Health & Wellbeing

Africa will have to wait "weeks if not months" before receiving Covid-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, according to various officials working towards getting doses for the continent. Close to 900 million doses have been secured so far through various initiatives; enough to inoculate about 30% of the continent's 1.3 billion people this year.

Hoarding by wealthy nations, funding shortfalls, regulations and cold chain requirements have slowed the process of rolling out the vaccines. "The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure and the price will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the poorest countries," warned WHO head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Calls for equity have been growing. Close to 40 million doses have been administered in at least 49 higher-income countries, compared to just 25 doses given in just one of the lowest-income countries, according to Dr Tedros. "Not 25 million, not 25,000, just 25," he said, without saying which country. So far, none of the main, Western vaccines has yet been administered in Africa, almost two months after the first doses were rolled out in Europe.

A coalition of organisations and activists dubbed The People's Vaccine Alliance found that "rich nations representing just 14% of the world's population had bought up more than half (53%) of all the most promising vaccines." That included all of Moderna's vaccines for 2021 and 96% of Pfizer's expected production.

Canada topped the chart, according to the data by analytics company Airfinity, "with enough doses to vaccinate each Canadian five times". Much of that demand has to be met before lower income countries can have a turn. In Africa, the situation rekindles memories of the 1990s, when antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for HIV/Aids was made in the United States.

Even though the continent had a much bigger population of people infected with HIV, it took at least six years before the life-saving treatment could be available for Africans.

Twelve million people died in Africa from Aids-related complications in a decade, even as mortality in the US dropped drastically, according to analyses by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UNAids Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has been at the forefront of those calling for fairness from Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers. “We're not asking them to make loses," she said.

With the ARVs, it was pressure from people living with HIV and champions of the right to life that got governments to allow for the production of generic treatments which were much more affordable. "The price [of antiretroviral treatment per person] dropped from $10,000 per year [per person] to just $100 per year."

She wants the same approach for the Covid-19 vaccine,urging the pharmaceutical industry "not to be driven by the desire for super profits". They can still make profits even if they share their formulae, she added.

The WHO head is also calling for equity: "Even as they speak the language of equitable access, some countries and companies continue to prioritise bilateral deals, going around Covax, driving up prices and attempting to jump to the front of the queue," he said.

The Covax facility is an initiative of the WHO and the Vaccine Alliance to equitably distribute Covid-19 vaccines across the world.

"Most supply of the leading vaccines was pre-ordered by wealthy nations even before the safety and efficacy data was made available," said Dr Richard Mihigo, head of immunisation and vaccine development at the WHO Africa office.

Asked why Covax didn't do the same, he said securing funding was the first task the initiative engaged in. So far, $6bn has been raised out of a target of $8bn for 92 middle- and low-income countries, according to Thabani Maphosa of the Vaccine Alliance, Gavi.

So far, the facility has secured two billion doses for this group of countries, which includes all of Africa. Some 600 million are for the continent.

The African Union has made arrangements for member states to apply for $7bn funding from lenders, which would cover up to 270 million vaccines, according to its current chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.

But it is not just the purchase of vaccines that needs funding. Countries have also been ramping up their cold chains as they prepare for their arrival. These are especially important for the Pfizer vaccine, which must be kept at -70C.

The UN children's agency, Unicef, which usually deals with distribution of childhood vaccines, will be handling the logistics of delivering Covid-19 vaccines under the Covax facility. The agency is preparing to transport at least twice its usual capacity - what it calls "a mammoth and historic logistical operation".

But before it can be done, countries need to have ready infrastructure to receive and administer the doses. Benjamin Schreiber, who is coordinating the Covax facility for Unicef, says he is "worried that we haven't resourced the roll-out and the preparation enough".

"What we're seeing in the roll-out in some of the high-income countries is that it's complicated, it needs to be resourced and properly planned, and there haven't been enough global resources to lower-income countries," he told the BBC.

In spite of the shortfalls, he paints a more optimistic picture of the continent's ability to introduce new vaccines. "Africa has a lot more experience than many other regions - we've done so many vaccine introductions over the last 10 years and there's good expertise to organise targeted vaccination campaigns."

media captionAfrica CDC's director John Nkengasong: I am very worried

He adds that some countries that have dealt with Ebola also have expertise and ultra-cold chain experience and infrastructure. Even before the pandemic hit, the organisation says it has been supporting cold-chain infrastructure in low-income countries, including the installation of 70,000 fridges, half of which are solar-powered.

The country-by-country status was not immediately available. Mr Maphosa from Gavi said countries were currently submitting documents to the facility to inform it of their readiness to roll out vaccines.

But even if they were ready, regulatory issues still stand in the way. Under the Covax facility, only WHO-approved vaccines can be bought. So far, only Pfizer's has been listed for emergency use by the WHO. The process to approve Moderna and Astrazeneza vaccines is ongoing.

"Vaccines that are being recommended for emergency use need absolutely to meet minimum standards for safety and efficacy," said Dr Mihigo.

More developed countries such as the US and EU states have regulatory agencies that "complement" WHO's work and could therefore roll out vaccines without the body's approval. However, in the developing world, many countries rely on the WHO to do the due diligence, adds Dr Mihigo.

That assurance of quality has a direct impact on people's willingness to take vaccines. A study conducted by the Africa CDC and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the last quarter of 2020 found that a majority of Africans - four out of every five - would be willing to take a Covid-19 vaccine "if it was deemed safe and effective".

Several countries have however rolled out vaccines that have yet to be approved by the WHO. "Our advice is for countries to rely not just on the body's pre-qualification, but also any other competent 'Stringent Regulatory Authority'," said Dr Mihigo.

The Seychelles, Morocco and Egypt are administering the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine and Guinea, the Russian Sputnik V.

More must be done to encourage African Caribbean communities to sign up for Covid vaccines, a pastor has said. Emmanuel Adeseko of the New Covenant Ministries, has taken part in a round-table event involving church leaders in Birmingham. They want to encourage people in their communities to be vaccinated. The meeting came after comments last week said uptake of the vaccine in some of the city's most vulnerable communities was as low as 50%.

Birmingham's director of public health Justin Varney said there was evidence that suggested in some areas, half of those being invited for vaccines were turning them down. Such concerns prompted the leader of Birmingham City Council and the city's MPs, both Labour and Conservative, to write to Health Secretary Matt Hancock to appeal for the urgent release of more detailed vaccination data. They said the information would be a vital "warning", allowing them to work to resolve issues on the ground.

Mr Adeseko, 32, whose 65-year-old father Nathaniel died from coronavirus in April, said there was real fear in sections of the community and if the lower uptake was correct he would not be surprised as people were "afraid. Some of it is caused by the mis-information on social media there is so much of it.

"But it's not just one thing, there are religious beliefs at play in some cases and some people have had negative experiences with healthcare in the past." He said education and role models from within communities would be key to addressing these issues.

Former Wolverhampton Labour MP Eleanor Smith, who had a 40-year nursing career before entering politics, also took part in the round-table discussion. She said as a Christian, she would like to see strong interventions from church leaders: "When people are being misinformed on such a grand scale, churches need to step up. I am a Christian myself and I think they need to be clear.

"In my view they need to tell people it is OK to be vaccinated or it's a bit of a cop out." She also praised efforts in other faith communities, adding: "Many imams seem to be doing a good job in trying to get these messages out; we need to see the same." But like Mr Adeseko, Ms Smith said official efforts to dispel myths and reassure people needed to be stepped-up.

"Historically Black people have not always been listened to, or treated equally in terms of medical care, so there is a lack of trust sometimes. We need to deal with it and we need role models within the community," she said.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said he had been meeting with the region's faith leaders regularly. "I will be discussing with them how best to work with the NHS and Public Health England to alleviate people's concerns and get them vaccinated and protected against this dreadful virus," he said. "Anti-vaxxers spreading the misinformation that dissuades people from getting vaccinated have blood on their hands and should be truly ashamed of their actions."

The government has said more regional data on vaccinations will be made available in due course. The discussion was organised by Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and attended by shadow equalities minister Marsha de Cordova. Labour is calling for a national plan to support vaccination in Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

People in Birmingham received their Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine injection at the Al Abbas Mosque in Birmingham as the renowned an well-respected place of worship began being used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre.

The mosque in Balsall Heath started as it set out targeting the top four priority groups who are now eligible to get their coronavirus vaccine in England, which means that people who work in health and social care, as well as everyone over the age of 70, care home residents and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable can now be contacted for an Covid-19 jab appointment.

Imam Nuru Mohammed said: “I am elated and inspired that the NHS centre had been set up after help from several medical professionals among the community.

“We stepped in with the intention that this will help to inform those people who are not well-informed about the vaccination.”

