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There is currently no political path for launching impeachment proceedings against Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, the head of the lower house said on Thursday, Reuters reports.There is currently no political path for launching impeachment proceedings against Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, the head of the lower house said on Thursday, Reuters reports.
The comments by Arthur Lira, who has the power to decide whether to accept the impeachment proceedings, will come as a major relief to Bolsonaro.The comments by Arthur Lira, who has the power to decide whether to accept the impeachment proceedings, will come as a major relief to Bolsonaro.
He is feeling the heat for overseeing the world’s second-deadliest coronavirus pandemic, a high-profile Senate probe into his handling of the outbreak and a scandal over alleged graft in vaccine purchases.He is feeling the heat for overseeing the world’s second-deadliest coronavirus pandemic, a high-profile Senate probe into his handling of the outbreak and a scandal over alleged graft in vaccine purchases.
Lira said impeachment required political conditions “which are not present at this moment, neither outside nor inside Congress.”Lira said impeachment required political conditions “which are not present at this moment, neither outside nor inside Congress.”
The Senate probe has unearthed alleged corruption, with health ministry insiders and pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers allegedly seeking to fast-track and overpay for an Indian vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech.The Senate probe has unearthed alleged corruption, with health ministry insiders and pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers allegedly seeking to fast-track and overpay for an Indian vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech.
Federal prosecutors and the federal police have launched a criminal probe into the deal.Federal prosecutors and the federal police have launched a criminal probe into the deal.
Brazil registered 65,163 new coronavirus cases and 2,029 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday, Reuters reports. The country has had over 18.6 million cases in total and more than 520,000 deaths.Brazil registered 65,163 new coronavirus cases and 2,029 deaths in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday, Reuters reports. The country has had over 18.6 million cases in total and more than 520,000 deaths.
Up to five million Britons could be denied European holidays because their vaccines are not recognised by the EU’s passport scheme, the Daily Telegraph reported.Up to five million Britons could be denied European holidays because their vaccines are not recognised by the EU’s passport scheme, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Millions of vaccines administered here do not qualify for the European Union’s vaccine passport scheme as the jabs were manufactured in India and are not yet authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).Millions of vaccines administered here do not qualify for the European Union’s vaccine passport scheme as the jabs were manufactured in India and are not yet authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The EU Digital Covid Certificate, which launched on Thursday, is designed to allow Covid-secure travel across the continent but does not recognise a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine called Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII), because it is yet to receive approval in Europe.The EU Digital Covid Certificate, which launched on Thursday, is designed to allow Covid-secure travel across the continent but does not recognise a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine called Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII), because it is yet to receive approval in Europe.
Up to five million doses of this version of the vaccine have been administered in the UK and are identifiable by the vaccine batch numbers (4120Z001, 4120Z002, 4120Z003) included on recipients’ vaccine cards and in the Covid travel pass available via the NHS app.Up to five million doses of this version of the vaccine have been administered in the UK and are identifiable by the vaccine batch numbers (4120Z001, 4120Z002, 4120Z003) included on recipients’ vaccine cards and in the Covid travel pass available via the NHS app.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “As we continue to cautiously reopen international travel, NHS Covid Pass will be a key service that allows people to demonstrate their Covid-19 vaccination status.”A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “As we continue to cautiously reopen international travel, NHS Covid Pass will be a key service that allows people to demonstrate their Covid-19 vaccination status.”
He added that all AstraZeneca doses used in the UK appeared under the name Vaxzevria in medical records and on the NHS app, even if they had come from India. Only the batch numbers, also included in the NHS Covid pass, identify them.He added that all AstraZeneca doses used in the UK appeared under the name Vaxzevria in medical records and on the NHS app, even if they had come from India. Only the batch numbers, also included in the NHS Covid pass, identify them.
“All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria.”“All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria.”
The NHS in England is starting to plan a coronavirus booster jab programme from September for millions of people most vulnerable to the virus.The NHS in England is starting to plan a coronavirus booster jab programme from September for millions of people most vulnerable to the virus.
In a letter to senior leaders, GPs and hospital bosses, NHS England said health systems should prepare to deliver booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine between September 6 and December 17 as “quickly and safely as possible”.In a letter to senior leaders, GPs and hospital bosses, NHS England said health systems should prepare to deliver booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine between September 6 and December 17 as “quickly and safely as possible”.
