagine, i suffering from pneumonia. 1a absolutely. You can imagine, cant you, the impact it would have on the vaccination roll out that captain sir tom would be one of the first recipients, so there was very much an intention from the nhs to try to see him vaccinated as early as possible. As a realfillip see him vaccinated as early as possible. As a real fillip to the campaign. But unfortunately not able to receive the jar. We had that statement from his family on sunday afternoon that he was diagnosed with pneumonia a few weeks ago, and i gather that he had been receiving medicine to treat that and that was one of the reasons why he could not receive his vaccination. You one of the reasons why he could not receive his vaccination. Receive his vaccination. You were there last receive his vaccination. You were there last year receive his vaccination. You were there last year when receive his vaccination. You were there last year when he receive his vaccination. You were there last year when he was i receive his vaccination. You were there last year when he was first| there last year when he was first doing that charity, 100 laps of the garden. The initial aim was only to raise £1000. It was a relatively modest ambition, wasnt it . I dont think he could ever believe he would end up raising 32. 7 million, and you probably couldnt believe it either. No, we were privileged and i use the word in its purest sense to go and see captain sirtom, word in its purest sense to go and see captain sir tom, to film him and interview him several times. It was almost like a running joke when we turned up at the house, i would look at him and his daughter hannah, with whom he lived, and we willjust shake our heads in disbelief at how it built and built and built. And then everybody settled on that figure of a target of £1000, but it was actually £100 they had first talked about. He had had a fall and been well looked after by the nhs, so he wanted to give Something Back and raise some money for them. There was a desire to keep him active and healthy and busy during lockdown, so the idea, almost a familyjoke among the idea, almost a familyjoke among the family was to say, why dont you go and walk down the garden with that world famous zimmer frame, your 100th birthday is in a couple of months, why not see if you can do 100 laps by your 100th birthday. The rest is history. You have heard from Nhs Charities together, including gift aid, almost £40 million, breaking records wherever you look. An incredible achievement which captured the imagination notjust of us all in the uk but everybody Around The World. The other thing we use to wonder about and joke about as well when we went to see him, we would say who have you spoken today and there will be a list of various countries and broadcasters and newspapers from Around The World. He felt as if the first thing you wanted to do was to grab an atlas to see if you could recognise some of the countries that he had been talking to, when he had been interviewed, such was the power of his story. And fascinating, wasnt it, to hear that it has changed the landscape of nhs fundraising. What a legacy that is. Pm landscape of nhs fundraising. What a legacy that is legacy that is. An amazing legacy. He became legacy that is. An amazing legacy. He became in legacy that is. An amazing legacy. He became in the legacy that is. An amazing legacy. He became in the truest legacy that is. An amazing legacy. He became in the truest sense i legacy that is. An amazing legacy. He became in the truest sense of| legacy that is. An amazing legacy. I he became in the truest sense of the word, a National Treasure. Many people really did treasure him. You got to meet him out there in pretty well, as you said. Let me ask you, what was he like . He well, as you said. Let me ask you, what was he like . What was he like . He was one of those people what was he like . He was one of those people that what was he like . He was one of those people that was what was he like . He was one of those people that was exactly i what was he like . He was one of i those people that was exactly how he seems on television and on screen as he was in real life. A wonderful, wonderful man. He always had a sparkle in his eye. We only met him in his 99th and then 100th year, you got a glimpse of what he would have been like as a younger man stopped he would come out of the house, we were socially distancing the whole time when we went to see him, he would shuffle out with his zimmer frame, coming out, stooped over, then he would look up, he would recognise myself and kevin the cameraman is with us today, he would look up, recognise us, a smile across his face and he would always have that twinkle in his eye. Any time i spoke to him, he had a new pearl of wisdom to say, something i had not heard him say before. His most famous catchphrase, tomorrow will be a good day, but he would offer someone a smile, they will give you a smile back, he had a big load of them. It was a privilege to spend time with him. An incredible character. A; spend time with him. An incredible character. �. ,. , spend time with him. An incredible character. ,. ,. , character. A moment of Great Sadness toda , but character. A moment of Great Sadness today. But we character. A moment of Great Sadness today. But we are character. A moment of Great Sadness today, but we are also character. A moment of Great Sadness today, but we are also celebrating i today, but we are also celebrating his life, and what an incredible 100 years on this planet. Not only a hero of this pandemic, but a hero of the Second World War, and an amazing family man. His family have said in a statement that what was nice for them was that they could be with him at the very end and relive with him those incredible experiences. 1 was those incredible experiences. I was reflectinu those incredible experiences. I was reflecting on those incredible experiences. I was reflecting on this those incredible experiences. I was reflecting on this point, those incredible experiences. 