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Covid live news: UK reports 113 further deaths and 36,572 new cases; Barcelona curfew ‘not justified’, court rules Covid live news: UK reports 113 further deaths and 36,572 new cases; Barcelona curfew ‘not justified’, court rules
(32 minutes later)
Spanish court lifts coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia; critical care beds reaching capacity in JapanSpanish court lifts coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia; critical care beds reaching capacity in Japan
The Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, is facing calls to urge MPs to wear masks in the chamber, after cabinet ministers and many Tory backbenchers shunned the advice during a packed eight-hour debate on Afghanistan.
Although face coverings stopped being mandatory in most settings on 19 July, government guidance that face coverings should be work in “crowded and enclosed spaces” remains in place, and rules set down by the parliamentary authorities say they should be worn in the main debating space.
Four trade unions representing parliamentary staffers wrote to Hoyle on Thursday raising concerns that the scenes of unmasked politicians sitting shoulder to shoulder on the green benches represented “the starkest example yet of the unwillingness of a significant number of MPs to take the most basic of precautionary measures to help protect staff”.
They said the “dismissiveness” was insulting and also claimed there was confusion about who was responsible for “ensuring a safe working environment in parliament”, after Boris Johnson’s spokesperson said questions about the rules on masks in the Commons and Lords were “a matter for the parliamentary authorities”.
The Guardian can reveal there has been an “uptick” in Covid cases among security workers around the estate in the previous two weeks. As a result, new guidance was issued the day after parliament returned for its one-day recall, telling security staff they must get tested by Saturday at the latest.
They have also been told to wear a face covering at all times unless exempt and to maintain social distancing, despite the legal 2-metre requirement also being dropped last month.
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Israel’s health minister said on Thursday that people over 40 and teachers would be eligible for a third dose of Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine, expanding its booster campaign to fend off the coronavirus Delta variant.Israel’s health minister said on Thursday that people over 40 and teachers would be eligible for a third dose of Pfizer/BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine, expanding its booster campaign to fend off the coronavirus Delta variant.
Israel began administering third doses to people over 60 in July, later dropping the minimum age of eligibility to 50 and offering boosters to health workers and others, Reuters reports.Israel began administering third doses to people over 60 in July, later dropping the minimum age of eligibility to 50 and offering boosters to health workers and others, Reuters reports.
Police in Kenya used teargas and fired shots in the air to break up protests in Nairobi after a man was allegedly killed by officers for violating the country’s Covid curfew. Shops were looted as unrest grew after John Kiiru’s death, which came just two days after six police officers appeared in court over the death of two brothers this month after they also allegedly broke the curfew.Police in Kenya used teargas and fired shots in the air to break up protests in Nairobi after a man was allegedly killed by officers for violating the country’s Covid curfew. Shops were looted as unrest grew after John Kiiru’s death, which came just two days after six police officers appeared in court over the death of two brothers this month after they also allegedly broke the curfew.
A plan to start offering Covid booster vaccinations in the UK from early September is extremely unlikely to happen, it is understood, given the concerns of the government’s vaccines watchdog about the clinical benefits and potential wider risks to vaccine confidence. Immunologist Prof Peter Openshaw also said that the results of ongoing studies to determine their effectiveness “should not be prejudged”.A plan to start offering Covid booster vaccinations in the UK from early September is extremely unlikely to happen, it is understood, given the concerns of the government’s vaccines watchdog about the clinical benefits and potential wider risks to vaccine confidence. Immunologist Prof Peter Openshaw also said that the results of ongoing studies to determine their effectiveness “should not be prejudged”.
An online open-source intelligence group last year identified that a virus studied at the Wuhan Institute of Virology taken from an abandoned copper mine in Yunnan province was the closest known relative to Sars-CoV-2, the Economist reports in a piece which also considers the case for a zoonotic origin to Covid.An online open-source intelligence group last year identified that a virus studied at the Wuhan Institute of Virology taken from an abandoned copper mine in Yunnan province was the closest known relative to Sars-CoV-2, the Economist reports in a piece which also considers the case for a zoonotic origin to Covid.
