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Coronavirus live: Germans told to take Pfizer or Moderna as second dose after AstraZeneca for better protection Coronavirus live: Germans told to take Pfizer or Moderna as second dose after AstraZeneca for better protection
(32 minutes later)
German vaccine committee says mixing and matching gives ‘clearly superior’ immune response; Uefa and UK government warned over Euro stadium crowdsGerman vaccine committee says mixing and matching gives ‘clearly superior’ immune response; Uefa and UK government warned over Euro stadium crowds
A night-time curfew will be imposed in several Portuguese municipalities, including the capital Lisbon and the city of Porto, as authorities scramble to bring under control a surge in Covid-19 infections, the government has said.
Reuters reports that the 11pm to 5am curfew, which starts tomorrow, will be in place in 45 municipalities deemed high-risk including popular tourist town Albufeira in the sunny southern Algarve region.
Cases in Portugal, which faced its toughest battle against the coronavirus in January, jumped by 2,449 on Thursday, the biggest increase since mid-February. However, daily coronavirus deaths, in single digits, remain well below February levels.
“We are not in any circumstances to claim that the pandemic is in control,” cabinet minister Mariana Vieira da Silva told a news conference. “This is a time to follow the rules, avoid gatherings, avoid parties, and seek to contain the numbers.”
People living in Lisbon’s metropolitan area, where most new cases are concentrated, must still present a negative coronavirus test or a vaccination certificate to leave or enter the region at the weekend.
Across the 45 municipalities where the night-time curfew will be implemented, remote work is compulsory whenever possible, restaurants and cafes must close at 10.30pm and weddings may go ahead only under capacity rules.
General practitioners in Australia say they are being “left to hold the mess” created by the confused and conflicting statements about the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is making it harder for them to obtain informed consent from patients.
The confused messaging around AstraZeneca continued on Wednesday after Christopher Blyth, the co-chair of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi), said the vaccine should be considered for under-40s only in rare circumstances and Dr Jeannette Young, the Queensland chief health officer, continued to insist that under-40s in her state should not get AstraZeneca.
Both statements, and those of other state and territory leaders this week, sit uncomfortably with the suggestion of the prime minister, Scott Morrison, on Monday that those under 40 could now begin approaching their GPs to get AstraZeneca.
Arash of cases of a rare “black fungus” infection affecting thousands of critically ill Covid patients in India caused alarm last month. Now scientists are warning that other dangerous or even deadly fungal infections have spawned in critically ill coronavirus patients globally, including in the UK.Arash of cases of a rare “black fungus” infection affecting thousands of critically ill Covid patients in India caused alarm last month. Now scientists are warning that other dangerous or even deadly fungal infections have spawned in critically ill coronavirus patients globally, including in the UK.
Germany’s vaccine committee recommended that everyone who received an AstraZeneca first dose switch to Pfizer or Moderna jabs for better protection against Covid. Studies show that the immune response is “clearly superior” when an AstraZeneca shot is combined with a second mRNA vaccine, compared with double AstraZeneca jabs, said the German public health vaccine committee.Germany’s vaccine committee recommended that everyone who received an AstraZeneca first dose switch to Pfizer or Moderna jabs for better protection against Covid. Studies show that the immune response is “clearly superior” when an AstraZeneca shot is combined with a second mRNA vaccine, compared with double AstraZeneca jabs, said the German public health vaccine committee.
The African Union’s head of vaccine procurement has said “not a single” Covid jab has so far left the EU for Africa, hitting out at the bloc for hoarding supply. Strive Masiyiwa criticised the global effort meant to distribute vaccines to less developed countries, accusing Covax of withholding crucial information including that key donors had not met funding pledges – with “not one dose, not one vial, [having] left a European factory for Africa”.The African Union’s head of vaccine procurement has said “not a single” Covid jab has so far left the EU for Africa, hitting out at the bloc for hoarding supply. Strive Masiyiwa criticised the global effort meant to distribute vaccines to less developed countries, accusing Covax of withholding crucial information including that key donors had not met funding pledges – with “not one dose, not one vial, [having] left a European factory for Africa”.
Dominican health authorities are to begin distributing a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines in an attempt to protect against more contagious new variants of the virus. Turkey also made a similar decision for people over-50 today, despite the World Health Organization saying there is no scientific evidence that more than two doses of Covid-19 vaccines were necessary.Dominican health authorities are to begin distributing a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines in an attempt to protect against more contagious new variants of the virus. Turkey also made a similar decision for people over-50 today, despite the World Health Organization saying there is no scientific evidence that more than two doses of Covid-19 vaccines were necessary.
