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Covid live: Kremlin pleads for people to get jab; EU regulator backs mRNA booster for those with weak immunity Covid live: Kremlin pleads for people to get jab; EU regulator backs mRNA booster for those with weak immunity
(32 minutes later)
Russia’s daily cases at highest levels since January; EMA says people with weakened immune systems should get Pfizer or Moderna boosterRussia’s daily cases at highest levels since January; EMA says people with weakened immune systems should get Pfizer or Moderna booster
A Covid vaccination mandate for teachers and other staff members took effect in New York City’s sprawling public school system on Monday in a key test of the employee vaccination mandates now being rolled out across the country, AP reports.
The mayor Bill de Blasio said 95% of the city’s roughly 148,000 public school staffers had received at least one vaccine dose as of Monday morning, including 96% of teachers and 99% of principals.
Some 43,000 employees have gotten the shots since the mandate was announced 23 August, de Blasio said.
The US secretary of education Miguel Cardona joined de Blasio’s virtual briefing and hailed the vaccine mandate. He said:
The mayor had warned that unvaccinated school employees would be placed on unpaid leave and not be allowed to work this week. The city planned to bring in substitutes where needed.
Schools chancellor Meisha Ross Porter said she did not know exactly how many employees had declined the shots and been put on leave.
Implementing the mandate smoothly will be a test for de Blasio, a Democrat who boasted of the city’s record of keeping school buildings open during most of the last school year when other districts went to all-remote instruction. New York City is not offering a remote option this year.
The vaccination mandate in the nation’s largest school system does not include a test-out option, but does allow for medical and religious exemptions. It was supposed to go into effect last week but was delayed when a federal appeals court granted a temporary injunction. An appeals panel reversed that decision three days later.
The 96% teacher vaccination rate cited by the mayor was slightly different from the 97% figure provided earlier in Monday by United Federation of Teachers head Michael Mulgrew.
New York City’s million-plus-student public school system is one of the first in the nation to require inoculations for all staff members. A similar mandate is set to go into effect in Los Angeles on 15 October.
A group of teachers and other school employees who had sued over New York’s school vaccine mandate asked the US Supreme Court on Thursday for an emergency injunction blocking its implementation. The request was denied on Friday.
Many students and parents support the vaccine mandate as the best way to keep schools open during the pandemic.
“It’s safer for our kids,” said Joyce Ramirez, 28, who was picking her three children up from a Bronx elementary school last week. She hopes the requirement will lessen the chances of teachers contracting the virus and prompting classroom or school shutdowns.
Cody Miller, a 15-year-old sophomore at a high school in Manhattan, said teachers should all be vaccinated. “I think they should,” said the teen, who got vaccinated himself as soon as the Pfizer shot was approved for people 12 and up. “It’s so many kids, it’s a big environment, you know?”
But Mally Diroche, another Bronx parent, had mixed feelings. “I kind of feel like that’s a decision they should be able to make on their own,” said the mom of three boys between 3 and 12. Diroche, 29, said she feels that masks and other precautions can check the spread of the virus within schools.
Some educators have reservations about the mandate but are complying.
Maurice Jones, 46, a support staff member at a Manhattan middle school, said he got vaccinated months ago but sympathises with co-workers who have not gotten the shots. “If they’ve got to get tested more they’ve got to get tested more,” Jones said. “I don’t think they should lose their job.”
Roxanne Rizzi, who teaches technology at an elementary school in Queens, waited until Friday to get her first coronavirus vaccine shot. “I had to do it for the finances of my family,” she said. Rizzi, 55, had resisted the vaccine because she contracted Covid in November and believed natural immunity would protect her. She said she would continue to protest the mandate.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people should get vaccinated even if they have already been infected by the virus. The agency says Covid vaccines offer better protection than natural immunity and help prevent getting infected again.
Teachers around the United States are quitting or retiring early as schools have reopened for the new academic year and Covid cases among children have surged in recent weeks in the face of some states banning mask mandates, Michael Sainato reports.Teachers around the United States are quitting or retiring early as schools have reopened for the new academic year and Covid cases among children have surged in recent weeks in the face of some states banning mask mandates, Michael Sainato reports.
There have been more than 200,000 reported weekly cases among children in the past five consecutive weeks, with most cases spreading in areas with no school mask mandates in place and low vaccination rates, as vaccines for children under age 12 are still pending federal approval.There have been more than 200,000 reported weekly cases among children in the past five consecutive weeks, with most cases spreading in areas with no school mask mandates in place and low vaccination rates, as vaccines for children under age 12 are still pending federal approval.
Several schools and school districts have periodically been forced to close in-person learning because of Covid exposure or high infection rates, leaving teachers struggling to continue their lessons through the disruptions.Several schools and school districts have periodically been forced to close in-person learning because of Covid exposure or high infection rates, leaving teachers struggling to continue their lessons through the disruptions.
A shortage of teachers in the US was already a growing problem before the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in high poverty schools. The shortage has worsened during the pandemic. Some schools have closed when too many teaching positions could not be filled, while others grapple with higher than normal teacher vacancies, leaving remaining teachers overworked.A shortage of teachers in the US was already a growing problem before the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in high poverty schools. The shortage has worsened during the pandemic. Some schools have closed when too many teaching positions could not be filled, while others grapple with higher than normal teacher vacancies, leaving remaining teachers overworked.
Read the full report here:Read the full report here:
Venezuelans are increasingly relying on friends and strangers to help pay for Covid treatment, as hyperinflation and soaring health care fees make social media pleas and crowdfunding campaigns the only way to cover costs while infection rates rise, Reuters reports.Venezuelans are increasingly relying on friends and strangers to help pay for Covid treatment, as hyperinflation and soaring health care fees make social media pleas and crowdfunding campaigns the only way to cover costs while infection rates rise, Reuters reports.
