Covid: PM and chancellor reject calls to quit and iPhone maker halts China operations

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Wednesday morning.

1. Johnson and Sunak reject calls to resign over fines

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have rejected calls to resign despite pressure from bereaved families and political opponents for breaching lockdown rules. They - alongside the prime minister's wife Carrie Johnson, who was also fined - were found to have been in breach of the rules in Downing Street in June 2020. It makes Mr Johnson the UK's first serving prime minister to be sanctioned for breaking the law. All three have apologised. Our political correspondent Chris Mason has taken a look at whether Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak are finished.

Watch: I fell short in observing the rules - Boris Johnson
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2. iPhone maker halts operations

A major producer of Apple's iPhone has suspended operations due to lockdown in Shanghai. Technology company Pegatron says the temporary move at two of its factories in Shanghai and nearby Kunshan is "in response to Covid-19 prevention requirements from local government" in China. Here's the full story.

News imageGetty Images iPhone users at a shopping mall in China.Getty Images
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3. NHS backlog warning

It will take years to clear the waiting lists backlog built up during the pandemic, says senior doctor Colin Mckay. The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde clinician says the pressure is relentless and some patients are spending longer in hospital due to complexities. The Scottish government says it has ambitious plans for NHS recovery.

News imageGetty Images A member of staff at University Hospital Monklands attends to a Covid-positive patient on the ICU ward on February 5, 2021 in AirdrieGetty Images
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4. Town centres recovery plan

A plan's been put together to boost town centres in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. Details have been published by the Scottish government and council body Cosla. Take a look.

News imageGetty Images Empty shopping street in Fort WilliamGetty Images
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5. GP 'phone first' system to stay

Speaking to GPs over the phone in Northern Ireland as a first port of call is remaining in place. The "phone first" system was introduced during the pandemic to minimise infection. The Royal College of GPs in Northern Ireland says it's here to stay but improvements are needed as some people have concerns.

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News imageChart showing various UK coronavirus statistics

And don't forget...

So many people are catching Covid again, but why? Find out here.

You can find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page.

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