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Coronavirus live news: Ireland to reopen schools; France investigates cruise ship deaths Coronavirus live news: Ireland to reopen schools; France investigates cruise ship deaths
(about 1 hour later)
Ireland extends other restrictions to April to prevent explosion in cases; three passengers died after outbreak on cruise in March 2020Ireland extends other restrictions to April to prevent explosion in cases; three passengers died after outbreak on cruise in March 2020
Israel will impose a night-time curfew for three nights from Thursday evening to curb the spread of the coronavirus during the Jewish holiday of Purim, the government said.
The curfew, from 8:30pm to 5am daily, will be in force from Thursday night until Sunday morning, a joint statement from the prime minister’s office and the health ministry said.
Gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 10 people in closed spaces and 20 people in open spaces, the statement added.
Sometimes dubbed the “fun” Jewish holiday, Purim typically includes costumes and boisterous public celebrations marking a story dating from fourth-century Persia that saw Jews defeat a murderous plot against them. For many it also involves services in synagogues and shared meals.
The holiday will be celebrated Thursday night and Friday.
Last year, gatherings for Purim were banned, but many ultra-Orthodox defied the restrictions, which authorities said contributed to the spread of the virus.
Israel has officially recorded more than 757,000 coronavirus cases and over 5,600 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The government has begun gradually easing restrictions in place since December, when it imposed its third lockdown.
Israel has administered the two recommended shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to more than three million people, roughly a third of its population.
Argentina expects to receive 904,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm on Thursday, the government said on Tuesday.
The delivery is part of a purchase of 1 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, which will be added to the 1.22 million doses the country has already received of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia. Argentina has also received 580,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.
“Aerolineas Argentinas flight AR1050 departed for Beijing to bring 904,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to the country. It is estimated that the flight will arrive at Ezeiza International Airport [on the outskirts of Buenos Aires] on Thursday,” the Argentine government said in a news release.
In the country of roughly 45 million people, 2.08 million cases of Covid-19 have been registered, 51,510 of them fatal, according to official data.
Brazil reported a further 62,715 cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, and another 1,386 deaths, the health ministry said on Tuesday. The country has now registered 10,257,875 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 248,529, according to ministry data, in the world’s third worst outbreak outside the United States and India and its second-deadliest.Brazil reported a further 62,715 cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, and another 1,386 deaths, the health ministry said on Tuesday. The country has now registered 10,257,875 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 248,529, according to ministry data, in the world’s third worst outbreak outside the United States and India and its second-deadliest.
Suriname launched a coronavirus vaccination campaign on Tuesday with a small batch of donated doses, as the nation seeks a steady supply of inoculations.Suriname launched a coronavirus vaccination campaign on Tuesday with a small batch of donated doses, as the nation seeks a steady supply of inoculations.
The country, which has a population of about 600,000, has reported 8,869 cases of Covid-19 and 168 deaths. It hopes to bring in 400,000 doses by the end of the year.The country, which has a population of about 600,000, has reported 8,869 cases of Covid-19 and 168 deaths. It hopes to bring in 400,000 doses by the end of the year.
It began its inoculation effort with 1,000 doses provided by Barbados and is expecting to receive a donation of 50,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine from India as early as this week, the public health minister Amar Ramadhin said.It began its inoculation effort with 1,000 doses provided by Barbados and is expecting to receive a donation of 50,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine from India as early as this week, the public health minister Amar Ramadhin said.
“We look forward to negotiating with the Indian government because we know there are more vaccines on their way,” said Ramadhin, a physician who was himself vaccinated in a televised broadcast. “We will use the power of negotiation and friendship between India and Suriname.” About a quarter of Suriname’s population is of Indian descent.“We look forward to negotiating with the Indian government because we know there are more vaccines on their way,” said Ramadhin, a physician who was himself vaccinated in a televised broadcast. “We will use the power of negotiation and friendship between India and Suriname.” About a quarter of Suriname’s population is of Indian descent.
Suriname made a $750,000 down payment in 2020 to the World Health Organization-backed vaccine distribution network, Covax, with the hope of receiving up to 20,000 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in early February.Suriname made a $750,000 down payment in 2020 to the World Health Organization-backed vaccine distribution network, Covax, with the hope of receiving up to 20,000 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in early February.
That delivery was delayed and Suriname is now expected to receive doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in the first quarter.That delivery was delayed and Suriname is now expected to receive doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in the first quarter.
It also hopes to receive 10,000 doses through an agreement between the African Medical Supplies Platform, a nonprofit initiative of the African Union, and the Caribbean Community, a regional cooperation organisation.It also hopes to receive 10,000 doses through an agreement between the African Medical Supplies Platform, a nonprofit initiative of the African Union, and the Caribbean Community, a regional cooperation organisation.
The vaccinations will first focus on about 1,500 healthcare workers, followed by 2,000 residents of retirement homes. Indigenous people are also a priority.The vaccinations will first focus on about 1,500 healthcare workers, followed by 2,000 residents of retirement homes. Indigenous people are also a priority.
Air travel is limited to returnees and those with urgent travel needs. Weekend lockdowns remain in place, although schools opened their doors last week for the first time in 2021.Air travel is limited to returnees and those with urgent travel needs. Weekend lockdowns remain in place, although schools opened their doors last week for the first time in 2021.
The number of patients treated in intensive care units for Covid-19 in France has reached a 12-week peak of 3,435, as regional officials urge for a ban on public gatherings and consider a partial weekend lockdown.The number of patients treated in intensive care units for Covid-19 in France has reached a 12-week peak of 3,435, as regional officials urge for a ban on public gatherings and consider a partial weekend lockdown.
Unlike some of its European neighbours, France has resisted a new national lockdown to control more contagious variants, hoping a curfew in place since 15 December can contain the pandemic.Unlike some of its European neighbours, France has resisted a new national lockdown to control more contagious variants, hoping a curfew in place since 15 December can contain the pandemic.
The country ended its second national lockdown, which ran from 30 October to 15 December. But one of the conditions for the switch from lockdown to a national curfew was that the ICU figures remained between 2,500 and 3,000.The country ended its second national lockdown, which ran from 30 October to 15 December. But one of the conditions for the switch from lockdown to a national curfew was that the ICU figures remained between 2,500 and 3,000.
France reported 20,064 new Covid-19 cases, up from the previous Tuesday’s 19,590. The seven-day moving average of cases remained above 20,000 for the third day in a row, at 20,109, the highest since 20,466 on 5 February.France reported 20,064 new Covid-19 cases, up from the previous Tuesday’s 19,590. The seven-day moving average of cases remained above 20,000 for the third day in a row, at 20,109, the highest since 20,466 on 5 February.
The northern port city of Dunkirk is urging the government to impose a ban on all public gatherings there until 15 March as a “last chance” move to halt a surge in Covid-19 infections.The northern port city of Dunkirk is urging the government to impose a ban on all public gatherings there until 15 March as a “last chance” move to halt a surge in Covid-19 infections.
Dunkirk’s mayor Patrice Vergriete did not advocate a partial weekend lockdown such as in the Mediterranean city of Nice, but added he would not oppose it if the government imposed such a measure.Dunkirk’s mayor Patrice Vergriete did not advocate a partial weekend lockdown such as in the Mediterranean city of Nice, but added he would not oppose it if the government imposed such a measure.
The health minister Olivier Veran will head to Dunkirk on Wednesday.The health minister Olivier Veran will head to Dunkirk on Wednesday.
The total cumulative number of cases in France rose to 3.63 million, the sixth highest in the world. The number of people who have died from Covid-19 infections rose by 431 to 85,044 - the seventh highest death toll globally - versus a seven-day moving average of 319, a more than one-and-a half month low.The total cumulative number of cases in France rose to 3.63 million, the sixth highest in the world. The number of people who have died from Covid-19 infections rose by 431 to 85,044 - the seventh highest death toll globally - versus a seven-day moving average of 319, a more than one-and-a half month low.
The former Czech president Vaclav Klaus, who has recently made a splash by publicly defying government restrictions to stem the Covid-19 spread, has contracted the disease, his spokesman said Tuesday.The former Czech president Vaclav Klaus, who has recently made a splash by publicly defying government restrictions to stem the Covid-19 spread, has contracted the disease, his spokesman said Tuesday.
“He wasn’t feeling well and he tested positive for Covid this afternoon,” Petr Macinka, spokesman for the Vaclav Klaus Institute think tank, told AFP.“He wasn’t feeling well and he tested positive for Covid this afternoon,” Petr Macinka, spokesman for the Vaclav Klaus Institute think tank, told AFP.
