Covid live news: UK records 26,068 cases, most since January; pandemic end is ‘distant future’ in Latin America

UK records 14 further deaths as cases surge; new infections declining in north America but warning for Latin America as vaccinations lag

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• Brazil suspends Covaxin contract after accusations of irregularities
• LA recommends indoor masks regardless of vaccination status

10.48pm BST

Brazil's president, Jair Bolsonaro, has fired a health ministry official who reportedly asked for a bribe in a vaccine deal, the latest graft accusation to rock the government amid investigations of its pandemic response.

With over half a million Covid-19 deaths and more new cases daily than any other country, anger is mounting in Brazil over missed opportunities to buy coronavirus vaccines, Reuters reports.

Related: Bolsonaro fires health official who reportedly asked for vaccine deal bribe

10.41pm BST

Pressure is mounting on ministers to reassure the public about the safety of hosting the final stages of Euro 2020 and other major events after almost 1,300 Scotland fans tested positive for Covid after travelling to London for a match.

Data published by Public Health Scotland on Wednesday showed that 1,991 people who later tested positive had attended one or more Euro 2020 events during their infection period, a time when they may have unknowingly transmitted their infection to others".

Related: Surge in Scottish Covid cases raises Euro 2020 safety concerns