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Coronavirus live news: Biden behind on global vaccine delivery; Thailand suffers second day of record deaths Coronavirus live news: Biden behind on global vaccine delivery; Thailand suffers second day of record deaths
(32 minutes later)
US President fails to deliver 80m doses by end of June; Thailand toll comes as Phuket reopens for tourism; Australia vaccine rift growsUS President fails to deliver 80m doses by end of June; Thailand toll comes as Phuket reopens for tourism; Australia vaccine rift grows
The UK media round is being fronted for the government by business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng today. He’s confirmed that the government has no plans to rollout vaccinations to children until the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) gives approval. He told Sky News:
Cat or dog owners who have Covid-19 should avoid their pets while infected, experts have said.
Scientists in the Netherlands have found coronavirus is common in pet cats and dogs where their owners have the disease. While cases of owners passing on Covid-19 to their pets are considered to be of negligible risk to public health, the scientists say there is a potential risk that domestic animals could act as a “reservoir” for coronavirus and reintroduce it to humans.
Dr Els Broens, from Utrecht University, said: “If you have Covid-19, you should avoid contact with your cat or dog, just as you would do with other people.
“The main concern, however, is not the animals’ health – they had no or mild symptoms of Covid-19 – but the potential risk that pets could act as a reservoir of the virus and reintroduce it into the human population.
PA media report that fortunately, to date no pet-to-human transmission has been reported. “So, despite the rather high prevalence among pets from Covid-19 positive households in this study, it seems unlikely that pets play a role in the pandemic.”
Read more here: Covid common in pet cats and dogs whose owners have the illness, study shows
Good morning, it is Martin Belam here in London on the blog with you for the next few hours. On Sky News in the UK in the last few minutes, vaccinologist Prof. Jeffrey Almond has been asked about the mooted proposal for a booster jab programme in the UK for autumn and the winter. He said:
A booster jab programme in the UK would initially target:
Adults aged 16 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
Those living in residential care homes for older adults.
All adults aged 70 years or over.
Adults aged 16 years and over who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable.
Frontline health and social care workers.
A second stage would see jabs administered to:
All adults aged 50 years and over.
All adults aged 16 to 49 years who are in an at-risk group for flu or Covid.
Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.
You can read more about the NHS plans here: NHS draws up plans to roll out Covid booster jabs from September
Myanmar is negotiating to buy 7m doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, the head of its authoritarian military regime said, as the Southeast Asian country tries to tackle a new wave of coronavirus infections.Myanmar is negotiating to buy 7m doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, the head of its authoritarian military regime said, as the Southeast Asian country tries to tackle a new wave of coronavirus infections.
Reuters report that in an interview with Russia’s RIA news agency, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said after initially planning to buy 2m doses, Myanmar was now looking to buy 7m.Reuters report that in an interview with Russia’s RIA news agency, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said after initially planning to buy 2m doses, Myanmar was now looking to buy 7m.
“We have made negotiations to buy more from Russia,” Min Aung Hlaing was quoted as saying.“We have made negotiations to buy more from Russia,” Min Aung Hlaing was quoted as saying.
Having recently returned from a trip to Russia, he said neighbouring India, which had initially supplied the bulk of Myanmar’s vaccines, was unable to provide more doses due to its own outbreak.Having recently returned from a trip to Russia, he said neighbouring India, which had initially supplied the bulk of Myanmar’s vaccines, was unable to provide more doses due to its own outbreak.
“China has also sent some vaccines and we have used those as well. We will also continue negotiations with China,” he said.“China has also sent some vaccines and we have used those as well. We will also continue negotiations with China,” he said.
Myanmar has officially recorded 155,697 cases and 3,320 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to health ministry data, but reported infections have jumped in the last month.Myanmar has officially recorded 155,697 cases and 3,320 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to health ministry data, but reported infections have jumped in the last month.
Some health experts say the real rate of infection is likely to be far higher given a collapse in testing since the 1 February coup.Some health experts say the real rate of infection is likely to be far higher given a collapse in testing since the 1 February coup.
