If you have less than a minute:
- England's Covid restrictions will ease as planned on 12 April, as 33 million jabs have been administered total across the country.
- More evidence shows vaccines also protect those around you.
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Research
- A growing body of evidence shows Covid jab does protect those around you: a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that vaccinated people may be far less at risk for transmitting COVID-19, not just being protected from serious symptoms. It is becoming increasingly clear the jab is a very big step towards protecting those around you - particularly people who are vulnerable.
- Scientists are starting to find some signs of hope on the human side of this microbe-host interaction. Our immune system’s cells might have their own abilities to change, countering mutations in the virus. What this means, scientists think, is that our immune system might have evolved its own way to better fight the variants.
UK
- Further easing of Covid restrictions confirmed for 12 April: Outdoor pubs, shops, gyms, and hairdressers will reopen. The roadmap out of lockdown for the UK is on track.
- Boris Johnson said he is hopeful foreign travel could resume from May 17.
- More than 33 million jabs administered overall as drive to vaccinate people with second doses accelerates. Over 95% of people aged 60 and over in England have been vaccinated with at least the first dose.
US
- The US vaccinated more than four million people in one day on Saturday, breaking new ground in its inoculation program.
- In Washington State, everyone 16 and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine from April 15.
Asia Pacific
- Taiwan's COVID-19 vaccination program will be expanded with effect from April 6 to include a wider category of medical workers.
- Aircrew quarantine rules will be lifted if enough staff get the Covid-19 vaccine, Hong Kong government tells airlines.
