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Covid live news: France suspends unvaccinated health workers; Israel boosters ‘curb serious illness’ Covid live news: France suspends unvaccinated health workers; Israel boosters ‘curb serious illness’
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Thousands of unvaccinated French health workers suspended without pay; Israel experts say data suggests boosters stem rise in serious casesThousands of unvaccinated French health workers suspended without pay; Israel experts say data suggests boosters stem rise in serious cases
More than one billion people in China - 71% of the world’s most populous country - have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, officials figures showed on Thursday.
“As of September 15, 2.16bn vaccine doses have been administered nationwide,” Mi Feng, spokesman for the national health commission, said at a press conference.
The government has not publicly announced a target for vaccination coverage, but one senior virologist, Zhong Nanshan, said last month that China is likely to have 80% of its population vaccinated by the end of the year, according to French state-backed news agency AFP.
The milestone comes as an outbreak of the Delta variant in the southeastern province of Fujian has infected almost 200 people so far in three cities.
The Fujian cluster is the biggest rebound in weeks and comes after the country declared the Delta variant under control, in a test of China’s “zero-case” approach to the pandemic.
China reported 80 new cases on Thursday, of which 49 were domestic transmissions.
Italy is set to pass a law making its anti-Covid “green pass” obligatory for all workers. The law, which would penalise workers who are unvaccinated or do not have proof of a recent negative coronavirus test, is expected to come into effect on 15 October.
“The government is ready to speed up on the ‘green pass’... (for) not just the public sector, but private too,” the regional affairs minister, Mariastella Gelmini, said on Wednesday, according to AFP.
The pass is a certificate that shows if someone is vaccinated against Covid-19, has tested negative in the previous 48 hours, or has recently recovered from the virus.
It is currently required by everyone in Italy who wants to eat inside restaurants, go to the cinema and sports stadiums, take intercity trains and buses or domestic flights, and for teachers.
Under the new law, workers failing to produce a pass will face fines of up to €1,000, according to media reports. Unjustified absences due to failures to secure a pass could lead to the employee being suspended, they said.
Italy is not the first European country to make workers have either the vaccine or regular tests. Since 13 September, unvaccinated employees in the private and public sectors in Greece have had to be tested at their own expense once or twice a week, depending on their profession.
Thousands of health workers in France who did not get vaccinated against Covid-19 ahead of a deadline this week have been suspended without pay, the health minister has said.Thousands of health workers in France who did not get vaccinated against Covid-19 ahead of a deadline this week have been suspended without pay, the health minister has said.
“Some 3,000 suspensions were notified yesterday to employees at health centres and clinics who have not yet been vaccinated,” Olivier Veran told RTL radio. “Several dozens” had turned in their resignations rather than take vaccines, he added.“Some 3,000 suspensions were notified yesterday to employees at health centres and clinics who have not yet been vaccinated,” Olivier Veran told RTL radio. “Several dozens” had turned in their resignations rather than take vaccines, he added.
That compares with 2.7 million health workers overall, Veran said, adding that “continued healthcare is assured”.That compares with 2.7 million health workers overall, Veran said, adding that “continued healthcare is assured”.
France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, in July gave staff at hospitals, retirement home workers and the fire service an ultimatum to get at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine by 15 September, or face unpaid suspension.France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, in July gave staff at hospitals, retirement home workers and the fire service an ultimatum to get at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine by 15 September, or face unpaid suspension.
Many nurses in particular have been reluctant to get vaccinated, citing safety or efficacy concerns, posing the risk that France’s vaccination drive could stall, according to AFP.Many nurses in particular have been reluctant to get vaccinated, citing safety or efficacy concerns, posing the risk that France’s vaccination drive could stall, according to AFP.
France’s national public health agency estimated last week that roughly 12% of hospital staff and about 6% of doctors in private practices have yet to be vaccinated.France’s national public health agency estimated last week that roughly 12% of hospital staff and about 6% of doctors in private practices have yet to be vaccinated.
The head of the representative body for the social care industry in England has said that care homes may be forced to close because workers refusing to get vaccinated will leave them short of staff.The head of the representative body for the social care industry in England has said that care homes may be forced to close because workers refusing to get vaccinated will leave them short of staff.
Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
Green said that the government had introduced compulsory vaccines for care workers without understanding the implications, and without any plans to deal with staff shortages. He went on:Green said that the government had introduced compulsory vaccines for care workers without understanding the implications, and without any plans to deal with staff shortages. He went on:
Virgin Australia said on Thursday it will require all its staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.Virgin Australia said on Thursday it will require all its staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Pilots, cabin crew and airport workers will need to be fully vaccinated by 15 November, while other staff will have until 31 March 2022, Virgin said.Pilots, cabin crew and airport workers will need to be fully vaccinated by 15 November, while other staff will have until 31 March 2022, Virgin said.
The move brings it in line with domestic rival Qantas Airways and a growing number of airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.The move brings it in line with domestic rival Qantas Airways and a growing number of airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We also remain supportive of any government-led measures to ensure travellers are vaccinated,” Virgin’s chief executive, Jayne Hrdlicka, said.“We also remain supportive of any government-led measures to ensure travellers are vaccinated,” Virgin’s chief executive, Jayne Hrdlicka, said.
In Australia, lockdowns in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra due to coronavirus cases have led to state border closures, hampering domestic travel. The country has not mandated vaccines for travel, but some states require them for entry in certain cases.In Australia, lockdowns in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra due to coronavirus cases have led to state border closures, hampering domestic travel. The country has not mandated vaccines for travel, but some states require them for entry in certain cases.
Asian airlines have reported high vaccination take-up rates among pilots and cabin crew as they wait for the region’s tight pandemic-related border controls to be relaxed.Asian airlines have reported high vaccination take-up rates among pilots and cabin crew as they wait for the region’s tight pandemic-related border controls to be relaxed.
Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways are among those that have mandated crew vaccinations.Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways are among those that have mandated crew vaccinations.
The drop in fossil fuel emissions during last year’s global pandemic shutdown has not slowed the pace of climate change, and the world remains behind goals for cutting carbon emissions, the UN said.The drop in fossil fuel emissions during last year’s global pandemic shutdown has not slowed the pace of climate change, and the world remains behind goals for cutting carbon emissions, the UN said.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the drop in CO2 emissions last year was not enough to reverse the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the drop in CO2 emissions last year was not enough to reverse the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Reduction targets are not being met and there is a rising likelihood the world will miss its Paris Agreement target of reducing global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the WMO said in its United in Science 2021 Report.Reduction targets are not being met and there is a rising likelihood the world will miss its Paris Agreement target of reducing global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the WMO said in its United in Science 2021 Report.
“Throughout the pandemic we have heard that we must build back better to set humanity on a more sustainable path and to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on society and economies,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.“Throughout the pandemic we have heard that we must build back better to set humanity on a more sustainable path and to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on society and economies,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
“This report shows that so far in 2021 we are not going in the right direction,” he said.“This report shows that so far in 2021 we are not going in the right direction,” he said.
Vladimir Putin has said he will have to spend “a few days” in self-isolation after dozens of people in his entourage fell ill with Covid-19, the Tass news agency reported.Vladimir Putin has said he will have to spend “a few days” in self-isolation after dozens of people in his entourage fell ill with Covid-19, the Tass news agency reported.
Putin was speaking through a video link at a summit of a Russia-led security bloc which was held in Tajikistan. He had planned to attend in person before the news of the virus outbreak in his inner circle this week.Putin was speaking through a video link at a summit of a Russia-led security bloc which was held in Tajikistan. He had planned to attend in person before the news of the virus outbreak in his inner circle this week.
It was previously unclear how big the outbreak was and how long Putin would remain isolated.It was previously unclear how big the outbreak was and how long Putin would remain isolated.
“This is not just one person or two people, there are dozens of people,” he said. “And now I have to remain in self-isolation for a few days.”“This is not just one person or two people, there are dozens of people,” he said. “And now I have to remain in self-isolation for a few days.”
Seven in 10 people in the UK do not feel a return to full-time office working is on the cards post-pandemic, a survey suggests.Seven in 10 people in the UK do not feel a return to full-time office working is on the cards post-pandemic, a survey suggests.
The majority of those questioned by YouGov said they would favour to either work from home full-time, or have a hybrid arrangement.The majority of those questioned by YouGov said they would favour to either work from home full-time, or have a hybrid arrangement.
But the poll, commissioned by the BBC, also found concern from senior leaders that creativity and collaboration could suffer if employees were staying at home.But the poll, commissioned by the BBC, also found concern from senior leaders that creativity and collaboration could suffer if employees were staying at home.