Although Venezuelans have used such platforms for years to cover the cost of medical treatment and operations in the country, now in its seventh year of economic crisis, the onset of the Covid pandemic has dramatically increased the practice.Although Venezuelans have used such platforms for years to cover the cost of medical treatment and operations in the country, now in its seventh year of economic crisis, the onset of the Covid pandemic has dramatically increased the practice.
The state of Venezuela’s already overloaded and crumbling public health system, in which hospitals often lack access even to water, has pushed many to use costly private centres. Meanwhile, vaccination campaigns have been slow while drug prices increase as the country consolidates an informal dollarisation.The state of Venezuela’s already overloaded and crumbling public health system, in which hospitals often lack access even to water, has pushed many to use costly private centres. Meanwhile, vaccination campaigns have been slow while drug prices increase as the country consolidates an informal dollarisation.
As a result of voracious inflation, most Venezuelans have no savings. Now some families and friends of patients with Covid post weekly appeals for funds on Twitter and Facebook, often using an account loaned to them from someone abroad if asking in dollars.As a result of voracious inflation, most Venezuelans have no savings. Now some families and friends of patients with Covid post weekly appeals for funds on Twitter and Facebook, often using an account loaned to them from someone abroad if asking in dollars.
In July, Miguelangel Borsegui, a 20-year-old engineering student, posted to Twitter in search of help towards getting medicine and oxygen for his 62-year-old mother, who had Covid and was receiving treatment at home.In July, Miguelangel Borsegui, a 20-year-old engineering student, posted to Twitter in search of help towards getting medicine and oxygen for his 62-year-old mother, who had Covid and was receiving treatment at home.
Two weeks before his mother got sick, he lost his job, and by the time he posted on Twitter, he had contracted the virus himself. Meanwhile the bills had racked up to more than $700 (£515) and continued to rise.Two weeks before his mother got sick, he lost his job, and by the time he posted on Twitter, he had contracted the virus himself. Meanwhile the bills had racked up to more than $700 (£515) and continued to rise.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve had to live through. But the crowdfunding had more reach than expected,” he said.“It was the hardest thing I’ve had to live through. But the crowdfunding had more reach than expected,” he said.
Nearly 20% of Venezuelan households that have suffered from a health condition have not purchased medicines, largely for economic reasons, Caracas-based firm Anova Policy calculated in an April report.Nearly 20% of Venezuelan households that have suffered from a health condition have not purchased medicines, largely for economic reasons, Caracas-based firm Anova Policy calculated in an April report.
In Venezuela, the average monthly salary of a worker in the private sector reaches just over $50 and in the public sector $4.70, according to an estimate from the Venezuelan Observatory of Finance. Antiviral medicines often cost $80 an injection, while an oxygen machine, without canisters, can cost $1,000.In Venezuela, the average monthly salary of a worker in the private sector reaches just over $50 and in the public sector $4.70, according to an estimate from the Venezuelan Observatory of Finance. Antiviral medicines often cost $80 an injection, while an oxygen machine, without canisters, can cost $1,000.
Milfri Perez, a self-employed journalist whose 86-year-old father died of Covid at home in August, posted on social media as costs reached over $10,000 between medicines, tests, nurses’ fees and oxygen. The nearest private clinic cost a prohibitive $3,000 a day.Milfri Perez, a self-employed journalist whose 86-year-old father died of Covid at home in August, posted on social media as costs reached over $10,000 between medicines, tests, nurses’ fees and oxygen. The nearest private clinic cost a prohibitive $3,000 a day.
Despite all eight siblings contributing, the cost was still well above what they could afford. About 40% was paid for with the help of friends and acquaintances.Despite all eight siblings contributing, the cost was still well above what they could afford. About 40% was paid for with the help of friends and acquaintances.
In Venezuela, 95.2% of households do not have access to an effective health insurance system, estimates Anova. In March the government established a tab for local insurance for Covid care to cover a maximum of 14 days of intensive care and pay up to $23,600 per patient with coronavirus; after that, families scramble to pay, even after death.In Venezuela, 95.2% of households do not have access to an effective health insurance system, estimates Anova. In March the government established a tab for local insurance for Covid care to cover a maximum of 14 days of intensive care and pay up to $23,600 per patient with coronavirus; after that, families scramble to pay, even after death.
Many of the social media crowdfunding efforts are to pay off debts of the deceased.Many of the social media crowdfunding efforts are to pay off debts of the deceased.
German Cortez, president of Venezuela’s medical clinic association, said sometimes they just tell families what medicines to buy more cheaply elsewhere.German Cortez, president of Venezuela’s medical clinic association, said sometimes they just tell families what medicines to buy more cheaply elsewhere.
Those with friends and family in public hospitals have to bring supplies because of the lack of medicines and equipment.Those with friends and family in public hospitals have to bring supplies because of the lack of medicines and equipment.
Carlos Roque, a pharmacist, turned to social media to cobble together funds to hire an external service to provide his mother, who later died, with dialysis because the hospital’s machine was not working. Each dialysis cost $725. Part of the expense was covered from his posts on social media, but not all of it.Carlos Roque, a pharmacist, turned to social media to cobble together funds to hire an external service to provide his mother, who later died, with dialysis because the hospital’s machine was not working. Each dialysis cost $725. Part of the expense was covered from his posts on social media, but not all of it.
Venezuela’s official Covid case count exceeds 372,000, while its death toll is more than 4,500, although doctors and medical academies say that the figures are higher.Venezuela’s official Covid case count exceeds 372,000, while its death toll is more than 4,500, although doctors and medical academies say that the figures are higher.