The regime has repeatedly targeted frontline medical staff in Myanmar for participating in protests against the coup. Earlier this month we carried on the website the testimony of a doctor from Myanmar, who withheld their name for fear of reprisals. They told the Observer:The regime has repeatedly targeted frontline medical staff in Myanmar for participating in protests against the coup. Earlier this month we carried on the website the testimony of a doctor from Myanmar, who withheld their name for fear of reprisals. They told the Observer:
While North Korea’s state-controlled media have not officially reported any coronavirus cases, some analysts assume the virus has breached the country’s defences, prompting its leader, Kim Jong-un, to issue a coded request for outside help earlier this week.While North Korea’s state-controlled media have not officially reported any coronavirus cases, some analysts assume the virus has breached the country’s defences, prompting its leader, Kim Jong-un, to issue a coded request for outside help earlier this week.
If their interpretation is correct, it would mark a significant turning point in the North’s coronavirus response, after repeated claims by the regime that it has not recorded a single infection.If their interpretation is correct, it would mark a significant turning point in the North’s coronavirus response, after repeated claims by the regime that it has not recorded a single infection.
In what it called a fight for “national existence”, it severely curtailed cross-border traffic and trade with neighbour China, and banned international arrivals and sent diplomats and aid workers home. North Korean citizens already accustomed to restrictions on their freedom of movement have been subject to even tighter controls on domestic travel.In what it called a fight for “national existence”, it severely curtailed cross-border traffic and trade with neighbour China, and banned international arrivals and sent diplomats and aid workers home. North Korean citizens already accustomed to restrictions on their freedom of movement have been subject to even tighter controls on domestic travel.
North Korea has told the World Health Organization it has not found a single coronavirus infection after testing more than 30,000 people. But on Tuesday, a visibly angry Kim Jong-un referred to “failed” pandemic measures and a “great crisis” in its efforts to control the pandemic.North Korea has told the World Health Organization it has not found a single coronavirus infection after testing more than 30,000 people. But on Tuesday, a visibly angry Kim Jong-un referred to “failed” pandemic measures and a “great crisis” in its efforts to control the pandemic.
“There is no possibility that North Korea will ever admit to an infection,” said Hong Min, a senior analyst at Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification. “Even if there have been mass transmissions, the North will definitely not reveal such developments and will continue to push forward its anti-virus campaign.“There is no possibility that North Korea will ever admit to an infection,” said Hong Min, a senior analyst at Seoul’s Korea Institute for National Unification. “Even if there have been mass transmissions, the North will definitely not reveal such developments and will continue to push forward its anti-virus campaign.
“But it is also clear that something significant happened, and it was big enough to warrant a reprimanding of senior officials. This could mean mass infections or some sort of situation where a lot of people were put at direct risk of infections.”“But it is also clear that something significant happened, and it was big enough to warrant a reprimanding of senior officials. This could mean mass infections or some sort of situation where a lot of people were put at direct risk of infections.”
Read more of Justin McCurry’s analysis here: Kim Jong-un signal for help could mark a turning point in North Korea’s Covid fightRead more of Justin McCurry’s analysis here: Kim Jong-un signal for help could mark a turning point in North Korea’s Covid fight
Australia’s finance minister has said the country is at the “back of the queue” for Pfizer vaccines, contradicting assurances from the prime minister Scott Morrison and the health minister that “our strategy puts Australia at the front of the queue”.Australia’s finance minister has said the country is at the “back of the queue” for Pfizer vaccines, contradicting assurances from the prime minister Scott Morrison and the health minister that “our strategy puts Australia at the front of the queue”.
Simon Birmingham on Thursday said Australia has had supply challenges “because European countries and drug companies have favoured those nations who’ve had high rates of Covid for the delivery of vaccines like Pfizer”.Simon Birmingham on Thursday said Australia has had supply challenges “because European countries and drug companies have favoured those nations who’ve had high rates of Covid for the delivery of vaccines like Pfizer”.
“Which has put countries like New Zealand and Australia at the back of the queue in terms of receipt of some of those vaccines,” Birmingham said.“Which has put countries like New Zealand and Australia at the back of the queue in terms of receipt of some of those vaccines,” Birmingham said.
“But they’re coming.”“But they’re coming.”
The bulk of Australia’s Pfizer and other mRNA vaccines are expected to arrive in the third quarter of this year. On Wednesday, the state of Queensland warned that it would run out of Pfizer vaccines in eight days, after the federal government denied a request for more supply:The bulk of Australia’s Pfizer and other mRNA vaccines are expected to arrive in the third quarter of this year. On Wednesday, the state of Queensland warned that it would run out of Pfizer vaccines in eight days, after the federal government denied a request for more supply:
Fewer than than 40% of Australia’s oldest and most vulnerable citizens have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 more than four months into the rollout, new data shows.Fewer than than 40% of Australia’s oldest and most vulnerable citizens have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 more than four months into the rollout, new data shows.
