In some good news among all the doom and gloom of coronavirus, a vaccine trial has begun after the first person was injected last night. A phase 1 trial is now officially underway in the US, with a woman in Seattle becoming the first human to receive a shot of the potential vaccine. The trial is happening at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle, with a number of volunteers taking part.
According to Forbes, the vaccine has been developed by biotechnology company Moderna, alongside researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The initial phase of the study aims to see 45 adults receive a shot of the vaccine, known as mRNA-1273, with participants having two shots 28 days apart – theyâll be closely monitored to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine. 43-year old Jennifer Haller from Seattle was the first person to receive the vaccine, she told TIME: âI hope that we get to a working vaccine quickly and that we can save lives and people can go back to life as soon as possibleâ.
Unlike some other vaccines, this one doesnât contain the virus and wonât give people COVID-19. Instead, it uses a small piece of genetic code – called mRNA – which has been extracted from the virus by scientists and then expanded in the lab.
While the vaccine has been developed very fast, it could still take some time for it to be deemed fit for production and distribution – it might not be available for widespread use for 12 to 18 months, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the US National Institutes of Health.
Itâs not the only vaccine thatâs being worked on, with dozens of different research groups across the world all racing to create a coronavirus vaccine.Â
A man has been arrested in connection to the death of television personality George Gilbey who died after suffering a fall at work.
Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.
An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: âWe received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
Gilbey, a self-employed electricain, starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.
Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and Georgeâs family and friends at this very sad time.”
Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: âRest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Peteâs waiting for you with a pint xxx.â
Another wrote: âThinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.â
Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.
EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”
In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made Iâll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, Iâm going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”
And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.”Â
In the latest update, police said the arrested man was in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, and that further updates would be announced âproactivelyâ. The force said he was arrested on âsuspicion of gross negligence manslaughterâ.
Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.
David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.
He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.
David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.
He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.
Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.
Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.
Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.
An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: âWe received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.
“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”
Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.
Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and Georgeâs family and friends at this very sad time.”
Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: âRest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Peteâs waiting for you with a pint xxx.â
Another wrote: âThinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.â
Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.
EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”
In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made Iâll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, Iâm going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”
And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.”Â