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Coronavirus live news: Fauci says political divide added to 'stunning' US deaths; Italy 'misled' WHO Coronavirus live news: Fauci says political divide added to 'stunning' US deaths; Italy 'misled' WHO
(32 minutes later)
Syria approves Sputnik vaccine; UK government eyes return to normal by end of June; Fauci says political divide contributed to ‘stunning’ US deathsSyria approves Sputnik vaccine; UK government eyes return to normal by end of June; Fauci says political divide contributed to ‘stunning’ US deaths
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. Thanks for following along – and stay tuned for more updates from my colleague Caroline Davies.
If you would like some calm with your pandemic-mandated indoor monotony, might I suggest these poet-recommended Keats poems:
Here are the key coronavirus developments from the last few hours:
More than half a million people have died of Covid-19 in the US, according to Johns Hopkins University. The country had recorded more than 28 million cases and 500,071 lives have been lost as of Monday afternoon. In a somber address to the nation as the US surpassed half a million coronavirus deaths on Monday, Joe Biden urged the country to unify in its battle against the virus.
Dr Fauci: the political divide added to ‘stunning’ US deaths. Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said political divisiveness contributed significantly to the “stunning” US coronavirus death toll, which on Monday surpassed 500,000 lives lost.
Italy allegedly misled the World Health Organization on its readiness to face a pandemic less than three weeks before the country’s first locally transmitted coronavirus case was confirmed.
Syria has authorised the use of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, its embassy in Moscow said Monday. The country is the latest to approve the Russian vaccine, named after the Soviet-era satellite. Sputnik V was registered in August before clinical trials were underway, which left experts wary.
UK govt eyeing return to normal by end of June. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday set out a four-step plan to ease coronavirus restrictions, expressing hope that life could get back to normal by the end of June.
Austria is betting on millions of tests to contain Covid-19. While Austria has struggled to contain the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it is fast emerging as a world leader in testing as a way to reopen schools and businesses.
The World Health Organization has agreed a no-fault compensation plan for claims of serious side effects in people in 92 poorer countries due to get Covid vaccines via the Covax sharing scheme, resolving a big concern among recipient governments.
Guinea will launch an Ebola vaccination drive Tuesday after a flight delayed by a Saharan dust storm arrived carrying thousands of jabs, as the West African country fights to stamp out a resurgence of the deadly virus.
New Zealand has confirmed three new coronavirus cases – a schoolmate of a person from the original Auckland cluster and their two siblings. One of the siblings had been working at a K-Mart and 31 staff have now been identified as close contacts.
In the UK, the government has set out a four-step roadmap for relaxing coronavirus restrictions in England, including likely dates for reopening the hard-hit hospitality industry and non-essential retail. Here we gauge the reaction of businesses to a pathway out of the crisis:
New Zealand has confirmed two new coronavirus cases – the siblings of the case confirmed earlier on Tuesday, NewsHub reports.New Zealand has confirmed two new coronavirus cases – the siblings of the case confirmed earlier on Tuesday, NewsHub reports.
One of the cases had been working at a K-Mart and 31 staff have now been identified as close contacts:One of the cases had been working at a K-Mart and 31 staff have now been identified as close contacts:
Guinea will launch an Ebola vaccination drive Tuesday after a flight delayed by a Saharan dust storm arrived carrying thousands of jabs, as the West African country fights to stamp out a resurgence of the deadly virus, AFP reports.Guinea will launch an Ebola vaccination drive Tuesday after a flight delayed by a Saharan dust storm arrived carrying thousands of jabs, as the West African country fights to stamp out a resurgence of the deadly virus, AFP reports.
The outbreak, declared last weekend, is the first in the region since a 2013-16 epidemic left more than 11,300 people dead, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.The outbreak, declared last weekend, is the first in the region since a 2013-16 epidemic left more than 11,300 people dead, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The start of the inoculation campaign had to be delayed by one day after a plane carrying more than 11,000 vaccine doses was unable to land in Guinea’s capital Conakry due to a dust storm.The start of the inoculation campaign had to be delayed by one day after a plane carrying more than 11,000 vaccine doses was unable to land in Guinea’s capital Conakry due to a dust storm.
A special flight carrying the Merck vaccine finally landed in Guinea late Monday, an AFP correspondent reported.A special flight carrying the Merck vaccine finally landed in Guinea late Monday, an AFP correspondent reported.
