UK visitors are now able to travel to the US for the first time in nearly two years. The border reopened at 05:01 GMT and the first flights took off from Heathrow at 08:50. All UK visitors over 18 have to provide proof of vaccination to enter the US. American travellers have been able to […]
Covid: Lateral flow tests more accurate than first thought, study finds
Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are very good at detecting people most likely to spread Covid-19 and positive results should be trusted, say University College London researchers. When LFTs were introduced, they were criticised for being less accurate than PCR tests, which are analysed in a lab. But the study found rapid tests were “a very […]
Face coverings to be reintroduced in secondary schools in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and RCT
The decision has been made due to high case rates in younger people, particularly those between 11 and 15, a statement from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said Secondary schools in Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, and Rhondda Cynon Taf are reintroducing face coverings until half term as a precautionary measure. The decision has been made […]
Flowflex™ COVID-19 Home Test Receives FDA EUA
ACON Laboratories, Inc., a leading global medical device manufacturer for 25 years, announced today that its Flowflex™ COVID-19 Antigen Home Test has been authorised for emergency use (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test is a simple nasal swab test which will soon be available for purchase without a […]
Vitamin A treatment trial for Covid loss of smell
Vitamin A nasal drops might be able to treat the loss or altered sense of smell in some people who have had Covid, UK researchers say. The University of East Anglia is conducting a 12-week trial. Only some of the volunteer patients will receive the treatment but all will be asked to sniff powerful odours […]
Lateral flow antigen tests are set to replace Day 2 PCR tests for travellers returning to England from October (date TBC)
Lateral flow antigen tests are set to replace Day 2 PCR tests for travellers returning to England from October (date TBC). Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test is the perfect solution for clinics and testing centres, and here’s why: ✅ CE certified for self-testing/home use ✅ Public Health England validated test ✅ Sensitivity 97.1% ✅ Specificity […]
Boris Johnson warns Covid risk remains as he unveils England’s winter plan
Plans for tackling Covid during autumn and winter in England have been unveiled, with Boris Johnson warning the disease “remains a risk”. They include booster jabs for millions – but hold in reserve measures like vaccine passports for certain settings. “Plan A” is designed to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed, and promotes vaccines and testing. […]
Mandatory jabs for health staff being considered in consultation
Compulsory Covid and flu jabs for frontline NHS and care workers in England are being considered in a government consultation. Plans are already in place to make it mandatory for care home workers in England to be fully vaccinated. But some unions and care organisations have warned that making the jabs mandatory will lead to […]
Why has Australia switched tactic on Covid zero?
Australia has changed its Covid strategy: it’s time to leave lockdowns and “come out of the cave”, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said. With vaccinations accelerating, he says Australians will soon “live with the virus” for the first time – that is, not try to eliminate it. It’s a drastic shift for a country used […]
NHS England prepares jabs plan for 12-15-year-olds
NHS organisations in England have been told to prepare for a possible extension of the Covid vaccination programme to all 12 to 15-year-olds. Any change to the rollout next month will be dependant on a recommendation from experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Jab offers in this age group only now […]
