The Times says a small trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in children has been paused while the UK medicines regulator looks at reports it may be linked to a tiny number of clots in adults.A University of Oxford spokesperson said there were “no safety concerns” with this specific study, but that further information was being awaited from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Daily Express says Boris Johnson insists he is sticking to the lockdown-easing roadmap despite fears of a third wave from Europe.
The Daily Telegraph also reports on the pausing of the study and quotes a government expert as saying slowing the roll-out of the vaccine may be needed to maintain public trust.
Daily Star says Britons are being encouraged to take cold showers to clear their “brain fog”.
The i leads on the prime minister’s Downing Street news briefing, where he confirmed lockdown will be eased in England as planned next Monday.
Boris Johnson has urged people to keep coming forward for the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab despite a study into the vaccine’s use on children being paused over blood clot concerns in adults, The Guardian reports.It points out that scientists stress side effects are extremely rare, with “great” benefits in protecting against COVID.
The prime minister has asked officials whether cheaper and quicker lateral flow tests could be used for people returning to the UK in an effort to make foreign holidays affordable, reports the Daily Mail.It says PCR tests costing about £200 each are currently the official test for anyone coming to the UK.
Metro says many could be priced out of foreign getaways this summer because families may have to pay up to £420 each for COVID testing.The paper reports that people coming back from low-risk countries are set to need at least two tests.
The Financial Times reports that Boris Johnson is facing a rebellion from Tory MPs after throwing his weight behind so-called ‘COVID passports’.