Is Covid’s end closer than we think?

Is Covid’s end closer than we think?Up to half the world’s population may have natural immunity to coronavirus, writes Prof Moin Saleem. Plus Dr David Grimes on the evidence that vitamin D provides some protection

Quiz! Can you name these 15 objects shot close-up?

Take our multiple-choice quiz to see how many objects you can identify from close-up pictures of them.

Tom Hardy 'cast as next James Bond after No Time To Die'

Tom Hardy has reportedly been cast as the next James Bond to replace Daniel Craig.Although it has not been officially confirmed, The Vulcan Reporter claims Hardy has been locked into the role since auditioning back in June.

News Quiz of the Week: How much can you remember?

It’s time to test how much you know about what happened around the globe in the past week.

Almost one third of Covid deaths in July and August 'primarily caused by other conditions'

Coronavirus was not the main cause of death for nearly one third of recorded Covid-19 victims in July and August, research by Oxford University has found. Analysis shows that around 30 percent of people included in the coronavirus death toll by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) over the summer months had died primarily from other conditions. It means someone who suffered a heart attack, or even died in a road traffic accident, may have been included in the figures if they had also tested positive for coronavirus at some point, or if doctors believed the virus may have exacerbated their condition. Throughout the entire pandemic, around one in 13 people currently classed as Covid-19 victims did not have the disease as an underlying cause of death. It means 3,877 deaths (7.8 per cent) in which coronavirus was not the primary cause have been included in the figures. In July and August, that number jumped to 28.8 per cent of all registered deaths, meaning Covid-19 was not the main cause of death in 465 of 1,617 recorded victims (listen to the podcast below, which discusses whether Britain's death toll could be set to increase again).

Bolton man partly responsible for coronavirus case surge after post-holiday pub crawl

Instead of self-isolating, he went out drinking – and was found positive five days later

Ministers consider new Covid controls as cases rise

Boris Johnson says the second wave of the pandemic has now reached the UK.

EastEnders star says Chantelle's death was announced beforehand to avoid being a trigger

"It was definitely the safest thing for them to do."

Queensland LNP frontbencher tells new citizens not to bring problems to Australia

Queensland LNP frontbencher tells new citizens not to bring problems to AustraliaMulticultural leaders express concerns over comments of former party leader John-Paul Langbroek

T cell shortage linked to severe COVID-19 in elderly; antiseptic spray may limit virus spread

A lower supply of a certain type of immune cell in older people that is critical to fighting foreign invaders may help explain their vulnerability to severe COVID-19, scientists say. When germs enter the body, the initial "innate" immune response generates inflammation not specifically targeted at the bacteria or virus. Within days, the more precise "adaptive" immune response starts generating antibodies against the invader along with T cells that either assist in antibody production or seek out and attack infected cells.

