by omicron in the nhs. apparently, a total of 40,000 nhs staff at hospital trusts in england were absent for covid reasons on january the 2nd. that s up 59% on the previous week, so nearly 60% increase. it s more than three times the numberfrom increase. it s more than three times the number from the start of january. those are the latest figures from nhs england. a 60% increase in the number of staff absences because of covid reasons in hospitals in england. the headlines on bbc news. 200 military personnel are being sent to london hospitals to help with covid related staff shortages. the australian government rejects claims that tennis star novak djokovic is being held captive, after he failed to meet vaccine entry requirements labour says the prime minister still has serious questions to answer over the refurbishment of his downing street flat.