Hancock insists AstraZeneca vaccine is safe amid blood clot fears
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has sought to reassure the public that the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is safe and urged: “if you get the call, get the jab”.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is conducting a full scientific review, but has said it currently “remains convinced” that the “benefits of this vaccine outweigh the risk”.
The regulator, which approved the jab for Europe, is due to offer a further update today after several European countries halted its use due to reports of some people suffering blood clots following vaccination.
EU plans to have coronavirus vaccine passport in time for summer holidays
Brussels will today table plans for so-called Covid vaccine passports with the aim of opening up travel to and within the European Union for summer.
Spain, Greece, Italy, and other Mediterranean countries will be able to agree deals with the UK based on vaccination and low infection rates.
The European Commission’s plan for a “digital green certificate” will be a proof of vaccination, immunity and test results.
Their rollout would prevent the need for quarantines or travel bans.
Uber drivers to be treated as workers after Supreme Court ruling
Uber drivers are to be granted key workplace benefits including a guaranteed minimum wage, holiday pay and pensions from today following a Supreme Court ruling.
The landmark decision by the ride hailing app means that 70,000 drivers will be treated as “workers” rather than self -employed contractors for the first time.
The Silicon Valley giant said it had decided not to contest the judgment last month, which it had initially insisted legally applied to only a few dozen drivers.
Asian women among eight killed in shootings at spas in Atlanta
Six Asian women are among eight people killed in shootings at three different spas in the US state of Georgia.
Police said four people were killed at a massage parlour in Acworth, a suburb north of Atlanta.
Four more were killed at two spas in the city.
South Korea confirmed that four of the victims were of Korean descent.
Officials said a 21-year-old man was arrested. He is believed to be the suspect in all three attacks.
No motive for last night’s shootings has yet been established.
James McAvoy ‘living out fantasies’ after being crowned star baker
James McAvoy said he was living out his “fantasies” after being crowned star baker on The Great Celebrity Bake Off.
The Scottish actor saw off competition from former athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, comedian David Baddiel and pop star Anne-Marie in the Channel 4 baking competition, which is in aid of the charity Stand Up To Cancer.
All four stars surprised judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith with the quality of their three bakes.
Read More
MORE ABOUT