The UK Health Security Agency has published new figures for the growth rate of coronavirus in England.
These are the first estimates since December 23 and include the R rate, or the virus's reproduction number.
The growth rate for infections is estimated to be between 3 and 6 per cent per day. The previous estimate was between 0 and 3 per cent.
Meanwhile, the R is estimated to be between 1.2 and 1.5, meaning every 10 people will infect between 12 and 15 people. The previous estimate was between 1 and 1.2.
But although these figures have only recently been published, because of the time it takes to assess how the virus is spreading, the numbers are merely a report on what was happening two or three weeks ago, the UKHSA says.
The report comes as health authorities on Friday reported the deaths of 229 people within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as well as 178,250 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases, the third straight day of decline.
A total of 179,756 cases and 231 deaths were reported on Thursday.
Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 174,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
A total of 18,454 people were in hospital in the UK with Covid-19 as of January 6, government figures show.
The UKHSA also released additional data on Friday revealing that booster shots are continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease from the Omicron coronavirus variant among older adults.
About three months after receiving a third shot, protection against hospital admission among those aged 65 and over remained at about 90 per cent, the UKHSA said.
“The data is highly encouraging and emphasises the value of a booster jab,” said Wei Shen Lim, chairman of Covid-19 immunisation on the government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
“The current data show the booster dose is continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease, even for the most vulnerable older age groups,” he said.
He added that the findings show there is no current need for people to have a fourth shot, he added, but that this will continue to be reviewed.
Protection against mild symptomatic infection was more short lived than against severe disease and dropped to about 30 per cent after the three-month mark, the UKHSA said.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
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THE 12 BREAKAWAY CLUBS
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid