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Coronavirus live: Biden to be briefed on US Covid origins report; UK reports 30,838 new infections Coronavirus live: Biden to be briefed on US Covid origins report; UK reports 30,838 new infections
(32 minutes later)
US intelligence report set to come at time of rising US-China tensions; UK also reports 174 more people have diedUS intelligence report set to come at time of rising US-China tensions; UK also reports 174 more people have died
More than five billion anti-Covid jabs have been delivered globally, an AFP tally of official sources shows. While it took around 140 days to administer the 1bn shots, the third, fourth and fifth billions each took between 26 and 30 days, the data show.
Nearly 40% (1.96 billion) of the 5bn shots have been administered in China. India (589m) and the US (363m) make up the trio of countries that have given the most jabs.
AFP reports that per capita among countries with more than 1m people, the UAE is the leader. It has administered 179 doses per 100 inhabitants, meaning it has fully vaccinated nearly 75% of its population.
Uruguay follows with 154 per 100 inhabitants, Israel (149), Qatar (148), Singapore (147), Bahrain (144), Denmark (143), Chile (140), Canada (139), Portugal and Belgium (138 each), China (136), Spain (134), Ireland (133) and the UK (132).
Most of these countries have fully vaccinated between 65-70% of their populations. Some, like the UAE, Bahrain, Israel, Uruguay and Chile have started giving out booster shots in an attempt to prolong the protection of the fully vaccinated.
France, which will start giving booster shots from mid-September, is not far behind, with 126 doses injected per 100 people and 62% of the population completely vaccinated. It has bypassed the United States which has given 110 doses per 100 inhabitants, with 52% completely vaccinated.
Most poor countries have now started to vaccinate, mainly thanks to the Covax scheme, but the coverage remains very unequal.
Nigeria has recently approved China’s Sinopharm vaccine against Covid-19, the head of the country’s primary healthcare agency has said.
It has been allocated 7.7m doses of the vaccine through the Covax scheme aimed at providing vaccines to developing countries. Dr Faisal Shuaib, head of Nigeria’s national primary healthcare development agency, did not say when the Sinopharm doses would arrive or be administered.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with some 200m people, has vaccinated only a small fraction of them, largely due to lack of supply. So far, some 2m people, or 1% of the population, have received one dose of vaccine while fewer than 1m have received two.
The rollout of vaccines, which had been halted on July 9 because supplies had run out after a first phase, resumed on 16 August.
During the first phase, Nigeria used doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine received through Covax. It has since received supplies of Moderna’s vaccine donated by the US, which are being used for the second phase.
Johnson & Johnson shots purchased by Nigeria via an African Union scheme are also expected to be used.
Nigeria has recorded 187,588 cases of Covid-19 and 2,276 related deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to official data, although the figures could be higher given that only 2.7m samples have been tested.
An army of volunteers could be needed this winter to tackle rising staff shortages in care homes fuelled by the looming requirement for all care home workers to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus, providers have said.An army of volunteers could be needed this winter to tackle rising staff shortages in care homes fuelled by the looming requirement for all care home workers to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus, providers have said.
As the health secretary, Sajid Javid, urged care workers to book their jabs in time to meet the 11 November deadline for all staff in registered care homes in England to be fully vaccinated, the Independent Care Group said operators could be forced to hand back contracts to councils or close care homes and relocate residents because of a staffing crisis, exacerbated by ongoing vaccine hesitancy among a minority of staff.As the health secretary, Sajid Javid, urged care workers to book their jabs in time to meet the 11 November deadline for all staff in registered care homes in England to be fully vaccinated, the Independent Care Group said operators could be forced to hand back contracts to councils or close care homes and relocate residents because of a staffing crisis, exacerbated by ongoing vaccine hesitancy among a minority of staff.
It is leading calls for retired nurses, doctors, carers, to be trained and DBS-checked to fill vacancies in case of a feared “winter meltdown” in staff numbers.It is leading calls for retired nurses, doctors, carers, to be trained and DBS-checked to fill vacancies in case of a feared “winter meltdown” in staff numbers.
One in five workers on the books of a care worker agency in Sheffield are declining the vaccine, according to Nicola Richards, director of Palms Row Healthcare. She also reported an “alarming” drop in the number of workers signing up, with many put off by the “no jab, no job” policy. She has been unable to provide temporary staff to some clients in recent weeks.One in five workers on the books of a care worker agency in Sheffield are declining the vaccine, according to Nicola Richards, director of Palms Row Healthcare. She also reported an “alarming” drop in the number of workers signing up, with many put off by the “no jab, no job” policy. She has been unable to provide temporary staff to some clients in recent weeks.
