Latest news from Israel which leads the world in vaccinations per capita, currently 30% of its population has already been inoculated.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-passes-4500-covid-deaths-as-officials-said-stumped-by-high-case-count/
Israel passes 4,500 COVID deaths as officials said stumped by high case count

The national death toll stood at 4,501, according to the Health Ministry. Monday saw 74 more people die of the disease. More than one-quarter of Israel’s total COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic have been registered this month alone.

The ministry said 8,680 cases were diagnosed Monday, with the test positivity rate rising to 9.8 percent, one of the highest figures in more than three months.

Total cases have reached 613,286, including 74,323 active cases. Of them, 1,173 are in serious condition, including 414 in critical condition and 313 on ventilators. Tuesday saw more than 160 new serious cases, one of the highest daily rates since the pandemic began.

https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n230
Covid-19: New UK variant may be linked to increased death rate, early data indicate

https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n230
Covid-19: New UK variant may be linked to increased death rate, early data indicate

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-uk-coronavirus-hospital-death-23387460
UK coronavirus hospital deaths soar by another 986 as pandemic toll hits 100,000

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-uk-coronavirus-hospital-death-23387460
UK coronavirus hospital deaths soar by another 986 as pandemic toll hits 100,000

https://www.foxnews.com/health/new-coronavirus-variants-complicate-the-battle-against-the-pandemic
UK doctor warns world may need annual COVID-19 vaccine due to variants

Mutations may delay a return to normal as faster-spreading strains could make people sicker or render vaccines less effective

https://www.foxnews.com/health/new-coronavirus-variants-complicate-the-battle-against-the-pandemic
UK doctor warns world may need annual COVID-19 vaccine due to variants

Mutations may delay a return to normal as faster-spreading strains could make people sicker or render vaccines less effective

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HyxNQ1hyd
Israel's tally of ventilated COVID patients at all-time high

Israel on Monday said the tally of coronavirus patients currently connected to ventilators is at an all-time high.

The Health Ministry said 1,878 patients currently hospitalized with the illness, of whom 1,140 are in serious condition. Of that number, 358 are ventilated, the highest the figure has been since the start of the pandemic.

The number new cases diagnosed on Sunday was 4,868, somewhat lower than the average figure reported over the recent weeks and which likely stems from limited testing.

The official death toll now stands at 4,419 after 60 people passed away from the virus on Sunday, which is also a record high. The figure is the highest since January 14, when 59 patients lost their battle with the disease.

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HyxNQ1hyd
Israel's tally of ventilated COVID patients at all-time high

Israel on Monday said the tally of coronavirus patients currently connected to ventilators is at an all-time high.

The Health Ministry said 1,878 patients currently hospitalized with the illness, of whom 1,140 are in serious condition. Of that number, 358 are ventilated, the highest the figure has been since the start of the pandemic.

The number of new cases diagnosed on Sunday was 4,868, somewhat lower than the average figure reported over the recent weeks and which likely stems from limited testing.

The official death toll now stands at 4,419 after 60 people passed away from the virus on Sunday, which is also a record high. The figure is the highest since January 14, when 59 patients lost their battle with the disease.

https://www.jpost.com/health-science/coronavirus-over-1m-israelis-have-received-both-vaccine-doses-656604
COVID-19 czar: Exit from lockdown may be more gradual than anticipated

Over 1m. Israelis have received both vaccine doses, but number of serious cases remains high.

However, while the country proceeds to inoculate at record speed – about 200,000 shots a day – and the number of new cases is trending downward, the overall situation is severe as the number of serious and ventilated patients, as well as daily deaths, remains high, straining the nation's hospitals.

The number of tests performed every day is also on decline. A spokesperson from the ministry explained to The Jerusalem Post that the drop in numbers is the effect of the new regulation that requires those who wish to be screened to obtain a referral from their health fund, as well as of the lockdown and the lower exposure to infected people.

https://www.jpost.com/health-science/coronavirus-over-1m-israelis-have-received-both-vaccine-doses-656604
COVID-19 czar: Exit from lockdown may be more gradual than anticipated

Over 1m. Israelis have received both vaccine doses, but number of serious cases remains high.