The federal health department finally released more detailed data on the status of Australia’s vaccine rollout on Thursday.The federal health department finally released more detailed data on the status of Australia’s vaccine rollout on Thursday.
It shows 6,109,102 people over the age of 16 (about 30%) have had a single dose and just 1,633,434 people, or 7.92%, were fully vaccinated.It shows 6,109,102 people over the age of 16 (about 30%) have had a single dose and just 1,633,434 people, or 7.92%, were fully vaccinated.
The data, which breaks down vaccination by age and gender, shows full vaccination rates are still below 40% for all age cohorts in their 80s and 90s.The data, which breaks down vaccination by age and gender, shows full vaccination rates are still below 40% for all age cohorts in their 80s and 90s.
About 35,000, or 67.1%, of those aged 95 and over have received a first dose and 20,311 (38.4%) have received a second dose.About 35,000, or 67.1%, of those aged 95 and over have received a first dose and 20,311 (38.4%) have received a second dose.
Full vaccination rates for the 90-94, 85-89 and 80-84 age brackets were 29.8%, 20.2%, and 15.7% respectively.Full vaccination rates for the 90-94, 85-89 and 80-84 age brackets were 29.8%, 20.2%, and 15.7% respectively.
The data also shows a continued low rate of two-dose vaccination for those aged in their 50s and 60s, compared with the younger cohort of people aged in their 40s.The data also shows a continued low rate of two-dose vaccination for those aged in their 50s and 60s, compared with the younger cohort of people aged in their 40s.
Australia’s vaccine rollout began on 20 February. People over 50 have been eligible for vaccination since 3 May.Australia’s vaccine rollout began on 20 February. People over 50 have been eligible for vaccination since 3 May.
Read more of Christopher Knaus’ report here: Fewer than than 8% of Australians fully vaccinated four months into rolloutRead more of Christopher Knaus’ report here: Fewer than than 8% of Australians fully vaccinated four months into rollout
Thailand on Thursday reported a daily record of 57 deaths from the coronavirus, the second day in a row of record-high fatalities as the Southeast Asian country struggles to quell a stubborn third wave of Covid infections.The report came on the same day as Thailand is kicking off a programme to revive tourism on Phuket, which has seen far fewer cases than the mainland after Thailand prioritised vaccinations for the population of the resort island.Under the plan, foreign tourists vaccinated against Covid can bypass quarantine requirements and freely move around the island. After 14 days, barring any coronavirus issues, they can travel elsewhere in the country.Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue last year as foreign arrivals plunged 83% to 6.7 million, from a record 39.9 million in 2019. Phuket was hit particularly hard by job losses and business closings.The new deaths reported on Thursday take Thailand’s total number of fatalities to 2,080 since the pandemic started last year.The country’s Covid task force also reported 5,533 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 264,834.Thailand on Thursday reported a daily record of 57 deaths from the coronavirus, the second day in a row of record-high fatalities as the Southeast Asian country struggles to quell a stubborn third wave of Covid infections.The report came on the same day as Thailand is kicking off a programme to revive tourism on Phuket, which has seen far fewer cases than the mainland after Thailand prioritised vaccinations for the population of the resort island.Under the plan, foreign tourists vaccinated against Covid can bypass quarantine requirements and freely move around the island. After 14 days, barring any coronavirus issues, they can travel elsewhere in the country.Thailand lost about $50 billion in tourism revenue last year as foreign arrivals plunged 83% to 6.7 million, from a record 39.9 million in 2019. Phuket was hit particularly hard by job losses and business closings.The new deaths reported on Thursday take Thailand’s total number of fatalities to 2,080 since the pandemic started last year.The country’s Covid task force also reported 5,533 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 264,834.
US president Joe Biden came up well short on his goal of delivering 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the rest of the world by the end of June as a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles slowed the pace of vaccine diplomacy, AP reports.US president Joe Biden came up well short on his goal of delivering 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the rest of the world by the end of June as a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles slowed the pace of vaccine diplomacy, AP reports.