The Kremlin on Monday implored people to get vaccinated against Covid, calling it the only way to stop the spread of the virus, as Russian authorities mulled reintroducing health restrictions to cope with daily cases rising to their highest levels since January (see 14.58).The Kremlin on Monday implored people to get vaccinated against Covid, calling it the only way to stop the spread of the virus, as Russian authorities mulled reintroducing health restrictions to cope with daily cases rising to their highest levels since January (see 14.58).
Moscow may soon bring back incentives, such as prize draws, for people to get vaccinated, said the city’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, as authorities struggle to contain a wave of cases and deaths. The 25,781 new infections reported nationwide on Monday was the most since 2 January.Moscow may soon bring back incentives, such as prize draws, for people to get vaccinated, said the city’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, as authorities struggle to contain a wave of cases and deaths. The 25,781 new infections reported nationwide on Monday was the most since 2 January.
“The vaccination rate, despite the complete preparedness of all infrastructure, leaves much to be desired,” the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on Monday.“The vaccination rate, despite the complete preparedness of all infrastructure, leaves much to be desired,” the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on Monday.
Vaccine hesitancy has hampered Russia’s inoculation drive. Russians who have refused the vaccination have frequently cited a general fear of new medical products and distrust of the authorities as their reasons.Vaccine hesitancy has hampered Russia’s inoculation drive. Russians who have refused the vaccination have frequently cited a general fear of new medical products and distrust of the authorities as their reasons.
Authorities relaxed many restrictions after Russia overcame the worst of a third wave of the virus in the summer, but the daily number of coronavirus-related deaths, which stood at 883 on Monday, has remained high and regularly reaches a record single-day rise.Authorities relaxed many restrictions after Russia overcame the worst of a third wave of the virus in the summer, but the daily number of coronavirus-related deaths, which stood at 883 on Monday, has remained high and regularly reaches a record single-day rise.
Now, with cases also rising sharply, which Sobyanin said was a cause for concern, restrictions look set to return, although officials have said that lockdowns are not being considered.Now, with cases also rising sharply, which Sobyanin said was a cause for concern, restrictions look set to return, although officials have said that lockdowns are not being considered.
Some regions are planning to force people to show proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or evidence of immunity, before visiting venues like cinemas and gyms.Some regions are planning to force people to show proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or evidence of immunity, before visiting venues like cinemas and gyms.
The regional government in Kaliningrad said on Monday that measure would extend to restaurants and cafes from 8 October.The regional government in Kaliningrad said on Monday that measure would extend to restaurants and cafes from 8 October.
Mass events of more than 3,000 people are banned across the country, said Anna Popova, head of consumer health regulator Rospotrebnadzor. Events of more than 1,000 people are permitted in just two of Russia’s more than 80 regions, she said.Mass events of more than 3,000 people are banned across the country, said Anna Popova, head of consumer health regulator Rospotrebnadzor. Events of more than 1,000 people are permitted in just two of Russia’s more than 80 regions, she said.
Resident doctors in Nigerian public hospitals called off a nine-week strike on Monday, saying some of their grievances had been addressed but that others, including salary arrears, remained outstanding, Reuters reports.Resident doctors in Nigerian public hospitals called off a nine-week strike on Monday, saying some of their grievances had been addressed but that others, including salary arrears, remained outstanding, Reuters reports.
The strike, which began on 2 August, was organised by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to protest against the delayed payment of salaries and allowances – a recurrent problem in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.The strike, which began on 2 August, was organised by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to protest against the delayed payment of salaries and allowances – a recurrent problem in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The NARD said resident doctors – medical school graduates training as specialists who play a major role on emergency wards – would return to work on Wednesday after some of the payments had been made.The NARD said resident doctors – medical school graduates training as specialists who play a major role on emergency wards – would return to work on Wednesday after some of the payments had been made.
However, it called on the federal and state governments to urgently address outstanding issues such as what it said was a failure to pay benefits to the relatives of doctors who had died of Covid-19 after caring for patients affected by the virus.However, it called on the federal and state governments to urgently address outstanding issues such as what it said was a failure to pay benefits to the relatives of doctors who had died of Covid-19 after caring for patients affected by the virus.
The NARD said its executive committee would reconvene in six weeks to assess the progress made.The NARD said its executive committee would reconvene in six weeks to assess the progress made.
The European Union’s drugs regulator said on Monday people with weakened immune systems should get a third dose of a Covid vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, but left it to member states to decide if the wider population should get a booster.The European Union’s drugs regulator said on Monday people with weakened immune systems should get a third dose of a Covid vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, but left it to member states to decide if the wider population should get a booster.
The long-awaited guidance comes after several EU member states pre-empted the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) opinion and launched their own booster campaigns, although they vary widely over who is eligible.The long-awaited guidance comes after several EU member states pre-empted the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) opinion and launched their own booster campaigns, although they vary widely over who is eligible.
The EU joins the US, UK and Israel where regulators have approved the use of Pfizer boosters, although there is no consensus among scientists about how broadly they should be deployed. Israel is the outlier, using them across the whole population.The EU joins the US, UK and Israel where regulators have approved the use of Pfizer boosters, although there is no consensus among scientists about how broadly they should be deployed. Israel is the outlier, using them across the whole population.
Governments are under pressure to revive their ailing economies, fight the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant, and avoid further lockdowns in the winter.Governments are under pressure to revive their ailing economies, fight the more infectious Delta coronavirus variant, and avoid further lockdowns in the winter.
The EMA’s ruling comes after the EU’s infectious diseases centre warned last week the region’s coverage of vaccines was still too low and there was a risk of a significant surge in cases, hospitalisations and deaths over the next six weeks.The EMA’s ruling comes after the EU’s infectious diseases centre warned last week the region’s coverage of vaccines was still too low and there was a risk of a significant surge in cases, hospitalisations and deaths over the next six weeks.