However, while the country proceeds to inoculate at record speed – about 200,000 shots a day – and the number of new cases is trending downward, the overall situation is severe as the number of serious and ventilated patients, as well as daily deaths, remains high, straining the nation's hospitals.

The number of tests performed every day is also on decline. A spokesperson from the ministry explained to The Jerusalem Post that the drop in numbers is the effect of the new regulation that requires those who wish to be screened to obtain a referral from their health fund, as well as of the lockdown and the lower exposure to infected people.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13838117/covid-testing-burned-curfew-netherlands-lockdown-protest/
Covid testing centre torched and fireworks thrown at hospital in Netherlands as anti-lockdown protest sweep Europe

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13838117/covid-testing-burned-curfew-netherlands-lockdown-protest/
Covid testing centre torched and fireworks thrown at hospital in Netherlands as anti-lockdown protest sweep Europe

https://www.timesofisrael.com/over-1000-virus-deaths-recorded-so-far-in-january-as-toll-hits-4392/
Over 1,000 virus deaths recorded so far in January, as toll hits 4,419

The Health Ministry said Sunday evening that more than 57 people had died of COVID-19 since the previous night, bringing the total since the start of January to 1,055 — the highest monthly toll since the pandemic reached Israel last year.

It is still not entirely clear how well the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination Israel is using works against the new strains

https://www.thesundaily.my/world/reuters/france-sees-biggest-jump-in-covid-19-hospital-admissions-since-nov-DA6301674
France sees biggest jump in COVID-19 hospital admissions since Nov

https://www.thesundaily.my/world/reuters/france-sees-biggest-jump-in-covid-19-hospital-admissions-since-nov-DA6301674
France sees biggest jump in COVID-19 hospital admissions since Nov

https://au.news.yahoo.com/expert-issues-disturbing-covid-vaccine-warning-214432881.html
'Rapidly mutating': Expert issues disturbing Covid vaccine warning

A vaccine expert has warned, people will need to get a Covid-19 jab once a year to stay on top of the mutating virus.

His warning comes as new research indicated a single dose of the vaccine could only provide a 33 per cent level of immunity.

Prof Harnden said he was analysing a study from Israel that contradicts vaccine developer Pfizer’s preliminary claims that protection from a single dose was “very high”.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/expert-issues-disturbing-covid-vaccine-warning-214432881.html
'Rapidly mutating': Expert issues disturbing Covid vaccine warning

A vaccine expert has warned, people will need to get a Covid-19 jab once a year to stay on top of the mutating virus.

His warning comes as new research indicated a single dose of the vaccine could only provide a 33 per cent level of immunity.

Prof Harnden said he was analysing a study from Israel that contradicts vaccine developer Pfizer’s preliminary claims that protection from a single dose was “vey high”.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/people-vaccinated-against-covid-could-19689314
People vaccinated against Covid could still spread virus warns Jonathan Van-Tam

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/people-vaccinated-against-covid-could-19689314
People vaccinated against Covid could still spread virus warns Jonathan Van-Tam

https://au.news.yahoo.com/immunity-first-dose-covid-vaccine-as-low-as-33-per-cent-121212753.html
Immunity from first vaccine dose could be as low as 33%, health chief warns

https://au.news.yahoo.com/immunity-first-dose-covid-vaccine-as-low-as-33-per-cent-121212753.html
Immunity from first vaccine dose could be as low as 33%, health chief warns

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-vaccine-195000-israelis-vaccinated-over-the-weekend-656503
Coronavirus vaccine: 195,000 Israelis vaccinated over the weekend

So far, more than 2.5 million Israelis have gotten the at least one jab and close a million two. But despite the celebration, Edelstein noted Sunday morning that the rate of morbidity is declining too slowly.