The Covid vaccine-sharing initiative Covax urged governments to consider equally all people inoculated with WHO-approved products to avoid creating a two-tiered travel and trade regime. It spoke out after an EU-wide Covid certificate took effect that recognises four vaccines but not others, notably the Covishield version of AstraZeneca’s jab widely used in Africa.The Covid vaccine-sharing initiative Covax urged governments to consider equally all people inoculated with WHO-approved products to avoid creating a two-tiered travel and trade regime. It spoke out after an EU-wide Covid certificate took effect that recognises four vaccines but not others, notably the Covishield version of AstraZeneca’s jab widely used in Africa.
New Covid cases in the World Health Organization’s 53-country European region rose 10% last week after falling for 10 straight weeks, the body has said, warning a new surge could come before autumn and calling for more monitoring of Euro 2020 matches.New Covid cases in the World Health Organization’s 53-country European region rose 10% last week after falling for 10 straight weeks, the body has said, warning a new surge could come before autumn and calling for more monitoring of Euro 2020 matches.
Israel, a world leader in coronavirus vaccinations, reported its highest daily infection rate in three months as it scrambled to contain the spread of the new Delta variant – though there has been no increase in deaths.Israel, a world leader in coronavirus vaccinations, reported its highest daily infection rate in three months as it scrambled to contain the spread of the new Delta variant – though there has been no increase in deaths.
Kazakhstan ordered mandatory vaccinations for a wide range of workers in sectors from the service industry to banking to entertainment who came into contact with others after cases of the Delta variant were discovered in the central Asian country. Otherwise they will be restricted from working face-to-face with others.Kazakhstan ordered mandatory vaccinations for a wide range of workers in sectors from the service industry to banking to entertainment who came into contact with others after cases of the Delta variant were discovered in the central Asian country. Otherwise they will be restricted from working face-to-face with others.
A Pakistan province suspended 70 paramilitary troops without pay after they repeatedly refused to receive Covid-19 vaccines, officials said, after the national government advised all its employees to get vaccinated.A Pakistan province suspended 70 paramilitary troops without pay after they repeatedly refused to receive Covid-19 vaccines, officials said, after the national government advised all its employees to get vaccinated.
Romania asked AstraZeneca to extend the shelf life of some 43,000 Covid-19 vaccines that expired on 30 June, as the country has been unable to administer them in time due to the low take-up by the public.Romania asked AstraZeneca to extend the shelf life of some 43,000 Covid-19 vaccines that expired on 30 June, as the country has been unable to administer them in time due to the low take-up by the public.
The European Medicines Agency has said two doses of Covid vaccine seem to provide protection against the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus.The European Medicines Agency has said two doses of Covid vaccine seem to provide protection against the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus.
The EMA’s head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said the Amsterdam-based watchdog was “aware of concerns caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant”.The EMA’s head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said the Amsterdam-based watchdog was “aware of concerns caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant”.
“Right now it seems the four vaccines approved in the European Union are protecting against all the strains circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant,” he said, according to AFP. “Emerging data from real-world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant.”“Right now it seems the four vaccines approved in the European Union are protecting against all the strains circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant,” he said, according to AFP. “Emerging data from real-world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant.”
A Pakistan province has suspended 70 paramilitary troops without pay after they refused to receive Covid-19 vaccines, officials said.A Pakistan province has suspended 70 paramilitary troops without pay after they refused to receive Covid-19 vaccines, officials said.
AFP reports that the group were suspended in southern Balochistan province on Wednesday. This came “after repeated written warnings and verbal requests” to get the jabs, said Habib Ahmed Bangalzai, a senior local official. “They will also not get their salaries,” Bangalzai added.AFP reports that the group were suspended in southern Balochistan province on Wednesday. This came “after repeated written warnings and verbal requests” to get the jabs, said Habib Ahmed Bangalzai, a senior local official. “They will also not get their salaries,” Bangalzai added.
The troops from the Balochistan Levies make up a paramilitary force that assists police with law enforcement. The move comes after the national government advised all its employees to get vaccinated.The troops from the Balochistan Levies make up a paramilitary force that assists police with law enforcement. The move comes after the national government advised all its employees to get vaccinated.
