hello. within 3 weeks of scientists first detecting the delta variant it was present in 53 countries. omicron has already been identified in at least 15, so it is a fair bet than it is spreading further and wider than is currently known. the uk government, like others in the eu, has moved swifly, placing at least 10 african countries on the red list. it won t stop the spread but it might slow it long enough for the booster programme to offer more protection. most likely the vaccines will be less effective and will need revising but they will give us some degree of protection. so to that end. boosterjabs will now be offered to everyone over 18 in england. and the gap between the second vaccine dose and the booster will be cut from 6 months to three. all twelve to fifteen year olds will now be offered a second vaccine dose, within twelve weeks. . .. of the first. the scientists say there is no need for panic, but there is need for caution. as our medical editor, fergus walsh re
and some of them might have to go to hospital and unfortunately, some of them might go on to die. and scotland s first minister, nicola sturgeon, is expected to confirm changes this afternoon to restrictions on outdoor gatherings. also this afternoon. the suspect in the death of harry dunn would be willing to do community service and make a contribution in his memory, her lawyer says. we re expecting this year s bafta nominations this hour amid efforts to make the line up more diverse after last year s baftas so white controversy. i ll be speaking to the chair of bafta about this years nominees. after a journey through space of 4.6 billion years the meteorite that fell to earth near cheltenham. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. senior royals have been holding crisis talks after harry and meghan s bombshell television appearance. buckingham palace has yet to comment on the interview, which was broadcast last night on itv and watched by more than 11 million people.