A Spanish court has lifted a coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia, including the capital Barcelona, leaving it in place in just a fraction of the northeastern region. The high court of justice of Catalonia said the measure was “not justified” because infection rates had improved.A Spanish court has lifted a coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia, including the capital Barcelona, leaving it in place in just a fraction of the northeastern region. The high court of justice of Catalonia said the measure was “not justified” because infection rates had improved.
Joe Biden said he and his wife, Jill, would receive a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to boost their immunity, as his administration announced booster shots would be offered to Americans in September. He also announced that nursing home staff would need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a condition for those facilities to continue receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.Joe Biden said he and his wife, Jill, would receive a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to boost their immunity, as his administration announced booster shots would be offered to Americans in September. He also announced that nursing home staff would need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a condition for those facilities to continue receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.
Hospitalisations of people under the age of 50 with Covid-19 are now at the highest levels seen in the US since the start of the pandemic, the latest government data shows. The largest increases in hospitalisations was among those in their 30s and the under-18s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hospitalisations of people under the age of 50 with Covid-19 are now at the highest levels seen in the US since the start of the pandemic, the latest government data shows. The largest increases in hospitalisations was among those in their 30s and the under-18s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The hoarding of Covid jabs by rich countries which are also rolling out booster shots “makes a mockery of vaccine equity” pledges, the Africa director for the World Health Organization said. But she noted that cases across Africa are levelling off and more vaccine doses are finally arriving on the continentThe hoarding of Covid jabs by rich countries which are also rolling out booster shots “makes a mockery of vaccine equity” pledges, the Africa director for the World Health Organization said. But she noted that cases across Africa are levelling off and more vaccine doses are finally arriving on the continent
The French scientist who promoted the discredited hydroxychloroquine treatment for Covid-19 backed by Donald Trump faces being pushed out of the infectious diseases institute he founded amid concerns from key members over its role in feeding conspiracy theories and an investigation by regulators into its clinical studies.The French scientist who promoted the discredited hydroxychloroquine treatment for Covid-19 backed by Donald Trump faces being pushed out of the infectious diseases institute he founded amid concerns from key members over its role in feeding conspiracy theories and an investigation by regulators into its clinical studies.
Meanwhile, a new book detailing the relationship between the US, China and the WHO during the pandemic shows how Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautiously praised China in public while pressuring it in private, the Washington Post reports.Meanwhile, a new book detailing the relationship between the US, China and the WHO during the pandemic shows how Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautiously praised China in public while pressuring it in private, the Washington Post reports.
The Economist reports an online open-source intelligence group calling itself Drastic last year identified that a virus studied at the Wuhan Institute of Virology taken from an abandoned copper mine in Yunnan province is the closest known relative to Sars-CoV-2.The Economist reports an online open-source intelligence group calling itself Drastic last year identified that a virus studied at the Wuhan Institute of Virology taken from an abandoned copper mine in Yunnan province is the closest known relative to Sars-CoV-2.
The lengthy, sober piece, subtitled “Origins and obfuscation”, also raises the possibility of other potential origins of Covid – after WHO mission chief to Wuhan Embarek’s stunning I-turn last week in which he suggested patient zero could have been a lab worker after all.The lengthy, sober piece, subtitled “Origins and obfuscation”, also raises the possibility of other potential origins of Covid – after WHO mission chief to Wuhan Embarek’s stunning I-turn last week in which he suggested patient zero could have been a lab worker after all.
The US is urging the more than 150 countries planning to send their leader or a government minister to New York to speak in person at the UN general assembly next month to consider giving a video address instead.The US is urging the more than 150 countries planning to send their leader or a government minister to New York to speak in person at the UN general assembly next month to consider giving a video address instead.
A note from the US mission sent to the 192 other UN member nations also called for all other UN-hosted meetings and side events to be virtual, saying these parallel meetings that draw travellers to New York “needlessly increase risk [from Covid] to our community, New Yorkers and the other travellers.”A note from the US mission sent to the 192 other UN member nations also called for all other UN-hosted meetings and side events to be virtual, saying these parallel meetings that draw travellers to New York “needlessly increase risk [from Covid] to our community, New Yorkers and the other travellers.”