111 3 reflecting on this point, actually, towards the end of the year, watching and reading lots of reviews of the year, and i watched it back several times when he crossed the line on that 100 lap on that historic day and i asked the classic reporters question, how do you feel . He said, ifeel very well. I feel . He said, ifeel very well. I feel so well because i am surrounded by the right type of people. What he meant by that was, there was a guard of honour there, his contemporaries of honour there, his contemporaries of the modern version of the regiment he had served with, current members of the yorkshire regiment, all socially distance, doing their best to give a guard of honour, saluting him as he walked past. He was absolutely thrilled by that, as he was to be made an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation couegein colonel of the Army Foundation college in yorkshire, his home county. He always had that kinship with the services, and very often people with contact him. He was a member of so many different organisations, from the burma star, campus organisations, everyone wanted to be associated with him. When he came out and would recognise as he would say, where have you been . How do you squeeze in all the travelling . And i would say, well you are 100 years old, you have raised almost £40 million. The other thing that is essential to remember, notjust thing that is essential to remember, not just today but also into thing that is essential to remember, notjust today but also into the future is of course the family and he were very aware of what they had achieved, despite the fact that it was almost impossible to get your head around, but what they had achieved, the platform, the foundation they had. They created the captain tom foundation, with objectives, to tackle loneliness, to help equality in education, some other factors, help equality in education, some otherfactors, to help equality in education, some other factors, to try to make the world a better place, to continue building on his legacy, to continue building on his legacy, to continue building on his good work, because it was an incredible platform that everyone will, forever more, know and remember his name very fondly. John, thank you so much for reflecting on his amazing life and for sharing with us some of your memories of him. Well done to you for bringing him to national, international attention, as well. John maguire, many thanks, live from Bedford Hospital where captain sir tom moore has very sadly died. This is the statement from the Prime Minister, from 10 downing street, where we gather the flag is flying at half mast this evening to mark the death of captain tom. Boris johnson has said. So, we have been reflecting on the life and the sad death of captain sir tom moore, who has died at the age of 100. Good afternoon. Still treacherous conditions out there throughout the remainder of the day and overnight, with the snow still coming down and settling, blowing in the stronger winds as well, the warnings are on the website. We have this battle between the milder atlantic air coming in. That started to happen to yesterday, bumping into this cold arctic air, but gradually that low pressure becomes slow moving in the north and you see the wind coming from the east but then pushing southwards, and it will push the colder air, see how we lose that in southern areas by the end of the week and weekend. Any further milder air is pushed to the south. So, yes, for all parts it is going to get colder, as the week progresses but most definitely by the weekend. By the rest of the day the snow is still coming down with a few centimetres even at lower levels, across the central belt, Northern England, the hills of Northern Ireland, central and southern scotland as well. The wind is a feature, increasing wind blowing the snow around the temperatures close to freezing at the surface, it will of course be icy, too. It is a different story further south, much milder the air, here. That will start to progress into parts of Northern Ireland as well as we head towards the end of the afternoon, so it will be mostly snow on the hills here, but there is the contrast. That contrast continues through the night. The service continues for scotland, the far north east of england, then that next area of showers bump into that cold air, just renewing the risk of more snow. Interestingly, in the south, we have another area but whether we are watching. There is some uncertainty as to the detail of exactly where this is going to go, but it could well push its way across southern parts of the uk through the latter parts of the uk through the latter part of the night into tomorrow morning, onto saturated ground, so thatis morning, onto saturated ground, so that is not good news. Further north, slightly milder air pushing on across Northern Ireland and parts of Northern England so there will be some snow melt at lower levels and that continued risk over the hills for scotland. That snowmelt, that rain, is going to feed into the river system so we need these flood warnings in force with more showery rain to come later. As you can see temperatures a little bit down in southern areas by that stage, despite a bit more sunshine around, and they dip away, as we go through the week. The warnings are on the website. This is bbc news. The headlines captain sir tom moore, who raised millions of pounds for the nhs during the pandemic by walking laps of his garden, has died. By walking laps of the 100 year old Second World War veteran who was knighted last year had been in hospital battling pneumonia and covid 19. His family says he will stay alive in their hearts captain sir tom used his brief presence in the public eye to offer words of encouragement to a nation in lockdown. Those people who are finding it difficult at the moment, the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away