In the Covid-19 autumn and winter plan, the government said it would “consider asking people once again to work from home if they can, for a limited period” in a plan B scenario if data shows the NHS is “likely to come under unsustainable pressure”.In the Covid-19 autumn and winter plan, the government said it would “consider asking people once again to work from home if they can, for a limited period” in a plan B scenario if data shows the NHS is “likely to come under unsustainable pressure”.
The YouGov/BBC poll of 1,684 people and 530 senior leaders in business also saw a majority thinking their productivity would not suffer if staff continued to work from home, with 75% of people thinking their manager will allow them to continue not coming into the office.The YouGov/BBC poll of 1,684 people and 530 senior leaders in business also saw a majority thinking their productivity would not suffer if staff continued to work from home, with 75% of people thinking their manager will allow them to continue not coming into the office.
The UN children’s agency has urged education authorities to reopen schools as soon as possible, with millions of students around the world still unable to return to classrooms 18 months into the Covid pandemic.The UN children’s agency has urged education authorities to reopen schools as soon as possible, with millions of students around the world still unable to return to classrooms 18 months into the Covid pandemic.
Schools in about 17 countries remain fully closed, while those in 39 countries remain partially closed, according to a report released by Unicef on Thursday, the Reuters news agency reports.Schools in about 17 countries remain fully closed, while those in 39 countries remain partially closed, according to a report released by Unicef on Thursday, the Reuters news agency reports.
Among those “almost completely closed” are schools usually attended by nearly 77 million students in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Panama and Kuwait.Among those “almost completely closed” are schools usually attended by nearly 77 million students in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Panama and Kuwait.
“The education crisis is still here, and with each passing day that classrooms remain dark, the devastation worsens,” said Unicef’s executive director, Henrietta Fore.“The education crisis is still here, and with each passing day that classrooms remain dark, the devastation worsens,” said Unicef’s executive director, Henrietta Fore.
In a report released in April, the Asian Development Bank estimated school closures lasting more than a year could slash future earnings among the region’s students by as much as $1.25tn, or equivalent to 5.4% of GDP in 2020.In a report released in April, the Asian Development Bank estimated school closures lasting more than a year could slash future earnings among the region’s students by as much as $1.25tn, or equivalent to 5.4% of GDP in 2020.
Unicef and its partners will shut down their digital channels for 18 hours on Thursday to draw attention to the crisis and the “18 months of lost learning”.Unicef and its partners will shut down their digital channels for 18 hours on Thursday to draw attention to the crisis and the “18 months of lost learning”.
“This is a crisis we will not allow the world to ignore,” Fore said. “Our channels are silent, but our message is loud: every community, everywhere must reopen schools as soon as possible.”“This is a crisis we will not allow the world to ignore,” Fore said. “Our channels are silent, but our message is loud: every community, everywhere must reopen schools as soon as possible.”
Good morning from London. This is Damien Gayle taking the reins of the live blog now, to bring you all the latest coronavirus-related news and updates from around the world.Good morning from London. This is Damien Gayle taking the reins of the live blog now, to bring you all the latest coronavirus-related news and updates from around the world.
That’s it from me, Helen Livingstone, for today, I’m passing you over to my UK colleagues.That’s it from me, Helen Livingstone, for today, I’m passing you over to my UK colleagues.
Before I go here’s a quick roundup of what’s been happening over the past 24 hours.Before I go here’s a quick roundup of what’s been happening over the past 24 hours.
Data shows that almost 664,000 people, or one in 500 people, living in the US have died from the virus since the pandemic began, following a surge of cases and hospitalisations, particularly in southern states, caused by a combination of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates.Data shows that almost 664,000 people, or one in 500 people, living in the US have died from the virus since the pandemic began, following a surge of cases and hospitalisations, particularly in southern states, caused by a combination of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates.
Trinidad and Tobago’s health minister, Terrence Deyalsingh, has dismissed claims by the rapper Nicki Minaj that a cousin’s friend had become impotent after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, saying that health officials in the Caribbean country had found no evidence that any patient had reported such side-effects.Trinidad and Tobago’s health minister, Terrence Deyalsingh, has dismissed claims by the rapper Nicki Minaj that a cousin’s friend had become impotent after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, saying that health officials in the Caribbean country had found no evidence that any patient had reported such side-effects.