The Associated Press reports that the note said the Biden administration is particularly concerned about secretary-general Antonio Guterres and the incoming general assembly president Abdulla Shahid hosting high-level in-person events.The Associated Press reports that the note said the Biden administration is particularly concerned about secretary-general Antonio Guterres and the incoming general assembly president Abdulla Shahid hosting high-level in-person events.
“The US is willing to make every effort to make these important events on shared priorities successful in a virtual format,” the note said.“The US is willing to make every effort to make these important events on shared priorities successful in a virtual format,” the note said.
The UN decided in late July to let world leaders attend their annual gathering, known as the general debate, from 21-27 September in person — or to deliver prerecorded speeches if Covid-19 restrictions prevented them from travelling.UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the UN had already put in place a number of measures to deal with the delta variant, including mandatory mask-wearing at the headquarters and reporting of vaccination status and positive Covid-19 tests.The UN decided in late July to let world leaders attend their annual gathering, known as the general debate, from 21-27 September in person — or to deliver prerecorded speeches if Covid-19 restrictions prevented them from travelling.UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the UN had already put in place a number of measures to deal with the delta variant, including mandatory mask-wearing at the headquarters and reporting of vaccination status and positive Covid-19 tests.
It also has mandatory vaccination requirements for some personnel, including those servicing intergovernmental meetings prior to the high-level week, he said.“We are obviously in continuous discussion with member states, who will have to make decisions, and the host country,” Dujarric said. “The secretary-general will continue to focus on keeping everyone in the UN community safe.”It also has mandatory vaccination requirements for some personnel, including those servicing intergovernmental meetings prior to the high-level week, he said.“We are obviously in continuous discussion with member states, who will have to make decisions, and the host country,” Dujarric said. “The secretary-general will continue to focus on keeping everyone in the UN community safe.”
Trade unions representing parliamentary staff have urged the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, to take action to ensure MPs wear face masks in the chamber.Trade unions representing parliamentary staff have urged the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, to take action to ensure MPs wear face masks in the chamber.
MPs were sitting shoulder to shoulder in the Commons yesterday, with some wearing face coverings but many – including prime minister Boris Johnson and health secretary Sajid Javid – were not.MPs were sitting shoulder to shoulder in the Commons yesterday, with some wearing face coverings but many – including prime minister Boris Johnson and health secretary Sajid Javid – were not.
Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, said all MPs should take the “basic step” of wearing face masks to protect staff.Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, said all MPs should take the “basic step” of wearing face masks to protect staff.
It comes as a government public health adviser has warned that the image of maskless Conservative MPs sitting across from a majority of opposition politicians wearing face coverings in a packed parliament “illustrates very starkly” how the issue has become politicised.It comes as a government public health adviser has warned that the image of maskless Conservative MPs sitting across from a majority of opposition politicians wearing face coverings in a packed parliament “illustrates very starkly” how the issue has become politicised.
Prof Peter Openshaw, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) which advises the government, told Times Radio:Prof Peter Openshaw, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) which advises the government, told Times Radio:
The prime minister’s official spokesman said yesterday the situation in the Commons was a matter for the parliamentary authorities, but added that the advice “still remains” that face coverings should be worn in crowded indoor spaces.The prime minister’s official spokesman said yesterday the situation in the Commons was a matter for the parliamentary authorities, but added that the advice “still remains” that face coverings should be worn in crowded indoor spaces.
One rule for them and another for us …One rule for them and another for us …
Sonny Chiba, the Japanese martial arts movie star who found late-career renown in Hollywood after outspoken admiration from Quentin Tarantino, has died aged 82 from a Covid-related illness.Sonny Chiba, the Japanese martial arts movie star who found late-career renown in Hollywood after outspoken admiration from Quentin Tarantino, has died aged 82 from a Covid-related illness.
