Mike Ryan

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Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Wednesday morning. We'll have another update For You this evening.

1. Downing Street staff joked about Christmas Party

A video's emerged of - Days after one took place in Downing Street during lockdown. Obtained by ITV, jokey exchanges continue throughout the footage of a mock news conference in December Last Year . It's sparked criticism on both sides of the political divide, and beyond. " Indefensible" " catastrophic" and " astonishing" are the condemnations, not from Boris Johnson 's political opponents, but from his own side, Downing Street continues to insist no party took place.

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To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Watch: Video obtained by Itv News shows Downing Street staff joking about a No 10 Christmas Party during a mock press conference2. Omicron and vaccines

Although lab tests suggest the Omicron variant can partially evade the Pfizer jab, The World Health Organization says as a result of the new variant. Initial data indicates Omicron doesn't make anyone sicker than previous variants, according to WHO emergencies director Dr Mike Ryan and there's no sign it would be better at evading vaccines than The Others like Delta. The picture will become clearer in The Coming weeks, says our health editor Michelle Roberts , as we gather More data from around The World .

3. How vaccines changed The Course of the pandemic

A year ago 91-year-old Margaret Keenan received The First approved Covid jab. Since then nearly 120 million have been given in the UK, and More Than eight billion across The World . Our health correspondent Nick Triggle at how vaccinations have changed The Course of the pandemic as the booster jab

4. Tea Party distraction for young patients

Ten-year-old Elise was diagnosed with cancer and Covid restrictions meant it was even More challenging for her and her family. aimed at distracting them and giving them a break from their treatment. For some children who went, it was one of The First times out since the start of the pandemic.

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To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Charity Spread a Smile has put on a Tea Party for seriously ill children who spent lockdown in hospital5. Royal call

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are urging anyone hesitating about getting a Covid vaccine or a booster to come forward and get jabbed. Prince Charles, 73, and Camilla, 74, have both had their boosters and encouraged people to listen to the warnings of those working in the NHS.

And there's More . .

how vaccinations have progressed round The World , a year since The First approved jab was administered.

You can find More information, advice and guides on our

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Source of news: bbc.com