Testing finds ‘alarming flaws’ in effectiveness of popular face masks

Some of the most popular face masks on the market have ‘alarming flaws’, tests show, with the worst only trapping a third of bacterial particles. Consumer group Which? tested a range of popular brands and styles of face coverings and masks for how well they filtered particles, how breathable they were, and how they fared … Read more

Just one in five with symptoms ask for screening: More fears over effectiveness of test and trace

Just one in five with Covid symptoms ask for a test and more than half fail to self-isolate, study suggests Only 52% could identify coronavirus symptoms of cough, fever and loss of smell   Scientists found 18% of those with symptoms had requested a test   Only 43% of people with symptoms followed full self-isolation guidelines   By … Read more

Matt Hancock hails Novavax jab’s 86.3% effectiveness against Kent Covid strain

Matt Hancock last night hailed the Novavax vaccination’s 86.3 per cent effectiveness against the Kent strain of Covid-19. The Health Secretary confirmed the UK has 60 million doses of the jab, developed in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on order ahead of its approval by the medicines regulator. He said: ‘Really encouraging results from Novavax tonight on its efficacy against variants.  ‘We’ve … Read more

Cross-party MPs say there is no evidence of £22 BILLION Test and Trace scheme’s effectiveness

There is ‘no clear evidence’ Britain’s £22 billion Test and Trace scheme contributed to a reduction in coronavirus infection levels, a cross-party group of MPs have said. On Wednesday, the British parliament’s Public Accounts Committee decried the ‘unimaginable’ costs of the programme, saying the system has not yet proven its worth as there is little evidence of … Read more

Doctor says taking Tylenol or Advil before getting a vaccine will DULL the effectiveness of the shot

Taking Tylenol or Advil before getting a coronavirus vaccine cold block production of antibodies and make the shot less effective, infectious disease specialists say Coronavirus vaccines from both Pfizer-BioNTech are known to come with side effect such as pain at the site of injection, headaches, fever These are signs that the body is responding to … Read more

Matt Hancock defends effectiveness of rapid asymptomatic tests after revealing plans for roll out

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has today defended his plans for the mass rollout of rapid Covid-19 testing for people who cannot work at home during the lockdown, after the pilot faced efficacy issues. Asked if the lateral flow rapid turnaround tests being deployed across England were the same as those used in a Liverpool pilot scheme Mr Hancock told the BBC’s Andrew … Read more