Balochistan authorities are due to implement a ban on unvaccinated people entering government offices, public parks, shopping malls and public transport.Balochistan authorities are due to implement a ban on unvaccinated people entering government offices, public parks, shopping malls and public transport.
Pakistan’s nationwide vaccination rollout has been ramped up in recent weeks, with more than 350,000 doses administered on most days.Pakistan’s nationwide vaccination rollout has been ramped up in recent weeks, with more than 350,000 doses administered on most days.
In the capital, Islamabad, Pakistanis who want to work abroad have this week protested about a shortage of the Western-made vaccines AstraZeneca and Pfizer, an entry requirement for most Gulf countries.In the capital, Islamabad, Pakistanis who want to work abroad have this week protested about a shortage of the Western-made vaccines AstraZeneca and Pfizer, an entry requirement for most Gulf countries.
The Associated Press has this dispatch from Turkey, where they report men are playing cards and backgammon at their local coffeehouses again, movie theatres are being cleaned before their first evening screening and bars are serving beer and chips in Istanbul’s famous pedestrian avenue.The Associated Press has this dispatch from Turkey, where they report men are playing cards and backgammon at their local coffeehouses again, movie theatres are being cleaned before their first evening screening and bars are serving beer and chips in Istanbul’s famous pedestrian avenue.
Dominican health authorities are to begin distributing a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines in an attempt to protect against more contagious new variants of the virus.Dominican health authorities are to begin distributing a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines in an attempt to protect against more contagious new variants of the virus.
The additional dose will be voluntary and will first be made available to medical professions, health officials said. The campaign will then move to older adults and those with health conditions that make them vulnerable to severe Covid-19, Reuters reports.The additional dose will be voluntary and will first be made available to medical professions, health officials said. The campaign will then move to older adults and those with health conditions that make them vulnerable to severe Covid-19, Reuters reports.
“The potential benefit far outweighs the possible collateral effects of a booster dose,” said health minister Daniel Rivera in a news conference.“The potential benefit far outweighs the possible collateral effects of a booster dose,” said health minister Daniel Rivera in a news conference.
People who received the AstraZeneca vaccine will get the third dose 12 weeks after their second shot. Those who received the Sinovac Biotech vaccine can get a third shot one month after their second dose.People who received the AstraZeneca vaccine will get the third dose 12 weeks after their second shot. Those who received the Sinovac Biotech vaccine can get a third shot one month after their second dose.
The Dominican Republic is facing a new surge in Covid-19 cases that has strained hospitals. The country, however, has so far reported 3,822 deaths from Covid with a 1.18% fatality rate, one of the lowest in the region.The Dominican Republic is facing a new surge in Covid-19 cases that has strained hospitals. The country, however, has so far reported 3,822 deaths from Covid with a 1.18% fatality rate, one of the lowest in the region.
Turkey made a similar decision for people over-50 today.Turkey made a similar decision for people over-50 today.
But the Pan American Health Organization, the regional office of the World Health Organization, has said there is no scientific evidence that more than two doses of Covid-19 vaccines were necessary.But the Pan American Health Organization, the regional office of the World Health Organization, has said there is no scientific evidence that more than two doses of Covid-19 vaccines were necessary.
Germany’s vaccine committee has recommended that everyone who received an AstraZeneca first dose switch to Pfizer or Moderna jabs for better protection against Covid.Germany’s vaccine committee has recommended that everyone who received an AstraZeneca first dose switch to Pfizer or Moderna jabs for better protection against Covid.
Studies show that the immune response is “clearly superior” when an AstraZeneca shot is combined with a second mRNA vaccine, compared with double AstraZeneca jabs, said Stiko. The commission therefore recommended the mix “regardless of age” and with a minimum gap of four weeks between the two jabs, AFP reports.Studies show that the immune response is “clearly superior” when an AstraZeneca shot is combined with a second mRNA vaccine, compared with double AstraZeneca jabs, said Stiko. The commission therefore recommended the mix “regardless of age” and with a minimum gap of four weeks between the two jabs, AFP reports.
The vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are based on the same novel messenger RNA technology, which trains the body to reproduce spike proteins, similar to those found on the coronavirus. When exposed to the real virus later, the body recognises the spike proteins and is able to fight them off.The vaccines developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are based on the same novel messenger RNA technology, which trains the body to reproduce spike proteins, similar to those found on the coronavirus. When exposed to the real virus later, the body recognises the spike proteins and is able to fight them off.
Viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson use a genetically engineered version of a common-cold causing adenovirus as a “vector” to shuttle genetic instructions into human cells.Viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson use a genetically engineered version of a common-cold causing adenovirus as a “vector” to shuttle genetic instructions into human cells.
Chancellor Angela Merkel received a Moderna second jab after getting an AstraZeneca injection for her first.Chancellor Angela Merkel received a Moderna second jab after getting an AstraZeneca injection for her first.
Kazakhstan has ordered mandatory vaccinations for a wide range of workers who came into contact with others after cases of the Delta variant were discovered in the central Asian country.Kazakhstan has ordered mandatory vaccinations for a wide range of workers who came into contact with others after cases of the Delta variant were discovered in the central Asian country.
AFP reports that in a decree released by the government, the ex-Soviet nation ordered workers in sectors ranging from the service industry to banking to entertainment to be inoculated, or be restricted from working face-to-face with others.AFP reports that in a decree released by the government, the ex-Soviet nation ordered workers in sectors ranging from the service industry to banking to entertainment to be inoculated, or be restricted from working face-to-face with others.
The government said that the workers must receive their first vaccine dose by 15 July and the second by 15 August.The government said that the workers must receive their first vaccine dose by 15 July and the second by 15 August.
Only those who have been infected with Covid-19 in the previous three months or can prove they have medical conditions that do not allow them to receive a jab are excluded, the decree said. Unvaccinated workers must be tested for the coronavirus every week, it added.Only those who have been infected with Covid-19 in the previous three months or can prove they have medical conditions that do not allow them to receive a jab are excluded, the decree said. Unvaccinated workers must be tested for the coronavirus every week, it added.
The measure came after a recommendation last week by Kazakhstan’s coronavirus commission to make PCR tests mandatory for unvaccinated service sector staff and employees of major industrial enterprises.The measure came after a recommendation last week by Kazakhstan’s coronavirus commission to make PCR tests mandatory for unvaccinated service sector staff and employees of major industrial enterprises.
Some 2 million people in the country of around 19 million people are fully vaccinated, the health ministry said, with Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s Sinopharm and Kazakhstan’s own vaccine, known as QazVac, among the jabs available.Some 2 million people in the country of around 19 million people are fully vaccinated, the health ministry said, with Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s Sinopharm and Kazakhstan’s own vaccine, known as QazVac, among the jabs available.
Kazakhstan has recorded 425,573 cases of the coronavirus with 4,375 deaths from the disease, according to official figures.Kazakhstan has recorded 425,573 cases of the coronavirus with 4,375 deaths from the disease, according to official figures.
The Covid vaccine sharing initiative Covax has urged governments to consider equally all people inoculated with WHO-approved products to avoid creating a two-tiered travel and trade regime.
It spoke out after an EU-wide Covid travel certificate took effect that recognises four vaccines but not others, notably the Covishield version of AstraZeneca’s jab which is widely used in Africa, AFP reports.
The European Medicines Agency has only authorised vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The agency estimates that differences in how Covishield is manufactured in India prevents it from qualifying for an EU seal of approval.
That means that EU countries along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland will be granted different travel access to those who have received the Covishield jab, notably people who live in Africa.
Covax, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, particularly to low-income countries, said that discriminated against them. “Any measure that only allows people protected by a subset of WHO-approved vaccines to benefit from the re-opening of travel into and with that region would effectively create a two-tier system,” a statement said.
That would widen “the global vaccine divide” and exacerbate “inequities we have already seen in the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines”, it added.
Covax has struggled to get donation-funded doses to poorer countries, and it argued that a rejection of Covishield would make it harder to convince people to become inoculated.
The African Union this week criticised as “inequitable” the decision not to include Covishield on the list of approved vaccines for a digital certificate for travellers in the bloc.
US pharmacy chain Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc said it expects to administer fewer Covid-19 vaccines in the fourth quarter after inoculations peaked in the previous quarter.
Reuters reported that the fall in jabs had sent its shares down nearly 7%, since it had been relying on gains from administering Covid-19 vaccines to tide over losses from low prescription volumes and a weak flu season that had slowed over-the-counter sales of health and wellness products.Overall, 25 million shots have been given to Americans through Walgreens, representing 7.6% of all US vaccinations.