"Probably the reason is also the mutations, but also the lack of strict adherence to the lockdown," he said. "I ask each and every one: Follow the rules!"

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/coronavirus-vaccine-195000-israelis-vaccinated-over-the-weekend-656503
Coronavirus vaccine: 195,000 Israelis vaccinated over the weekend

So far, more than 2.5 million Israelis have gotten the at least one jab and close a million two. But despite the celebration, Edelstein noted Sunday morning that the rate of morbidity is declining too slowly.

"Probably the reason is also the mutations, but also the lack of strict adherence to the lockdown," he said. "I ask each and every one: Follow the rules!"

https://www.timesofisrael.com/minister-slams-claim-covid-death-rate-is-failure-compared-to-others-in-region/
Israel Minister slams claim COVID death rate is ‘failure’ compared to others in region

https://www.timesofisrael.com/minister-slams-claim-covid-death-rate-is-failure-compared-to-others-in-region/
Israel Minister slams claim COVID death rate is ‘failure’ compared to others in region

https://www.albawaba.com/news/25-million-despite-high-jab-rates-israel-covid-infections-deaths-still-high-1406756
At 2.5 Million: Despite The High Jab Rates in Israel Covid Infections, Deaths Still High

https://www.albawaba.com/news/25-million-despite-high-jab-rates-israel-covid-infections-deaths-still-high-1406756
At 2.5 Million: Despite The High Jab Rates in Israel Covid Infections, Deaths Still High

https://local12.com/news/coronavirus/many-health-care-workers-are-refusing-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-moderna-coronavirus
Many health care workers are refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine

A significant percentage of doctors, nurses, EMS workers, support staff and other health care employees said they turned down the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines over concerns they may not be safe or effective, according to a recent survey.

Others in the health field worried the development of the vaccine had been rushed.

https://local12.com/news/coronavirus/many-health-care-workers-are-refusing-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer-moderna-coronavirus
Many health care workers are refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine

A significant percentage of doctors, nurses, EMS workers, support staff and other health care employees said they turned down the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines over concerns they may not be safe or effective, according to a recent survey.

Others in the health field worried the development of the vaccine had been rushed.

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/60-singapore-residents-polled-still-uncertain-about-taking-covid-19-vaccination
60% of Singapore residents polled still uncertain about taking up Covid-19 vaccination

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/60-singapore-residents-polled-still-uncertain-about-taking-covid-19-vaccination
60% of Singapore residents polled still uncertain about taking up Covid-19 vaccination

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/23/nurses-feel-like-lambs-slaughter-due-inadequacy-ppe/
Nurses feel like 'lambs to the slaughter' due to inadequacy of PPE

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/01/23/nurses-feel-like-lambs-slaughter-due-inadequacy-ppe/
Nurses feel like 'lambs to the slaughter' due to inadequacy of PPE

https://yubanet.com/usa/nursing-homes-still-dont-have-enough-masks-gowns-and-other-ppe/
Nursing homes still don’t have enough masks, gowns and other PPE

https://yubanet.com/usa/nursing-homes-still-dont-have-enough-masks-gowns-and-other-ppe/
Nursing homes still don’t have enough masks, gowns and other PPE

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1796971/world
Safety fears hamper India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive

The world’s biggest vaccination drive to inoculate 1.3 billion people against the coronavirus is slowing down in India as concerns over safety fuel vaccine hesitancy, especially among health workers.

“There is a general hesitancy among healthcare workers, particularly doctors, about the efficacy of the vaccines,”

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1796971/world
Safety fears hamper India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive

The world’s biggest vaccination drive to inoculate 1.3 billion people against the coronavirus is slowing down in India as concerns over safety fuel vaccine hesitancy, especially among health workers.

“There is a general hesitancy among healthcare workers, particularly doctors, about the efficacy of the vaccines,”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9177457/Its-early-draw-conclusions-Israels-vaccine-drive-insists-Sir-Patrick-Vallance.html
It's too early to draw conclusions about Israel's vaccine drive, insists Vallance after global alarm that Covid hospitalisations have not yet dropped despite 39% of population having jab

-Infection, death and hospitalisation rates have shown little sign of falling
-Data from Israel showed first dose of vaccine led to 33% reduction in cases
-Figure is lower than the British estimate saying it may protect 89 per cent

Sir Patrick Vallance today said it was too early too draw conclusions from Israel's vaccination drive after alarm that hospitalisations have not yet dropped.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9177457/Its-early-draw-conclusions-Israels-vaccine-drive-insists-Sir-Patrick-Vallance.html
It's too early to draw conclusions about Israel's vaccine drive, insists Vallance after global alarm that Covid hospitalisations have not yet dropped despite 39% of population having jab

-Infection, death and hospitalisation rates have shown little sign of falling
-Data from Israel showed first dose of vaccine led to 33% reduction in cases
-Figure is lower than the British estimate saying it may protect 89 per cent

Sir Patrick Vallance today said it was too early too draw conclusions from Israel's vaccination drive after alarm that hospitalisations have not yet dropped.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9171483/Herd-immunity-not-achievable-UK-vaccinated.html
Will Britain's vaccine drive be enough to end Covid crisis?
UK WON'T achieve herd immunity through jab rollout, study claims as SAGE warns lockdown may be needed until MAY because vaccines 'aren't a panacea' that will protect vulnerable

Britain won't achieve herd immunity with the current coronavirus vaccines even if every single Briton is injected, a study claimed today.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9171483/Herd-immunity-not-achievable-UK-vaccinated.html
Will Britain's vaccine drive be enough to end Covid crisis?
UK WON'T achieve herd immunity through jab rollout, study claims as SAGE warns lockdown may be needed until MAY because vaccines 'aren't a panacea' that will protect vulnerable

Britain won't achieve herd immunity with the current coronavirus vaccines even if every single Briton is injected, a study claimed today.

Analysis from the University of East Anglia (UEA) found that the efficacy of current vaccines, combined with the emergence of more infectious variants of the virus, meant keeping the R below one without lockdown restrictions could become impossible.

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/quarter-of-hospital-workers-refuse-vaccine-in-new-mexico/
Quarter of hospital workers refuse vaccine in New Mexico

Up to 30% of medical staff in New Mexico’s largest hospitals have declined the COVID-19 vaccine so far, health officials said.

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/quarter-of-hospital-workers-refuse-vaccine-in-new-mexico/
Quarter of hospital workers refuse vaccine in New Mexico

Up to 30% of medical staff in New Mexico’s largest hospitals have declined the COVID-19 vaccine so far, health officials said.

https://www.ft.com/content/80b3c8f7-7af7-4491-ad4a-d3056b46753e
Israel coronavirus cases soar even as it pushes on with vaccine drive

https://www.ft.com/content/80b3c8f7-7af7-4491-ad4a-d3056b46753e
Israel coronavirus cases soar even as it pushes on with vaccine drive

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/biden-coronavirus-executive-actions/2021/01/21/9a4ab954-5b56-11eb-8bcf-3877871c819d_story.html
Biden says death toll from pandemic likely will top 500,000 next month, says it will take months ‘for us to turn things around’

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/biden-coronavirus-executive-actions/2021/01/21/9a4ab954-5b56-11eb-8bcf-3877871c819d_story.html
Biden says death toll from pandemic likely will top 500,000 next month, says it will take months ‘for us to turn things around’

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3118565/coronavirus-uk-hospitals-left-looking-war-zones-after-infection
Coronavirus: British hospitals left looking like ‘war zones’ after infection surge, says top science adviser

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3118565/coronavirus-uk-hospitals-left-looking-war-zones-after-infection
Coronavirus: British hospitals left looking like ‘war zones’ after infection surge, says top science adviser