Variety reported that it had received confirmation of the news from Chiba’s agent. With an acting career beginning in the 1960s with a string of roles in Japanese martial arts films and TV shows, Chiba became widely known in the west after being name-checked in True Romance, the 1993 thriller written by Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. By then, Chiba had become a star in Japan, appearing in titles such as the 1970s Street Fighter trilogy (and its spin-off, Sister Street Fighter), Bullet Train and Champion of Death.Variety reported that it had received confirmation of the news from Chiba’s agent. With an acting career beginning in the 1960s with a string of roles in Japanese martial arts films and TV shows, Chiba became widely known in the west after being name-checked in True Romance, the 1993 thriller written by Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. By then, Chiba had become a star in Japan, appearing in titles such as the 1970s Street Fighter trilogy (and its spin-off, Sister Street Fighter), Bullet Train and Champion of Death.
Hospitalisations of people under the age of 50 with Covid-19 are now at the highest levels seen in the US since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the latest government data shows.Hospitalisations of people under the age of 50 with Covid-19 are now at the highest levels seen in the US since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the latest government data shows.
The largest increases in hospitalisations was among those in their 30s and the under-18s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The previous peak in coronavirus patients under 50 needing to be hospitalised was in January of this year.The largest increases in hospitalisations was among those in their 30s and the under-18s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The previous peak in coronavirus patients under 50 needing to be hospitalised was in January of this year.
The French scientist who promoted the discredited hydroxychloroquine treatment for Covid-19 backed by Donald Trump faces being pushed out of the infectious diseases institute he founded amid concerns from key members over its role in feeding conspiracy theories and an investigation by regulators into its clinical studies.The French scientist who promoted the discredited hydroxychloroquine treatment for Covid-19 backed by Donald Trump faces being pushed out of the infectious diseases institute he founded amid concerns from key members over its role in feeding conspiracy theories and an investigation by regulators into its clinical studies.
Didier Raoult has built a worldwide following throughout the pandemic for his support of the malaria drug despite its failure in randomised control trials. Multiple studies, including by the Recovery trial and the World Health Organization, have found hydroxychloroquine to be ineffective in treating Covid-19.Didier Raoult has built a worldwide following throughout the pandemic for his support of the malaria drug despite its failure in randomised control trials. Multiple studies, including by the Recovery trial and the World Health Organization, have found hydroxychloroquine to be ineffective in treating Covid-19.
The number of people instructed to self-isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app has continued to fall, reaching its lowest number since the week to 23 June.The number of people instructed to self-isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app has continued to fall, reaching its lowest number since the week to 23 June.
A total of 261,453 alerts were sent to users of the app for England and Wales in the week to 11 August, down by 18% on the previous week when 317,519 were pinged.A total of 261,453 alerts were sent to users of the app for England and Wales in the week to 11 August, down by 18% on the previous week when 317,519 were pinged.
The latest government figures cover the first full week when the “logic” behind the tool was tweaked to alert fewer people who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus.The latest government figures cover the first full week when the “logic” behind the tool was tweaked to alert fewer people who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus.
Venue check-ins have also dropped to a little over 1.3m - 477,748 less than the week before. Several sectors have been blighted by staff shortages as a result of the so-called “pingdemic”, PA reports.Venue check-ins have also dropped to a little over 1.3m - 477,748 less than the week before. Several sectors have been blighted by staff shortages as a result of the so-called “pingdemic”, PA reports.
The rules were eased on 16 August, when people who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus were told they no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone who tests positive – though they are advised to wear a mask, reduce their contact with others and take a test. App pings reached an all-time high in the week to 21 July, peaking at 690,518 alerts.The rules were eased on 16 August, when people who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus were told they no longer have to isolate if they come into contact with someone who tests positive – though they are advised to wear a mask, reduce their contact with others and take a test. App pings reached an all-time high in the week to 21 July, peaking at 690,518 alerts.
Police in Kenya used teargas and fired shots in the air to break up protests in Nairobi on Thursday after a man was allegedly killed by officers for violating the country’s Covid-19 curfew.Police in Kenya used teargas and fired shots in the air to break up protests in Nairobi on Thursday after a man was allegedly killed by officers for violating the country’s Covid-19 curfew.
Shops were looted as unrest enveloped the eastern Nairobi district of Kayole after John Kiiru’s death, residents told French news agency AFP. His widow, Esther Wanjiru, said her husband had called her shortly after midnight and told her he had been beaten by police, but she did not hear from him again.Shops were looted as unrest enveloped the eastern Nairobi district of Kayole after John Kiiru’s death, residents told French news agency AFP. His widow, Esther Wanjiru, said her husband had called her shortly after midnight and told her he had been beaten by police, but she did not hear from him again.