It comes after experts advising the government published new interim guidance setting out the priority list for who should get a third jab if a booster programme is needed.It comes after experts advising the government published new interim guidance setting out the priority list for who should get a third jab if a booster programme is needed.
The priority groups in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) interim guidance cover around 32 million people including over-70s, health and care workers, older care home residents, the clinically extremely vulnerable and people who are immunocompromised.The priority groups in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) interim guidance cover around 32 million people including over-70s, health and care workers, older care home residents, the clinically extremely vulnerable and people who are immunocompromised.
Final guidance from the JCVI will be set out before September, PA reports.Final guidance from the JCVI will be set out before September, PA reports.
The NHS letter said results from a number of clinical trials are expected over the summer so plans will need to “flex as new information becomes available”.The NHS letter said results from a number of clinical trials are expected over the summer so plans will need to “flex as new information becomes available”.
It added: “Therefore, the core planning scenario systems should prepare for is to deliver booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the individuals outlined in the JCVI interim guidance above between September 6 and December 17 2021 (15 weeks), as quickly and safely as possible in two stages using supply available to us over that period.”It added: “Therefore, the core planning scenario systems should prepare for is to deliver booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the individuals outlined in the JCVI interim guidance above between September 6 and December 17 2021 (15 weeks), as quickly and safely as possible in two stages using supply available to us over that period.”
A “bubble boat” carrying 118 students linked to a Covid mega-outbreak on Majorca arrived back on the Spanish mainland, ending their confinement in a quarantine hotel on the Mediterranean island.A “bubble boat” carrying 118 students linked to a Covid mega-outbreak on Majorca arrived back on the Spanish mainland, ending their confinement in a quarantine hotel on the Mediterranean island.
Last week hundreds of youngsters across Spain tested positive after going to Majorca, prompting the authorities to quarantine some 250 students at a hotel in the capital Palma.Last week hundreds of youngsters across Spain tested positive after going to Majorca, prompting the authorities to quarantine some 250 students at a hotel in the capital Palma.
But a judge on Wednesday ordered that those students who tested negative could be released from quarantine in the Palma Bellver, which has been dubbed “Hotel Covid”, with a ferry laid on Thursday to bring them home.But a judge on Wednesday ordered that those students who tested negative could be released from quarantine in the Palma Bellver, which has been dubbed “Hotel Covid”, with a ferry laid on Thursday to bring them home.
The boat, which sailed from Palma, arrived in Valencia on Thursday evening, according to an AFP correspondent.The boat, which sailed from Palma, arrived in Valencia on Thursday evening, according to an AFP correspondent.
From there the students were to be picked up by health officials from their home regions who will decide whether to run a second test.From there the students were to be picked up by health officials from their home regions who will decide whether to run a second test.
Here is the latest on the coronavirus situation in Australia:Here is the latest on the coronavirus situation in Australia:
The South African Medical Association has threatened to take the government to court because scores of new junior doctors cannot find placements despite staff shortages during the pandemic.The South African Medical Association has threatened to take the government to court because scores of new junior doctors cannot find placements despite staff shortages during the pandemic.
SAMA said it was “scandalous” that, during a third wave of infections, 228 medical interns who graduated in March and April were waiting for the government to place them at public hospitals to complete their training.SAMA said it was “scandalous” that, during a third wave of infections, 228 medical interns who graduated in March and April were waiting for the government to place them at public hospitals to complete their training.
“They (the interns) were supposed to all have been placed by today,” Angelique Coetzee, SAMA chairperson, told Reuters, adding that she would seek a court order if they were not.“They (the interns) were supposed to all have been placed by today,” Angelique Coetzee, SAMA chairperson, told Reuters, adding that she would seek a court order if they were not.
She said the window was narrowing to find them internships because of how the training cycle works: “By July, if you don’t slot them in, they’ll be sitting at home for a year.”She said the window was narrowing to find them internships because of how the training cycle works: “By July, if you don’t slot them in, they’ll be sitting at home for a year.”
Czechs will be required to undergo a Covid-19 test when they return from summer holidays abroad if they are not fully vaccinated, health minister Adam Vojtech said.Czechs will be required to undergo a Covid-19 test when they return from summer holidays abroad if they are not fully vaccinated, health minister Adam Vojtech said.
The step is the government’s first to try to contain the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant which has now hit the Czech Republic.The step is the government’s first to try to contain the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant which has now hit the Czech Republic.
