COVID news live: Vaccines alone won't be enough to curb the pandemic, WHO warns

Coronavirus latest as the World Health Organisation warns vaccines alone will not be enough to lift the world out of the pandemic; Melbourne begins first weekend out of lockdown following months of curbs; FDA says likely benefits of Pfizer jab for 5 to 11-year-olds outweigh risks.

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How do COVID cases look across the globe?

We've been reporting this afternoon as the COVID situation continues to evolve at different speeds globally.

In some countries, the pandemic is largely under control, while in others new lockdowns are being considered due to surges in cases.

Below, take a look at how many COVID cases are emerging worldwide over a two-week period.

Daily COVID cases and deaths drop in the UK

The number of daily COVID cases has fallen in 24 hours in the UK.

On Saturday, 44,985 infections were reported compared to 49,298 on Friday.

Similarly, official figures show 135 deaths were recorded on Saturday.

This compares to 180 yesterday.

The latest COVID data from Italy

It appears the UK's daily COVID figures are delayed today, but the latest from Italy have emerged in the meantime.

The country reported 3,908 new infections on Saturday, up slightly from 3,882 on Friday.

Italy also confirmed 39 COVID deaths - the same amount as on the previous day.

COVID around the world in pictures

Coronavirus patients were photographed in a hospital in Oleshky, Ukraine, on Saturday after the country reported record-high cases.

Authorities in Ukraine said on Friday there were 23,785 new infections and 614 COVID deaths in the last 24 hours. 

Online groups attempt to confront MPs over their 'evil actions'

Anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown protesters are organising themselves online to confront MPs in person, Sky News has found.

One online group is going after politicians because of their "evil actions" - and shares tips on how to find constituency offices and MPs' homes.

Photos and videos of members and other like-minded protesters approaching politicians or their offices are being widely shared on the messaging app Telegram. 

One video shows an MP revealing he was forced to call the police after his home was targeted by anti-vaxxers.

It comes as concerns around MPs' safety have risen following the killing of Sir David Amess. 

The death of the MP for Southend West is being treated as terrorism related and is not thought to be linked to the anti-vax or anti-lockdown movements.

Read more by clicking the link below.

Namibia suspends roll-out of Russia's Sputnik COVID jab over HIV fears

Namibia has suspended the use of Russia's Sputnik V COVID jab, its health ministry confirmed today.

The decision comes days after the drugs regulator in South Africa flagged concerns over its safety for people at risk of HIV.

Regulator SAHPRA decided not to approve Sputnik V because studies suggest that use of vaccines with the Adenovirus Type 5 vector - which Sputnik V has - can lead to higher susceptibility to HIV in men.

South Africa and Namibia both have high HIV prevalence rates.

Namibia's health ministry said that the decision to discontinue use of the Russian vaccine was "out of [an] abundance of caution that men [who] received Sputnik V may be at higher risk of contracting HIV."

The Gamaleya Research Institute, which developed Sputnik V, said Namibia's decision was not based on any scientific evidence or research.

"Sputnik V remains one of the safest and most efficient vaccines against COVID-19 in use globally," the institute told the Reuters news agency.

It added that over 250 clinical trials and 75 international publications had confirmed the safety of vaccines and medicines based on human adenovirus vectors.

Namibia said the suspension would take effect immediately and last until Sputnik V receives a World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing.

Booster jabs won't be offered to under-50s until 'well after Christmas', says JCVI member

Third doses of the COVID vaccine are currently available to over-50s, frontline healthcare workers, care home staff and residents and those most at risk from coronavirus.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is unlikely to extend eligibility for the booster until significant progress has been made with the roll-out, according to the i.

The newspaper claims a JCVI member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told their reporter that any extension would likely happen "well after Christmas".

They added: "When you think about how long ago most of these people had [a second jab], they're still within the six-month range.

"And bearing in mind a lot of people will have had COVID — they’re essentially tripled covered."

... and Boris Johnson says Van-Tam got this 'spot on'

Responding to Professor Jonathan Van-Tam's comments in the Sun newspaper on Saturday, Boris Johnson has echoed his calls.

He said the expert is "spot on" to ask Britons to get both the COVID booster and the flu jab as we head into winter.

Mr Johnson added: "Getting a booster jab and a flu jab when called is the best way to boost immunity, protect the NHS and keep our loved ones safe as we go into winter."