“He underwent a scan and left for treatment at home,” he added.“He underwent a scan and left for treatment at home,” he added.
The Czech Republic currently has the highest per capita infection rate in the world and is second after neighbouring Slovakia for deaths, according to an AFP tally.The Czech Republic currently has the highest per capita infection rate in the world and is second after neighbouring Slovakia for deaths, according to an AFP tally.
A former liberal economist and staunchly eurosceptic Czech prime minister, Klaus served as president in 2003-2013 after succeeding the late Vaclav Havel.A former liberal economist and staunchly eurosceptic Czech prime minister, Klaus served as president in 2003-2013 after succeeding the late Vaclav Havel.
During his term, Klaus became known for being the last politician in the EU to sign the bloc’s crucial Lisbon Treaty.During his term, Klaus became known for being the last politician in the EU to sign the bloc’s crucial Lisbon Treaty.
Since the pandemic began, the 79-year-old has repeatedly appeared in public without the mandatory face mask, and in January he was handed a fine worth 10,000 crowns (387 euros, $470) for that.Since the pandemic began, the 79-year-old has repeatedly appeared in public without the mandatory face mask, and in January he was handed a fine worth 10,000 crowns (387 euros, $470) for that.
In the same month, he delivered a speech at a rally against the restrictions, saying the government should know that “we have had enough of restrictions and instructions harming our lives”.In the same month, he delivered a speech at a rally against the restrictions, saying the government should know that “we have had enough of restrictions and instructions harming our lives”.
He also stood up against Covid vaccination, prompting a response from his successor Miloš Zeman, a veteran left-winger and Klaus’s former political foe.He also stood up against Covid vaccination, prompting a response from his successor Miloš Zeman, a veteran left-winger and Klaus’s former political foe.
“Get the vaccine, Vaclav, or you run the risk of catching Covid at your age,” Zeman urged Klaus in a newspaper interview in January.“Get the vaccine, Vaclav, or you run the risk of catching Covid at your age,” Zeman urged Klaus in a newspaper interview in January.
A growing number of the Polish population is opposed to getting a Covid vaccine, according to an opinion poll published on Tuesday, despite government warnings about a rising third wave of infections.A growing number of the Polish population is opposed to getting a Covid vaccine, according to an opinion poll published on Tuesday, despite government warnings about a rising third wave of infections.
The survey conducted by pollsters CBOS this month found 33% of Poles do not want to get vaccinated, against 55% who said they were in favour.The survey conducted by pollsters CBOS this month found 33% of Poles do not want to get vaccinated, against 55% who said they were in favour.
In a previous poll in January, the proportion had been 30% against getting a vaccine and 56% in favour.In a previous poll in January, the proportion had been 30% against getting a vaccine and 56% in favour.
Less than half the respondents aged under 45 want to be vaccinated, according to the latest poll of 1,179 people conducted from 1-11 February.Less than half the respondents aged under 45 want to be vaccinated, according to the latest poll of 1,179 people conducted from 1-11 February.
Coronavirus infection numbers have been rising in Poland and the government warned last week that it expects the trend to continue because of new variants, although it has so far not said it will reverse the recent easing of restrictions.Coronavirus infection numbers have been rising in Poland and the government warned last week that it expects the trend to continue because of new variants, although it has so far not said it will reverse the recent easing of restrictions.
So far this year, the government has re-opened non-essential shops as well as museums, cinemas, theatres and swimming pools.So far this year, the government has re-opened non-essential shops as well as museums, cinemas, theatres and swimming pools.
“The third wave of the pandemic is already in Poland and it is no longer a question of whether this will happen or not but what the scale will be,” the health minister Adam Niedzielski said on Friday.“The third wave of the pandemic is already in Poland and it is no longer a question of whether this will happen or not but what the scale will be,” the health minister Adam Niedzielski said on Friday.
The health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,310 new infections and 247 deaths - up from 5,178 infections and 196 deaths on the same day last week.The health ministry on Tuesday reported 6,310 new infections and 247 deaths - up from 5,178 infections and 196 deaths on the same day last week.
Michal Dworczyk, the top government official in charge of Poland’s vaccination drive, announced on Twitter on Monday that he himself has tested positive for Covid-19 and urged people to get vaccinated.Michal Dworczyk, the top government official in charge of Poland’s vaccination drive, announced on Twitter on Monday that he himself has tested positive for Covid-19 and urged people to get vaccinated.
