"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 4th Aug 2021
Overnight News RoundUp
South Korea detects its first two cases of Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
- South Korea has detected its first two cases of the new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Tuesday, as the country battles with its fourth wave of infections nationwide.
- The Delta Plus variant is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant first identified in India, and has acquired the spike protein mutation called K417N, which is also found in the Beta variant first identified in South Africa.
- Reports of Delta Plus cases have been few so far, and a handful of countries, including Britain, Portugal and India, have reported some cases.
- 'The first case (in South Korea) was identified in a man in his 40s who has no recent travel records,' the KDCA told Reuters in a text message.
- Test results in people who have been in contact with the man showed that a family member of his tested positive, but the KDCA did not confirm the patient was infected with Delta Plus.
- 'The second case was found in an overseas traveller,' KDCA said.
- Health authorities have said several major vaccines work against the highly contagious Delta variant, which has already become dominant in many countries, but have raised concern new strains may evade some vaccines.
- Some scientists have said the Delta Plus variant may even be more transmissable. Studies are ongoing in India and globally to test the effectiveness of vaccines against this mutation.
- South Korea reported 1,202 new COVID-19 cases for Monday, raising the total to 202, 203 infections, with 2,104 deaths.
Reuters 3 August, 2021
S.Korea detects its first two cases of Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
S.Korea detects its first two cases of Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
South Korea has detected its first two cases of the new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Tuesday, as the country battles with its fourth wave of infections. The Delta Plus variant is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant first identified in India, and has acquired the spike protein mutation called K417N, which is also found in the Beta variant first identified in South Africa
National pandemic exit plan modelling doesn’t examine what happens after restrictions are eased
National pandemic exit plan modelling doesn’t examine what happens after restrictions are eased
National cabinet’s pandemic exit strategy only considered modelling for the “transition” phase over the next six months, with the Doherty Institute yet to consider how relaxed restrictions will affect transmission in the community. The federal government on Tuesday released the modelling that underpinned the updated four-phase roadmap announced on Friday, with the research highlighting the need for a “strategic shift” to targeting young adults who were most likely to transmit the virus. But the Doherty Institute’s professor of epidemiology, Jodie McVernon, said the centre had only considered the best strategy for the next six months, with the external environment too uncertain to consider anything beyond that point.
Sturgeon hopes for imminent Covid vaccination approval for over-16s
Sturgeon hopes for imminent Covid vaccination approval for over-16s
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she hoped the UK’s independent advisers on Covid-19 vaccinations will this week approve jabs for teenagers over the age of 16. Sturgeon said she expected updated advice on vaccinations for all teenagers from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation “literally in the next day or so”, adding that she hoped they could be offered to all 16 and 17-year-olds “as a priority” as a new academic year draws near.
'Recovery bus' provides cool relief for S.Korea's COVID-19 testers
'Recovery bus' provides cool relief for S.Korea's COVID-19 testers
South Korean health workers staffing COVID-19 testing centres in the summer heat can now take a minute to peel off their heavy protective suits and cool down in government-provided 'recovery buses' equipped with air conditioning, cold water and snacks.
N.Y.C. will require workers and customers show proof of at least one dose for indoor dining and other activities
N.Y.C. will require workers and customers show proof of at least one dose for indoor dining and other activities
New York City will become the first U.S. city to require proof of at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine for a variety of activities for workers and customers — indoor dining, gyms and performances — to put pressure on people to get vaccinated, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday morning.
NYC, big employers taking hard line against vaccine holdouts
NYC, big employers taking hard line against vaccine holdouts
New York City, Microsoft, Tyson Foods and the U.S. auto industry joined a cascading number of state and local governments and major employers Tuesday that are taking a hard line against both the surging delta variant and the holdouts who have yet to get vaccinated. “The goal here is to convince everyone that this is the time. If we’re going to stop the delta variant, the time is now. And that means getting vaccinated right now,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in announcing that New York will demand people show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at indoor restaurants, shows and gyms. The hard-line measure — the first such step taken by a big U.S. city — goes into effect in mid-August. Vaccination cards or state and city apps will be accepted as proof of inoculation.