Italy has warned any fans from England not to use loopholes in Covid travel restrictions to sneak into the quarter-finals Euro 2020 clash between England and Ukraine in Rome on Saturday, even if they have a ticket.Italy has introduced a five-day quarantine for travellers who have visited Britain in the previous two weeks, to curb the spread of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant. Short-stay business travellers and visitors in transit are exempt, but Reuters reported that the Italian embassy has warned that this “will not translate into permission to enter the stadium”.
The English Football Association said on Wednesday that it “will not be selling any tickets via the England Supporters Travel Club for this fixture” due to the travel restrictions.
The ban has proven a boon for Britons who live in Italy, who have found it easy to get tickets to the hotly anticipated match.
Italy reported 21 coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday against 24 the day before, while the daily tally of new infections rose to 882 from 776, Reuters reports.
The daily data release from the Italian health authorities showed that patients in hospital with Covid-19 - not including those in intensive care - stood at 1,532 on Thursday, down from 1,593 a day earlier.
Italy has the second-highest Covid-19 death toll in Europe after Britain, standing at 127,587 deaths. The country has reported 4.26 million cases to date.
Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is facing mounting pressure to resign following incendiary reports on allegedly corrupt deals to acquire Covid-19 vaccines and his mishandling of the pandemic response, Tom Phillips reports.
Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to return to the streets on Saturday to demand Bolsonaro’s removal from office – the third such mass demonstration in just over a month. On Wednesday a curious coalition of left- and rightwing opponents submitted a fresh petition for Bolsonaro’s impeachment after the Brazilian media published incendiary claims about supposedly dodgy dealings to acquire coronavirus vaccines.
Rachel Hall here taking over from Mattha Busby - please do send over any tips, thoughts or ideas to rachel.hall@theguardian.com.
The New York Times reports on some turbulence amid the launch today of the EU’s travel certificate, which allows Europeans with proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or recovery from the virus to travel to other member states.
But Germany and Austria have not given airlines access to the verification devices they would need to scan the relevant QR codes, citing privacy concerns, while Ireland has yet to set up a verification system for the digital certificates following recent cyberattacks.
Echoing concerns within the travel industry, the European Commission has also noted that in the 27 EU member states there are more than 10 verification processes, the NYT said.
“The digital Covid-19 certificate is an important tool that ideally will give people confidence in the easing of travel restrictions,” Thomas Reynaert, the managing director of Airlines for Europe, told the paper. “But this can only work for travellers if member states implement it in a harmonised way.”
Authorities and health experts in Spain have called for prudence and responsibility amid a surge in cases among young people who are still waiting to be vaccinated after more than 1,000 Covid cases across the country were traced back to an end-of-year school trip to Mallorca.
Although more than a third of Spain’s 47 million people have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, case numbers have been rising over recent days – most notably among younger people still waiting to get their shots.
The EU’s travel certificate launched today, allowing Europeans with proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or recovery from the virus to travel to other member states.
The app-based “digital green certificate” gives travellers a QR code to allow them to avoid requiring to quarantine in other member states. The certificate was agreed by EU governments and MEPs in May and introduced after pressure from southern economies reliant on tourism and wanting the bloc to open as soon as possible.
“The European digital certificate is a symbol of an open and safe Europe that is opening cautiously putting the protection of the health of our citizens first,” said the EU Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, according to the FT.
Citizens from outside the EU can enter the bloc if they have been fully vaccinated with a jab recognised by the European Medicines Agency. But the African Union has 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 German interior minister, Horst Seehofer, has described as “absolutely irresponsible” Uefa’s decision to hold the Euro 2020 semifinals and finals in the UK, due to the prevalence of the Delta variant.
“I suspect that once again it’s all about commercial [interests],” Horst Seehofer told reporters in Berlin, according to the FT. “But commercial interests should not override the need to protect people from infections.”
The position taken by Uefa, European football’s governing body, was “absolutely irresponsible, because we are in a pandemic and precisely in countries like Great Britain we’re seeing a sharp increase in infections”, he added.
“[In such a situation], it is imperative to avoid contact and adhere to hygiene regulations if we are to stop infections [spreading].”
For the Euro 2020 matches held in Munich, he said authorities had enforced strict rules and only allowed 14,000 fans into a stadium that has a capacity of 80,000, the FT reports.
Italy’s justice minister, Marta Cartabia, has ordered a report into conditions in the country’s prisons after the release of video footage showing guards brutally beating inmates at a jail near Naples who had demanded better coronavirus protections.