The EMA said people with a severely weakened immune system should be given a third dose of the vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna - both based on mRNA technology - at least 28 days after their second one.The EMA said people with a severely weakened immune system should be given a third dose of the vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna - both based on mRNA technology - at least 28 days after their second one.
It also said a booster shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine could be considered for adults with normal immune systems around six months after the second dose, but added that was up to individual countries.It also said a booster shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine could be considered for adults with normal immune systems around six months after the second dose, but added that was up to individual countries.
“At national level, public health bodies may issue official recommendations on the use of booster doses, taking into account emerging effectiveness data and the limited safety data,” it said.“At national level, public health bodies may issue official recommendations on the use of booster doses, taking into account emerging effectiveness data and the limited safety data,” it said.
The World Health Organization has criticised rich nations for hoarding Covid-19 vaccines for booster campaigns for larger population groups, while poorer countries are struggling to rollout even first doses.The World Health Organization has criticised rich nations for hoarding Covid-19 vaccines for booster campaigns for larger population groups, while poorer countries are struggling to rollout even first doses.
Allowing EU countries to decide broader use of a booster is consistent with the EMA’s earlier decisions in the pandemic - for instance it largely left it up to member states to decide whether to restrict vaccines in the face of potential side effects.Allowing EU countries to decide broader use of a booster is consistent with the EMA’s earlier decisions in the pandemic - for instance it largely left it up to member states to decide whether to restrict vaccines in the face of potential side effects.
Russia has reported a record number of Covid deaths for four of the past six days, as the country experiences a devastating fourth wave caused by the Delta variant and a low vaccination rate of under 30% of the adult population, Pjotr Sauer reports.Russia has reported a record number of Covid deaths for four of the past six days, as the country experiences a devastating fourth wave caused by the Delta variant and a low vaccination rate of under 30% of the adult population, Pjotr Sauer reports.
On Monday, 883 deaths and 25,781 new coronavirus cases were reported, taking the official death toll to 210,000. Calculations based on publicly available mortality data suggest that the “excess death” toll between the start of the pandemic and July this year is almost 600,000.On Monday, 883 deaths and 25,781 new coronavirus cases were reported, taking the official death toll to 210,000. Calculations based on publicly available mortality data suggest that the “excess death” toll between the start of the pandemic and July this year is almost 600,000.
The pandemic has reached Russia’s leadership. Last month, Vladimir Putin was forced to go into self-isolation after “several dozen people” in the president’s inner circle tested positive.The pandemic has reached Russia’s leadership. Last month, Vladimir Putin was forced to go into self-isolation after “several dozen people” in the president’s inner circle tested positive.
Vasily Vlasov, an epidemiologist at Moscow’s Higher School of Economics, said: “The recent developments are very concerning. Even though many people have already been sick and the country should have developed some immunity, deaths are on the rise again.Vasily Vlasov, an epidemiologist at Moscow’s Higher School of Economics, said: “The recent developments are very concerning. Even though many people have already been sick and the country should have developed some immunity, deaths are on the rise again.
“This was expected as there have been practically no restrictions and a very sluggish vaccination rate.”“This was expected as there have been practically no restrictions and a very sluggish vaccination rate.”
Read more here:Read more here:
Japan’s new prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has called a parliamentary election for 31 October and vowed to bolster the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, shortly after being formally confirmed by lawmakers in the top job, Reuters reports.Japan’s new prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has called a parliamentary election for 31 October and vowed to bolster the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, shortly after being formally confirmed by lawmakers in the top job, Reuters reports.
Kishida, a 64-year-old former foreign minister with an image as a consensus builder, earlier unveiled a cabinet lineup dominated by allies of the former prime minister Shinzo Abe and ex-finance minister Taro Aso.Kishida, a 64-year-old former foreign minister with an image as a consensus builder, earlier unveiled a cabinet lineup dominated by allies of the former prime minister Shinzo Abe and ex-finance minister Taro Aso.
While Kishida may enjoy a honeymoon period usually afforded to new governments by the electorate, political analysts said he probably did not want to lose time, given the risks posed by the pandemic, and that he first needed to rally his Liberal Democratic party (LDP) for the forthcoming election.While Kishida may enjoy a honeymoon period usually afforded to new governments by the electorate, political analysts said he probably did not want to lose time, given the risks posed by the pandemic, and that he first needed to rally his Liberal Democratic party (LDP) for the forthcoming election.
His decision to call an election came as a surprise, even though one has to take place by 28 November, as the term of this parliament was due to expire on 21 October. Parliament will now be dissolved on 14 October.His decision to call an election came as a surprise, even though one has to take place by 28 November, as the term of this parliament was due to expire on 21 October. Parliament will now be dissolved on 14 October.
Kishida said he would consider Covid-19 relief payouts, adding that he had also instructed ministers overseeing the pandemic response to come up with policies on vaccinations, to strengthen the medical system and to expand testing to help reopen the economy.Kishida said he would consider Covid-19 relief payouts, adding that he had also instructed ministers overseeing the pandemic response to come up with policies on vaccinations, to strengthen the medical system and to expand testing to help reopen the economy.
He told reporters: “Many people are worried that even though the situation has now improved, the number of infections could rise again and, if there is a rebound, whether the hospitals would be able to handle it.”He told reporters: “Many people are worried that even though the situation has now improved, the number of infections could rise again and, if there is a rebound, whether the hospitals would be able to handle it.”
New coronavirus cases in Tokyo on Monday totalled 87, the lowest since 2 November last year.New coronavirus cases in Tokyo on Monday totalled 87, the lowest since 2 November last year.
Kishida’s predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, enjoyed support ratings of about 70% soon after taking office a year ago, but came under heavy fire for his handling of the pandemic.Kishida’s predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, enjoyed support ratings of about 70% soon after taking office a year ago, but came under heavy fire for his handling of the pandemic.