Pushback challenges vaccination requirements at US colleges
Pushback challenges vaccination requirements at US colleges
The quickly approaching fall semester has America’s colleges under pressure to decide how far they should go to guard their campuses against COVID-19 while navigating legal and political questions and rising infection rates. Hundreds of colleges nationwide have told students in recent months they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before classes begin. California State University, the country’s largest four-year public university system, joined the list last week, along with Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Their announcements cited concerns about the highly contagious delta variant and came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated mask guidelines based on new research regarding its spread.
Food giant Tyson to require COVID vaccination for all US workers
Food giant Tyson to require COVID vaccination for all US workers
Meat processer Tyson Foods will require all of its employees in the United States to get vaccinated against COVID-19, becoming one of the first major employers of front-line workers to do so amid a resurgence of the coronavirus. One of the world’s largest food companies, Tyson said on Tuesday that members of its leadership team must be vaccinated by September 24 and the rest of its office workers by October 1. Its front-line workers must be vaccinated by November 1, although the company said the specifics were being negotiated with unions.
People chasing Covid-19 vaccine boosters create headaches for the health care system
People chasing Covid-19 vaccine boosters create headaches for the health care system
The entire U.S. health care system has been single-mindedly focused on getting Covid-19 vaccine shots in arms, but as the Delta variant spreads, the country’s decentralized vaccination campaign is presenting a different challenge — how to police people seeking unauthorized booster shots. The buzz around booster shots for Covid-19 vaccines has intensified in recent weeks as Pfizer has sought approval for a third shot of its vaccine regimen, and Israel, the United Kingdom, and Germany have greenlit additional shots. Federal officials in the United States say that booster shots are not needed yet. But some anxious patients are nonetheless trying to get them — either by asking a health care provider willing to prescribe an extra shot, or by lying about their earlier vaccination.
Sydney's ticket out of COVID lockdown? Six million shots
Sydney's ticket out of COVID lockdown? Six million shots
50% vaccination rate would 'add options'-New South Wales premier. State lockdown affecting 5 mln people set to end on Aug. 29. At 199, state's new COVID-19 cases still near 16-month high. PM Morrison rules out paying Australians to be vaccinated
Covid-19: Irish hospitality rules 'incentivising' vaccine uptake
Covid-19: Irish hospitality rules 'incentivising' vaccine uptake
The Republic of Ireland's hospitality rules have helped Covid-19 vaccination rates surpass Northern Ireland's, NI's chief scientific advisor has said. About 76% of Ireland's adult population is fully vaccinated, compared to 72.1% in Northern Ireland. Ireland requires people to prove they have received both jabs to enter indoor venues. Prof Ian Young said the hospitality guidelines had "incentivised" vaccination.
Covid-19: Amber watchlist travel idea scrapped
Covid-19: Amber watchlist travel idea scrapped
A proposal to create an "amber watchlist" of countries at risk of moving to red in the travel traffic light system has been abandoned, government sources have told the BBC. On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he wanted a "simple" and "balanced approach" to pandemic travel. The sources said no new categories would now be added. Tory MPs and travel industry figures earlier warned a complex system risked putting people off from travelling.
U.S. donates more than 110 mln COVID-19 vaccine doses abroad -White House
U.S. donates more than 110 mln COVID-19 vaccine doses abroad -White House
The United States has donated over 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 60 countries so far, the White House said on Tuesday, as the world grapples with the fast-spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus.
Here's how schools should handle a Covid-19 outbreak, experts say
Here's how schools should handle a Covid-19 outbreak, experts say
Getting children back in classrooms has been a top priority for the United States -- but if a coronavirus outbreak were to happen within a school, how should schools respond? Drew Charter School in Atlanta kicked off the new school year last week and already has reported initially nine students and five staff testing positive for Covid-19, and more than 100 students at the school are in quarantine, Peter McKnight, the head of the school, said Friday. Only one of the five staff members who tested positive had been vaccinated, he said
COVID-19 modelling suggests young adults 'peak spreaders' of the virus, should be prioritised for vaccination
COVID-19 modelling suggests young adults 'peak spreaders' of the virus, should be prioritised for vaccination
Young adults are considered "peak spreaders" of COVID-19 and should be the priority of the vaccine rollout, according to new scientific modelling, which suggests the country has the capacity to inoculate most eligible Australians by the end of November.