The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
Experts in Israel have cited recent data to back prime minister Naftali Bennett’s claims that the country’s programme of booster jabs has proved effective in reducing severe cases of Covid even as new infections hover near record high.Experts in Israel have cited recent data to back prime minister Naftali Bennett’s claims that the country’s programme of booster jabs has proved effective in reducing severe cases of Covid even as new infections hover near record high.
Italy is to make a Covid-19 “green pass” mandatory for public and private sector workers, a minister said on Wednesday, becoming the first European country to do so as it tries to accelerate vaccination rates and stamp out infections.Italy is to make a Covid-19 “green pass” mandatory for public and private sector workers, a minister said on Wednesday, becoming the first European country to do so as it tries to accelerate vaccination rates and stamp out infections.
Thousands of unvaccinated French health workers face suspension without pay from Wednesday under a new Covid-19 law that punishes people in care professions who refuse to get immunised against the virus.Thousands of unvaccinated French health workers face suspension without pay from Wednesday under a new Covid-19 law that punishes people in care professions who refuse to get immunised against the virus.
A panel of health experts advising the Hong Kong government has recommended children aged 12-17 should get only one dose of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine after reports of heart inflammation side effects.A panel of health experts advising the Hong Kong government has recommended children aged 12-17 should get only one dose of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine after reports of heart inflammation side effects.
Covid restrictions to the UK will return if the virus gets “out of control” again this year, the health secretary has said, with a dangerous new variant or the NHS at risk of being overwhelmed identified as the moment “plan B” could be triggered.Covid restrictions to the UK will return if the virus gets “out of control” again this year, the health secretary has said, with a dangerous new variant or the NHS at risk of being overwhelmed identified as the moment “plan B” could be triggered.
A surge in coronavirus cases has pushed the healthcare system in the Canadian province of Alberta to the verge of collapse, as healthcare workers struggle against mounting exhaustion and a growing anti-vaccine movement in the region.A surge in coronavirus cases has pushed the healthcare system in the Canadian province of Alberta to the verge of collapse, as healthcare workers struggle against mounting exhaustion and a growing anti-vaccine movement in the region.
Republican lawmakers in over half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News. A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health.Republican lawmakers in over half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News. A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health.
All diplomats attending the UN general assembly in New York next week will have to provide proof of vaccination, the city government has confirmed, prompting an angry response from Russia.All diplomats attending the UN general assembly in New York next week will have to provide proof of vaccination, the city government has confirmed, prompting an angry response from Russia.
The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.
The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response, David Nabarro, has praised the UK’s approach of “learning to live with the virus” but criticised the government for giving booster shots and doses to 12- to 15-year-olds.The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response, David Nabarro, has praised the UK’s approach of “learning to live with the virus” but criticised the government for giving booster shots and doses to 12- to 15-year-olds.
Pfizer has said US regulators should approve a booster dose of the vaccine it developed with Germany’s BioNTech six months after the second dose, due to waning effectiveness of the shot over time, Reuters reports.Pfizer has said US regulators should approve a booster dose of the vaccine it developed with Germany’s BioNTech six months after the second dose, due to waning effectiveness of the shot over time, Reuters reports.
The US is pushing for global leaders to support a target to get 70% of the world’s population vaccinated against Covid by 2022 in a bid to end the pandemic, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.The US is pushing for global leaders to support a target to get 70% of the world’s population vaccinated against Covid by 2022 in a bid to end the pandemic, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
The United Nations children’s agency Unicef has urged education authorities to reopen schools as soon as possible in countries where millions of students are still not allowed to return to classrooms 18 months into the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.The United Nations children’s agency Unicef has urged education authorities to reopen schools as soon as possible in countries where millions of students are still not allowed to return to classrooms 18 months into the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.
Schools in around 17 countries remain fully closed, while those in 39 countries remain partially closed, according to a report released by Unicef on Thursday.Schools in around 17 countries remain fully closed, while those in 39 countries remain partially closed, according to a report released by Unicef on Thursday.
Among those “almost completely closed” are schools usually attended by nearly 77 million students in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Panama and Kuwait.Among those “almost completely closed” are schools usually attended by nearly 77 million students in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Panama and Kuwait.