His body was found on Thursday, but locals blocked roads and set fires to try to prevent police from taking it away.His body was found on Thursday, but locals blocked roads and set fires to try to prevent police from taking it away.
Police said they were investigating the death of a 38-year-old motorcycle taxi rider.Police said they were investigating the death of a 38-year-old motorcycle taxi rider.
The incident comes just two days after six police officers appeared in a Nairobi court over the death of two brothers in early August for allegedly breaking the 10pm to 4am coronavirus curfew in force across Kenya.The incident comes just two days after six police officers appeared in a Nairobi court over the death of two brothers in early August for allegedly breaking the 10pm to 4am coronavirus curfew in force across Kenya.
Prosecutor said the officers – who already suspended from the force – will face murder charges in a case that has provoked a national outcry and sometimes violent demonstrations.Prosecutor said the officers – who already suspended from the force – will face murder charges in a case that has provoked a national outcry and sometimes violent demonstrations.
A further 113 people have died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, according to the latest update to the government’s coronavirus dashboard on Thursday.A further 113 people have died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, according to the latest update to the government’s coronavirus dashboard on Thursday.
Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 156,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 156,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
As of 9am on Thursday, there had been a further 36,572 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, with the seven-day trend in infections up almost 8%. A total of 808,235 virus tests were carried out.As of 9am on Thursday, there had been a further 36,572 lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases in the UK, with the seven-day trend in infections up almost 8%. A total of 808,235 virus tests were carried out.
There were 804 Covid patients admitted to hospital.There were 804 Covid patients admitted to hospital.
Nearly 3 million young adults in the UK have not had a first dose of coronavirus vaccine, despite a host of initiatives aimed at increasing uptake among 18- to 29-year-olds.Nearly 3 million young adults in the UK have not had a first dose of coronavirus vaccine, despite a host of initiatives aimed at increasing uptake among 18- to 29-year-olds.
According to official figures published by the UK’s four health agencies, 2.9 million from that age group have not answered calls to take the vaccine, including nearly 2.5 million in England. The data comes amid a slowdown in uptake: the latest estimate only slightly lower than the previous estimate of 3 million one week ago.According to official figures published by the UK’s four health agencies, 2.9 million from that age group have not answered calls to take the vaccine, including nearly 2.5 million in England. The data comes amid a slowdown in uptake: the latest estimate only slightly lower than the previous estimate of 3 million one week ago.
A host of initiatives have been launched in recent weeks to encourage vaccine take-up among young adults, including renewed appeals from political leaders and pop-up vaccination centres.A host of initiatives have been launched in recent weeks to encourage vaccine take-up among young adults, including renewed appeals from political leaders and pop-up vaccination centres.
In England a number of food delivery and taxi-hailing companies have been enlisted to offer discounted rides and meals for customers who have received a first dose.In England a number of food delivery and taxi-hailing companies have been enlisted to offer discounted rides and meals for customers who have received a first dose.
Wales is the only nation to have managed to give a first dose to more than three-quarters of young adults, with an estimated 75.8% having received one jab. Scotland is next on 73.2%, followed by England on 70.8% and Northern Ireland on 66.3%.Wales is the only nation to have managed to give a first dose to more than three-quarters of young adults, with an estimated 75.8% having received one jab. Scotland is next on 73.2%, followed by England on 70.8% and Northern Ireland on 66.3%.
Joe Biden has said he and his wife, Jill, would receive a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to boost their immunity, as his administration announced booster shots would be offered to Americans in September.Joe Biden has said he and his wife, Jill, would receive a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to boost their immunity, as his administration announced booster shots would be offered to Americans in September.
“We will get the booster shots,” the president told ABC News. The booster programme is being launched even as millions of Americans have yet to have their initial shots and as many more people around the world await vaccine supplies.“We will get the booster shots,” the president told ABC News. The booster programme is being launched even as millions of Americans have yet to have their initial shots and as many more people around the world await vaccine supplies.
