New pelican case

The UK coronavirus variant, also known as B117, could become the predominant strain in Germany if preventive measures aren't taken, health officials said on Friday. "B117 will soon be the predominant variant in Germany and then it will be even more difficult to keep the virus in check," Lothar Wieler, the head of the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) told reporters. "B117 is more contagious and even more dangerous in all age groups." The new variant makes up more than 40% of new coronavirus cases in Germany, compared to about 6% of cases four weeks ago, according to Wieler. The statement came as German Health Minister Jens Spahn once again urged caution in the easing of coronavirus restrictions. Spahn also touted pulling an "emergency break" if cases were to rise sharply. Such a break would temporarily halt the easing of restrictions, which have been part of a lockdown implemented in November. Watch video 04:44 Share 'We are in a third wave' Send … [Read more...] about Germany coronavirus: RKI chief says UK variant to dominate new infections

Sixteen cases of another new Covid variant have been found in the UK. The strain was identified by Public Health England and anyone who tested positive and their contacts have been tracked down and told to isolate. It shares a mutation in common with the South African and Brazilian variants and has been designated a 'Variant Under Investigation' - meaning that scientists aren't immediately worried about it. But the change it shares with the others, E484K, could help the virus avoid immunity from vaccinations or previous infection. It doesn't feature the N501Y mutation, present in all 'Variants Of Concern' currently being monitored. There are now a total of four VUIs and four VOCs currently being tracked in the UK. Mutations are a natural part of the life of all viruses - not just the novel coronavirus . But experts closely monitor changes to dangerous bugs like Covid-19 which has killed more than 2.4million worldwide, and over 118,000 in the UK. The mutations must … [Read more...] about Another new coronavirus variant found in UK as 16 cases spark investigation

EXPERTS have shared images of the worst cases of nits they've ever seen - as they urge parents to check their kids' heads before schools return on Monday. NitNot founder Eileen Hutchinson said in some cases kids had been dealing with recurring infections for over a year - leaving "the whole family suffering". Sharing the above image of one awful case, she warns: "This shows a really bad infection caused by head lice infestation. "It's important to take head lice seriously as an infection like this can be dangerous." Ian Burgess, the Director of Medical Entomology at the Insect Research and Development Limited , says: "Some people only develop harsh reactions like that after months of infestation, some after only a short time if they have had them before." Eileen adds: "We don't usually see cases this bad at the clinic, especially with several families seeking help for horrendous infestations like we are dealing with now over the phone and via messenger. "It's … [Read more...] about Experts show ‘worst ever’ cases of nits which plagued kids for over a year & beg parents to check before schools return

The "unbreakable link" between COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations, and deaths is being broken by the vaccination programme, the health secretary has said. Cases have fallen by 34% in the past seven days and the 29% fall in hospital admissions over the same period is the fastest decrease at any point in the pandemic, the latest government data shows. Deaths have also fallen by 41% in the last week. Matt Hancock said: "What this all shows is that the link from cases to hospitalisations then to deaths that had been unbreakable before the vaccine, that link is now breaking." Mr Hancock also said more than 21.3 million people - two-fifths of the UK adult population - have received their first dose of the vaccine and just over one million people - around 2% of UK adults - have received both doses. The seven-day rolling average of daily second doses stood at 4,253 on 15 February, but had jumped to 27,356 by 28 February. Mr Hancock said: "As anybody who has been to a … [Read more...] about COVID-19: ‘Unbreakable link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths is now breaking’ – health sec

WANT to be a flash in the pan this Shrove Tuesday? Posh Pancakes author Sue Quinn says its time to say bye bye to boring toppings and pimp your pancakes with adventurous flavours. But it’s also vital to get the basics right. Sue says: “ Pancakes are simple but there is a knack to getting them just right. Raw interiors, burnt exteriors and chronic pancake stickage can easily be overcome with practice, the right kit, and by bearing a few basics in mind. We should all master pancakes because they’re flipping delicious.” In this exclusive extractfrom her book, Sue shows how to create two beautiful bases and a selection of toppings – and makes a special pizza pancake for Sun readers. Posh Pancakes (Quadrille, £12.99) is out now. Photos: ©Faith Mason. @penandspoon French crêpes THIS basic crêpe batter will form the basis of many a delicious feast. The batter will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, cook the crêpes, layer them between sheets of … [Read more...] about Pimp up your Pancake Day 2021 with new adventurous flavours – from pizza to honeycomb