Although the Biden administration has announced that about 50 countries and entities will receive a share of the excess Covid vaccine doses, the U.S. has shipped fewer than 24 million doses to 10 recipient countries, according to an Associated Press tally. The White House says more will be sent in the coming days and stresses that Biden has done everything in his power to meet the commitment.It’s not for lack of doses. All the American shots are ready to ship, the White House said. Rather, it’s taking more time than anticipated to sort through a complex web of legal requirements, health codes, customs clearances, cold-storage chains, language barriers and delivery programs. Complicating matters even further is that no two shipments are alike.Although the Biden administration has announced that about 50 countries and entities will receive a share of the excess Covid vaccine doses, the U.S. has shipped fewer than 24 million doses to 10 recipient countries, according to an Associated Press tally. The White House says more will be sent in the coming days and stresses that Biden has done everything in his power to meet the commitment.It’s not for lack of doses. All the American shots are ready to ship, the White House said. Rather, it’s taking more time than anticipated to sort through a complex web of legal requirements, health codes, customs clearances, cold-storage chains, language barriers and delivery programs. Complicating matters even further is that no two shipments are alike.
One country requires an act of its Cabinet to approve the vaccine donation, others require inspectors to conduct their own safety checks on the US doses, and still others have yet to develop critical aspects of their vaccine distribution plans to ensure the doses can reach people’s arms before they spoil.The White House declined to specify which nations were grappling with which local hurdles, saying it is working with recipient nations on an individual basis to remove obstacles to delivery.The US recipients to date are Colombia (2.5 million Johnson & Johnson doses), Bangladesh (2.5 million Moderna), Peru (2 million Pfizer), Pakistan (2.5 million Moderna), Honduras (1.5 million Moderna), Brazil (3 million J&J), South Korea (1 million J&J), Taiwan (2.5 million Moderna), Canada (1 million Moderna, 1.5 million AstraZeneca) and Mexico (1.35 million J&J, 2.5 million AstraZeneca). All told, it’s enough vaccine to fully protect 15.9 million people.One country requires an act of its Cabinet to approve the vaccine donation, others require inspectors to conduct their own safety checks on the US doses, and still others have yet to develop critical aspects of their vaccine distribution plans to ensure the doses can reach people’s arms before they spoil.The White House declined to specify which nations were grappling with which local hurdles, saying it is working with recipient nations on an individual basis to remove obstacles to delivery.The US recipients to date are Colombia (2.5 million Johnson & Johnson doses), Bangladesh (2.5 million Moderna), Peru (2 million Pfizer), Pakistan (2.5 million Moderna), Honduras (1.5 million Moderna), Brazil (3 million J&J), South Korea (1 million J&J), Taiwan (2.5 million Moderna), Canada (1 million Moderna, 1.5 million AstraZeneca) and Mexico (1.35 million J&J, 2.5 million AstraZeneca). All told, it’s enough vaccine to fully protect 15.9 million people.
Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic with me, Helen Sullivan.Hello and welcome to today’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic with me, Helen Sullivan.
US president Joe Biden came up well short on his goal of delivering 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the rest of the world by the end of June as a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles slowed the pace of US vaccine diplomacy.US president Joe Biden came up well short on his goal of delivering 80 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to the rest of the world by the end of June as a host of logistical and regulatory hurdles slowed the pace of US vaccine diplomacy.
Meanwhile Thailand on Thursday reported a daily record of 57 deaths from the coronavirus, the second day in a row of record-high fatalities as the Southeast Asian country struggles to quell a stubborn third wave of Covid-19 infections.The report came on the same day as Thailand is kicking off a programme to revive tourism on Phuket, which has seen far fewer cases than the mainland after Thailand prioritised vaccinations for the population of the resort island.Meanwhile Thailand on Thursday reported a daily record of 57 deaths from the coronavirus, the second day in a row of record-high fatalities as the Southeast Asian country struggles to quell a stubborn third wave of Covid-19 infections.The report came on the same day as Thailand is kicking off a programme to revive tourism on Phuket, which has seen far fewer cases than the mainland after Thailand prioritised vaccinations for the population of the resort island.
Here are the other key recent developments from around the world:Here are the other key recent developments from around the world:
India’s version of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine is not authorised in the EU due to the possibility of “differences” with the original, Europe’s drug regulator said. The African Union yesterday criticised as “inequitable” the decision not to include Covishield, the Indian-made vaccine used by the global Covax programme, on a list of approved vaccines for a digital certificate for travellers in the bloc.India’s version of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine is not authorised in the EU due to the possibility of “differences” with the original, Europe’s drug regulator said. The African Union yesterday criticised as “inequitable” the decision not to include Covishield, the Indian-made vaccine used by the global Covax programme, on a list of approved vaccines for a digital certificate for travellers in the bloc.