Following Suga’s decision to make way for a new face, Kishida beat three contenders for the LDP leadership last week, paving the way for parliament to formally elect him premier on Monday.Following Suga’s decision to make way for a new face, Kishida beat three contenders for the LDP leadership last week, paving the way for parliament to formally elect him premier on Monday.
Kishida’s cabinet features allies of Abe, Japan’s longest-serving premier, who quit last year, citing ill health.Kishida’s cabinet features allies of Abe, Japan’s longest-serving premier, who quit last year, citing ill health.
Of the 20 posts, 13 were filled by people with no previous cabinet experience, in line with Kishida’s pledge to promote fresh faces, but many heavyweight jobs went to allies of Abe or of the outgoing finance minister, Aso.Of the 20 posts, 13 were filled by people with no previous cabinet experience, in line with Kishida’s pledge to promote fresh faces, but many heavyweight jobs went to allies of Abe or of the outgoing finance minister, Aso.
“He won the election with the support of Abe and Aso, so now it’s time for him to return the favour; it’s not the time for him to cut them off,” said political analyst Atsuo Ito.“He won the election with the support of Abe and Aso, so now it’s time for him to return the favour; it’s not the time for him to cut them off,” said political analyst Atsuo Ito.
One of those closest to Abe, the former economy minister Akira Amari, became the ruling party’s powerful secretary-general.One of those closest to Abe, the former economy minister Akira Amari, became the ruling party’s powerful secretary-general.
Amari, who has promised a big extra budget after the election, told reporters on Monday it would need to include steps to ameliorate social divisions and Covid-19.Amari, who has promised a big extra budget after the election, told reporters on Monday it would need to include steps to ameliorate social divisions and Covid-19.
“So we need to empathise with the people and share their pain, and our leader needs to show the path to unite society and to make it one again,” he said.“So we need to empathise with the people and share their pain, and our leader needs to show the path to unite society and to make it one again,” he said.
The singers Angélique Kidjo and Davido have called on G20 leaders scheduled to meet later this month to urgently donate coronavirus vaccines to Africa, AFP reports.The singers Angélique Kidjo and Davido have called on G20 leaders scheduled to meet later this month to urgently donate coronavirus vaccines to Africa, AFP reports.
In an open letter published by Unicef, a group of influencers warned that only 4% of the continent’s population are fully vaccinated, while some wealthy countries have already met or exceeded 70%.In an open letter published by Unicef, a group of influencers warned that only 4% of the continent’s population are fully vaccinated, while some wealthy countries have already met or exceeded 70%.
It reads: “This inequity is unjust – and self-defeating. It leaves Africans – and the whole world – at the mercy of the virus. Unchecked, it can create new and more dangerous variants.”It reads: “This inequity is unjust – and self-defeating. It leaves Africans – and the whole world – at the mercy of the virus. Unchecked, it can create new and more dangerous variants.”
Kidjo, a popular Beninese singer and activist, said: “We cannot wait for promises to be fulfilled, we need vaccines NOW.”Kidjo, a popular Beninese singer and activist, said: “We cannot wait for promises to be fulfilled, we need vaccines NOW.”
Covid-19 deaths are declining almost everywhere except in Africa, where they are rising, the group said.Covid-19 deaths are declining almost everywhere except in Africa, where they are rising, the group said.
Nigeria’s Afrobeat popstar David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, also issued a special video message urging vaccine equity. He said: “For this pandemic to truly end, it has to end everywhere. Africans must have their fair access to the vaccines.”Nigeria’s Afrobeat popstar David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, also issued a special video message urging vaccine equity. He said: “For this pandemic to truly end, it has to end everywhere. Africans must have their fair access to the vaccines.”
Other influential Nigerians in business and entertainment joined the call, including the musician Femi Kuti and businessman Tony Elumelu.Other influential Nigerians in business and entertainment joined the call, including the musician Femi Kuti and businessman Tony Elumelu.
About 57m vaccine doses have been donated so far to Africa by governments and private firms, about three-quarters of the total 77.5m pledged, according to Unicef.About 57m vaccine doses have been donated so far to Africa by governments and private firms, about three-quarters of the total 77.5m pledged, according to Unicef.
Thailand’s government is in talks with Merck & Co to buy 200,000 courses of its experimental antiviral pill for Covid treatment, the latest Asian nation to scramble for supplies of the drug after lagging behind western countries for vaccines.Thailand’s government is in talks with Merck & Co to buy 200,000 courses of its experimental antiviral pill for Covid treatment, the latest Asian nation to scramble for supplies of the drug after lagging behind western countries for vaccines.
Somsak Akksilp, the director general of the Department of Medical Services, told Reuters that Thailand is currently working on a purchasing agreement for the antiviral drug molnupiravir.Somsak Akksilp, the director general of the Department of Medical Services, told Reuters that Thailand is currently working on a purchasing agreement for the antiviral drug molnupiravir.
South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia said they were also in talks to buy the potential treatment, while the Philippines, which is running a trial with the pill, said it hopes its domestic study would allow access to the treatment.South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia said they were also in talks to buy the potential treatment, while the Philippines, which is running a trial with the pill, said it hopes its domestic study would allow access to the treatment.
They all declined to provide details of purchase negotiations.They all declined to provide details of purchase negotiations.
The rush to order the drug comes after data from interim clinical trials released on Friday indicated it could reduce by about 50% the chance of hospitalisation or death for patients at risk of severe disease from Covid.The rush to order the drug comes after data from interim clinical trials released on Friday indicated it could reduce by about 50% the chance of hospitalisation or death for patients at risk of severe disease from Covid.
The molnupiravir pills, designed to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus, would be the first oral antiviral medication for Covid.The molnupiravir pills, designed to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus, would be the first oral antiviral medication for Covid.