EU leaders to discuss Brexit at summit in boost to trade deal hopes

European Union leaders will discuss Brexit at their European Council September summit , a month earlier than planned, in a boost to British hopes of hitting Boris Johnson's October deadline for a trade deal. Charles Michel, the European Council president, and Michel Barnier met in Brussels on Friday, the day after the EU's chief negotiator met with David Frost. As recently as Thursday, senior EU diplomats were insisting there was no way Brexit would force itself onto the agenda of the summit. EU officials inisted the discussion would be a brief analysis of the state of play. UK sources told the Telegraph that the decision to put the trade negotiations before the heads of state and government of the EU-27 was hopefully a sign the EU had begun to take the Prime Minister's October 15 deadline seriously. Mr Johnson has said that if the trade deal is not finalised by October 15, shortly before another EU summit the same month, both sides should prepare for a no deal Brexit, which will mean trading on WTO terms and with tariffs. In London, George Eustice, the Brexiteer Environment Secretary predicted that even if there was a no deal exit, “common sense” would break out in the new year and an agreement would be signed. “I just think it is implausible that it would be a long term scenario where we will have no free trade agreement or partnership at all with our nearest neighbour,” he told BBC radio, “If there is to be no deal as you put it, it is more likely to be no deal yet.” Sources in Brussels have made it clear that if Britain was forced back to the negotiating table after an economically damaging no deal, it would be faced with the same demands over issues such as the level playing field guarantees but enjoy far less goodwill from the EU. The last round of trade negotiations in London were overshadowed by the row over Mr Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which Brussels says breaks the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and international law. On Friday Amal Clooney, the famous human rights lawyer quit as the UK’s special envoy on media freedom in protest at the “lamentable” bill, which will face stiff opposition in the House of Lords despite a compromise being brokered with Tory rebel MPs. The EU has threatened to walk away from negotiations and to take legal action against Britain unless the offending clauses are excised before the end of the month. "Brexit will be discussed at the European Council next week in an information point. It will be an occasion to briefly analyse the situation." an EU official said. The official said there was a need to fully implement the Withdrawal Agreement. "The EU is neither intimidated or impressed but breaking an international agreement is extremely worrying," the official said. The source said the EU leaders remained "firm and steady" and was still looking to agree a trade deal with the UK "but that requires substantial progress on key issues such as the level playing field and fisheries." The official said time was short to agree the deal by the October deadline and prevent a no deal exit at the end of the year, when the UK leaves the transition period and the Single Market and Customs Union. On Thursday, a senior EU diplomat briefed reporters in Brussels that "It is very clear that there is going to be no Brexit on the end of the agenda." He said that the time for any concrete decisions on Brexit by the EU's leaders would be the October summit. That is when they will be expected to either back the draft trade deal, if the agreement is ready in time. The next round of trade negotiations is in Brussels at the end of the month.

UK coronavirus news - live: Boris Johnson says 'second wave' coming as millions face new lockdown measures

Follow the latest updates

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  Coronavirus: Restrictions needed 'sooner rather than later', says Professor Neil Ferguson

  The Independent
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  Coronavirus latest news: Restrictions needed 'sooner rather than later' as UK faces 'perfect storm', Neil Ferguson says

  The Telegraph

Nicola Sturgeon warns Scots to prepare for 'circuit break' lockdown restrictions next week

Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scots to prepare for a swathe of new nationwide lockdown restrictions next week as a "circuit break" to stop the resurgence of coronavirus. The First Minister said "hard but necessary" decisions may be needed in the coming days to prevent a second full lockdown and the country is at "probably the most critical point" since the first one was imposed in late March. She said she would decide the next steps for Scotland over the weekend and disclosed she had asked the Prime Minister to convene a Cobra meeting for a UK-wide discussion. Both Ms Sturgeon and Boris Johnson are considering a 'circuit breaker' plan, which would see curfews and restrictions on activities for at least a fortnight and probably longer. Although not as draconian as a full lockdown, it is hoped the move would have a sharp impact on breaking the chain of transmission and stopping the recent surge in cases. Pubs and restaurants could be ordered to close altogether or have their hours severely restricted but schools would remain open. Shops and non-essential workplaces may also not be forced to close again.

Here’s what Senate Republicans said when Obama tried to confirm a Supreme Court judge in an election year

Senate Republicans blocked the appointment of a liberal justice in 2016. Here’s what they said.

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  Ruth Bader Ginsburg death: Crowds gather outside US Supreme Court to pay their respects

  The Independent
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  McConnell Faces Risks in Advancing a Trump Supreme Court Replacement for Ginsburg

  Time

Coronavirus symptoms: how to tell if you have a common cold, Covid or the flu

Coronavirus symptoms: how to tell if you have a common cold, Covid or the fluFever, runny nose, headache? Your guide to differentiating between the three illnesses * Coronavirus – latest updates * See all our coronavirus coverage