Following Health Secretary Matt Hancock telling the House that the country is "in the midst of one of the toughest periods of this pandemic," the minister in charge vaccine deployment, Nadim Zahawi, followed up saying: "Each week the NHS is making it easier for people to get a jab closer to home, in places at the heart of their community from the local pharmacy to the local Mosque."

New modelling from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) has suggested that a quicker rollout, delivering up to 600,000 jabs per day, would mean almost all Covid-19 restrictions could be lifted as early as mid-May.

Former Prime Minister Blair said that the ability to use test and trace had "collapsed" due to the new more transmissible variant, sending "cases rocketing again.

"So now the choice is: mass lockdown or mass vaccination."

Across the UK, as many as 4,973,248 first doses have now been given and 464,036 second doses.

A new survey, commissioned by Public Health England at the start of the current Government restrictions, reveals the impact COVID-19 has had on adults' mental wellbeing across the country.

The research found that almost half (49%) felt that the pandemic has impacted negatively on their mental health and wellbeing (53% of women and 45% of men). Of those surveyed, significant proportions of the population said they had been experiencing more anxiety (46%), stress (44%), sleep problems (34%) and low mood (46%) over the course of the pandemic. The following were the most common reasons people thought the lockdown had negatively impacted their mental health:

·         56% missing friends and family; and loneliness 33%

·         53% uncertainty about the future; with financial and employment worries 27%

·         53% worried about family’s safety and health

However, at the same time three in five (60%) of those asked say they feel hopeful about the future. Many adults (75%) reported that they are planning to take or have taken steps to look after their mental wellbeing, with exercising regularly (32%) eating well (29%) and talking more to family and friends (28%) being the main actions. To support people during this time, PHE has launched a nationwide Better Health - Every Mind Matters campaign to support people to take action to look after their mental health and wellbeing and help support others such as family and friends.

The campaign encourages people to get a free NHS-approved Mind Plan from the Every Mind Matters website. By answering five simple questions, adults will get a personalised action plan with practical tips to help them deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control. Over 2.6 million Mind Plans have been created since it launched in October 2019.

The Every Mind Matters COVID-19 hub also includes practical tips and support on how adults can deal with uncertainty, how to cope with money and job worries and how to look after both their own and their family’s mental wellbeing while staying at home. The campaign is supported by a coalition of leading mental health charities, including Mind, Samaritans, Young Minds and Rethink.

Dr Lola Abudu, Director for Health and Wellbeing at PHE in the West Midlands, said: “The pandemic has effected everyone in the region and across the country, with each person and every family having their own particular challenges. It’s not surprising that many people are now experiencing poorer mental wellbeing. Adults and our children and young people have all been affected, and we must all keep ourselves and each other strong in the weeks and months ahead.

“Stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep problems are all common mental health problems we encounter at the best of times, but now we are all under more pressure than ever. It is now even more important than ever to look after our mental health. The good news is that our Every Mind Matters COVID resources have lots of excellent practical tips and advice, and I’d encourage you to get a free NHS Mind Plan, which will give you simple steps to help you navigate these challenging times.” 

Minister for Mental Health, Nadine Dorries, said: “It is understandable that many of us will be feeling fed up, worried and anxious about the weeks ahead. For most, these feelings will subside as we draw on our own resilience, adapt to new circumstances and take comfort from the hope of better days ahead. However, there are simple steps we can all be taking to improve our mental wellbeing.

“Every Mind Matters mental health resources include tailored advice, as well as practical tips on sleep and self-care. It enables you to create your own ‘Mind Plan’ by answering 5 simple questions to receive tips and practical advice tailored to you. Whoever you are and whatever your situation, you are not alone and if you are struggling, there is support out there, so I urge you to reach out and ask for help.”

Dr Max Pemberton, who is supporting the campaign, comments: “With all the changes going on in our lives, it can create a stressful time which will affect us all to some extent - but there are ways we can manage this uncertainty; reducing stress and helping us to cope better. Better Health - Every Mind Matters is there to support us and can equip us with the tips and advice to improve our mental wellbeing especially while we’re at home.

“Advice including reframing your thoughts, focusing on the short term and finding a new rhythm, in the form of a new routine, is a powerful way to deal with uncertainty. You must remember that throughout all this, you are not alone – speak to your family and friends and we can continue to stay in good mental wellbeing throughout this lockdown.”