Covid booster shots may only be needed for about 40% of immunosuppressed people, preliminary UK data suggests.Covid booster shots may only be needed for about 40% of immunosuppressed people, preliminary UK data suggests.
Researchers looked at immune responses after two shots of either the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in people with compromised immune systems, due to underlying disease or the medicines they are taking for their underlying disease.Researchers looked at immune responses after two shots of either the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in people with compromised immune systems, due to underlying disease or the medicines they are taking for their underlying disease.
Participants in the “Octave” study – led by the University of Glasgow – included those with cancer, end-stage kidney disease, and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.Participants in the “Octave” study – led by the University of Glasgow – included those with cancer, end-stage kidney disease, and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The findings – which come from the first 600 immunocompromised participants recruited in the study – showed that about 60% of the participants mounted an antibody response similar to healthy people about four weeks after their second dose.The findings – which come from the first 600 immunocompromised participants recruited in the study – showed that about 60% of the participants mounted an antibody response similar to healthy people about four weeks after their second dose.
Overweight or obese adults should be screened for pre-diabetes and type-2 diabetes starting from aged 35, a US government-backed panel of experts in disease prevention has recommended, lowering the age by five years.Overweight or obese adults should be screened for pre-diabetes and type-2 diabetes starting from aged 35, a US government-backed panel of experts in disease prevention has recommended, lowering the age by five years.
Reuters reports that the US Preventive Services Task Force’s new guidance follows a worsening in the nation’s diabetes crisis during the pandemic, with the US experiencing a 29% jump in diabetes deaths last year among people ages 25 to 44.Reuters reports that the US Preventive Services Task Force’s new guidance follows a worsening in the nation’s diabetes crisis during the pandemic, with the US experiencing a 29% jump in diabetes deaths last year among people ages 25 to 44.
The recommendation, published in the medical journal JAMA, was based on data suggesting that type 2 diabetes risk increases significantly at age 35. Type 2 diabetes, by far the most common form of the metabolic disease associated with high blood sugar levels, is largely diet-related and develops over time.The recommendation, published in the medical journal JAMA, was based on data suggesting that type 2 diabetes risk increases significantly at age 35. Type 2 diabetes, by far the most common form of the metabolic disease associated with high blood sugar levels, is largely diet-related and develops over time.
The task force found evidence further established that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise reduce progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes, which often intersects with obesity, have been found to be at much greater risk of Covid.The task force found evidence further established that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise reduce progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes, which often intersects with obesity, have been found to be at much greater risk of Covid.
It comes after two UK experts this month said the evidence linking obesity to the worst Covid-19 outcomes is “overwhelmingly clear” and should warrant aggressive obesity prevention and management efforts.It comes after two UK experts this month said the evidence linking obesity to the worst Covid-19 outcomes is “overwhelmingly clear” and should warrant aggressive obesity prevention and management efforts.
Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for obesity and diabetes at NHS England, suggested that pandemic restrictions are actually worsening obesity levels.Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for obesity and diabetes at NHS England, suggested that pandemic restrictions are actually worsening obesity levels.
Lowering the age for type 2 diabetes screening “is a recognition that [it] has crept into young adulthood progressively, and in an important way,” said Edward Gregg of Imperial College London, co-author of an editorial published with the recommendation.Lowering the age for type 2 diabetes screening “is a recognition that [it] has crept into young adulthood progressively, and in an important way,” said Edward Gregg of Imperial College London, co-author of an editorial published with the recommendation.
The task force, updating recommendations made in 2015, urged overweight or obese adults ages 35 to 70 get screened for high blood sugar levels.The task force, updating recommendations made in 2015, urged overweight or obese adults ages 35 to 70 get screened for high blood sugar levels.
In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough of the blood glucose-regulating hormone insulin or does not use it well. Diabetes complications can include heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease.In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough of the blood glucose-regulating hormone insulin or does not use it well. Diabetes complications can include heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease.
About one in three Americans has prediabetes - a higher-than-normal blood sugar level that increases their risk of type 2 diabetes, according to national data. Just over 10% of Americans have diabetes, and most of those have type 2 diabetes.About one in three Americans has prediabetes - a higher-than-normal blood sugar level that increases their risk of type 2 diabetes, according to national data. Just over 10% of Americans have diabetes, and most of those have type 2 diabetes.
Italy has reported 60 coronavirus-related deaths and 6,076 new infections.Italy has reported 60 coronavirus-related deaths and 6,076 new infections.
Tuesday’s latest figures compared with 44 deaths reported the day before while Monday’s cases numbered 4,168.Tuesday’s latest figures compared with 44 deaths reported the day before while Monday’s cases numbered 4,168.
