Brazil suspends use of over 12m Chinese Sinovac doses; UK reportedly pushes ahead with plans to require NHS workers to be vaccinated
- Let parents decide on jab for 12- to 15-year-olds, say UK vaccine advisers
- Australia reopening ‘could change’ as Covid continues to strain hospitals
- New Zealand reports 20 new Covid cases as spread of Delta slows
9.00am BST
The UK’s vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi, has confirmed that parents will be asked for consent if 12 to 15 year olds are to be vaccinated.
Asked by Sky News Trevor Phillips on Sunday to “assure parents that if there is a decision to vaccinate 12- to 15-year-olds, it will require parental consent.”
It’s worth just reiterating that the JCVI have said that it is marginally more beneficial to vaccinate than not to vaccinate but not enough to make a national recommendation, but they’ve also been very clear to say that their decision is based on things that they are qualified to look at. And they recognise that there are other factors that could harm the futures of children. And that is why they recommended that medical officers look at this.
Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi says if the government chooses to vaccinate 12-15 year olds it will require parental consent.
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8.44am BST
Almost 50 chain stores per day closed down on British high streets, retail parks and shopping centres in the first half of the year, according to research PA Media reports.
But the rate of closures slowed compared with the first six months of 2020, a survey conducted for accountancy firm PwC found.
After an acceleration in store closures last year coupled with last-minute Christmas tier restrictions and lockdowns extending into 2021, we might have expected a higher number of store closures this year. Government support has proved to be a lifeline.
However, the next six months will be make or break for many, particularly with the reinstatement of business rates, the winding down of furlough and the need for agreement on rent arrears, as well as uncertainty for hospitality businesses around further lockdowns, vaccine passports and other operating restrictions.