The research also revealed differences in the negative mental health impacts the pandemic is having on younger people. Those aged 18-34 are more likely to report that COVID-19 has caused them more stress (51%) and made them feel more lonely (43%). To support this age group, the campaign has sought the support of celebrities including footballer Wayne Bridge, Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor, presenter Vick Hope and Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson. The supporters all recognise the importance of helping people improve their mental wellbeing during these uncertain times and have spoken openly about their own personal experiences of mental health and the steps they are taking to look after their own wellbeing.

Better Health - Every Mind Matters also offers information and videos to help young people look after their own mental health and provides dedicated support to help parents and guardians look after the mental wellbeing of the children and young people who they care for. For those who are struggling with anxiety or depression, NHS talking therapies are here to help.

NHS mental health services have been open throughout the pandemic and continue to stay open during this lockdown. Speak to your GP for a referral, or you can self-refer via nhs.uk/talk. NHS mental health staff can provide care via phone or online from the comfort of your home. Face to face appointments can also be arranged in many areas.

These services are a free and confidential way to get effective help.

Scientists at the Alderley Park Lighthouse Lab in Cheshire have revealed the speed and scale at which the new variant of the COVID virus is spreading through communities across the country.

The Lighthouse, operated by Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) and launched last April, plays a key role in the UK Government’s national COVID testing programme. It can process more than 50,000 samples a day and has recently completed its 6 millionth test. Its scientists have identified the new COVID variant in the lab’s PCR test and have been able to use this new science to track the spread of the new COVID variant across England and Wales.  

The Thermo Fisher PCR test, used at many of the Lighthouse Lab sites, measures 3 genetic markers of SARS-CoV-2.  Lighthouse scientists have shown that the new variant exhibits ‘S-gene dropout’, whereby one of the markers - the S-gene - fails to amplify, but the other two genetic markers (ORF1ab and N) are found, confirming a positive COVID result. Working with ThermoFisher, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and PHE teams, the Lighthouse Lab network first noted data trends in November. 

The Lighthouse data published today shows the rise and geographical distribution of these S-gene target dropout cases from the 1st to the 21st of December 2020. The data shows rapidly increasing numbers of cases of the new variant across London, East-South East, parts of the North West, South West regions and West Midlands. Areas with the highest incidence in the study correlate with areas now reporting high NHS load and hospitalisation. This dramatic timeline view validates the national level of concern, concurrent with the imposition of the recent lockdown. Ongoing vigilance of the data may also indicate regions that in future will see high infection and hospitalisation rates. 

Professor Chris Molloy, CEO of MDC and founding director of the Lighthouse Lab network believes it demonstrates the quality of the science that underpins what is the largest diagnostics project in UK history. He said: “Today’s high-quality data from the MDC Lighthouse team shows the excellence of its science at a national scale. The Lighthouses are high-powered beacons into the darkness of this disease, combining industrial scientific rigour and close coordination with NHS and PHE in the service of the nation.” 

Dr Mark Wigglesworth, Site Director at the Alderley Park Lighthouse Lab and senior author of the report, comments: “Although the speed of the spread is shocking, we’re working really closely with the government to share our scientific discoveries and advancements, which in-turn informs decision making across the devolved nations, so that we can be in the best position to beat the virus. While a new national lockdown is not what anyone would have wanted, our scientists’ work in discovering the spread of the new variant will be pivotal in informing government policy, protecting the NHS and saving lives.” 

A range of mental health support is on offer for anyone in Sandwell who is struggling this month, with the council joining efforts to ‘turn Blue Monday green’ tomorrow. The third Monday in January is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year due to the weather, dark nights and post-Christmas money worries. At a time when people may also be feeling low due to the Covid-19 pandemic and third national lockdown, Sandwell residents are being reassured that they are not alone and that support is available.

Green, which is the international colour for mental health awareness, is often seen as the colour of optimism, new beginnings and hope. The council will be sharing information and advice on mental health services. It will also join numerous other organisations and show solidarity by lighting up Sandwell Council House green tomorrow (18 January). People and organisations can show their support to ‘turn Blue Monday green’ by wearing green clothing or a green ribbon and sharing supportive mental health messages on social media.

Despite the pandemic and the Stay at Home rules, people can also host virtual coffee mornings to check in on family, friends and colleagues and can send messages of hope by displaying a picture of a green ribbon in their windows. If people are feeling worried, lonely or anxious, or know someone who is struggling, they do not need to struggle with these feelings alone.

Services available for support include:

·         Black Country Mental Health Helpline – 0800 008 6516

·         The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week run by specialist mental health staff who will provide advice and support.

·         For under 16s, there’s a great online mental wellbeing community at www.kooth.com

·         For advice on how to manage anxiety and stress, search “Every Mind Matters” online.

·         If you are feeling suicidal, Samaritans are also available 24/7 – call 116 123 or visit: www.samaritans.org to speak with a counsellor today.

Councillor Farut Shaeen, the Council’s cabinet member for Living Healthy Lives, said: “It has been such a difficult time lately and I know many people are feeling anxious. No one should feel alone – there are many advice services and resources, including help that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Sandwell Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, added: “Maintaining good mental health throughout life is one of our key priorities. With another national lockdown, we are all feeling the pressure and challenges that come with the Covid-19 pandemic, and some people will be particularly affected, especially at this time of year. So now, more than ever – it’s about staying connected in a safe way and showing we care, giving someone a phone call or dropping them a message and sharing information about services that can help if they’re struggling.”

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis has received the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine. The pontiff has advocated that everyone should get the vaccine, calling it an “ethical option” performed not only for one’s own health but for the “lives of others.” The Vatican has beefed up coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in cases in Italy.

The 84-year-old pope, who is missing part of one lung since a surgery in his 20s, has been saying the traditional Angelus blessing from a library in the Apostolic Palace, and not a window overlooking St Peter’s, in a bid to prevent gatherings. The Vatican launched its vaccination program before administering the Pfizer vaccine.

Vatican City has had at least 27 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including a cluster among the Swiss Guards last fall. Having constantly supported the importance of receiving the vaccine The Pope has been calling for an equitable distribution of the jab.

The Vatican said that it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive Covid-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions. A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, said the use of such vaccines was permitted as long as there were no alternatives.

The doctrine office noted that bishops, Catholic groups, and experts have offered “diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements” on the matter.

Both the Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc vaccines have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue from abortions in the last century, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which issued a separate note to American Catholics. The Vatican note said the granting of moral legitimacy was related to the principle "differing degrees of responsibility of cooperation in evil."

This meant that because the pandemic is such grave danger, such vaccines "can be used in good conscience with the certain knowledge that (it) does not constitute formal cooperation with the abortion from which the cells used in the production of the vaccines derive," the note said.

Scotia Heights, an Exemplar Health Care complex needs care home in Stoke-on-Trent, has achieved a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC rated Scotia Heights as ‘Good’ overall for being responsive, caring effectively - with inspectors also assuring that the service was safe. The report published on the 15^th December, praised the care home’s efforts for conducting a staff recruitment drive and training as well as  working tirelessly to keep service users safe and well during these unprecedented times.

CQC inspectors said that the service was consistently well managed with positive leadership and had a culture which promoted high-quality, person-centred care. Sandra Rhodes, Home Manager at Scotia Heights, said: “We are beyond proud of our home and team based at Scotia Heights for being recognised by the CQC as “Good”. The home has seen massive improvements over the past 8 months and continues to improve.

“This care home, without a doubt, goes above and beyond to make every day better for the residents. The whole team are an inspiration and deserve the recognition they have received. They’re an absolute credit to our Exemplar Health Care family.”

Scotia Heights has six 10-bed units, which specialise in supporting adults with complex physical disabilities and mental health needs. It is currently recruiting for a variety of roles, and more information on the roles available can be found on the Exemplar Health Care website

Exemplar Health Care has 32 care homes across Yorkshire, the Midlands, the North West and North East which support adults living with complex needs.

The call-line is part of a suite of early intervention methods, which also includes a Live Web Chat instant messenger service and an email address operated by trained staff to address mental health concerns. The trio of services comes at a critical point for NHS mental health services: since the start of the pandemic, there has been a sharp surge in the number of people reporting mental health issues, and with the third national lockdown being announced this week, this is only set to rise further. The latest studies predict that up to 10 million people in England will need either new or additional mental health support as a direct consequence of the Covid-19 crisis, pushing the already strained services to a critical point.

Speaking about the new initiative, Sean O’Rourke, mental health nurse and manager at NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG commented: “This new 24-hour phone-line, alongside the LiveChat and email service, are so desperately needed, and so much hard work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure that we can offer an optimised, efficient, and simple service for those who need it in our region.

“The nation’s mental health is at an all-time low, with economic, health and social uncertainty and insecurity being acutely felt by so many. Therefore, we know that it is more important than ever that people have the ability to seek and receive help when they need it; getting timely targeted support before their mental health deteriorates further.”