Health authorities said some of the doses would head straight to Nzerekore, the capital of Guinea’s southeastern forest region where five people have recently died of Ebola.Health authorities said some of the doses would head straight to Nzerekore, the capital of Guinea’s southeastern forest region where five people have recently died of Ebola.
Inoculations are also planned in Conakry on Tuesday.Inoculations are also planned in Conakry on Tuesday.
Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.
As well as Guinea, the disease has also recently reemerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo.As well as Guinea, the disease has also recently reemerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A further 8,700 vaccine doses were set to arrive from the United States on Wednesday.A further 8,700 vaccine doses were set to arrive from the United States on Wednesday.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 3,883 to 2,394,811, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Tuesday.The reported death toll rose by 415 to 68,318, the tally showed.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 3,883 to 2,394,811, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Tuesday.The reported death toll rose by 415 to 68,318, the tally showed.
Vietnam’s government said on Tuesday health workers, diplomats and military personnel would be among the first to be vaccinated against Covid when the country starts its inoculation programme next month, Reuters reports. The Southeast Asian country with a population of 98 million said it will receive 60 million vaccine doses this year, including half under the WHO-led Covax scheme.In the first quarter of 2021, Vietnam aims to inoculate 500,000 medical staff and 116,000 others directly involved in the fight against the pandemic, the government said in a statement.Vietnam was lauded globally for containing the virus for months using mass testing and strict quarantining, though has faced a recent new wave of infections.Vietnam’s government said on Tuesday health workers, diplomats and military personnel would be among the first to be vaccinated against Covid when the country starts its inoculation programme next month, Reuters reports. The Southeast Asian country with a population of 98 million said it will receive 60 million vaccine doses this year, including half under the WHO-led Covax scheme.In the first quarter of 2021, Vietnam aims to inoculate 500,000 medical staff and 116,000 others directly involved in the fight against the pandemic, the government said in a statement.Vietnam was lauded globally for containing the virus for months using mass testing and strict quarantining, though has faced a recent new wave of infections.
Late last month, Vietnam approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use days after the country detected the first locally transmitted cases in nearly two months.The government said previously it was in talks with Russian and US vaccine manufacturers on potential supply agreements, while it expects a home-grown vaccine to be ready for domestic inoculation by May.In the second quarter, Vietnam plans to vaccinate 1.8 million more people, including 9,200 customs officials, 4,080 diplomats, 1.03 million military personnel, 304,000 police officers and 550,000 teachers, the government said.The country intends for 16 million to be vaccinated by the end of the third quarter, including 7.6 million people over the age of 65, the government said. Vietnam has recorded 803 new Covid cases since the latest outbreak started last month or about a third of its overall caseload of 2,395 infections since infections were first detected a year ago. Vietnam has reported 35 deaths due to the virus.Late last month, Vietnam approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use days after the country detected the first locally transmitted cases in nearly two months.The government said previously it was in talks with Russian and US vaccine manufacturers on potential supply agreements, while it expects a home-grown vaccine to be ready for domestic inoculation by May.In the second quarter, Vietnam plans to vaccinate 1.8 million more people, including 9,200 customs officials, 4,080 diplomats, 1.03 million military personnel, 304,000 police officers and 550,000 teachers, the government said.The country intends for 16 million to be vaccinated by the end of the third quarter, including 7.6 million people over the age of 65, the government said. Vietnam has recorded 803 new Covid cases since the latest outbreak started last month or about a third of its overall caseload of 2,395 infections since infections were first detected a year ago. Vietnam has reported 35 deaths due to the virus.
Oman will not allow people from 10 countries to enter the country for 15 days to curb the spread of the coronavirus, in particular certain mutated strains, the Gulf state’s coronavirus committee said on Tuesday.The countries are: Sudan, Lebanon, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia. The decision is effective from Thursday.Oman will not allow people from 10 countries to enter the country for 15 days to curb the spread of the coronavirus, in particular certain mutated strains, the Gulf state’s coronavirus committee said on Tuesday.The countries are: Sudan, Lebanon, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia. The decision is effective from Thursday.
Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers have made an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccination in the first nine hours of registration.Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers have made an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccination in the first nine hours of registration.