Many Asian countries want to lock in supplies early after they were hit by tight supplies in their vaccine rollouts this year, putting them behind wealthier countries that bought hundreds of millions of doses.Many Asian countries want to lock in supplies early after they were hit by tight supplies in their vaccine rollouts this year, putting them behind wealthier countries that bought hundreds of millions of doses.
“We are now working on a purchasing agreement with Merck that is expected to be completed by this week ... We have pre-booked 200,000 courses,” Somsak said. He added that the pills could arrive as soon as December, though the deal would be subject to the pills’ approval by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Thai regulator.“We are now working on a purchasing agreement with Merck that is expected to be completed by this week ... We have pre-booked 200,000 courses,” Somsak said. He added that the pills could arrive as soon as December, though the deal would be subject to the pills’ approval by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Thai regulator.
Representatives at Merck’s Thailand office were not immediately reachable.Representatives at Merck’s Thailand office were not immediately reachable.
The number of daily confirmed Covid cases in Thailand fell below 10,000 on Monday for the first time since mid-July. The country has administered 55.5m doses of Covid vaccines so far, fully inoculating about 31% of the population.The number of daily confirmed Covid cases in Thailand fell below 10,000 on Monday for the first time since mid-July. The country has administered 55.5m doses of Covid vaccines so far, fully inoculating about 31% of the population.
Merck has said it expects to produce 10m courses of the treatment by the end of 2021. It has a US government contract to supply 1.7m courses of molnupiravir at a price of $700 (£515) per course.Merck has said it expects to produce 10m courses of the treatment by the end of 2021. It has a US government contract to supply 1.7m courses of molnupiravir at a price of $700 (£515) per course.
The company has said it plans a tiered pricing approach based on country income criteria.The company has said it plans a tiered pricing approach based on country income criteria.
In the Philippines, the health undersecretary, Maria Rosario Vergeire, told a regular news conference on Monday: “We see we can have more access to this medicine because we have this clinical trial counterpart.”In the Philippines, the health undersecretary, Maria Rosario Vergeire, told a regular news conference on Monday: “We see we can have more access to this medicine because we have this clinical trial counterpart.”
A spokesperson for the European Commission said Brussels might launch a joint procurement of the therapy for the bloc, a similar strategy used to buy Covid vaccines, but there was no particular information on Merck’s drug.A spokesperson for the European Commission said Brussels might launch a joint procurement of the therapy for the bloc, a similar strategy used to buy Covid vaccines, but there was no particular information on Merck’s drug.
A German health ministry spokesperson said the government monitored the development of new therapies, but declined to comment on whether Germany planned to order Merck’s pill.A German health ministry spokesperson said the government monitored the development of new therapies, but declined to comment on whether Germany planned to order Merck’s pill.
Senegal logged only two new daily Covid infections on Monday, the lowest number since the pandemic reached the country and two months after the rate of new cases hovered at record highs, the health ministry said.Senegal logged only two new daily Covid infections on Monday, the lowest number since the pandemic reached the country and two months after the rate of new cases hovered at record highs, the health ministry said.
“Two cases were recorded today, the lowest ever recorded,” said the health ministry spokesperson Ngone Ngom. “They were, in the past, seven, 10 cases, but from the top of my head I think this is the lowest.”“Two cases were recorded today, the lowest ever recorded,” said the health ministry spokesperson Ngone Ngom. “They were, in the past, seven, 10 cases, but from the top of my head I think this is the lowest.”
While the number of Covid cases has been relatively low in Senegal compared with elsewhere, the country is emerging from its deadliest wave yet - about 20,000 of its total 73,800 cases and 250 of its 1,860 deaths were recorded in July alone.While the number of Covid cases has been relatively low in Senegal compared with elsewhere, the country is emerging from its deadliest wave yet - about 20,000 of its total 73,800 cases and 250 of its 1,860 deaths were recorded in July alone.
The country of approximately 17 million people is pressing ahead with vaccinations, but still has a long way to go.The country of approximately 17 million people is pressing ahead with vaccinations, but still has a long way to go.
Vaccinations have more than doubled since the start of July, with the country having administered since then about 730,000 of its total 1.25m doses used so far. However, it remains a far cry from the World Health Organization’s target vaccination rate of 40%.Vaccinations have more than doubled since the start of July, with the country having administered since then about 730,000 of its total 1.25m doses used so far. However, it remains a far cry from the World Health Organization’s target vaccination rate of 40%.
Indonesia will reopen the resort island of Bali to some international travellers next week, a senior minister said, after the pandemic starved the holiday hotspot of one of its primary sources of income, AFP reports.Indonesia will reopen the resort island of Bali to some international travellers next week, a senior minister said, after the pandemic starved the holiday hotspot of one of its primary sources of income, AFP reports.
The island’s Ngurah Rai airport will be open to international travellers from South Korea, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, and New Zealand as of 14 October, the maritime and investment minister, Luhut Panjaitan, told a press conference.The island’s Ngurah Rai airport will be open to international travellers from South Korea, China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, and New Zealand as of 14 October, the maritime and investment minister, Luhut Panjaitan, told a press conference.
The partial reopening, however, does not include Australia - a key source of tourists before the pandemic.The partial reopening, however, does not include Australia - a key source of tourists before the pandemic.
“Ngurah Rai airport in Bali will open internationally on 14 October 2021 as long as it meets the provisions and requirements regarding quarantine, Covid-19 tests, and the readiness of the taskforce,” Panjaitan said.“Ngurah Rai airport in Bali will open internationally on 14 October 2021 as long as it meets the provisions and requirements regarding quarantine, Covid-19 tests, and the readiness of the taskforce,” Panjaitan said.
