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Coronavirus live news: Greece extends lockdown to more areas; Johnson & Johnson jab 'to get EU approval' Coronavirus live news: Greece extends lockdown to more areas; Johnson & Johnson jab 'to get EU approval'
(32 minutes later)
Greece announced tighter measures as pandemic showed no signs of waning in the country; EMA expected to approve vaccine on 11 MarchGreece announced tighter measures as pandemic showed no signs of waning in the country; EMA expected to approve vaccine on 11 March
The US House of Representatives is expected to approve president Joe Biden’s $1.9tn pandemic aid package on Friday evening, which includes direct aid to small businesses, $1,400 direct checks to Americans earning less than $75,000 (£62,000) per year, an increase in child tax credit, direct funding to state and local governments, funding for schools and more funds for vaccine distribution.
The stimulus package will come on top of about $4tn already approved under former US president Donald Trump.
CNN reports:
Honduras will begin receiving nearly 430,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in March through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global COVAX program for poor and middle-income countries, the Honduran health minister said on Friday.
Reuters reports:
England’s deputy chief medical officer has told people “don’t wreck this now” as he warned there were “some worrying signs that people are relaxing” in the batlle against coronavirus at “exactly the wrong time”.England’s deputy chief medical officer has told people “don’t wreck this now” as he warned there were “some worrying signs that people are relaxing” in the batlle against coronavirus at “exactly the wrong time”.
PA reports:PA reports:
France reported 286 further deaths on Friday, as well as 25,207 new infections.France reported 286 further deaths on Friday, as well as 25,207 new infections.
A week ago, the country recorded 24,116 new cases, and 25,403 fresh cases were logged on Thursday.A week ago, the country recorded 24,116 new cases, and 25,403 fresh cases were logged on Thursday.
The seven-day moving average of new cases increased to 21,608, a new 2021 high, according to Reuters.The seven-day moving average of new cases increased to 21,608, a new 2021 high, according to Reuters.
French prime minister Jean Castex said on Thursday that the Covid-19 situation in the country was very “worrying” in 20 French departments and that stricter limits on movement will be enforced in those areas if infections numbers don’t improve.French prime minister Jean Castex said on Thursday that the Covid-19 situation in the country was very “worrying” in 20 French departments and that stricter limits on movement will be enforced in those areas if infections numbers don’t improve.
A shipment of 500,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and made by the Serum Institute of India is set to arrive in Canada on Wednesday, the chief executive of local partner Verity Pharmaceuticals said on Friday.A shipment of 500,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and made by the Serum Institute of India is set to arrive in Canada on Wednesday, the chief executive of local partner Verity Pharmaceuticals said on Friday.
Verity’s chief executive, Howard Glase, said the shipment is not part of Canada’s allocation from the COVAX system, meant to ensure equitable vaccine distribution.Verity’s chief executive, Howard Glase, said the shipment is not part of Canada’s allocation from the COVAX system, meant to ensure equitable vaccine distribution.
Canada has a separate procurement deal with AstraZeneca, which licensed the vaccine to Serum Institute, the world’s largest vaccine producer.Canada has a separate procurement deal with AstraZeneca, which licensed the vaccine to Serum Institute, the world’s largest vaccine producer.
CBC reports:CBC reports:
Mexico registered another 782 coronavirus fatalities on Friday, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 184,474, according to health ministry data.Mexico registered another 782 coronavirus fatalities on Friday, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 184,474, according to health ministry data.
The ministry’s data also showed an additional 7,512 confirmed cases, for a total of 2,076,882 cases.The ministry’s data also showed an additional 7,512 confirmed cases, for a total of 2,076,882 cases.
A week ago, the country recorded 7,829 new cases and 857 further deaths.A week ago, the country recorded 7,829 new cases and 857 further deaths.
The real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases, the government says.The real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases, the government says.
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Poland is being used to help people recover from Covid-19, with patients going deep underground in the Wieliczka salt mine to a therapeutic centre dealing with respiratory illness.A UNESCO World Heritage site in Poland is being used to help people recover from Covid-19, with patients going deep underground in the Wieliczka salt mine to a therapeutic centre dealing with respiratory illness.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The Czech government has called a new state of emergency for 30 days starting from Sunday, gaining powers to curb people’s movement as it looks to sharply tighten Covid restrictions, the government office said on Twitter on Friday.The Czech government has called a new state of emergency for 30 days starting from Sunday, gaining powers to curb people’s movement as it looks to sharply tighten Covid restrictions, the government office said on Twitter on Friday.