Nearly a third of this figure is accounted for by the Philippines, which is fighting one of Asia’s worst coronavirus outbreaks and where a new school year started this week.Pupils from the six countries represent more than half of the 131 million students worldwide that have missed more than three-quarters of their in-person learning, Unicef said.Nearly a third of this figure is accounted for by the Philippines, which is fighting one of Asia’s worst coronavirus outbreaks and where a new school year started this week.Pupils from the six countries represent more than half of the 131 million students worldwide that have missed more than three-quarters of their in-person learning, Unicef said.
“The education crisis is still here, and with each passing day that classrooms remain dark, the devastation worsens,” said Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore.The report said teachers should be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccines, after health workers and those most at risk, to protect them from community transmission.“The education crisis is still here, and with each passing day that classrooms remain dark, the devastation worsens,” said Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore.The report said teachers should be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccines, after health workers and those most at risk, to protect them from community transmission.
Students may be safer at home, but the availability of computers, mobile phones and internet, and the uneven quality of education, are among challenges they continue to face.Students may be safer at home, but the availability of computers, mobile phones and internet, and the uneven quality of education, are among challenges they continue to face.
In the Philippines, some children have been forced to climb onto roofs just to get an internet signal.In the Philippines, some children have been forced to climb onto roofs just to get an internet signal.
In June, President Rodrigo Duterte rejected a proposal to allow face-to-face classes to resume in some areas, saying: “I cannot gamble on the health of the children.”In June, President Rodrigo Duterte rejected a proposal to allow face-to-face classes to resume in some areas, saying: “I cannot gamble on the health of the children.”
In a report released in April, the Asian Development Bank estimated school closures lasting more than a year could slash future earnings among the region’s students by as much as $1.25 trillion, or equivalent to 5.4% of GDP in 2020.In a report released in April, the Asian Development Bank estimated school closures lasting more than a year could slash future earnings among the region’s students by as much as $1.25 trillion, or equivalent to 5.4% of GDP in 2020.
Unicef and its partners will shut down their digital channels for 18 hours on Thursday to draw attention to the crisis and the “18 months of lost learning”.Unicef and its partners will shut down their digital channels for 18 hours on Thursday to draw attention to the crisis and the “18 months of lost learning”.
“This is a crisis we will not allow the world to ignore,” Unicef’s Fore said. “Our channels are silent, but our message is loud: Every community, everywhere must reopen schools as soon as possible.“This is a crisis we will not allow the world to ignore,” Unicef’s Fore said. “Our channels are silent, but our message is loud: Every community, everywhere must reopen schools as soon as possible.
A panel of health experts advising the Hong Kong government has recommended children aged 12-17 should get only one dose of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine after reports of heart inflammation side effects, Reuters reports.A panel of health experts advising the Hong Kong government has recommended children aged 12-17 should get only one dose of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine after reports of heart inflammation side effects, Reuters reports.
Professor Lau Yu-lung, who chairs a health committee advising the government on its vaccination programme, told public broadcaster RTHK the side effect was more prevalent than originally thought.Professor Lau Yu-lung, who chairs a health committee advising the government on its vaccination programme, told public broadcaster RTHK the side effect was more prevalent than originally thought.
He said experts therefore decided it was better for teenagers to get only one dose to “greatly reduce the chance of heart inflammation.”He said experts therefore decided it was better for teenagers to get only one dose to “greatly reduce the chance of heart inflammation.”
The city’s Department of Health did not provide data on how many cases of heart inflammation side effects have been reported.The city’s Department of Health did not provide data on how many cases of heart inflammation side effects have been reported.
But RTHK said that more than 30 teenagers suffered inflammation of the heart since the government started administering the shot to those over 12 from June.But RTHK said that more than 30 teenagers suffered inflammation of the heart since the government started administering the shot to those over 12 from June.
Hong Kong has been using two Covid-19 vaccines including Sinovac’s shot vaccinating adults, but teenagers are eligible to take the BioNTech vaccine only.Hong Kong has been using two Covid-19 vaccines including Sinovac’s shot vaccinating adults, but teenagers are eligible to take the BioNTech vaccine only.
More than 50% of those aged 12-17 have been vaccinated but the government has not said how many doses have been administered so far.More than 50% of those aged 12-17 have been vaccinated but the government has not said how many doses have been administered so far.