Britain, Germany to begin giving 3rd doses of coronavirus vaccine
Britain, Germany to begin giving 3rd doses of coronavirus vaccine
Britain and Germany will both begin offering third coronavirus vaccine shots to at-risk members of the population, with campaigns to administer the injections beginning next month. Israel began offering a third booster shot to all those over the age of 60 at the end of last week, with the drive fully kicking off on Sunday. The UK will provide the booster shots to tens of millions of people from September, The Telegraph newspaper reported on Sunday.
Providing a 3rd coronavirus vaccine booster dose in Egypt still undecided: Official
Providing a 3rd coronavirus vaccine booster dose in Egypt still undecided: Official
Providing a third coronavirus vaccine dose in Egypt has not been decided yet, said advisor to the Minister of Health for research Noha Assem, who explained that the ministry is more interested in horizontal expansion to vaccinate the largest number of citizens. Assem said during the “Al-Hayat Al-Youm” program on Monday evening that Sinovac will be available to Egyptians within a few days.
Biden vaccine rule sets stage for onslaught of lawsuits
Biden vaccine rule sets stage for onslaught of lawsuits
President Biden’s vaccine rule for federal employees is expected to bolster efforts to require vaccines in the workplace, but experts say it's also likely to spark court fights that could threaten the long-standing legal authority of employers to impose health measures at work. As the largest employer in the country, the federal government could end up setting the standard for the private sector with Biden’s requirement that workers undergo regular testing, wear masks and socially distance if they choose not to get vaccinated.
Apathetic U.S. Youth Shrug Off Vaccines as Delta Variant Spreads
Apathetic U.S. Youth Shrug Off Vaccines as Delta Variant Spreads
As the delta variant slams a younger set of the population, that demographic has emerged as one of the most crucial and stubborn vaccine holdouts. Sabrina Garcia, 19, was ambivalent about pulling 13-hour shifts at Afton Pub & Pizza in Concord, North Carolina, when the popular restaurant reopened its dining room to customers last May. At the time, Covid-19 cases in the state still numbered into the thousands each day and experts across the nation warned against resuming “normal” life too hastily.
Ireland's Catholic church, government clash over COVID-19 restrictions
Ireland's Catholic church, government clash over COVID-19 restrictions
Five Roman Catholic bishops from Ireland's 22 dioceses are set to defy COVID-19 restrictions after instructing local parishes to hold communion and confirmation services this month, drawing a sharp rebuke from the government, which have pleaded with them to wait until they consider further easing curbs later this month
Hackers block Italian Covid-19 vaccination booking system in 'most serious cyberattack ever'
Hackers block Italian Covid-19 vaccination booking system in 'most serious cyberattack ever'
Hackers have attacked and blocked an Italian Covid-19 vaccination booking system, a source from Italy's cybercrime police told CNN on Monday, marking the worst cyberattack the country's health service has ever seen. An investigation has been opened into the "very serious" attack on the IT system of the health department of Lazio, one of the most populated regions of Italy and home to capital Rome, according to a source from the Postal and Communications Police, which investigates cybercrime.
Indonesia targets September reopening as it extends curbs until next week
Indonesia targets September reopening as it extends curbs until next week
Indonesia aims to start gradually reopening its economy in September, a senior minister said on Monday, as the government announced an extension of curbs on movement until next week in some parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago.
COVID-19: Trial to find the best gap between vaccine doses for pregnant women
COVID-19: Trial to find the best gap between vaccine doses for pregnant women
Scientists will study the best gap between coronavirus vaccine doses for pregnant women in a bid to increase confidence in the jabs. More than 600 pregnant women will be recruited for the trial which will see the vaccine's effectiveness monitored, along with the child's development to the age of one. Scientists hope the study will reassure pregnant women about the safety of the jab, less than a week after research revealed that most pregnant women admitted to hospital with COVID-19 have not been vaccinated.