The phone-line is accessible to anyone who is living in Birmingham and Solihull. Whether they are dealing with anxiety and worry; experiencing burn-out or stress; or simply feeling a little down: the phone-line provides all with a safe space to talk to a therapist, as well as giving referral access to immediate counselling support if required. Added to this, the LiveChat – which is open from 10am-9pm – delivers the same service, meaning those who are nervous about picking up the phone can still receive help in real-time from trained staff. What’s more, it offers a translation service, meaning that those seeking assistance can do so in whatever language suits them best.

Helen Wadley, the CEO of Birmingham Mind, added: “The phone-line, LiveChat, and email services are available to all in the region, and we cannot stress enough that they are there to be used. Too often, we’re seeing people reach out for help far too late, and – like physical health – we know that the earlier we detect a problem, the quicker and easier it is to resolve”.

CEO at Living Well UK, Ben Howells, concluded: “Our expert staff and therapists are on hand around the clock, so pick up the phone and give us a call. If you’re not sure what you need, if you feel like it’s all getting too much, or if you simply can’t do it alone, it’s okay – we’re here to help you.”

New YouGov research sponsored by Fibre One, the indulgent 90 calorie treat, has revealed that adults in the West Midlands would like fewer possessions, to spend less time worrying and prefer to spend time on traditional hobbies than using screens. In a new poll of 164 adults in the West Midlands, the research revealed that after a difficult 2020 for all, nearly half of (47%) would like to spend less time worrying. Across Britain, a concerning 61% of young people would like to spend less time worrying (18-24 year olds). Over aquarter (27%) would like to spend less time working, while more than one in ten (15%) would like less things in their homes.

Nearly a quarter of the working population is exclusively working from home at present, blurring the line between home and work. The research revealed that on an average workday, over a third of adults in the West Midlands (37%) take less than an hour of time completely for themselves, including one in ten who take no time at all (10%). The most time poor generation are Gen X(2), with half (50%) taking less than an hour of time for themselves.

If they had a spare 30 minutes, respondents were keener to read a book (36%) or enjoy a hobby (42%), than watch TV (28%) or go on their phone (20%). In fact, they were more likely to use the half hour to take a nap (21%) rather than pick up their mobile. To help redress the balance, Fibre One has launched the ‘Take30 Challenge’, to encourage vital self-care in 2021. The initiative has been created to mark Fibre One Chocolate Fudge Brownies’ new recipe, with 30% less sugar but the same great taste.

Since the start of the first lockdown, over a third of respondents (37%) admitted to consuming more added sugar. A similar amount of people (32%) say that they would like to eat less sugar in the future.

Adrienne Burke, Marketing Manager, said: “The results are clear – we all need a break. From work, from screens and from the relentless challenges we face as the pandemic continues. We have launched the Take30 Challenge to mark the 30% sugar reduction in our Fibre One Chocolate Fudge Brownies, as we believe it is the perfect tool to take time for you. Whether you can take a 30-hour screen detox or simply dive into a good read for 30 minutes, we all need the mental break to boost our wellbeing.”

With the UK entering its third lockdown this week, the question many of the population are asking is ‘what more can we do?’ With the one year lockdown anniversary fast approaching, are we really at a loss how to slow the spread?

A virus with airborne transmission brings an abundance of complexities to slow the spread. How can we fight something that we can see in the air? Enter LED Direct, a small lighting company based in Sheffield. They are equipping organisations in the UK with UVC products that sanitise the air and surfaces in a room, killing COVID 19 along with a multitude of microorganisms.

In tests carried out the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), UV-C light was shown to reduce coronavirus by 99% in six seconds. Six Seconds. 

UVC light cannot be on whilst people are in the room, which is why these units can be app controlled. They even come with a sensor, which turns the unit off if a person accidentally walks in whilst cleaning is in process. LED Direct believes that this technology can help just businesses, but people at high risk at home. The units are surprisingly affordable, easy to use and store.  It's all about awareness. They have the science to back up their claims, and are changing how we think about infection control. 

Director, Dan Blair had the following to say: “Our units are being used for infection control all over the UK, from Premiership football clubs to care homes. Our Purelight Flow can be used while people are in the room, safely sanitizing the air around 20 times a day. We want to lead the charge in slowing the spread of COVID-19, as well as other microorganisms that damage health.

“As long as you have mains power, these units can go anywhere. They come with a two year warranty, and can be easily wall mounted. We just want more people to be aware just how effective these units can be. UVC technology is the future of infection control.” 