Regulators in the US, the European Union and the World Health Organization have said that mRNA vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and by Moderna are associated with rare cases of myocarditis or pericarditis, but that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks.Regulators in the US, the European Union and the World Health Organization have said that mRNA vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer and by Moderna are associated with rare cases of myocarditis or pericarditis, but that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can limit the organ’s ability to pump blood and can cause changes in heartbeat rhythms. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining around the heart.Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that can limit the organ’s ability to pump blood and can cause changes in heartbeat rhythms. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining around the heart.
Pfizer has said it recognised there could be rare reports of myocarditis after vaccinations, but such side effects were extremely rare.Pfizer has said it recognised there could be rare reports of myocarditis after vaccinations, but such side effects were extremely rare.
BioNTech and its Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group did not immediately reply to Reuters’ requests for comment.BioNTech and its Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group did not immediately reply to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The risk of myocarditis was 18.5 per million doses given among people aged 18 to 24 after their second Pfizer dose and 20.2 per million for that age group among Moderna second dose recipients. The risk decreases with age, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The risk of myocarditis was 18.5 per million doses given among people aged 18 to 24 after their second Pfizer dose and 20.2 per million for that age group among Moderna second dose recipients. The risk decreases with age, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Around 65% of Hong Kong’s residents have had their first vaccine dose, but the take up amongst elderly people remains low due to concerns of side effects.Around 65% of Hong Kong’s residents have had their first vaccine dose, but the take up amongst elderly people remains low due to concerns of side effects.
Hong Kong has largely controlled the coronavirus with no locally transmitted cases in many weeks. The Asian financial hub has recorded around 12,100 cases in total and 213 deaths.Hong Kong has largely controlled the coronavirus with no locally transmitted cases in many weeks. The Asian financial hub has recorded around 12,100 cases in total and 213 deaths.
Israel’s programme of booster jabs has proved effective in reducing severe cases of Covid even as new infections hover near record highs, experts have said, AFP reports.Israel’s programme of booster jabs has proved effective in reducing severe cases of Covid even as new infections hover near record highs, experts have said, AFP reports.
Since taking office in June, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has insisted he will aim to avoid any new lockdown, a pledge his government has kept even as the country of roughly 9.3 million people regularly records more than 10,000 new Covid cases a day.Since taking office in June, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has insisted he will aim to avoid any new lockdown, a pledge his government has kept even as the country of roughly 9.3 million people regularly records more than 10,000 new Covid cases a day.
Schools opened on September 1 and synagogues are set to welcome worshippers, with some restrictions, for Yom Kippur - the Jewish calendar’s most important day - when services begin on Wednesday evening.Schools opened on September 1 and synagogues are set to welcome worshippers, with some restrictions, for Yom Kippur - the Jewish calendar’s most important day - when services begin on Wednesday evening.
To stay open, Israel has opted for a complex policy mix that has caused frustration for families forced to organise repeated Covid tests for their children to attend school or take part in other activities.To stay open, Israel has opted for a complex policy mix that has caused frustration for families forced to organise repeated Covid tests for their children to attend school or take part in other activities.
The backbone of Bennett’s strategy has been the rollout of a third shot of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine to everyone aged 12 and over, ignoring criticism that the booster jab is unnecessary and unfair.The backbone of Bennett’s strategy has been the rollout of a third shot of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine to everyone aged 12 and over, ignoring criticism that the booster jab is unnecessary and unfair.
But the 49-year-old premier this week insisted his approach was working.But the 49-year-old premier this week insisted his approach was working.
“Very many people were sceptical,” he told his cabinet. “But our strategy is proving itself.”“Very many people were sceptical,” he told his cabinet. “But our strategy is proving itself.”
Top public health experts, citing recent data, agreed, telling AFP even though daily cases remain high, the booster shot has stemmed the rise in severe Covid cases, warding off a crisis that was brewing last month.Top public health experts, citing recent data, agreed, telling AFP even though daily cases remain high, the booster shot has stemmed the rise in severe Covid cases, warding off a crisis that was brewing last month.
On Wednesday, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine also bore out the finding.On Wednesday, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine also bore out the finding.
Researchers examined data relating to 1.1 million Israelis 60 and older, who had received two doses of vaccine at least five months earlier, then either received a booster or did not.Researchers examined data relating to 1.1 million Israelis 60 and older, who had received two doses of vaccine at least five months earlier, then either received a booster or did not.