Italy has registered 128,855 deaths linked to Covid since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the eighth-highest in the world. The country has reported 4.49m cases to date.Italy has registered 128,855 deaths linked to Covid since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the eighth-highest in the world. The country has reported 4.49m cases to date.
In the UK, 30,838 people have tested positive for Covid in the last 24 hours.In the UK, 30,838 people have tested positive for Covid in the last 24 hours.
A further 174 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, according to the latest update to the government’s coronavirus dashboard on Tuesday.A further 174 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, according to the latest update to the government’s coronavirus dashboard on Tuesday.
Official figures showed another 46,401 people had their first dose of a Covid vaccine, with 131,283 getting their second jab.Official figures showed another 46,401 people had their first dose of a Covid vaccine, with 131,283 getting their second jab.
The latest figures came amid a warning in Scotland about a sharp rise in new infections.The latest figures came amid a warning in Scotland about a sharp rise in new infections.
And there is concern among scientists that case rates will jump when millions of pupils return to school next week.And there is concern among scientists that case rates will jump when millions of pupils return to school next week.
The US could have the Covid pandemic under control and achieve a return to “normality” by next spring, Dr Anthony Fauci said, if the “overwhelming majority” of the population is vaccinated.The US could have the Covid pandemic under control and achieve a return to “normality” by next spring, Dr Anthony Fauci said, if the “overwhelming majority” of the population is vaccinated.
The chief White House medical adviser was speaking to CNN on Monday night, after the federal Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine.The chief White House medical adviser was speaking to CNN on Monday night, after the federal Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine.
More than 400,000 people have been vaccinated in the US each day in August, with 171.1 million now fully protected.More than 400,000 people have been vaccinated in the US each day in August, with 171.1 million now fully protected.
US president Joe Biden is set to be briefed on an intelligence investigation into how Covid-19 began after he ordered a report on the competing origin theories. People familiar with intelligence reporting reportedly said there has been little corroboration over recent months that the virus had spread widely and naturally among wild animals, thus raising the spectre of a lab leak.US president Joe Biden is set to be briefed on an intelligence investigation into how Covid-19 began after he ordered a report on the competing origin theories. People familiar with intelligence reporting reportedly said there has been little corroboration over recent months that the virus had spread widely and naturally among wild animals, thus raising the spectre of a lab leak.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon warned some Covid controls could be reimposed in the country after it recorded a record rise in new cases, which have doubled in the past week. Vaccinations had greatly lessened the effects of the virus but even so, she said, some controls could be needed again.Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon warned some Covid controls could be reimposed in the country after it recorded a record rise in new cases, which have doubled in the past week. Vaccinations had greatly lessened the effects of the virus but even so, she said, some controls could be needed again.
Montana’s governor maintained vaccine mandates remain illegal in the state after yesterday’s Food and Drug Administration full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. A spokesperson said it did not invalidate Montana’s law, which also prohibits discrimination based on whether a person has been inoculated.Montana’s governor maintained vaccine mandates remain illegal in the state after yesterday’s Food and Drug Administration full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. A spokesperson said it did not invalidate Montana’s law, which also prohibits discrimination based on whether a person has been inoculated.
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison rejected modelling that warned the country could face 25,000 deaths and 270,000 cases of long Covid if lockdowns and public health restrictions end once 80% of the adult population is vaccinated.Australian prime minister Scott Morrison rejected modelling that warned the country could face 25,000 deaths and 270,000 cases of long Covid if lockdowns and public health restrictions end once 80% of the adult population is vaccinated.
Greece announced it would end free testing for unvaccinated people in an attempt to to boost inoculation rates. The new measures to coax people into getting vaccinated will also oblige unvaccinated people to test either once or twice a week, depending on their profession.Greece announced it would end free testing for unvaccinated people in an attempt to to boost inoculation rates. The new measures to coax people into getting vaccinated will also oblige unvaccinated people to test either once or twice a week, depending on their profession.
Iran reported a record daily 709 Covid-related deaths as infections continue to rise in the country. The health ministry said there were also 40,623 new infections over the past 24 hours.Iran reported a record daily 709 Covid-related deaths as infections continue to rise in the country. The health ministry said there were also 40,623 new infections over the past 24 hours.
British tourists face difficulties in proving their vaccine status in Europe following a delay in linking the NHS Covid pass to the EU’s system due to gaps in the British government’s application to Brussels.British tourists face difficulties in proving their vaccine status in Europe following a delay in linking the NHS Covid pass to the EU’s system due to gaps in the British government’s application to Brussels.