He did not elaborate on whether tourists would be eligible to visit the island or if only those with a residence permit could come.He did not elaborate on whether tourists would be eligible to visit the island or if only those with a residence permit could come.
All international travellers will be required to have proof of hotel booked for a quarantine of at least eight days at their own expense, but it remains unclear what other restrictions may apply beyond that.All international travellers will be required to have proof of hotel booked for a quarantine of at least eight days at their own expense, but it remains unclear what other restrictions may apply beyond that.
Indonesia’s hospitals were overwhelmed by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus and in mid-July it recorded over 56,000 new Covid cases in just one day.Indonesia’s hospitals were overwhelmed by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus and in mid-July it recorded over 56,000 new Covid cases in just one day.
The government announced emergency restrictions in the hardest-hit area, shutting down non-essential businesses and limiting people’s movement.The government announced emergency restrictions in the hardest-hit area, shutting down non-essential businesses and limiting people’s movement.
Bali’s tourism-dependent economy was also badly affected by the pandemic as millions of visitors disappeared from the island.Bali’s tourism-dependent economy was also badly affected by the pandemic as millions of visitors disappeared from the island.
But case numbers are now falling as the government ramps up vaccinations, with the country reporting 922 new Covid cases and 88 deaths on Monday.But case numbers are now falling as the government ramps up vaccinations, with the country reporting 922 new Covid cases and 88 deaths on Monday.
Authorities have begun a steady easing of restrictions as the country sees a decrease in daily confirmed Covid infections and deaths, including in Bali.Authorities have begun a steady easing of restrictions as the country sees a decrease in daily confirmed Covid infections and deaths, including in Bali.
Malls, movie theatres and offices in most cities have begun to reopen at reduced capacity and some schools have begun partial offline learning.Malls, movie theatres and offices in most cities have begun to reopen at reduced capacity and some schools have begun partial offline learning.
Thailand rolled out Covid vaccines to high school students for the first time on Monday, as it seeks to boost its immunisation rate ahead of a planned school reopening next month.Thailand rolled out Covid vaccines to high school students for the first time on Monday, as it seeks to boost its immunisation rate ahead of a planned school reopening next month.
About 88% of high school students aged 12-18 in the capital, Bangkok, had signed up for the vaccine, city authorities said. Nationwide, 3.6 million of more than 5 million eligible students have registered, according to official figures.About 88% of high school students aged 12-18 in the capital, Bangkok, had signed up for the vaccine, city authorities said. Nationwide, 3.6 million of more than 5 million eligible students have registered, according to official figures.
Puwarit Chinnaburanasophon, 16, told Reuters: “I want the situation to return to normal because I want to return to school.”Puwarit Chinnaburanasophon, 16, told Reuters: “I want the situation to return to normal because I want to return to school.”
Thailand has vaccinated about 31% of its more than 66 million people and has eased many restrictions in Bangkok, where infection numbers have recently declined.Thailand has vaccinated about 31% of its more than 66 million people and has eased many restrictions in Bangkok, where infection numbers have recently declined.
It is in a rush to boost that inoculation rate so it can safely welcome back foreign visitors following 18 months of restrictions that contributed to the collapse of its vital tourism sector.It is in a rush to boost that inoculation rate so it can safely welcome back foreign visitors following 18 months of restrictions that contributed to the collapse of its vital tourism sector.
Following several other countries, Thailand will administer the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in schools.Following several other countries, Thailand will administer the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in schools.
Bangkok’s governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, hopes the required two doses can be completed by the end of October. “We have high hopes that by that time, the new cases will slow down, so students can return to school again,” he said.Bangkok’s governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, hopes the required two doses can be completed by the end of October. “We have high hopes that by that time, the new cases will slow down, so students can return to school again,” he said.
A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts, AFP reports.A resurgence of global economic activity has lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Monday as it upgraded its 2021 and 2022 trade forecasts, AFP reports.
“The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8 percent in 2021 – up from 8.0% forecasted in March – followed by a 4.7% rise in 2022,” up from 4% previously, the global trade body said.“The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8 percent in 2021 – up from 8.0% forecasted in March – followed by a 4.7% rise in 2022,” up from 4% previously, the global trade body said.
The strong annual growth rate for merchandise trade in 2021 is mainly due to the collapse in 2020, when trade bottomed out in the second quarter.The strong annual growth rate for merchandise trade in 2021 is mainly due to the collapse in 2020, when trade bottomed out in the second quarter.
The rate of growth is expected to moderate as merchandise trade returns to the long-term trend it was on before the Covid-19 crisis.The rate of growth is expected to moderate as merchandise trade returns to the long-term trend it was on before the Covid-19 crisis.
Supply-side issues such as semiconductor scarcity and port backlogs may strain supply chains, but are unlikely to have large impacts on global aggregates, WTO experts said.Supply-side issues such as semiconductor scarcity and port backlogs may strain supply chains, but are unlikely to have large impacts on global aggregates, WTO experts said.
They said the biggest downside risks came from the pandemic itself.They said the biggest downside risks came from the pandemic itself.
“Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery,” said the WTO director general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.“Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery,” said the WTO director general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
“But inequitable access to vaccines is exacerbating economic divergence across regions. The longer vaccine inequity is allowed to persist, the greater the chance that even more dangerous variants of Covid-19 will emerge, setting back the health and economic progress we have made to date.”“But inequitable access to vaccines is exacerbating economic divergence across regions. The longer vaccine inequity is allowed to persist, the greater the chance that even more dangerous variants of Covid-19 will emerge, setting back the health and economic progress we have made to date.”
While regions with access to Covid jabs and sufficient fiscal space were recovering strongly, poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations were lagging behind, she said.While regions with access to Covid jabs and sufficient fiscal space were recovering strongly, poorer regions with mostly unvaccinated populations were lagging behind, she said.