As expected (see 3.19pm), the Netherlands has slightly eased its Covid restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen, as the government seeks to relax months of lockdown even as infection rates rise again.As expected (see 3.19pm), the Netherlands has slightly eased its Covid restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen, as the government seeks to relax months of lockdown even as infection rates rise again.
A controversial night-time curfew, which sparked a string of riots when it was introduced on 23 January, would remain in place until at least 15 March, prime minister Mark Rutte said, after the government circumvented a court ruling to drop it due to a lack of legal basis, Reuters reports.A controversial night-time curfew, which sparked a string of riots when it was introduced on 23 January, would remain in place until at least 15 March, prime minister Mark Rutte said, after the government circumvented a court ruling to drop it due to a lack of legal basis, Reuters reports.
Rutte said:Rutte said:
An opinion poll earlier this week showed 45% of all Dutch wanted the lockdown to be eased, up from only 21% at the end of January. Restaurant and bar owners on Monday said they would sue the state over its policies. With general elections only three weeks away, pressure on Rutte’s government to open up the country has increased markedly.An opinion poll earlier this week showed 45% of all Dutch wanted the lockdown to be eased, up from only 21% at the end of January. Restaurant and bar owners on Monday said they would sue the state over its policies. With general elections only three weeks away, pressure on Rutte’s government to open up the country has increased markedly.
Rutte said schools will welcome students for at least one day a week as of next week, following the re-opening of primary schools earlier this month. Non-essential stores, which have been closed since mid-December, can receive a limited number of customers per day.Rutte said schools will welcome students for at least one day a week as of next week, following the re-opening of primary schools earlier this month. Non-essential stores, which have been closed since mid-December, can receive a limited number of customers per day.
A majority of Brazil’s supreme court justices have voted for an injunction allowing local state and city authorities to bypass the federal government when it fails to secure Covid-19 vaccines so that they can buy and distribute their own supplies, Reuters reports.A majority of Brazil’s supreme court justices have voted for an injunction allowing local state and city authorities to bypass the federal government when it fails to secure Covid-19 vaccines so that they can buy and distribute their own supplies, Reuters reports.
President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing government is under pressure for its slow response in rolling out vaccines despite his country facing the world’s second deadliest coronavirus outbreak. In a virtual session, the court also ruled that local governments can import vaccines when health regulator Anvisa fails to consider an application within 72 hours.President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing government is under pressure for its slow response in rolling out vaccines despite his country facing the world’s second deadliest coronavirus outbreak. In a virtual session, the court also ruled that local governments can import vaccines when health regulator Anvisa fails to consider an application within 72 hours.
Brazil today fully approved the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, health regulator Anvisa has announced, although it remains to be seen if Brasilia and Pfizer can end a dispute and agree a supply deal (see 1.34pm).Brazil today fully approved the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, health regulator Anvisa has announced, although it remains to be seen if Brasilia and Pfizer can end a dispute and agree a supply deal (see 1.34pm).
Spain’s coronavirus incidence slipped below 250 cases per 100,000 people - a threshold the health ministry considers as “extreme risk” of contagion - for the first time in two months today, Reuters reports.Spain’s coronavirus incidence slipped below 250 cases per 100,000 people - a threshold the health ministry considers as “extreme risk” of contagion - for the first time in two months today, Reuters reports.
The indicator, measured over the past 14 days, fell to 236 cases from 252 the previous day and from a record 900 cases at the end of January, health ministry data showed. It added 7,461 cases to its tally of infections today which now stands at 3,161,432 since the start of the pandemic.The indicator, measured over the past 14 days, fell to 236 cases from 252 the previous day and from a record 900 cases at the end of January, health ministry data showed. It added 7,461 cases to its tally of infections today which now stands at 3,161,432 since the start of the pandemic.
The death toll increased by 443, to a total of 68,079, although most of the newly-registered deaths occurred in the previous days, the data showed. The daily death toll has been in decline for the past month in the country of 47 million.The death toll increased by 443, to a total of 68,079, although most of the newly-registered deaths occurred in the previous days, the data showed. The daily death toll has been in decline for the past month in the country of 47 million.
With a third wave quickly receding and the vaccination campaign in full swing, several regions have relaxed restrictions such as night-time curfews in the past couple of weeks.With a third wave quickly receding and the vaccination campaign in full swing, several regions have relaxed restrictions such as night-time curfews in the past couple of weeks.
Brussels has put six EU member states on notice that their tight Covid border restrictions, including exit and entry bans, should be lifted over fears of a wider breakdown in the bloc’s free movement of people and goods.Brussels has put six EU member states on notice that their tight Covid border restrictions, including exit and entry bans, should be lifted over fears of a wider breakdown in the bloc’s free movement of people and goods.
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary and Sweden have been given 10 days to respond to the European commission’s concerns that they have breached commonly agreed coronavirus guidelines.Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary and Sweden have been given 10 days to respond to the European commission’s concerns that they have breached commonly agreed coronavirus guidelines.
Restrictions imposed by Germany at its border with the Austrian Tirol region have been a particular cause of tension in recent weeks, with the German ambassador in Vienna summoned to justify the “unnecessary measures that do more harm than good”.Restrictions imposed by Germany at its border with the Austrian Tirol region have been a particular cause of tension in recent weeks, with the German ambassador in Vienna summoned to justify the “unnecessary measures that do more harm than good”.
Here are some of the key global developments from the past few hours:Here are some of the key global developments from the past few hours:
Scotland is to look to begin a “substantial” easing of coronavirus restrictions from 26 April, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said.Scotland is to look to begin a “substantial” easing of coronavirus restrictions from 26 April, first minister Nicola Sturgeon said.
Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.
The Netherlands is expected to announce a slight easing of restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen (see 3.19pm).The Netherlands is expected to announce a slight easing of restrictions, allowing schools and hairdressers to reopen (see 3.19pm).
Israel announced it would send a “token amount” of surplus coronavirus jobs to several countries (see 2.50pm), in the latest move to suggest limited global supplies will lead to a new form of diplomatic currency.Israel announced it would send a “token amount” of surplus coronavirus jobs to several countries (see 2.50pm), in the latest move to suggest limited global supplies will lead to a new form of diplomatic currency.
Spain extends its ban on arrivals from Britain, Brazil and South Africa until 16 March to safeguard against the spread of new coronavirus strains from these countries (see 4.34pm).Spain extends its ban on arrivals from Britain, Brazil and South Africa until 16 March to safeguard against the spread of new coronavirus strains from these countries (see 4.34pm).
Greek hospital doctors went on strike and dozens marched in Athens to protest “suffocating” conditions at hospitals during the pandemic (see 12.58pm).Greek hospital doctors went on strike and dozens marched in Athens to protest “suffocating” conditions at hospitals during the pandemic (see 12.58pm).
Chinese officials did “little” in terms of epidemiological investigations into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan in the first eight months after the outbreak, according to an internal World Health Organization document.Chinese officials did “little” in terms of epidemiological investigations into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan in the first eight months after the outbreak, according to an internal World Health Organization document.
French investigators probe manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers (see 5.34pm).French investigators probe manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers (see 5.34pm).
Ten orangutans were airlifted back to their natural habitat on Indonesia’s Borneo island, in the first release of the apes into the wild for a year due to the dangers of coronavirus infection.Ten orangutans were airlifted back to their natural habitat on Indonesia’s Borneo island, in the first release of the apes into the wild for a year due to the dangers of coronavirus infection.
Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.Ireland is to start reopening some schools next week but is extending other lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another explosion in Covid-19 cases.
The government has prioritised education and childcare in a cautious new roadmap out of restrictions after a disastrous relaxation before Christmas led to Ireland having the world’s highest rate of infection.The government has prioritised education and childcare in a cautious new roadmap out of restrictions after a disastrous relaxation before Christmas led to Ireland having the world’s highest rate of infection.
The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, was to announce the revised Living with Covid plan in a televised address on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day the cabinet agreed to extend the maximum level 5 restrictions until 5 April, which means non-essential retail, bars, cafes, construction, gyms and other sectors will remain closed. A 5km travel limit remains in place, as does a ban on household mixing.The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, was to announce the revised Living with Covid plan in a televised address on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day the cabinet agreed to extend the maximum level 5 restrictions until 5 April, which means non-essential retail, bars, cafes, construction, gyms and other sectors will remain closed. A 5km travel limit remains in place, as does a ban on household mixing.
Exempting Covid-19 vaccines from intellectual property rights would not speed up production or distribution of the jabs, a pharmaceutical industry association has claimed.Exempting Covid-19 vaccines from intellectual property rights would not speed up production or distribution of the jabs, a pharmaceutical industry association has claimed.
Proponents of doing away with patents say more companies could produce the vaccine, which could then be used in poorer nations that have yet to receive any jabs.Proponents of doing away with patents say more companies could produce the vaccine, which could then be used in poorer nations that have yet to receive any jabs.
But Thomas Cueni, the head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), said managing the complex logistics of rolling out vaccines was what was slowing down jabs, not patents.But Thomas Cueni, the head of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), said managing the complex logistics of rolling out vaccines was what was slowing down jabs, not patents.
His comments come amid a push at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to introduce a temporary IP waiver during the pandemic. The proposal, which was first put forward last year by India and South Africa, has been gaining momentum with the backing of more than 100 countries.His comments come amid a push at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to introduce a temporary IP waiver during the pandemic. The proposal, which was first put forward last year by India and South Africa, has been gaining momentum with the backing of more than 100 countries.
But several nations, including the US and Switzerland along with the EU, oppose the move. The opposition means the proposal cannot move forward in the WTO, which makes decisions by consensus.But several nations, including the US and Switzerland along with the EU, oppose the move. The opposition means the proposal cannot move forward in the WTO, which makes decisions by consensus.
There are also fears over vaccines being made to a poor quality, along with the potential consequences of added pressure on supply chains if the intellectual property was democratised.There are also fears over vaccines being made to a poor quality, along with the potential consequences of added pressure on supply chains if the intellectual property was democratised.
Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, said last week:Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, said last week:
French investigators are probing manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers, judicial sources have told AFP.French investigators are probing manslaughter allegations against Italy’s Costa Cruises over its handling of Covid-19 cases onboard one of its ships, which claimed the lives of three passengers, judicial sources have told AFP.
North Macedonia has said the EU should do more to help the Balkan country acquire Covid-19 vaccines, claiming it had become “collateral damage” of EU procurement policy.North Macedonia has said the EU should do more to help the Balkan country acquire Covid-19 vaccines, claiming it had become “collateral damage” of EU procurement policy.
Foreign minister Bujar Osmani told AFP that his country, which is not in the bloc – in part due to Bulgarian opposition – had been able to begin a modest vaccination campaign thanks to donations of a few thousand vaccine doses from Serbia, which made deals directly with pharmaceutical companies.Foreign minister Bujar Osmani told AFP that his country, which is not in the bloc – in part due to Bulgarian opposition – had been able to begin a modest vaccination campaign thanks to donations of a few thousand vaccine doses from Serbia, which made deals directly with pharmaceutical companies.
But he deplored the absence of any EU assistance, saying Brussels was sending “the wrong message” to the Balkans by “leaving the region without vaccines”.But he deplored the absence of any EU assistance, saying Brussels was sending “the wrong message” to the Balkans by “leaving the region without vaccines”.
Osmani said North Macedonia had last year ordered and paid for 800,000 Astra Zeneca vaccine doses through the World Health Organization’s Covax system, and ordered another 800,000 doses from the Pfizer group directly but “nothing has come to Macedonia as yet”.Osmani said North Macedonia had last year ordered and paid for 800,000 Astra Zeneca vaccine doses through the World Health Organization’s Covax system, and ordered another 800,000 doses from the Pfizer group directly but “nothing has come to Macedonia as yet”.
He said “every day we are delaying the vaccines puts more people in danger, in particular the vulnerable ones”, adding that his government was trying to secure Chinese vaccines, with 200,000 Sinopharm doses expected in the coming days.He said “every day we are delaying the vaccines puts more people in danger, in particular the vulnerable ones”, adding that his government was trying to secure Chinese vaccines, with 200,000 Sinopharm doses expected in the coming days.
The country of 2 million people has recorded almost 100,000 Covid cases and 3,076 deaths.The country of 2 million people has recorded almost 100,000 Covid cases and 3,076 deaths.
Hundreds of young Algerians have defied a coronavirus ban on demonstrations to protest in the capital Algiers, a day after major protests to mark the second anniversary of mass anti-government rallies, AFP reports.Hundreds of young Algerians have defied a coronavirus ban on demonstrations to protest in the capital Algiers, a day after major protests to mark the second anniversary of mass anti-government rallies, AFP reports.