The central European country has been harder hit than most others on a per capita basis since the pandemic hit in 2020, and reported 151 new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, Reuters reports.The central European country has been harder hit than most others on a per capita basis since the pandemic hit in 2020, and reported 151 new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, Reuters reports.
That is much lower than at the peak of the pandemic but it is the third consecutive week-on-week rise in cases. Also, the reproduction “R” number has risen above 1 for the first time since mid-April, signalling Covid-19 is on the rise again.That is much lower than at the peak of the pandemic but it is the third consecutive week-on-week rise in cases. Also, the reproduction “R” number has risen above 1 for the first time since mid-April, signalling Covid-19 is on the rise again.
Under the new measures, people will need to have a test when they return from holidays abroad - with the exception of those who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days - and employers must refuse to allow workers back without a negative test.Under the new measures, people will need to have a test when they return from holidays abroad - with the exception of those who are fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days - and employers must refuse to allow workers back without a negative test.
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 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.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 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.
Spain reported 12,345 new coronavirus infections and eight deaths on Thursday, with health ministry data showing daily increases this week at their highest levels since mid-April, in part due to the more contagious Delta variant.Spain reported 12,345 new coronavirus infections and eight deaths on Thursday, with health ministry data showing daily increases this week at their highest levels since mid-April, in part due to the more contagious Delta variant.
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.
Tunisian authorities placed the capital Tunis and the northern town of Bizerte under a partial lockdown from Thursday in a bid to rein in record daily coronavirus cases and deaths, AFP reports.Tunisian authorities placed the capital Tunis and the northern town of Bizerte under a partial lockdown from Thursday in a bid to rein in record daily coronavirus cases and deaths, AFP reports.
Parties, sporting and cultural events and public prayers are banned until 14 July under the measures which cover Tunis and its surroundings, adding to similar measures in place for the coastal cities of Sousse and Monastir.Parties, sporting and cultural events and public prayers are banned until 14 July under the measures which cover Tunis and its surroundings, adding to similar measures in place for the coastal cities of Sousse and Monastir.
The measures also include an overnight curfew from 8pm (7pm GMT) until 5am and a ban on cafes and restaurants serving food except outdoors or by delivery.The measures also include an overnight curfew from 8pm (7pm GMT) until 5am and a ban on cafes and restaurants serving food except outdoors or by delivery.
Many Tunisian hospitals are at full capacity, and medics say they are unable to cope.Many Tunisian hospitals are at full capacity, and medics say they are unable to cope.
Four inland regions of the North African country, as well as the northern town of Bizerte, have also been under total lockdown since 20 June as cases have spiralled.Four inland regions of the North African country, as well as the northern town of Bizerte, have also been under total lockdown since 20 June as cases have spiralled.
Ministers are planning to remove all mandatory mask and social distancing restrictions in England on 19 July but national guidance may still encourage caution in high-risk areas such as public transport.Ministers are planning to remove all mandatory mask and social distancing restrictions in England on 19 July but national guidance may still encourage caution in high-risk areas such as public transport.
A number of key scientific advisers including England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, and the government’s chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, are said to behind ministers’ plans to lift restrictions, though they have cautioned that the NHS may come under pressure in the winter.A number of key scientific advisers including England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, and the government’s chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, are said to behind ministers’ plans to lift restrictions, though they have cautioned that the NHS may come under pressure in the winter.
However, hospital bosses fear that the reopening date will lead to a new spike in Covid admissions, which NHS Providers – which represents hospital trusts in England – warned could lead to the cancellation of surgery and other care.However, hospital bosses fear that the reopening date will lead to a new spike in Covid admissions, which NHS Providers – which represents hospital trusts in England – warned could lead to the cancellation of surgery and other care.
Eight in 10 people with blood cancer have not been told they are not fully protected by the Covid-19 vaccine, a UK charity has warned.Eight in 10 people with blood cancer have not been told they are not fully protected by the Covid-19 vaccine, a UK charity has warned.
An online survey by Blood Cancer UK of about 1,000 people found that 80% were not told by the NHS that their weakened immune systems lessened the chance they would have an immune response to the jab.An online survey by Blood Cancer UK of about 1,000 people found that 80% were not told by the NHS that their weakened immune systems lessened the chance they would have an immune response to the jab.