The move was expected after parliament rejected extending a current state of emergency earlier on Friday. The government was meeting to finalise new tougher restrictions as it seeks to slow a Covid-19 infection rate among the highest in the world, Reuters reports.The move was expected after parliament rejected extending a current state of emergency earlier on Friday. The government was meeting to finalise new tougher restrictions as it seeks to slow a Covid-19 infection rate among the highest in the world, Reuters reports.
The government plans to ban movement between regions, with exceptions for travel to work or to look after a relative.The government plans to ban movement between regions, with exceptions for travel to work or to look after a relative.
Nurseries and schools and some of the shops that have hitherto been allowed to open will also be forced to shut, Czech Radio reports:Nurseries and schools and some of the shops that have hitherto been allowed to open will also be forced to shut, Czech Radio reports:
New York City schools chancellor Richard Carranza said on Friday he was stepping down as leader of the nation’s largest school district to grieve the loss of family members to coronavirus.New York City schools chancellor Richard Carranza said on Friday he was stepping down as leader of the nation’s largest school district to grieve the loss of family members to coronavirus.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
The US urged vaccine-sceptical Tanzania on Friday to review evidence on the drugs, saying they work and are one of the tools to fight off the pandemic.The US urged vaccine-sceptical Tanzania on Friday to review evidence on the drugs, saying they work and are one of the tools to fight off the pandemic.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Greece on Friday extended lockdown restrictions to more areas of the country as the pandemic showed no signs of waning in the country, exactly one year after its first coronavirus infection was detected, health authorities said.Greece on Friday extended lockdown restrictions to more areas of the country as the pandemic showed no signs of waning in the country, exactly one year after its first coronavirus infection was detected, health authorities said.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Countries seeking to procure vaccines for themselves are making deals with drug companies that threaten the supply for the global COVAX programme for poor and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization said on Friday.Countries seeking to procure vaccines for themselves are making deals with drug companies that threaten the supply for the global COVAX programme for poor and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization said on Friday.
“[C]ountries are still pursuing deals that will compromise the COVAX supply,” WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward told a briefing. “Without a doubt.”“[C]ountries are still pursuing deals that will compromise the COVAX supply,” WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward told a briefing. “Without a doubt.”
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
A Johnson & Johnson scientist said on Friday that the company has received preliminary reports of two cases of severe allergic reactions, including one case of anaphylaxis, in people who had received the company’s Covid-19 vaccine.A Johnson & Johnson scientist said on Friday that the company has received preliminary reports of two cases of severe allergic reactions, including one case of anaphylaxis, in people who had received the company’s Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr Macaya Douoguih, head of clinical development and medical affairs at J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceuticals, said the case of anaphylaxis was observed in an ongoing trial of healthcare workers in South Africa.Dr Macaya Douoguih, head of clinical development and medical affairs at J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceuticals, said the case of anaphylaxis was observed in an ongoing trial of healthcare workers in South Africa.
There had not been any previously reported cases of anaphylaxis, Douoguih said. She was speaking to a panel of expert advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration which will vote later on whether to recommend authorization of the vaccine, Reuters reports.There had not been any previously reported cases of anaphylaxis, Douoguih said. She was speaking to a panel of expert advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration which will vote later on whether to recommend authorization of the vaccine, Reuters reports.
Bank of America Corp said on Friday its employees in the US will get paid time off when it is their turn for the coronavirus vaccine, according to a memo.Bank of America Corp said on Friday its employees in the US will get paid time off when it is their turn for the coronavirus vaccine, according to a memo.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Nigeria is expecting its first 4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines next week from the global COVAX vaccine programme for poor and middle-income countries, the head of the World Health Organization mission in Nigeria said on Friday.Nigeria is expecting its first 4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines next week from the global COVAX vaccine programme for poor and middle-income countries, the head of the World Health Organization mission in Nigeria said on Friday.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO representative in Nigeria, told a briefing by video link that the country was expecting 14 million doses in total.Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO representative in Nigeria, told a briefing by video link that the country was expecting 14 million doses in total.
Two-thirds of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine doses delivered to Belgium have yet to be distributed to vaccination centres, officials have admitted, as the country became the latest in Europe to report a sharp rise in coronavirus infections.Two-thirds of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine doses delivered to Belgium have yet to be distributed to vaccination centres, officials have admitted, as the country became the latest in Europe to report a sharp rise in coronavirus infections.
Belgium’s infections were up 24% compared with the previous week, at a daily average of 2,300. All age groups were affected except for over-80s, who have been prioritised for the jabs.Belgium’s infections were up 24% compared with the previous week, at a daily average of 2,300. All age groups were affected except for over-80s, who have been prioritised for the jabs.
The development appears to be part of a worrying trend for health authorities across the EU, with the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) reporting that as of last Sunday 13 countries had seen a week-on-week rise in infection rates.The development appears to be part of a worrying trend for health authorities across the EU, with the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) reporting that as of last Sunday 13 countries had seen a week-on-week rise in infection rates.
Angela Merkel said this week that Germany was heading into a third wave.Angela Merkel said this week that Germany was heading into a third wave.
My colleague Daniel Boffey has more:My colleague Daniel Boffey has more:
The head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that a recent decline in Covid-19 cases may be stalling, and that Covid-19 cases have been increasing for the past three days compared to last week.The head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that a recent decline in Covid-19 cases may be stalling, and that Covid-19 cases have been increasing for the past three days compared to last week.
Dr Rochelle Walensky told reporters the development was concerning while urging that restrictions to fight the virus remain in place, adding the CDC was watching the data closely.Dr Rochelle Walensky told reporters the development was concerning while urging that restrictions to fight the virus remain in place, adding the CDC was watching the data closely.
Walensky said:Walensky said:
The White House on Friday also urged companies to join efforts to help fight the pandemic by requiring mask wearing by employees and educating customers, Reuters reports.The White House on Friday also urged companies to join efforts to help fight the pandemic by requiring mask wearing by employees and educating customers, Reuters reports.
Italy reported 253 coronavirus-related deaths on Friday against 308 the day before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose to 20,499 from 19,886 the day before.Italy reported 253 coronavirus-related deaths on Friday against 308 the day before, the health ministry said, while the daily tally of new infections rose to 20,499 from 19,886 the day before.
A week ago, the country recorded 15,470 new infections. Overall, Italy has reported 2.9 million cases to date.A week ago, the country recorded 15,470 new infections. Overall, Italy has reported 2.9 million cases to date.
Some 325,404 tests for Covid-19 were carried out in the past day, compared with 443,704 previously, the ministry said.Some 325,404 tests for Covid-19 were carried out in the past day, compared with 443,704 previously, the ministry said.
Italy has registered 97,227 deaths from the virus since the pandemic started, the second-highest toll in Europe after the UK and the seventh-highest in the world.Italy has registered 97,227 deaths from the virus since the pandemic started, the second-highest toll in Europe after the UK and the seventh-highest in the world.
Patients in hospital with Covid-19, excluding those in intensive care, stood at 18,292 on Friday, increasing from 18,257 a day earlier.Patients in hospital with Covid-19, excluding those in intensive care, stood at 18,292 on Friday, increasing from 18,257 a day earlier.
There were 188 new admissions to intensive care units, up from 178 on Thursday. The total number of intensive care patients rose to 2,194 from a previous 2,168.There were 188 new admissions to intensive care units, up from 178 on Thursday. The total number of intensive care patients rose to 2,194 from a previous 2,168.
When Italy’s second wave of the epidemic was accelerating quickly in the first half of November, hospital admissions were rising by about 1,000 per day, while intensive care occupancy was increasing by about 100 per day, Reuters reports.When Italy’s second wave of the epidemic was accelerating quickly in the first half of November, hospital admissions were rising by about 1,000 per day, while intensive care occupancy was increasing by about 100 per day, Reuters reports.
The northern region of Emilia-Romagna saw a new surge in infections, with 2,575 new cases detected over 24 hours, with 40,148 swabs. The average age of those infected is 42.7 years.The northern region of Emilia-Romagna saw a new surge in infections, with 2,575 new cases detected over 24 hours, with 40,148 swabs. The average age of those infected is 42.7 years.
The last time cases rose this sharply was on 1 January, La Repubblica reports, when there was a peak of new positives of 2,629. A similar surge in infections previously only occured in November.The last time cases rose this sharply was on 1 January, La Repubblica reports, when there was a peak of new positives of 2,629. A similar surge in infections previously only occured in November.
Mexican economy minister Tatiana Clouthier told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a virtual meeting on Friday that Mexico sees the United States-Mexico-Canada regional trade deal (USMCA) as an important tool for post-Covid economic recovery.Mexican economy minister Tatiana Clouthier told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a virtual meeting on Friday that Mexico sees the United States-Mexico-Canada regional trade deal (USMCA) as an important tool for post-Covid economic recovery.
Clouthier added that Mexico is available to help US president Joe Biden review problems of supply chain interruptions that were triggered by the pandemic, Reuters reports.Clouthier added that Mexico is available to help US president Joe Biden review problems of supply chain interruptions that were triggered by the pandemic, Reuters reports.
I’m Jedidajah Otte and will be bringing you the latest news on all things pandemic for the next few hours.I’m Jedidajah Otte and will be bringing you the latest news on all things pandemic for the next few hours.
As always, feel free to get in touch with tips, updates and comments, you can reach me on Twitter @JedySays or via email.As always, feel free to get in touch with tips, updates and comments, you can reach me on Twitter @JedySays or via email.