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Coronavirus live news: Russia to begin Covid booster jab rollout; Thailand suffers second day of record deaths Coronavirus live news: Russia to begin Covid booster jab rollout; Thailand suffers second day of record deaths
(32 minutes later)
Health clinics in Moscow to begin offering booster vaccines amid Delta surge; US President fails to deliver 80m doses by end of June; Thailand toll comes as Phuket reopens for tourismHealth clinics in Moscow to begin offering booster vaccines amid Delta surge; US President fails to deliver 80m doses by end of June; Thailand toll comes as Phuket reopens for tourism
Martin McKee, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a member of Independent Sage, said he does not believe that annual coronavirus vaccinations will be given to people in the future.
PA media report he told Times Radio: “I suspect what we will find is that, over the next few years, we’ll have a couple of different variants of the vaccine and then that will probably be adequate. Then obviously younger people will have to be vaccinated as they come through the population.”
Prof McKee added that he feels it is important to vaccinate children from a “population perspective” due to the need for 87% of people to be vaccinated so that there is “population immunity” against the virus.
“Twenty percent of the population are under 18 and there’s a higher proportion in some communities so, therefore, it seems obvious from a population perspective,” he said.
“I think people in the JCVI, who are looking at this from the perspective of the individual child and looking at the risk/benefit balance, are less enthusiastic about vaccinating children, but I’m a public health physician. From a population perspective, it’s very clear that we have to vaccinate children.”
Indonesia will tighten quarantine and boost testing and vaccinations for Covid and would extend emergency measures if infections do not decline within three weeks, Reuters report its government said.
Authorities were working hard to boost oxygen supplies across Java island and aimed to test half a million people daily, health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told a joint news conference.
In the UK, on Sky News the opposition Labour financial spokesperson Bridget Phillipson has been scathing of how the UK government has failed to extend additional support to businesses having pushed back the date for reopening the economy. She said:In the UK, on Sky News the opposition Labour financial spokesperson Bridget Phillipson has been scathing of how the UK government has failed to extend additional support to businesses having pushed back the date for reopening the economy. She said:
Asked about the fact that furlough support was tapered rather then ending abruptly – from today businesses have to contribute 10% of the cost – she said:Asked about the fact that furlough support was tapered rather then ending abruptly – from today businesses have to contribute 10% of the cost – she said:
Health clinics in Moscow will begin offering booster vaccine shots against Covid today, the city’s mayor said, as Russian officials scramble to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant.Health clinics in Moscow will begin offering booster vaccine shots against Covid today, the city’s mayor said, as Russian officials scramble to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant.
The health ministry on Wednesday said revaccination would begin on 1 July, news agencies including Reuters reported, making Russia one of the first countries in the world to officially launch a booster shot programme for people already fully vaccinated.The health ministry on Wednesday said revaccination would begin on 1 July, news agencies including Reuters reported, making Russia one of the first countries in the world to officially launch a booster shot programme for people already fully vaccinated.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said revaccination was available with any of Russia’s four registered vaccines, but that Sputnik V and the one-component Sputnik-Light would initially be used at eight clinics across the city.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said revaccination was available with any of Russia’s four registered vaccines, but that Sputnik V and the one-component Sputnik-Light would initially be used at eight clinics across the city.
The health ministry issued new regulations that officially recommended revaccination yesterday.The health ministry issued new regulations that officially recommended revaccination yesterday.
Official figures in Russia had for months shown between 7,000 and 9,500 new Covid cases a day, but in recent weeks they have shot above 20,000 new cases a day, setting new records.Official figures in Russia had for months shown between 7,000 and 9,500 new Covid cases a day, but in recent weeks they have shot above 20,000 new cases a day, setting new records.
The Thai island of Phuket has reopened to some foreign tourists, more than one year after the pandemic forced the country’s borders to close, devastating the economy.The Thai island of Phuket has reopened to some foreign tourists, more than one year after the pandemic forced the country’s borders to close, devastating the economy.
About 400 international tourists were expected to arrive in Phuket on Thursday, through a scheme that officials hope could help to revive the country’s tourism sector.About 400 international tourists were expected to arrive in Phuket on Thursday, through a scheme that officials hope could help to revive the country’s tourism sector.
The programme, known as Phuket Sandbox, aims to minimise the risk of transmission by requiring tourists to stay on the island for 14 days if they wish to travel elsewhere in Thailand.The programme, known as Phuket Sandbox, aims to minimise the risk of transmission by requiring tourists to stay on the island for 14 days if they wish to travel elsewhere in Thailand.
Phuket residents have been prioritised for vaccination before the reopening, and at least 70% of the population have received one dose of either Sinovac or AstraZeneca – far more than the rest of the country, which is struggling with its most severe outbreak yet.Phuket residents have been prioritised for vaccination before the reopening, and at least 70% of the population have received one dose of either Sinovac or AstraZeneca – far more than the rest of the country, which is struggling with its most severe outbreak yet.
The scheme has been hampered by last-minute rules changes, with the final regulations approved days ago. Only fully vaccinated tourists from countries deemed to be low- and medium-risk will be allowed to travel to Phuket, and they will need to provide a negative Covid test as well as other documentation.The scheme has been hampered by last-minute rules changes, with the final regulations approved days ago. Only fully vaccinated tourists from countries deemed to be low- and medium-risk will be allowed to travel to Phuket, and they will need to provide a negative Covid test as well as other documentation.