S.Korea detects its first two cases of Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
S.Korea detects its first two cases of Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
South Korea has detected its first two cases of the new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Tuesday, as the country battles with its fourth wave of infections. The Delta Plus variant is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant first identified in India, and has acquired the spike protein mutation called K417N, which is also found in the Beta variant first identified in South Africa
16 and 17 year olds set to get vaccine green light - report
16 and 17 year olds set to get vaccine green light - report
Teenagers aged 16 and 17 are reportedly set to be given the green light to get vaccinated against coronavirus in the coming days. The Sun reported that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation was set to ok the move before the weekend.
Delta infections among vaccinated likely contagious; Lambda variant shows vaccine resistance in lab
Delta infections among vaccinated likely contagious; Lambda variant shows vaccine resistance in lab
Among people infected by the Delta variant of the coronavirus, fully vaccinated people with "breakthrough" infections may be just as likely as unvaccinated people to spread the virus to others, new research suggests. The Lambda variant of the coronavirus, first identified in Peru and now spreading in South America, is highly infectious and more resistant to vaccines than the original version of the virus the emerged from Wuhan, China, Japanese researchers have found.
Should Australia vaccinate children against Covid-19? Five medical experts share their views
Should Australia vaccinate children against Covid-19? Five medical experts share their views
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently announced provisional approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be used in 12 to 15-year-olds. We learned on Monday that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi) has advised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 12-15, those who live in remote communities, and those with underlying medical conditions should be prioritised to receive the jab. With Covid vaccination for kids being such a hot topic, we asked five experts whether we should vaccinate children in Australia against Covid-19. Four out of five experts said yes. Here are their responses:
Combining AstraZeneca and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is effective -Danish study
Combining AstraZeneca and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is effective -Danish study
Combining AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine with a second dose from either Pfizer-BioNTech, or Moderna's jab provides "good protection", Denmark's State Serum Institute said on Monday.
Top Japan medic urges nationwide state of emergency amid COVID surge
Top Japan medic urges nationwide state of emergency amid COVID surge
The head of the Japan Medical Association called on Tuesday for a nationwide state of emergency to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases in Olympics host city Tokyo and elsewhere, Kyodo news agency said, as worries grow about a strained healthcare system. The call by JMA President Toshio Nakagawa followed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's announcement that only COVID-19 patients who are seriously ill and those at risk of becoming so will be hospitalised, while others isolate at home, a shift in policy some fear could boost the death toll.
Covid: Lincoln rate highest in England as outbreak linked to club
Covid: Lincoln rate highest in England as outbreak linked to club
A Covid-19 infection spike in Lincoln has been pinpointed to a nightclub in the city, health bosses have said. New cases increased by 83% to 649 in the week to 29 July, giving the area England's highest infection rate of 654 per 100,000 people.
The Wharf and University district, a popular destination for bars, clubs and restaurants, recorded a rate of 1,140. Natalie Liddle, from Public Health Lincolnshire, said the majority of cases were in people aged under 30.
China's Delta-driven COVID-19 clusters expand
China's Delta-driven COVID-19 clusters expand
A COVID-19 flare-up in the Chinese city of Nanjing has spread to more cities and provinces, including Wuhan, where officials ordered mass testing for nearly 12 million of the city's residents. China is among several Asian nations battling a virus resurgence, along with Japan, where one of the country's top doctors called for government officials to impose a national state of emergency.
China's Wuhan to test all 12 million residents as Delta variant spreads
China's Wuhan to test all 12 million residents as Delta variant spreads
China's Wuhan city will test its 12 million residents for the coronavirus after confirming its first domestic cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant.
Delta variant surges across U.S. South; political leaders clamp down again
Delta variant surges across U.S. South; political leaders clamp down again
The U.S. states of Florida and Louisiana were at or near their highest hospitalization numbers of the coronavirus pandemic on Monday, driven by the still-spreading Delta variant, as one doctor warned of the "darkest days" yet. More than 10,000 patients were hospitalized in Florida as of Sunday, surpassing that state's record. Louisiana was expected to break its record within 24 hours, prompting Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, to order residents to wear masks again indoors.