Hong Kong authorities launched the online bookings at midnight, and by 9am 42,000 people from the five priority groups had signed up, the city’s chief executive said this morning. Vaccinations for the first priority group will begin next week and run for a fortnight, Carrie Lam said.Hong Kong authorities launched the online bookings at midnight, and by 9am 42,000 people from the five priority groups had signed up, the city’s chief executive said this morning. Vaccinations for the first priority group will begin next week and run for a fortnight, Carrie Lam said.
“The registration opened at midnight. Most citizens were sleeping, but some of them couldn’t wait and booked their vaccination. The response is enthusiastic,” she said.“The registration opened at midnight. Most citizens were sleeping, but some of them couldn’t wait and booked their vaccination. The response is enthusiastic,” she said.
While Lam praised the sign-up rate, there are signs of some teething problems. RTHK reports there was a waiting time of more than one hour on the website, and the booking link went to a page only in Chinese. Vaccinations at 18 designated outpatient clinics were also fully booked after the 42,000 registrations, but Lam said there were still appointments available at the five community vaccination centres.While Lam praised the sign-up rate, there are signs of some teething problems. RTHK reports there was a waiting time of more than one hour on the website, and the booking link went to a page only in Chinese. Vaccinations at 18 designated outpatient clinics were also fully booked after the 42,000 registrations, but Lam said there were still appointments available at the five community vaccination centres.
She also said the first shipment of the second vaccine Hong Kong has procured - from Pfizer/BioNtech - would arrive shortly.She also said the first shipment of the second vaccine Hong Kong has procured - from Pfizer/BioNtech - would arrive shortly.
The first rollout is of the Chinese-made Sinovac, which has drawn some suspicion from Hong Kongers, amid an already high level of vaccine hesitancy compared to other countries.The first rollout is of the Chinese-made Sinovac, which has drawn some suspicion from Hong Kongers, amid an already high level of vaccine hesitancy compared to other countries.
A citywide poll conducted in January by University of Hong Kong found only about 30% residents were prepared to take the vaccine supplied by Sinovac. In contrast, 56% of respondents said they’d like to be vaccinated with Pfizer/BioNtech’s vaccine amid concern over Sinovac’s low efficacy.A citywide poll conducted in January by University of Hong Kong found only about 30% residents were prepared to take the vaccine supplied by Sinovac. In contrast, 56% of respondents said they’d like to be vaccinated with Pfizer/BioNtech’s vaccine amid concern over Sinovac’s low efficacy.
Another poll by the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s medicine department, also conducted in January, found the overall Covid-19 vaccine acceptance rate for Hong Kong adults was 37%, which is far lower than that of other countries (around 60 – 90%).Another poll by the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s medicine department, also conducted in January, found the overall Covid-19 vaccine acceptance rate for Hong Kong adults was 37%, which is far lower than that of other countries (around 60 – 90%).
In an effort to reassure the public (as many global leaders have done) Lam and key ministers were the first to receive the vaccine yesterday, and she told the Tuesday press conference she was feeling fine.In an effort to reassure the public (as many global leaders have done) Lam and key ministers were the first to receive the vaccine yesterday, and she told the Tuesday press conference she was feeling fine.
Lam decried “skilfully crafted” rumours and misinformation on the internet, including claims that she and other ministers were given something other than the Sinovac vaccine.Lam decried “skilfully crafted” rumours and misinformation on the internet, including claims that she and other ministers were given something other than the Sinovac vaccine.
“We will be on our guard and will monitor the situation around the clock and as soon as we spot any untruthful reports we will swiftly clarify it. The vaccination will not just protect yourself, it will help you protect others.”“We will be on our guard and will monitor the situation around the clock and as soon as we spot any untruthful reports we will swiftly clarify it. The vaccination will not just protect yourself, it will help you protect others.”
Leading Australian scientists have called on the federal government to urgently develop additional onshore Covid vaccine manufacturing capability to protect against supply disruption as the country completes its second day of vaccinations.Leading Australian scientists have called on the federal government to urgently develop additional onshore Covid vaccine manufacturing capability to protect against supply disruption as the country completes its second day of vaccinations.