US health officials defended the administration’s plan to offer additional vaccine protection against the virus, saying they could still donate millions of doses worldwide and continue encouraging people to get their first shot.US health officials defended the administration’s plan to offer additional vaccine protection against the virus, saying they could still donate millions of doses worldwide and continue encouraging people to get their first shot.
“When we see evidence that immunity is waning, especially in the face of this Delta variant ... We have an obligation to act to protect people at home,” US surgeon general Vivek Murthy told MSNBC.“When we see evidence that immunity is waning, especially in the face of this Delta variant ... We have an obligation to act to protect people at home,” US surgeon general Vivek Murthy told MSNBC.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky said data showed a need for further protection amid the Delta variant and waning vaccine effectiveness over time, although it was unclear how often Covid booster shots would be needed in the future.US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky said data showed a need for further protection amid the Delta variant and waning vaccine effectiveness over time, although it was unclear how often Covid booster shots would be needed in the future.
“We know we need a boost now … but I don’t think it’s a given that we will be doing this continuously,” she told NBC News.“We know we need a boost now … but I don’t think it’s a given that we will be doing this continuously,” she told NBC News.
It comes amid concerns within the UK government’s vaccines watchdog about the clinical benefits and potential wider risks to vaccine confidence of boosters, as we reported earlier.It comes amid concerns within the UK government’s vaccines watchdog about the clinical benefits and potential wider risks to vaccine confidence of boosters, as we reported earlier.
Immunologist Prof Peter Openshaw also said today that the results of ongoing studies to determine their effectiveness “should not be prejudged”.Immunologist Prof Peter Openshaw also said today that the results of ongoing studies to determine their effectiveness “should not be prejudged”.
From Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca to wildlife tourism in Nepal, we look at communities left adrift when the visitors stopped and their plans for the futureFrom Bolivia’s Lake Titicaca to wildlife tourism in Nepal, we look at communities left adrift when the visitors stopped and their plans for the future
The European commission has said it had reached a temporary agreement with South Africa to use a plant there to bottle Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines that are being imported into the EU.The European commission has said it had reached a temporary agreement with South Africa to use a plant there to bottle Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines that are being imported into the EU.
Reuters reports the deal is likely to stir concerns about drugmakers’ power in negotiating supply deals with countries, after WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said yesterday he was “stunned” by news that J&J vaccines were being exported from South Africa to the EU.Reuters reports the deal is likely to stir concerns about drugmakers’ power in negotiating supply deals with countries, after WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said yesterday he was “stunned” by news that J&J vaccines were being exported from South Africa to the EU.
This was because the EU has already very high vaccination rates, while in many African countries not even the most vulnerable have been vaccinated. The demand by J&J to prevent South Africa from imposing export restrictions, which richer countries have been able to do, was described as “a colonialist extraction”.This was because the EU has already very high vaccination rates, while in many African countries not even the most vulnerable have been vaccinated. The demand by J&J to prevent South Africa from imposing export restrictions, which richer countries have been able to do, was described as “a colonialist extraction”.
A spokesperson for the European commission said the agreement with South Africa was reached after a US Food and Drug Administration inspection report found unsanitary conditions and other problems at a Baltimore manufacturing plant that ruined more than 15m doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine.A spokesperson for the European commission said the agreement with South Africa was reached after a US Food and Drug Administration inspection report found unsanitary conditions and other problems at a Baltimore manufacturing plant that ruined more than 15m doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine.
Under the deal, Aspen Pharmacare bottles the vaccine substance produced elsewhere, and then transfers the finished doses to South Africa and the EU. A J&J factory in Leiden, in the Netherlands, is a major producer of its vaccine substance for Covid-19 shots worldwide.Under the deal, Aspen Pharmacare bottles the vaccine substance produced elsewhere, and then transfers the finished doses to South Africa and the EU. A J&J factory in Leiden, in the Netherlands, is a major producer of its vaccine substance for Covid-19 shots worldwide.
Fatima Hassan, executive director of the Health Justice Initiative, said:Fatima Hassan, executive director of the Health Justice Initiative, said: