Coronavirus UK news live: Latest vaccine and case updates

Documents relating to the development of the Pfizer / BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine were “illegally accessed” in a cyber attack on Europe’s drug regulators, the companies said, Kate ng reports.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirmed earlier on Wednesday that it had been the target of a cyberattack, but did not provide further details beyond saying that a “full investigation” had been launched.

Bill de Blasio says that no one in New York will be able to “jump the line” to receive the Covid vaccine, Graeme massie reports.

The city’s mayor warned that “privileged” people will not be vaccinated before priority groups, such as health workers and first responders.

“His time will come,” Mr. De Blasio said. “We have to protect those who serve us and the most vulnerable, and we will rigorously enforce it.”

Three million freelancers who remain ineligible for Covid-19 support grants should benefit from the £ 1.95 billion returned to the government by essential retailers, MPs have suggested.

Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said that around one in 10 of the UK workforce had “fallen through the gaps” of the various coronavirus income support schemes introduced this year.

Speaking today at a debate at Westminster Hall, the Twickenham MP said it was a “blatant injustice” that the Treasury had “repeatedly refused” to address the issue.

One solution suggested by conservative former Cabinet Minister Esther McVey was for the government to use Covid-19 trade fee relief that several supermarkets had returned.

Tatton’s deputy said: “The Labor Conservatives launched the campaign asking supermarkets to return their commercial exemption from Covid, specifically with the purpose of having that money redirected to those who did not receive support during this period.”

She added: “Having talked to those firms, that was the basis on which they delivered that money.

“I hope that the minister acts with the same faith and spirit of the supermarkets that gave that money.”

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons were among several essential retailers who pledged to return the savings they made during the rate break.

Bernie Sanders has called the White House proposal to give Americans a $ 600 stimulus check “bullshit.” Graeme massie reports.

The Vermont senator attacked Donald Trump’s plan when he pushed for another round of payments of $ 1,200 per person on the next Covid aid bill.

The White House offered Democrats a $ 916 billion pandemic stimulus package, their first proposal since breaking up negotiations with Nancy Pelosi in November.

Nearly two million children in the UK have had food shortages since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey.

The Social Market Foundation (SMF) report suggested that child hunger and food insecurity had been exacerbated by the crisis, and that one in four children faced some form of food deprivation.

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Hired staff from a government department, including cleaning and security personnel, voted in favor of the strike over coronavirus safety concerns, a union said.

The Commercial and Public Services union said workers were concerned about the number of people allowed in the London office, as the city is currently under level 2 restrictions.

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Turkey’s health minister has clarified that his country would be prepared to use Russia’s coronavirus vaccine if it meets the necessary criteria after Turkish media reported that it had ruled out using the jab.

“Yes [tests] they are successful, there is no problem in acquiring the vaccine produced in Russia, ”Fahrettin Koca told a press conference after a meeting of the government’s scientific team.

Earlier on Wednesday, he was quoted as saying that Ankara had ruled out the Russian vaccine because it did not meet “good laboratory practice” conditions.

The spokesman for the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which supports the country’s Sputnik vaccine and is responsible for its commercialization abroad, previously said that RDIF was continuing its talks with Turkey.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has said it has been the target of a cyber attack.

The Amsterdam-based agency, which is evaluating data for the approval of coronavirus vaccines, said it had launched a full investigation into the incident in close cooperation with law enforcement and other entities.

He declined to provide further details on the attack while the investigation is ongoing.

Last month, Microsoft said it had detected attempts by state-backed Russian and North Korean hackers to steal valuable data from major drug companies and vaccine researchers.

The US tech giant said most of the targets, located in Canada, France, India, South Korea and the United States, were “directly involved in researching vaccines and treatments for Covid-19.”

The 90-year-old grandmother who became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer-approved coronavirus vaccine was released from the hospital after a “whirlwind” day.

Margaret Keenen, who lives in Coventry, had been admitted to the hospital a few days before her jab and was released Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement issued via NHS England, Ms Keenan said: “Yesterday was a huge day for me personally and for the rest of the world as we all seek to return to some kind of normalcy.

“Everything has been a whirlwind and everything has not yet been assimilated. I feel very good and I am very happy to be able to go home and have a good time with my family.

“I would like to thank the hospital and its staff for the care and support they gave me during my stay; they have been really incredible ”.

She added: “My family and I are very grateful for the positive comments and good wishes received. I urge everyone to get vaccinated when asked. “

Ms Keenan, who turns 91 next week, was one of approximately 100 people vaccinated on the first day of the launch in Coventry.