The charity said this means people with blood cancer are at a high risk of contracting coronavirus despite having both doses of a vaccine, and are also more likely to get severely ill, PA reports.The charity said this means people with blood cancer are at a high risk of contracting coronavirus despite having both doses of a vaccine, and are also more likely to get severely ill, PA reports.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The antibody response is only part of the protection provided by the vaccine and we remain committed to ensuring as many people as possible are protected from the virus and continue to safely receive treatment.A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The antibody response is only part of the protection provided by the vaccine and we remain committed to ensuring as many people as possible are protected from the virus and continue to safely receive treatment.
“For example, our new antivirals taskforce is working to identify effective treatments for patients who have been exposed to the virus to stop the infection spreading and speed up recovery time – including those who are immunocompromised.”“For example, our new antivirals taskforce is working to identify effective treatments for patients who have been exposed to the virus to stop the infection spreading and speed up recovery time – including those who are immunocompromised.”
The White House said it would send out special teams to hot spots around the US to combat the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant, and urgently called on Americans who have not been vaccinated to get jabs. White House Covid-19 senior adviser Jeffrey Zients told reporters the “surge response” teams would be ready to speed additional testing supplies and therapeutics to communities that were experiencing increases in cases, Reuters reports. The seven-day-average number of cases in the US has risen 10% since last week, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director (CDC) Rochelle Walensky said on Tuesday.The White House said it would send out special teams to hot spots around the US to combat the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant, and urgently called on Americans who have not been vaccinated to get jabs. White House Covid-19 senior adviser Jeffrey Zients told reporters the “surge response” teams would be ready to speed additional testing supplies and therapeutics to communities that were experiencing increases in cases, Reuters reports. The seven-day-average number of cases in the US has risen 10% since last week, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director (CDC) Rochelle Walensky said on Tuesday.
The Delta variant of coronavirus is driving the pandemic forward in Africa at record speeds, the World Health Organization (WHO). Infection numbers have increased in Africa for six weeks running, rising by a quarter week-on-week to almost 202,000 in the week that ended Sunday, it said. The continent’s weekly record currently stands at 224,000 new cases, AFP reports. Deaths rose by 15% across 38 African countries to nearly 3,000 in the same period. “The speed and scale of Africa’s third wave is like nothing we’ve seen before,” Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, said.The Delta variant of coronavirus is driving the pandemic forward in Africa at record speeds, the World Health Organization (WHO). Infection numbers have increased in Africa for six weeks running, rising by a quarter week-on-week to almost 202,000 in the week that ended Sunday, it said. The continent’s weekly record currently stands at 224,000 new cases, AFP reports. Deaths rose by 15% across 38 African countries to nearly 3,000 in the same period. “The speed and scale of Africa’s third wave is like nothing we’ve seen before,” Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, said.
Spain reported 12,345 new coronavirus infections and eight deaths on Thursday, with health ministry data showing daily increases this week at their highest levels since mid-April, in part due to the more contagious Delta variant. The infection rate measured over the past 14 days rose to 134 cases per 100,000 people from 117 on Wednesday, accelerating a rise that began in mid-June after the rate hit its lowest level since August, of about 90 cases per 100,000, Reuters reports. Thursday’s numbers took the cumulative total of cases in Spain to 3,821,305 while the death toll reached 80,883. A record 747,589 people were vaccinated on Thursday, leaving nearly 38% of the population fully inoculated.Spain reported 12,345 new coronavirus infections and eight deaths on Thursday, with health ministry data showing daily increases this week at their highest levels since mid-April, in part due to the more contagious Delta variant. The infection rate measured over the past 14 days rose to 134 cases per 100,000 people from 117 on Wednesday, accelerating a rise that began in mid-June after the rate hit its lowest level since August, of about 90 cases per 100,000, Reuters reports. Thursday’s numbers took the cumulative total of cases in Spain to 3,821,305 while the death toll reached 80,883. A record 747,589 people were vaccinated on Thursday, leaving nearly 38% of the population fully inoculated.
The US administered 328,152,304 doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country as of Thursday morning and distributed 382,283,990 doses, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Those figures are up from the 326,521,526 vaccine doses the CDC said had gone into arms by June 30 out of 381,949,830 doses delivered, Reuters reports. The agency said 181,339,416 people had received at least one dose while 155,884,601 people had been fully vaccinated as of Thursday.The US administered 328,152,304 doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country as of Thursday morning and distributed 382,283,990 doses, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Those figures are up from the 326,521,526 vaccine doses the CDC said had gone into arms by June 30 out of 381,949,830 doses delivered, Reuters reports. The agency said 181,339,416 people had received at least one dose while 155,884,601 people had been fully vaccinated as of Thursday.