In a pre-budget submission published on Tuesday, the Australian Academy of Science said without the ability to produce mRNA vaccines, Australia and the region remain vulnerable to supply limitations:In a pre-budget submission published on Tuesday, the Australian Academy of Science said without the ability to produce mRNA vaccines, Australia and the region remain vulnerable to supply limitations:
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito said he was anticipating a “bright future” as Japan began its coronavirus inoculation programme, during an address to mark his 61st birthday on Tuesday, Reuters reports. Celebrations to mark the Emperor’s birthday have been muted this year because of the pandemic.“Fortunately, the number of new infections appears to be declining nationwide. Furthermore, coronavirus vaccinations have started,” Naruhito said, speaking to reporters at the imperial palace from behind a large transparent partition.“I look forward to a bright future ahead, as our people overcome the coronavirus crisis by sharing the pain and helping each other, “ Naruhito said.Japan’s Covid vaccination started this month, but one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies faces challenges with the programme.Japan’s Emperor Naruhito said he was anticipating a “bright future” as Japan began its coronavirus inoculation programme, during an address to mark his 61st birthday on Tuesday, Reuters reports. Celebrations to mark the Emperor’s birthday have been muted this year because of the pandemic.“Fortunately, the number of new infections appears to be declining nationwide. Furthermore, coronavirus vaccinations have started,” Naruhito said, speaking to reporters at the imperial palace from behind a large transparent partition.“I look forward to a bright future ahead, as our people overcome the coronavirus crisis by sharing the pain and helping each other, “ Naruhito said.Japan’s Covid vaccination started this month, but one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies faces challenges with the programme.
There will be limited supplies of vaccine doses for the first months of the rollout and shots for the elderly will be distributed gradually, the inoculation chief said on Monday.On the Emperor’s birthday, visitors usually come to the imperial palace to offer good wishes and sign a guestbook – a practice that dates back to 1948. The Emperor also appears on a palace balcony with other members of the imperial family to speak to visitors.Those events were cancelled this year. Naruhito’s new year public appearance last month was also replaced by a video message.Naruhito, the grandson of Emperor Hirohito in whose name Imperial troops fought World War Two, is Japan’s first monarch born after the war. He ascended the throne in 2019 after his father, Akihito, abdicatedThere will be limited supplies of vaccine doses for the first months of the rollout and shots for the elderly will be distributed gradually, the inoculation chief said on Monday.On the Emperor’s birthday, visitors usually come to the imperial palace to offer good wishes and sign a guestbook – a practice that dates back to 1948. The Emperor also appears on a palace balcony with other members of the imperial family to speak to visitors.Those events were cancelled this year. Naruhito’s new year public appearance last month was also replaced by a video message.Naruhito, the grandson of Emperor Hirohito in whose name Imperial troops fought World War Two, is Japan’s first monarch born after the war. He ascended the throne in 2019 after his father, Akihito, abdicated
Papua New Guinea’s Covid-19 tsar has tested positive for the coronavirus.Papua New Guinea’s Covid-19 tsar has tested positive for the coronavirus.
David Manning, PNG’s pandemic response controller and police commissioner, tested positive, along with two family members, over the weekend.David Manning, PNG’s pandemic response controller and police commissioner, tested positive, along with two family members, over the weekend.
He said, given the nature of his work, and his high level of exposure, infection “was bound to happen sooner or later”.He said, given the nature of his work, and his high level of exposure, infection “was bound to happen sooner or later”.
Manning reiterated concerns about the low number of Covid-19 tests conducted across PNG.Manning reiterated concerns about the low number of Covid-19 tests conducted across PNG.
“Our Covid-19 response is more than 12 months in place but we have only tested about 50,000 people. This is roughly 0.5% of the PNG population.“Our Covid-19 response is more than 12 months in place but we have only tested about 50,000 people. This is roughly 0.5% of the PNG population.
“I want to see more tests being done around the country so that we can have a fair idea of where the pandemic is in PNG and take measures to mitigate and contain it.”“I want to see more tests being done around the country so that we can have a fair idea of where the pandemic is in PNG and take measures to mitigate and contain it.”
PNG has had only 1056 confirmed cases, and 10 known deaths from Covid-19, but the actual rate of infection and death is likely significantly higher.PNG has had only 1056 confirmed cases, and 10 known deaths from Covid-19, but the actual rate of infection and death is likely significantly higher.
The World Health Organization has agreed a no-fault compensation plan for claims of serious side effects in people in 92 poorer countries due to get COVID-19 vaccines via the Covax sharing scheme, resolving a big concern among recipient governments, Reuters reports.The World Health Organization has agreed a no-fault compensation plan for claims of serious side effects in people in 92 poorer countries due to get COVID-19 vaccines via the Covax sharing scheme, resolving a big concern among recipient governments, Reuters reports.