The WTO’s 12th ministerial conference is to be held in Geneva from 30 November to 3 December.The WTO’s 12th ministerial conference is to be held in Geneva from 30 November to 3 December.
Okonjo-Iweala has said that one of her main objectives is to push long-blocked trade talks on fishery subsidies across the finish line.Okonjo-Iweala has said that one of her main objectives is to push long-blocked trade talks on fishery subsidies across the finish line.
The Nigerian former finance and foreign minister started her four-year term at the WTO helm in March. She dismissed as “fake news” the reports that she was threatening to resign if no progress was made on major logjams at the global trade body.The Nigerian former finance and foreign minister started her four-year term at the WTO helm in March. She dismissed as “fake news” the reports that she was threatening to resign if no progress was made on major logjams at the global trade body.
The US has seen a dramatic drop in the number of Covid cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks, a trend that epidemiologists see as an encouraging sign that the country’s wave of the Delta variant has peaked.The US has seen a dramatic drop in the number of Covid cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks, a trend that epidemiologists see as an encouraging sign that the country’s wave of the Delta variant has peaked.
The seven-day average of daily new cases in the US dropped from about 151,000 on 14 September to about 106,000 on 29 September, a 29% fall, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The seven-day average of daily new cases in the US dropped from about 151,000 on 14 September to about 106,000 on 29 September, a 29% fall, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of people admitted to hospital with Covid, after some intensive care units were filled to capacity at the peak of the Delta surge, has followed a similar downward trajectory in recent weeks.The number of people admitted to hospital with Covid, after some intensive care units were filled to capacity at the peak of the Delta surge, has followed a similar downward trajectory in recent weeks.
However, while those experts said they did not expect another surge as big as previous ones during the pandemic, they emphasised that the virus remained a significant threat because of the large number of people who have not been vaccinated and the risk of a new variant, possibly even emerging from the unvaccinated population.However, while those experts said they did not expect another surge as big as previous ones during the pandemic, they emphasised that the virus remained a significant threat because of the large number of people who have not been vaccinated and the risk of a new variant, possibly even emerging from the unvaccinated population.
“Will the next surges be as big as this current one? It’s not likely, but it’s possible,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.“Will the next surges be as big as this current one? It’s not likely, but it’s possible,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
“When you have 70 million people left who have not been vaccinated, many of whom have not yet been infected, that’s a lot of human wood for this coronavirus human forest fire to burn.”“When you have 70 million people left who have not been vaccinated, many of whom have not yet been infected, that’s a lot of human wood for this coronavirus human forest fire to burn.”
The number of vaccinations in the US has slowed at a rate below many of its industrialised peers where the vaccine is widely available. Reasons vary, but include a mix of rightwing and religious opposition and scepticism, fears over safety, and concerns from communities of colour wary of previous racist treatment by American healthcare institutions.The number of vaccinations in the US has slowed at a rate below many of its industrialised peers where the vaccine is widely available. Reasons vary, but include a mix of rightwing and religious opposition and scepticism, fears over safety, and concerns from communities of colour wary of previous racist treatment by American healthcare institutions.
The downward trend in the number of cases can be attributed to increased immunity in the US population because of vaccination or natural infection and because of behaviour change, such as people again wearing masks and avoiding travel or the large gatherings that they participated in before the recent surge, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.The downward trend in the number of cases can be attributed to increased immunity in the US population because of vaccination or natural infection and because of behaviour change, such as people again wearing masks and avoiding travel or the large gatherings that they participated in before the recent surge, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University.
The full story is here:The full story is here:
Johnson & Johnson is planning to ask US federal regulators this week to authorise a booster shot of its Covid vaccine, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing officials familiar with the company’s plans.Johnson & Johnson is planning to ask US federal regulators this week to authorise a booster shot of its Covid vaccine, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing officials familiar with the company’s plans.
While scientists are divided over the need for booster shots when so many people in the US and other countries remain unvaccinated, the Biden administration announced the push for an extra dose in August as part of an effort to shore up protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant.While scientists are divided over the need for booster shots when so many people in the US and other countries remain unvaccinated, the Biden administration announced the push for an extra dose in August as part of an effort to shore up protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week scheduled a 15 October meeting of its expert advisory committee to discuss whether to grant emergency use authorisation for a booster shot of J&J’s vaccine.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week scheduled a 15 October meeting of its expert advisory committee to discuss whether to grant emergency use authorisation for a booster shot of J&J’s vaccine.
More than 15 million Americans have received J&J’s vaccine, which is administered as a single dose, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.More than 15 million Americans have received J&J’s vaccine, which is administered as a single dose, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The healthcare conglomerate last month said an additional second shot of its vaccine given about two months after the first increased its effectiveness to 94%, compared with 70% protection after the single dose.The healthcare conglomerate last month said an additional second shot of its vaccine given about two months after the first increased its effectiveness to 94%, compared with 70% protection after the single dose.
J&J declined to comment on the New York Times report and pointed to its press release dated 21 September, saying the company had submitted available data to the US health regulator and intended to submit the data to other regulators.J&J declined to comment on the New York Times report and pointed to its press release dated 21 September, saying the company had submitted available data to the US health regulator and intended to submit the data to other regulators.
The FDA has already authorised a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab for those aged 65 and over, people at high risk of severe disease, and others who are regularly exposed to the virus.The FDA has already authorised a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab for those aged 65 and over, people at high risk of severe disease, and others who are regularly exposed to the virus.
Moderna also submitted its application seeking authorisation for a booster shot of its two-dose vaccine last month, and the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee panel will hold a meeting on 14 October to discuss the additional dose.Moderna also submitted its application seeking authorisation for a booster shot of its two-dose vaccine last month, and the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee panel will hold a meeting on 14 October to discuss the additional dose.