After 12 days, those who had a third shot were 11 times less likely to have a confirmed infection and 20 times less likely to develop severe Covid than those who did not.After 12 days, those who had a third shot were 11 times less likely to have a confirmed infection and 20 times less likely to develop severe Covid than those who did not.
But when cases began surging again through the summer, health experts confronted a key question, said Gabi Barbash, a former health ministry director general now with the Weizmann Institute of Science.But when cases began surging again through the summer, health experts confronted a key question, said Gabi Barbash, a former health ministry director general now with the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Had the surge been caused by the PfizerBioNTech vaccine’s waning effectiveness five months after the second jab, or, was the Delta variant’s ability to break through vaccine protection to blame?Had the surge been caused by the PfizerBioNTech vaccine’s waning effectiveness five months after the second jab, or, was the Delta variant’s ability to break through vaccine protection to blame?
But weeks after the third jab rollout began, the severe case count – which shot up from more than 70 in late July to 600 by mid-August – has stabilised, currently standing below 700. Infections also remain very low among the triple jabbed.But weeks after the third jab rollout began, the severe case count – which shot up from more than 70 in late July to 600 by mid-August – has stabilised, currently standing below 700. Infections also remain very low among the triple jabbed.
Those factors, Barbash told AFP, make it clear that “waning immunity is what caused the fourth wave.”Those factors, Barbash told AFP, make it clear that “waning immunity is what caused the fourth wave.”
“And when such waning immunity meets such transmissible variants (like Delta), it is a disaster.”“And when such waning immunity meets such transmissible variants (like Delta), it is a disaster.”
He acknowledged criticism, notably from the World Health Organization, that offering third jabs was unjust with some poor countries struggling to offer even a single shot.He acknowledged criticism, notably from the World Health Organization, that offering third jabs was unjust with some poor countries struggling to offer even a single shot.
But Barbash argued that Israel’s small population would not stress global vaccine supplies and underlined that had Israel not administered shots it could have seen 1,000 deaths per month.But Barbash argued that Israel’s small population would not stress global vaccine supplies and underlined that had Israel not administered shots it could have seen 1,000 deaths per month.
More than 7,400 Israelis have died from Covid-19.More than 7,400 Israelis have died from Covid-19.
Cyrille Cohen, a life sciences professor at Bar Ilan University and a member of the health ministry’s vaccine committee, cited data from the over 60 demographic to highlight the booster shot’s impact.Cyrille Cohen, a life sciences professor at Bar Ilan University and a member of the health ministry’s vaccine committee, cited data from the over 60 demographic to highlight the booster shot’s impact.
“If you are not vaccinated, you are around 35 times more likely to develop a severe case if you are over the age of 60, and around eight times more if you have two doses and no booster shot,” he said.“If you are not vaccinated, you are around 35 times more likely to develop a severe case if you are over the age of 60, and around eight times more if you have two doses and no booster shot,” he said.
Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s rolling coverage of the coronavirus pandemic with me, Helen Livingstone.Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s rolling coverage of the coronavirus pandemic with me, Helen Livingstone.
Experts in Israel have cited recent data to back prime minister Naftali Bennett’s claims that the country’s programme of booster jabs has proved effective in reducing severe cases of Covid even as new infections hover near record high.Experts in Israel have cited recent data to back prime minister Naftali Bennett’s claims that the country’s programme of booster jabs has proved effective in reducing severe cases of Covid even as new infections hover near record high.
A panel of health experts advising the Hong Kong government has recommended children aged 12-17 should get only one dose of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine after reports of heart inflammation side effects.A panel of health experts advising the Hong Kong government has recommended children aged 12-17 should get only one dose of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine after reports of heart inflammation side effects.
Here’s a roundup of what’s been happening over the past 24 hours:Here’s a roundup of what’s been happening over the past 24 hours:
Data shows that almost 664,000 people, or one in 500 people, living in the US have died from the virus since the pandemic began, following a surge of cases and hospitalisations, particularly in southern states, caused by a combination of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates.Data shows that almost 664,000 people, or one in 500 people, living in the US have died from the virus since the pandemic began, following a surge of cases and hospitalisations, particularly in southern states, caused by a combination of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates.