14 Iconic TV and Film Characters Who Definitely Inspired Your Beauty Choices Growing Up

Sitcoms and movies from the 1990s and early 2000s did more than just entertain those of us who came of age during the time period. For instance, when we think about all of the people who influenced our fashion and beauty choices during our coming of age years, some of the first people that come to mind are all of the iconic characters we grew up watching on television and in film. Jennifer Aniston's character on Friends set a trend for a whole generation of women with "The Rachel" haircut while Brandy and her commitment to braided hairstyles on Moesha (and in real life) gave Black girl viewers everywhere protective style inspiration for days. Whatever your style was, there's a good chance you may have found yourself wearing your hair or makeup differently as a result of watching one of your favorite characters on television at least once in your life. Ahead, take a look at a few nostalgic TV and film characters who have likely inspired the beauty choices of many over the years.

Exclusive: EastEnders star Jessica Plummer speaks out on Chantelle's tragic ending

"I've carried this secret for so long."

Why Boris Johnson may yet be forced into a 'disastrous' second lockdown

When Boris Johnson appeared before the House of Commons Liaison Committee at 3.30pm on Wednesday, he made his distaste for a second national lockdown abundantly clear. Such a measure would be economically "disastrous" and "completely wrong for this country", the Prime Minister told the senior MPs. Yet despite his rhetoric, Mr Johnson was by no means in denial about the likely consequences of the resurgent outbreak (see video below). In a sit-down interview with The Sun that afternoon, he referred to line graphs appearing to show a second wave as "a double hump" camel, saying the trend would inevitably "feed through to mortality". How, then, to square the circle?

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  Coronavirus tracked: UK cases continue to surge as second wave brings new lockdowns

  The Independent
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  Travel latest news: Half term holidays hang in the balance as nationwide lockdown looms

  The Telegraph

Priti Patel planning weekly removals of Channel migrants to Italy, France and Germany

Priti Patel is planning to fly Channel migrants back to Italy, Germany and France on a weekly basis, it can be revealed. At least 1,000 people are set to be removed as part of a crackdown in order to deter the record numbers making the crossing from France in small boats. But officials at the Home Office warn that their efforts are being hampered by “activist lawyers” and migrants who abuse the law. The weekly targets and the attack on the legal profession have been condemned by campaigners and lawyers who accuse the Home Secretary of undermining the rule of law. In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Telegraph, officials at the Immigration Enforcement Secretariat described the Channel crossings as “thoroughly unacceptable” and said that the Government and the Ms Patel are “equally frustrated by the severity of the situation”. However, they warned that they are prevented from taking “simple measures” including intercepting migrants at sea and returning them or changing asylum processes because of legal constraints. To stop the crossings, which has seen 6,300 people reach British shores this year alone, officials said that they are urging the French Government to “take more urgent and productive action to patrol the French coastline”. British intelligence is being provided on criminal gangs who facilitate the crossing and drones and planes are being deployed to identify migrants preparing for a crossing to alert the French, it was confirmed. The Government is already funding Gendarmes to patrol the beaches and talks are ongoing on the deployment of more UK funded French officers along the coastline. The response added: “We have offered to bolster surveillance, policing and patrols in collaboration with French police patrols on their beaches and this is subject to further discussions with them.” Genuine refugees must claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and “have no excuse to refuse and travel illegally and dangerously to the UK instead” and the Home Secretary “has strained every legal route possible to identify ways in which we can undertake returns”, the letter from officials said. One flight left the UK on Tuesday but a second flight to Spain was on Thursday prevented from taking off by a last minute intervention by lawyers for three of the 18 migrants on board. 1,000 of the migrants who have crossed the Channel this year had already claimed asylum in other safe countries and the Government is now preparing to return them to those countries under the EU’s Dublin Convention. The civil servant, who remained unnamed as they responded to the FOI, told the Telegraph: “I can confirm that the Home Secretary is planning weekly returns of small boat migrants to their first safe countries which have been identified as France, Germany and Italy.” If the Government is successful in its attempts then it will be a marked increase in the number returned. Figures released by the Home Office in a separate FOI show that during 2019 only 21 people were removed to France under the Dublin Convention. The “lengthy and arduous” legal processes will no longer apply at the end of the Brexit transition period and “new legislative measures are being developed that will tackle the endless legal obstacles that cost UK taxpayers millions on an annual basis”, the response confirmed. It continued: “There is considerable policy work underway to address where the UK’s immigration and asylum system is being exploited and abused... As it currently stands, the system is inflexible and rigid, and is open to abuse by both migrants and activist lawyers to frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here.” The response comes just weeks after civil servants were chastised by the Home Office’s permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft who said that the use of the term “activist lawyers” in a Twitter post was not “compatible” with language they should be using. Simon Davis, President of the Law Society, said that it “goes over the line when there is inflammatory and misleading language used about lawyers who are doing the job. It undermines the rule of law”. He added that the letter “directly contradicts what Mr Rycroft has told them to do”. Bella Sankey, Director of Detention Action, said that the use of the term “shows the Home Office has gone rogue” She added that “whispers of deportation targets feels like Groundhog Day”. Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais, said that the focus should not be on a numbers based target but “what is appropriate and correct”. She added that asylum seekers “are literally terrified of the Home Office deporting them - vulnerable people who can’t eat and can’t sleep due to fear. The UK is becoming yet another form of hell for them.”