The UVC machines can be on a portable stand or wall mounted, deeming them suitable for public transport, schools, hospitals, offices, homes and restaurants. Anywhere people might be. The Purelight Hybrid offers both air and light sanitisation, which is currently in use in businesses in the UK.

A hospital consultant has said that people needed to "grow up" and take coronavirus seriously after footage shared on social media showed supposed empty hospitals. Dr David Nicholl, who works in the West Midlands, said he was fed up of people "wandering round empty hospitals". Police are investigating after videos filmed in hospitals in Birmingham and Redditch, in Worcestershire were posted on social media.

Dr Nicholl said: "We are only going to get through this if we work together." It follows a similar incident in Colchester, Essex, where security officers removed Covid-19 "deniers" who were taking pictures of empty corridors.

A spokesperson for the Doctors Association UK and a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, he said: "We are extremely busy. It's important people treat this with the gravity they should, we must suppress the virus." He added it made him "pig sick" when he saw people together protesting that coronavirus was a hoax. It is grossly offensive to the now over 70,000 people - including the 600 of my colleagues - who have died because of this illness," he said.

Ch Supt Phil Dolby, of West Midlands Police, tweeted to say his "blood was boiling" when he had seen the videos. He contracted coronavirus in March and was in intensive care on a ventilator for 13 days. He was later discharged and began a phased return to work in June.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the force had been contacted on January 1 by a member of the public at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital concerned a man was "walking around inside a hospital without a mask and filming,” a spokesperson said. “We are liaising with colleagues in West Mercia Police and will consider the circumstances before deciding on the most appropriate course of action."

Ch Insp Ed Hancox, of the West Mercia force, said no arrests had been made but the investigation continued.

Millennium Point has announced that it will become the first Covid-19 mass vaccination centre to operate in the Midlands. The centre will be run by the NHS in Birmingham and Solihull as part of the region’s Covid-19 vaccination programme. It will be run on a strictly appointment only basis, with the NHS contacting people directly to book their appointments over the coming days.

Following the announcement Millennium Point’s CEO Abbie Vlahakis, CEO said: “We are very proud to be able to support NHS staff in delivering the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Birmingham. We are working closely with the NHS in Birmingham and Solihull, partners, staff and volunteers, to provide a crucial service to thousands of people across the region.

“It’s important that we’re clear with the public that this centre will be operating by appointment only, so they should not attend unless they have already been directly contacted by the NHS and have an appointment booked. We would like to thank everyone in advance for supporting us and the NHS to ensure that the centre can operate as efficiently as possible.

“Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods in Birmingham and the opening of this mass vaccination centre represents a vital next step in the region’s recovery from the pandemic. We are delighted that Millennium Point can play its part in making this happen.”

As part of its support for the vaccine centre, Birmingham City Council has gifted use of the multi-storey car park based on Jennens Road, to enable NHS patients attending their vaccination appointments to park free of charge. Millennium Point is also easily accessible on foot from New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill Stations, is well served by local bus routes and is a 10 minute walk from the city centre.

As well as being a landmark building and events business, Millennium Point is an award winning not-for-profit Charitable Trust, with all profits from its activities as an events, conference and exhibition space being reinvested to support science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related projects, initiatives and organisations across the West Midlands.

Abbie continues: “The mission of our Charitable Trust is to advance science, technology, engineering and maths for the benefit of the public, so it’s a great honour to work in partnership with the NHS to deliver this ground-breaking vaccination programme. It’s thanks to incredible advances in research that we stand ready to roll-out the region’s biggest ever mass immunisation project and we’re committed to do all we can in support.”

Some 1.3 million people in the UK have now received their first dose of a Covid vaccine, says the government. In England, that includes nearly a quarter of the most elderly, vulnerable patients.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it meant that within two to three weeks they should have a "significant degree of immunity" to the virus. He said there would be a ramping up to get more people immunised - up to 2 million a week. The ambition is to be able to vaccinate all the over-70s, the most clinically vulnerable and front-line health and care workers by mid-February. That will require around 13 million vaccinations.

He defended the UK's policy of immunising more people with one dose immediately - rather than holding some stock back to give people a second booster shot - in order to save "the most lives the fastest". US regulators have questioned the policy, saying it is premature without more trial evidence, but the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says it is a pragmatic decision to protect more people. Both the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines require two doses to provide the best possible protection.

Initially, the strategy for the Pfizer vaccine was to offer people the second dose 21 days after their initial jab - full immunity starts seven days after the second dose. But when approval was announced for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on December 30, it was also announced that the policy would now change - the new priority would be to give as many people a first shot of either vaccine, rather than providing the required two doses in as short a time as possible. Everyone will still receive their second dose, but this will now be within 12 weeks of their first.

England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told the Downing Street press conference that extending the gap between the first and second jabs would mean the number of people vaccinated can be doubled over three months.

"If over that period there is more than 50% protection then you have actually won. More people will have been protected than would have been otherwise. Our quite strong view is that protection is likely to be lot more than 50%."

Asked whether the longer gap could lead to an increase risk of the virus mutating into a version that could escape the vaccine, he said it was a worry, but a small one.

Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said vaccines would probably need to be changed further down the line to continue to be a good match for the virus - but that this was relatively quick to do. One of the exciting things about the science of the RNA vaccines is that they are incredibly fast to make in response to new mutations, he said.

India has formally approved the emergency use of two coronavirus vaccines as it prepares for one of the world's biggest inoculation drives. The drugs regulatory authority gave the green light to the jabs developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford University and by local firm Bharat Biotech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it "a decisive turning point". India plans to inoculate some 300 million people on a priority list this year. It has recorded the second-highest number of infections in the world, with more than 10.3 million confirmed cases to date. Nearly 150,000 people have died. India held nationwide drills to prepare more than 90,000 health care workers to administer vaccines across the country, which has a population of 1.3 billion people.

The Drugs Controller General of India said both manufacturers had submitted data showing their vaccines were safe to use. However, opposition politicians and some doctors have criticised a lack of transparency in the approval process. Dr Swapneil Parikh, an infectious diseases researcher based in Mumbai, said that doctors were in a difficult position.

"I understand there is a need to go through the process quickly, remove regulatory hurdles," he said. "However... governments and regulators have a duty to be transparent about the data they have reviewed and the process involved in making the decision to authorise a vaccine, because if they don't do this, it can affect the public's faith in the process." The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being manufactured locally by the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer. It says it is producing more than 50 million doses a month.

In November Adar Poonawalla, the company's CEO, said that he aimed to ramp up production to 100 million doses a month after receiving regulatory approval. The jab, which is known as Covishield in India, is administered in two doses given between four and 12 weeks apart. It can be safely stored at temperatures of 2C to 8C, about the same as a domestic fridge, and can be delivered in existing health care settings such as doctors' surgeries. This makes it easier to distribute than some of the other vaccines. The jab developed by Pfizer/BioNTech - which is currently being administered in several countries - must be stored at -70c and can only be moved a limited number of times - a particular challenge in India, where summer temperatures can reach 50c.

The local vaccine, however, was approved despite the absence of data on how efficient it can be. It has yet to go through large-scale trials. The Drugs Controller General, V.G. Somani, said Bharat Biotech's Covaxin was "safe and provides a robust immune response".

Mr Somani said it had been approved "in public interest as an abundant precaution, in clinical trial mode, to have more options for vaccinations, especially in case of infection by mutant strains". India, which makes about 60% of vaccines globally, plans to immunise about 300 million people by July 2021. It will prioritise health care workers, the emergency services, and those who are clinically vulnerable because of age or pre-existing conditions.

India's existing vaccination programme already reaches about 55 million people a year, administering 390 million free jabs against a dozen diseases. It stocks and tracks the vaccines through a well-oiled electronic system. Pfizer, whose vaccine has already been approved for use in jurisdictions including the UK, the US and the EU, is also seeking emergency authorisation in India.

In all, some 30 vaccine candidates are being developed in India.

Birmingham City Council’s Director of Social Care has been named in the New Year’s Honours. Professor Graeme Betts has been awarded a CBE for services to adult social care.

Professor Graeme Betts has been awarded a CBE for services to adult social care.

Councillor Paulette Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “If someone deserves this recognition it is Graeme, he has transformed the way care and support is given to our most vulnerable and elderly in Birmingham.

His passion for transforming the service to ensure we provide the best quality care, in a way people want, is second to none. His leadership at the start of Covid ensured that people in the city were looked after, fed and cared for during an unprecedented time. I am very proud to work alongside him, and I am very happy that all his hard work has been acknowledged in this way.”

Before joining Birmingham City Council, Graeme had been a chief officer and chief executive in local government and the NHS for around 20 years. 

He was awarded an Honorary Professorship from the University of East London in June 2013 for outstanding contributions to the advancement of his profession through publications and the development of public policy and services.