The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”The European Union’s chief executive has warned that Covid vaccinations must be accelerated to avoid “a pandemic of the unvaccinated”. Speaking in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen said in her state of the union address: “Let’s do everything possible [so] that this does not turn into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
Italy is to make a Covid-19 “green pass” mandatory for public and private sector workers, a minister said on Wednesday, becoming the first European country to do so as it tries to accelerate vaccination rates and stamp out infections.Italy is to make a Covid-19 “green pass” mandatory for public and private sector workers, a minister said on Wednesday, becoming the first European country to do so as it tries to accelerate vaccination rates and stamp out infections.
Thousands of unvaccinated French health workers face suspension without pay from Wednesday under a new Covid-19 law that punishes people in care professions who refuse to get immunised against the virus.Thousands of unvaccinated French health workers face suspension without pay from Wednesday under a new Covid-19 law that punishes people in care professions who refuse to get immunised against the virus.
Covid restrictions to the UK will return if the virus gets “out of control” again this year, the health secretary has said, with a dangerous new variant or the NHS at risk of being overwhelmed identified as the moment “plan B” could be triggered.Covid restrictions to the UK will return if the virus gets “out of control” again this year, the health secretary has said, with a dangerous new variant or the NHS at risk of being overwhelmed identified as the moment “plan B” could be triggered.
A surge in coronavirus cases has pushed the healthcare system in the Canadian province of Alberta to the verge of collapse, as healthcare workers struggle against mounting exhaustion and a growing anti-vaccine movement in the region.A surge in coronavirus cases has pushed the healthcare system in the Canadian province of Alberta to the verge of collapse, as healthcare workers struggle against mounting exhaustion and a growing anti-vaccine movement in the region.
Republican lawmakers in over half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News. A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health.Republican lawmakers in over half of US states have removed powers to protect the public against infectious diseases since the start of the pandemic, reports Kaiser Health News. A review by the news organisation found that at least 26 states have passed laws that permanently weaken government powers to protect public health.
All diplomats attending the UN general assembly in New York next week will have to provide proof of vaccination, the city government has confirmed, prompting an angry response from Russia.All diplomats attending the UN general assembly in New York next week will have to provide proof of vaccination, the city government has confirmed, prompting an angry response from Russia.
The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.The director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the lack of distribution of Covid vaccines to African countries and called for stronger medical manufacturing capacity across the continent.
The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response, David Nabarro, has praised the UK’s approach of “learning to live with the virus” but criticised the government for giving booster shots and doses to 12- to 15-year-olds.The WHO special envoy for the global coronavirus response, David Nabarro, has praised the UK’s approach of “learning to live with the virus” but criticised the government for giving booster shots and doses to 12- to 15-year-olds.
Pfizer has said US regulators should approve a booster dose of the vaccine it developed with Germany’s BioNTech six months after the second dose, due to waning effectiveness of the shot over time, Reuters reports.Pfizer has said US regulators should approve a booster dose of the vaccine it developed with Germany’s BioNTech six months after the second dose, due to waning effectiveness of the shot over time, Reuters reports.
The US is pushing for global leaders to support a target to get 70% of the world’s population vaccinated against Covid by 2022 in a bid to end the pandemic, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.The US is pushing for global leaders to support a target to get 70% of the world’s population vaccinated against Covid by 2022 in a bid to end the pandemic, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
The UK health secretary Sajid Javid has said that people in the public eye should be “very careful with their language” after Nicki Minaj drew widespread condemnation for spreading Covid misinformation on Twitter.The UK health secretary Sajid Javid has said that people in the public eye should be “very careful with their language” after Nicki Minaj drew widespread condemnation for spreading Covid misinformation on Twitter.
Javid has said there are “no risk-free decisions” as he defended the government’s “sensible” autumn and winter plan. Asked why the government has not immediately introduced its more restrictive “plan B” amid warnings of a surge in hospitalisations, he told Sky News that although it is “right for the government to reassure people we have a plan”, vaccines are the “first line of defence”.Javid has said there are “no risk-free decisions” as he defended the government’s “sensible” autumn and winter plan. Asked why the government has not immediately introduced its more restrictive “plan B” amid warnings of a surge in hospitalisations, he told Sky News that although it is “right for the government to reassure people we have a plan”, vaccines are the “first line of defence”.
Healthcare staff in England can decide whether children get a Covid vaccine against the wishes of their parents, according to government guidelines published on Wednesday that left some headteachers fearing protests at the school gates.Healthcare staff in England can decide whether children get a Covid vaccine against the wishes of their parents, according to government guidelines published on Wednesday that left some headteachers fearing protests at the school gates.