The programme, which the WHO said was the first and only vaccine injury compensation mechanism operating on an international scale, will offer eligible people “a fast, fair, robust and transparent process”, the WHO said in a statement.“By providing a no-fault lump-sum compensation in full and final settlement of any claims, the Covax programme aims to significantly reduce the need for recourse to the law courts, a potentially lengthy and costly process,” the statement said.Questions of how compensation claims would be handled in the event of any serious Covid vaccine side effects, which are likely to be very rare, had been a worry for countries due to get Covid shots via the COVAX plan.Countries funding their own Covid vaccine procurement also plan their own liability programmes.The WHO-agreed plan, which has been under discussion for several months, is designed to cover serious side effects linked to any Covax-distributed vaccines until June 30, 2022, to Covax’s Advance Market Commitment-eligible economies - a group of 92 poorer states which includes most African and Southeast Asian countries.The programme, which the WHO said was the first and only vaccine injury compensation mechanism operating on an international scale, will offer eligible people “a fast, fair, robust and transparent process”, the WHO said in a statement.“By providing a no-fault lump-sum compensation in full and final settlement of any claims, the Covax programme aims to significantly reduce the need for recourse to the law courts, a potentially lengthy and costly process,” the statement said.Questions of how compensation claims would be handled in the event of any serious Covid vaccine side effects, which are likely to be very rare, had been a worry for countries due to get Covid shots via the COVAX plan.Countries funding their own Covid vaccine procurement also plan their own liability programmes.The WHO-agreed plan, which has been under discussion for several months, is designed to cover serious side effects linked to any Covax-distributed vaccines until June 30, 2022, to Covax’s Advance Market Commitment-eligible economies - a group of 92 poorer states which includes most African and Southeast Asian countries.
While Austria has struggled to contain the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it is fast emerging as a world leader in testing as a way to reopen schools and businesses, AFP reports.While Austria has struggled to contain the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it is fast emerging as a world leader in testing as a way to reopen schools and businesses, AFP reports.
The small nation with a population of just under nine million tested three million people last week alone, with the mass-testing strategy forming a key plank for getting pupils back into the classroom.The small nation with a population of just under nine million tested three million people last week alone, with the mass-testing strategy forming a key plank for getting pupils back into the classroom.
Half of those three million tests were administered in schools, where twice-weekly tests have been mandatory since in-person lessons restarted earlier this month.Half of those three million tests were administered in schools, where twice-weekly tests have been mandatory since in-person lessons restarted earlier this month.
Only a tiny percentage of parents have refused to have their children tested under the scheme - and those children are not allowed to return to school.Only a tiny percentage of parents have refused to have their children tested under the scheme - and those children are not allowed to return to school.
The other 1.5 million tests were carried out at more than 500 dedicated centres, around 900 pharmacies and roughly 1,000 companies.The other 1.5 million tests were carried out at more than 500 dedicated centres, around 900 pharmacies and roughly 1,000 companies.
In a somber address to the nation as the US surpassed half a million coronavirus deaths on Monday, Joe Biden urged the country to unify in its battle against the virus.In a somber address to the nation as the US surpassed half a million coronavirus deaths on Monday, Joe Biden urged the country to unify in its battle against the virus.
“I ask all Americans to remember those we lost and those we left behind. But as we all remember, I also ask us to act, to remain vigilant, to stay socially distanced, to mask up, get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” the president said in his address from the White House.“I ask all Americans to remember those we lost and those we left behind. But as we all remember, I also ask us to act, to remain vigilant, to stay socially distanced, to mask up, get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” the president said in his address from the White House.
Biden used the speech to urge Americans to overcome partisanship and follow public health guidelines as his administration races to distribute vaccines and end the pandemic:Biden used the speech to urge Americans to overcome partisanship and follow public health guidelines as his administration races to distribute vaccines and end the pandemic:
China reported 10 new Covid cases on 22 February, down from 11 cases a day earlier, the national health authority said on Tuesday.The National Health Commission said in a statement all of the new cases were imported infections originating from overseas. The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, rose to nine from eight a day earlier.China reported 10 new Covid cases on 22 February, down from 11 cases a day earlier, the national health authority said on Tuesday.The National Health Commission said in a statement all of the new cases were imported infections originating from overseas. The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, rose to nine from eight a day earlier.
The total number of confirmed Covid cases in mainland China now stands at 89,852, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,636.The total number of confirmed Covid cases in mainland China now stands at 89,852, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,636.