Paul Mescal recalls embarrassing moment while filming Normal People sex scenes

Actor said intimate scenes were ‘quite unsexy’ to film

Despicable to blame Government for Covid-19 death rate given obesity, says Tory peer

Britain’s high Covid-19 death rate is not the Government’s fault but partly because the “majority of people are obese”, according to a Conservative peer.Lord McColl of Dulwich told peers it is “despicable” to blame those in power in Westminster.

Coronavirus news – live: Lockdown might be needed to curb second wave as ‘circuit breaker’ measures considered

Follow all the latest updates and statistics on the pandemic

8 Drool-Worthy Fall Hair-Color Trends That Look Even Better Than They Sound

If banana bread had a publicist (and what a good publicist she'd be at this current juncture), you can picture her trembling at this fall's upcoming hair-color trends - or at least inviting them out for brunch. Frankly, they sound downright delicious. From "Champagne pop" to "espresso black," these hues clearly take inspiration from the best things in life around you. They're also designed for easy upkeep: "My current recommendation to any client would be a low-maintenance hair color, which means switching from permanent colors to demi- or semipermanent color, or balayage," Karissa Schaudt, a colorist at Maxine Salon, told POPSUGAR. "These are created to have a seamless grow-out and require minimal upkeep - especially during a pandemic, when touchups aren't as scheduled." Most importantly, added colorist Rex Jimieson: "This year, we want our color to transition gracefully into fall by staying away from overly cool or artificial colors. They are the hardest to wear as we lose our summer glow in our skin. I would stay away from blue-based dyes especially such as gray or extrastrong ash tones. They are great for editorial moments with the right makeup lighting and editing but are very fade-resistant and harder to wear against natural skin with no makeup." Need more concrete examples? For the most mouthwatering hair colors that are somehow - some way! - even better than they sound, keep reading. We're breaking down the seven biggest color trends to try in the coming months.

The Best Beauty Products From Sephora to Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life

If you're someone who practically goes out of your gourd for pumpkin-spiced everything, the idea of putting actual pumpkin on your skin is likely nothing new . . . or, at the very least, sounds tempting. But, even if your love ends with its scent, Sephora has something to cover both those bases this fall. There are new treats that will make you wish your screen was scratch and sniff, plus other beauty goodies infused with the fruit's enzymes and powders to help your complexion, too. Ahead, check out the best pumpkin products at Sephora - now, orange you glad it's almost Halloween? Related: Here's the Sephora Makeup Your Halloween Needs (Even If It Happens on Zoom)