Norway has joined Denmark in pausing its AstraZeneca Covid vaccine programme, describing its decision to do so as “cautionary”.
Denmark suspended its programme for two weeks after reports of cases of blood clots forming, including one death, Danish authorities said, although a causal connection to the vaccine has not been confirmed.
Any complications with the vaccine are likely to stem from a specific batch rather than a wider issue. The UK’s regulator encouraged people to continue to get the jab as evidence had not confirmed a link.
Meanwhile, Matt Hancock says the homeless and adults most at risk will be given priority for vaccinations.
Four new cases of the virus variant first discovered in Brazil have been detected in England, according to Public Health England, taking the UK’s total number of known infections of the strain to 10.
Three of the new cases have been found in south Gloucestershire and one in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
This is how Thursday’s coverage unfolded:
- Lockdown roadmap: What can I do in England’s next round of rule lifting?
- Lockdown roadmap dates: What is reopening and when?
- European regulator raised concern about early Pfizer vaccine batches, leaked emails show
- Public believes pandemic has increased social inequality
- More than one-third of teachers have lost enthusiasm for job since pandemic began, polls shows