Brunei has reported two coronavirus deaths today, the first fatalities from Covid-19 in the south-east Asian nation in more than a year as it battles a fresh outbreak.Brunei has reported two coronavirus deaths today, the first fatalities from Covid-19 in the south-east Asian nation in more than a year as it battles a fresh outbreak.
AFP reports that an 85-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, both Bruneians, died after contracting lung infections following their admission to a quarantine centre this month, the health ministry said.AFP reports that an 85-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, both Bruneians, died after contracting lung infections following their admission to a quarantine centre this month, the health ministry said.
It brings the total virus deaths in the sultanate on Borneo island to five since the start of the pandemic. The country, home to about 450,000 people, reported its last Covid-19 death in June last year.It brings the total virus deaths in the sultanate on Borneo island to five since the start of the pandemic. The country, home to about 450,000 people, reported its last Covid-19 death in June last year.
Brunei introduced fresh curbs in August after seeing its first local infections for 15 months. Authorities have closed cinemas and places of worship, banned dining in at restaurants and barred people from leaving their homes except for essential reasons.Brunei introduced fresh curbs in August after seeing its first local infections for 15 months. Authorities have closed cinemas and places of worship, banned dining in at restaurants and barred people from leaving their homes except for essential reasons.
Another 110 new virus cases were recorded Tuesday, taking total infections to 1,983 since the beginning of the pandemic, AFP reports.Another 110 new virus cases were recorded Tuesday, taking total infections to 1,983 since the beginning of the pandemic, AFP reports.
Fewer children in the UK are being immunised against deadly diseases because of “vaccination fatigue” due to the Covid jabs drive and GPs being busy, government advisers have warned.Fewer children in the UK are being immunised against deadly diseases because of “vaccination fatigue” due to the Covid jabs drive and GPs being busy, government advisers have warned.
The number of teenagers in England getting vaccinated against some cancers, meningitis, septicaemia and other fatal conditions fell by 20% after the first lockdown last year.The number of teenagers in England getting vaccinated against some cancers, meningitis, septicaemia and other fatal conditions fell by 20% after the first lockdown last year.
The New York Times interviews Alina Chan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Broad Institute in Massachusetts, who was caught in the crossfire over the row about Covid’s origins.The New York Times interviews Alina Chan, a postdoctoral fellow at the Broad Institute in Massachusetts, who was caught in the crossfire over the row about Covid’s origins.
In May last year, she hypothesised in an unpublished paper that: “By the time the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in Wuhan in late 2019, it looked like it had already picked up the mutations it needed to be very good at spreading among humans.”In May last year, she hypothesised in an unpublished paper that: “By the time the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in Wuhan in late 2019, it looked like it had already picked up the mutations it needed to be very good at spreading among humans.”
The article (paywall) goes on:The article (paywall) goes on:
The director of the US national institutes of health (NIH) has said Covid “does not have the earmarks of being created intentionally by humans”, but did not rule out a Wuhan lab leak.The director of the US national institutes of health (NIH) has said Covid “does not have the earmarks of being created intentionally by humans”, but did not rule out a Wuhan lab leak.
Dr Francis Collins’ remarks yesterday came as before US president Joe Biden is set to be briefed on an intelligence investigation into how Covid-19 began after he ordered a report on the competing origin theories.Dr Francis Collins’ remarks yesterday came as before US president Joe Biden is set to be briefed on an intelligence investigation into how Covid-19 began after he ordered a report on the competing origin theories.
Reuters reports that people familiar with intelligence reporting have said that there has been little corroboration over recent months that the virus had spread widely and naturally amongst wild animals, thus raising further the spectre of a lab leak after the World Health Organization mission chief to Wuhan said a person collecting bat coronavirus samples from the field could have been patient zero.Reuters reports that people familiar with intelligence reporting have said that there has been little corroboration over recent months that the virus had spread widely and naturally amongst wild animals, thus raising further the spectre of a lab leak after the World Health Organization mission chief to Wuhan said a person collecting bat coronavirus samples from the field could have been patient zero.
Collins told CNBC:Collins told CNBC:
Collins also commented on the increasingly acrimonious row between the medical advisor to the US president, Dr Anthony Fauci, and Republican senator Rand Paul who has highlighted that through a grant to non-profit EcoHealth Alliance, the NIH funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) to study how bat viruses could infect humans.Collins also commented on the increasingly acrimonious row between the medical advisor to the US president, Dr Anthony Fauci, and Republican senator Rand Paul who has highlighted that through a grant to non-profit EcoHealth Alliance, the NIH funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) to study how bat viruses could infect humans.
His remarks come after Fauci last month suggested it would have been “negligent” for NIH not to fund bat coronavirus research at the WIV and declined to commit not to collaborate with Chinese government scientists in the future, insisting that “we have always been careful” – despite leaked cables revealing serious concerns over conditions in the lab.His remarks come after Fauci last month suggested it would have been “negligent” for NIH not to fund bat coronavirus research at the WIV and declined to commit not to collaborate with Chinese government scientists in the future, insisting that “we have always been careful” – despite leaked cables revealing serious concerns over conditions in the lab.
Fauci said it had been important to try to understand where Sars-CoV-1 originated, years before the current Sars-CoV-2 pandemic.Fauci said it had been important to try to understand where Sars-CoV-1 originated, years before the current Sars-CoV-2 pandemic.
As the number of recorded coronavirus infections in the UK rises again, we spoke to three people about their experiences of catching Covid despite having been fully vaccinated, and how it affected their daily lives.As the number of recorded coronavirus infections in the UK rises again, we spoke to three people about their experiences of catching Covid despite having been fully vaccinated, and how it affected their daily lives.
France’s Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) health watchdog has said it recommended a Covid-19 vaccine booster shot for those aged 65 and over and for those with existing medical conditions that could put at them serious harm from Covid.France’s Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) health watchdog has said it recommended a Covid-19 vaccine booster shot for those aged 65 and over and for those with existing medical conditions that could put at them serious harm from Covid.
Reuters reports that these Covid vaccine booster shots should be rolled out from the end of October onwards, it addedReuters reports that these Covid vaccine booster shots should be rolled out from the end of October onwards, it added
In China, booster shots should become available after the country vaccinates more people in an attempt to provide broader protection, a senior executive at a Sinopharm unit responsible for developing Covid-19 vaccines told state media.In China, booster shots should become available after the country vaccinates more people in an attempt to provide broader protection, a senior executive at a Sinopharm unit responsible for developing Covid-19 vaccines told state media.
While the World Health Organization has said current data does not indicate booster shots are needed, several countries have approved them amid growing evidence of waning vaccine protection over time, Reuters reports.While the World Health Organization has said current data does not indicate booster shots are needed, several countries have approved them amid growing evidence of waning vaccine protection over time, Reuters reports.
Zhang Yuntao, vice president at Sinopharm unit China National Biotec Group (CNBG), said that it is proper to make booster shots available in China after “all people who should be vaccinated are vaccinated,” according to an interview with the Global Times.Zhang Yuntao, vice president at Sinopharm unit China National Biotec Group (CNBG), said that it is proper to make booster shots available in China after “all people who should be vaccinated are vaccinated,” according to an interview with the Global Times.
He said the priority for booster shots should be given to people older than 60 who showed weaker immune responses to vaccines compared with younger people in clinical trials.He said the priority for booster shots should be given to people older than 60 who showed weaker immune responses to vaccines compared with younger people in clinical trials.
Employees at restaurants and those working in aviation and delivery industries should also be prioritised, he said.Employees at restaurants and those working in aviation and delivery industries should also be prioritised, he said.
China has fully vaccinated around 55% of its population as of 12 August, using several locally developed shots including two-dose vaccines from Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.China has fully vaccinated around 55% of its population as of 12 August, using several locally developed shots including two-dose vaccines from Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.
Iran has reported a record daily 709 Covid-related deaths as infections continue to rise in the country. The health ministry said there were also 40,623 new infections over the past 24 hours.Iran has reported a record daily 709 Covid-related deaths as infections continue to rise in the country. The health ministry said there were also 40,623 new infections over the past 24 hours.
Authorities have imposed a two-week road travel ban between cities in the Islamic republic until 27 August, except for essential vehicles. Non-essential businesses and public offices were allowed to reopen on Sunday after a week of mandatory shutdown.Authorities have imposed a two-week road travel ban between cities in the Islamic republic until 27 August, except for essential vehicles. Non-essential businesses and public offices were allowed to reopen on Sunday after a week of mandatory shutdown.
Reuters reports that observers have pointed to how only about 6.5m of the 83m population are fully inoculated, while officials have blamed US sanctions and delays in importing vaccines.US measures, which target sectors including oil and financial activities, have deterred some foreign banks from processing financial transactions with Iran. Tehran says this has frequently disrupted efforts to import essential medicines and other humanitarian items.Reuters reports that observers have pointed to how only about 6.5m of the 83m population are fully inoculated, while officials have blamed US sanctions and delays in importing vaccines.US measures, which target sectors including oil and financial activities, have deterred some foreign banks from processing financial transactions with Iran. Tehran says this has frequently disrupted efforts to import essential medicines and other humanitarian items.