The prime minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa, went into isolation despite being fully vaccinated, after one of his aides tested positive amid a high in a new wave of infections blamed on the Delta variant.The prime minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa, went into isolation despite being fully vaccinated, after one of his aides tested positive amid a high in a new wave of infections blamed on the Delta variant.
India’s disaster management agency was ordered by the country’s supreme court to establish guidelines for paying compensation to bereaved relatives of those who have died from Covid.India’s disaster management agency was ordered by the country’s supreme court to establish guidelines for paying compensation to bereaved relatives of those who have died from Covid.
Bangladesh will deploy soldiers tomorrow to enforce a strict lockdown amid a record spike in coronavirus cases driven by the Delta variant first detected in India, the government said.Bangladesh will deploy soldiers tomorrow to enforce a strict lockdown amid a record spike in coronavirus cases driven by the Delta variant first detected in India, the government said.
The Australian home affairs minister rejected calls to reduce caps on international arrivals amid outbreaks of the Delta variant, saying “we need to learn to live” with Covid.The Australian home affairs minister rejected calls to reduce caps on international arrivals amid outbreaks of the Delta variant, saying “we need to learn to live” with Covid.
France ended most capacity limits imposed in April on restaurants, cinemas, stores and other public venues, although the measures were extended in parts of the southwest over the spread of the Delta variant as the doctor who heads president Emmanuel Macron’s coronavirus advisory panel said a “fourth wave” of cases was likely this autumn.France ended most capacity limits imposed in April on restaurants, cinemas, stores and other public venues, although the measures were extended in parts of the southwest over the spread of the Delta variant as the doctor who heads president Emmanuel Macron’s coronavirus advisory panel said a “fourth wave” of cases was likely this autumn.
Vladimir Putin said for the first time that he was inoculated with Russia’s own Sputnik V vaccine as he gave a careful endorsement of the country’s floundering campaign while distancing himself from tough new measures designed to pressure more Russians into taking the jabs.Vladimir Putin said for the first time that he was inoculated with Russia’s own Sputnik V vaccine as he gave a careful endorsement of the country’s floundering campaign while distancing himself from tough new measures designed to pressure more Russians into taking the jabs.
Switzerland is to give 4m doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine that it has reserved to the vaccine-sharing programme Covax, the government has said with the country’s medical regulator, Swissmedic, yet to approve the shot, on grounds it has not received all necessary data from clinical trials.Switzerland is to give 4m doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine that it has reserved to the vaccine-sharing programme Covax, the government has said with the country’s medical regulator, Swissmedic, yet to approve the shot, on grounds it has not received all necessary data from clinical trials.
Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, 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.Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, 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.
Dozens of Italian prison guards beat unarmed inmates with truncheons and fists in the aftermath of a coronavirus-related protest last year, video footage captured on surveillance shows, with fifty-two people working in the prison network facing arrest or legal action in the case this weekDozens of Italian prison guards beat unarmed inmates with truncheons and fists in the aftermath of a coronavirus-related protest last year, video footage captured on surveillance shows, with fifty-two people working in the prison network facing arrest or legal action in the case this week
A UK vaccine advisor made a significant intervention to the debate over whether to inoculate children against Covid, saying “it is not immoral to think that they may be better protected by natural immunity generated through infection than by asking them to take the possible risk of a vaccine.”A UK vaccine advisor made a significant intervention to the debate over whether to inoculate children against Covid, saying “it is not immoral to think that they may be better protected by natural immunity generated through infection than by asking them to take the possible risk of a vaccine.”
Cases of Covid-19 are declining in North America, but in most of Latin America and the Caribbean an end to the pandemic “remains a distant future”, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) director Carissa Etienne said.Cases of Covid-19 are declining in North America, but in most of Latin America and the Caribbean an end to the pandemic “remains a distant future”, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) director Carissa Etienne said.
Members of the US military who were vaccinated against Covid showed higher-than-expected rates of heart inflammation, although the condition was still extremely rare, according to a new study.Members of the US military who were vaccinated against Covid showed higher-than-expected rates of heart inflammation, although the condition was still extremely rare, according to a new study.