Travellers will be required to comply with various disease measures on arrival, including wearing a mask at all times when outdoors. They will also need to stay at special, certified hotels where 70% of staff have been vaccinated, and download a tracking app on their phone.Travellers will be required to comply with various disease measures on arrival, including wearing a mask at all times when outdoors. They will also need to stay at special, certified hotels where 70% of staff have been vaccinated, and download a tracking app on their phone.
Read more of Helen Davidson’s report here: Phuket reopens to tourists one year after Covid forced Thai borders to closeRead more of Helen Davidson’s report here: Phuket reopens to tourists one year after Covid forced Thai borders to close
Adrienne Matei wonders for us this morning, even as things begin to get back to something approaching normal in some countries, is this the end for casual hugging?Adrienne Matei wonders for us this morning, even as things begin to get back to something approaching normal in some countries, is this the end for casual hugging?
For teenage me, physical boundaries were an unfamiliar concept – partly because I was the product of a time and place where casual touch was the norm. But different people grow up with different norms, depending on where they come from and what they’ve experienced. And what’s considered ‘normal’ is always subject to change.For teenage me, physical boundaries were an unfamiliar concept – partly because I was the product of a time and place where casual touch was the norm. But different people grow up with different norms, depending on where they come from and what they’ve experienced. And what’s considered ‘normal’ is always subject to change.
Like most norms involving close physical contact, hugging quickly stopped for safety reasons as Covid-19 took hold last year. In an instant, the pandemic offered a crash course in how to navigate each other’s comfort zones and personal space bubbles (at least, among those who gave a damn about following the rules). But the seeds of a hug-reckoning had already been planted, well before social distancing became a part of daily life.Like most norms involving close physical contact, hugging quickly stopped for safety reasons as Covid-19 took hold last year. In an instant, the pandemic offered a crash course in how to navigate each other’s comfort zones and personal space bubbles (at least, among those who gave a damn about following the rules). But the seeds of a hug-reckoning had already been planted, well before social distancing became a part of daily life.
Covid-19 arrived as conversations about touch and consent hit a tipping point. Millennials who remembered being expected to hug everyone at their childhood family reunions had begun reconciling their politics with their parenting, and introduced the semi-controversial idea that nobody – not even grandma and grandpa – is entitled to hug their kids without the children’s permission.Covid-19 arrived as conversations about touch and consent hit a tipping point. Millennials who remembered being expected to hug everyone at their childhood family reunions had begun reconciling their politics with their parenting, and introduced the semi-controversial idea that nobody – not even grandma and grandpa – is entitled to hug their kids without the children’s permission.
Taken altogether, we’re looking at a very different era for hugs than the night of my fateful fireside chat, so many years ago. In the time since, and especially during Covid, we’ve had an opportunity to reflect on our collective norms and social patterns. Now is the time to actually decide how we want to move forward with hugging as our communities reopen – and if we want to continue hugging at all.Taken altogether, we’re looking at a very different era for hugs than the night of my fateful fireside chat, so many years ago. In the time since, and especially during Covid, we’ve had an opportunity to reflect on our collective norms and social patterns. Now is the time to actually decide how we want to move forward with hugging as our communities reopen – and if we want to continue hugging at all.
Read more here: Is the age of casual hugging over?Read more here: Is the age of casual hugging over?
[Please note: this live blogger has always been inclined to respond to any uninvited casual hug with a Hulksmash. *shudders*][Please note: this live blogger has always been inclined to respond to any uninvited casual hug with a Hulksmash. *shudders*]
PA media report that Professor Adam Finn, from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said experts were “very concerned” there will be a very large flu epidemic this winter and people needed to be able to get their Covid and flu jabs in the same visit, if the Covid jab was deemed ultimately necessary.PA media report that Professor Adam Finn, from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said experts were “very concerned” there will be a very large flu epidemic this winter and people needed to be able to get their Covid and flu jabs in the same visit, if the Covid jab was deemed ultimately necessary.
He told BBC Breakfast that regular, annual Covid vaccines could happen “but possibly not for everybody”.He told BBC Breakfast that regular, annual Covid vaccines could happen “but possibly not for everybody”.
He added: “And of course, uncertainty will reduce as time goes by and we’ll really see how much of an ongoing problem we have with this virus and how it behaves and evolves.He added: “And of course, uncertainty will reduce as time goes by and we’ll really see how much of an ongoing problem we have with this virus and how it behaves and evolves.
“But I think it’s highly likely that we’ll go on seeing people getting infection with this virus in the future, and the need to immunise people, particularly people who are vulnerable, to getting seriously ill with that, yes.”“But I think it’s highly likely that we’ll go on seeing people getting infection with this virus in the future, and the need to immunise people, particularly people who are vulnerable, to getting seriously ill with that, yes.”
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: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.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.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.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.“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.”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 showsRead 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: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:A booster jab programme in the UK would initially target:
Adults aged 16 years and over who are immunosuppressed.Adults aged 16 years and over who are immunosuppressed.
Those living in residential care homes for older adults.Those living in residential care homes for older adults.
All adults aged 70 years or over.All adults aged 70 years or over.
Adults aged 16 years and over who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable.Adults aged 16 years and over who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable.
Frontline health and social care workers.Frontline health and social care workers.
A second stage would see jabs administered to:A second stage would see jabs administered to:
All adults aged 50 years and over.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.All adults aged 16 to 49 years who are in an at-risk group for flu or Covid.
Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.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 SeptemberYou 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.