Covid-19: The mystery of rising infections in India's Kerala
Covid-19: The mystery of rising infections in India's Kerala
The southern Indian state of Kerala accounts for more than half of the country's new Covid-19 infections. The BBC's Soutik Biswas and Vikas Pandey report on why cases continue to rise in the state, months after the waning of the deadly second wave. In January 2020, Kerala reported India's first Covid-19 case in a medical student who returned from Wuhan, in China, where the pandemic began. The number of cases rose steadily and it became a hotspot. By March, however, half a dozen states were reporting more cases than the picturesque southern state.
S.Korea on alert for new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
S.Korea on alert for new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant
South Korea has detected its first two cases of the new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Tuesday, as the country battles with its fourth wave of infections. The Delta Plus variant is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant first identified in India, and has acquired the spike protein mutation called K417N, which is also found in the Beta variant first identified in South Africa
Covid-19 weekly deaths in England and Wales at three-month high
Covid-19 weekly deaths in England and Wales at three-month high
The number of deaths involving coronavirus registered each week in England and Wales has climbed to its highest level for three months. A total of 327 deaths registered in the week ending July 23 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is up 50% on the previous week, and is the highest number since 362 deaths were registered in the week to April 16.
A new generation of orphans as COVID ravages Indonesia
A new generation of orphans as COVID ravages Indonesia
At a cemetery in East Kalimantan, 13-year-old Arga stands before his parents’ graves, dressed in a hazmat suit. Relatives have gathered around the cemetery for his mother’s funeral. Arga’s face is covered, but his voice reveals his grief. It shakes as he recites the call to prayer. Both his parents died from COVID-19. They are buried beside each other. Arga lives at an Islamic boarding school, and his parents would often send him parcels of homemade food. But when the packages stopped coming, Arga became suspicious that something was wrong, and he wrote a letter to his mother. “Are you sick, mum? Call me when you are okay. Please get enough sunlight,” he wrote.
Tokyo reports 3,709 new COVID-19 cases with concern over hospital beds shortages
Tokyo reports 3,709 new COVID-19 cases with concern over hospital beds shortages
The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 3,709 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, with growing concern about shortages of hospital beds prompting Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to decide Monday that only severe cases should be hospitalized, local media reported Tuesday. New COVID-19 cases in Tokyo dropped to 2,195 the previous day after exceeding 3,000 five days in a row. Tokyo's seven-day rolling average of cases has increased to a record 3,337.4 per day, rising 89.3 percent from the previous week.
Florida and Texas had one-third of all US Covid-19 cases in past week, official says
Florida and Texas had one-third of all US Covid-19 cases in past week, official says
One-third of all US Covid-19 cases reported in the past week were in just two states -- Florida and Texas -- according to White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients.
French territory of Guadeloupe to go into new lockdown to tackle COVID-19
French territory of Guadeloupe to go into new lockdown to tackle COVID-19
France’s overseas territory of Guadeloupe will to go into a new lockdown for at least three weeks to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, said the local Guadeloupe authority on its Twitter account, as France battles a fourth wave of the virus. The authority said the French West Indian island’s new lockdown would start on Aug. 4, with the re-introduction of a curfew running from 8 p.m. (0000 GMT) until 5 a.m. (0900 GMT) the following day, and limitations on people’s movements.
Covid-19 Surge in Africa's Biggest City as Doctors Strike
Covid-19 Surge in Africa's Biggest City as Doctors Strike
The governor of Nigeria’s commercial hub of Lagos said steps must be taken to curb rising coronavirus infections after a surge in deaths from the disease. The city is recording six deaths a day and the positivity rate of those tested for the virus has risen eightfold to 8.9% over the past month, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said in a statement on Monday. The increase in infections coincided with a strike by doctors at the nation’s public-teaching hospitals to demand higher pay.
Eli Lilly's COVID-19 antibody sales crater as variants, vaccines take a toll
Eli Lilly's COVID-19 antibody sales crater as variants, vaccines take a toll
Greater vaccine access and pesky coronavirus variants are taking the wind out of Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 antibodies. That was clear in the company second-quarter results, which reflected an expeditious drop in Lilly’s antibody sales over the past three months. Lilly’s COVID-19 antibodies raked in $148.9 million during the quarter, an 82% drop from the $810.1 million the drugs generated during the first quarter this year. That includes sales of bamlanivimab, plus Lilly’s combo treatment that pairs that drug with etesevimab.