"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 17th Aug 2021
Overnight News RoundUp
One Minute Overview
- The World Health Organization appealed for $7.7bn to track new variants and boost oxygen supply for treatment - WHO said the world is still in the acute pandemic phase of the coronavirus and that as the delta variant's transmissability ramps up vaccination urgency and rising infection rates could overwhelm health systems. Low testing levels, especially in low and middle income countries, is leaving the world blind to how the virus is evolving, leaving it vulnerable to new variants
- Emergency vaccine summit needed to help Africa, says UK's ex-PM Brown - World leaders must hold an emergency summit before the UN General Assembly to end vaccine inequality and send more shots to Africa and other low-income countries, former UK prime minister Gordon Brown said.
- More of the UK's best known businesses will offer rewards to customers who are vaccinated against Covid-19 - Asda, lastminute.com, National Express, Free Now taxis, Better Leisure centres, Uber, Bolt and Deliveroo are among those stepping forward
- Many U.S. Bible Belt preachers are silent on shots as Covid-19 surges - a survey by the National Association of Evangelicals found that 95% of leaders planned to get inoculated, but that number has not translated into widespread advocacy from the pulpit. As the virus spreads across the South more than 200 pastors, priests and other church leaders in Missouri signed a statement urging Christians to get vaccinated because of the biblical commandment 'love thy neighbour as yourself.' Still, some congregations are resisting as are many pastors
- Scientists unlock clues to determining how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19 - A preprint paper reported on researcher findings into how immunity correlates for Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine. The study demonstrated the link between the level of antibodies in a person's system and how protected they are against Covid-19, validating antibody level could be used as a measure to signify overall protection
WHO: $7.7 billion needed for COVID variant detection, oxygen
WHO: $7.7 billion needed for COVID variant detection, oxygen
As many parts of the world battle the more transmissible Delta (B1617.2) variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) today said $7.7 billion is needed to track new variants and boost the supply of oxygen. Meanwhile, countries such as Iran, Japan, and Australia expanded their COVID-19 measures to slow their latest COVID-19 surges. In a statement, the WHO said the Delta variant’s transmissibility ramps up vaccination urgency and that rising infection rates are overwhelming health systems. The agency added that low testing levels, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is leaving the world blind to how the virus is evolving, leaving it vulnerable to new variants.
Emergency vaccine summit needed to help Africa, says UK's ex-PM Brown
Emergency vaccine summit needed to help Africa, says UK's ex-PM Brown
U.S., British and Italian leaders must hold an emergency summit before the U.N. General Assembly to end vaccine inequality and send more shots to Africa and other low-income nations, former British prime minister Gordon Brown said. Brown, prime minister between 2007 and 2010, has been leading a push for richer countries to share more of the cost of vaccinating people in developing countries, many of which have low inoculation rates and rising cases.
More companies to offer Covid-19 jab-linked incentives
More companies to offer Covid-19 jab-linked incentives
More of the country’s best known businesses will offer rewards to customers who are vaccinated against Covid-19. Asda lastminute.com, National Express Free Now taxis and Better leisure centres are among those offering incentives to encourage younger people to get vaccinated. Uber Bolt and Deliveroo have already said they will offer discounted rides and meals for customers who get a Covid-19 jab, to help boost vaccine uptake.
Many Bible Belt preachers silent on shots as COVID-19 surges
Many Bible Belt preachers silent on shots as COVID-19 surges
Dr. Danny Avula, the head of Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccination effort, suspected he might have a problem getting pastors to publicly advocate for the shots when some members of his own church referred to them as “the mark of the beast,” a biblical reference to allegiance to the devil, and the minister wasn’t sure how to respond. “A lot of pastors, based on where their congregations are at, are pretty hesitant to do so because this is so charged, and it immediately invites criticism and furor by the segment of your community that’s not on board with that,” Avula said.
Scientists unlock clues to determining how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19
Scientists unlock clues to determining how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19
Imagine peering into people’s blood and being able to pick up a simple marker of exactly how well protected they are from Covid-19. It’s a pressing goal for scientists who are still trying to understand what immunity to the coronavirus looks like, how robustly vaccines protect us over time, and how protected people are who’ve had and recovered from Covid-19. Now, a year and a half into the pandemic, researchers are starting to flesh out exactly what these “correlates of protection” look like, a step that could help track the durability of immunity and speed the development of additional vaccines. In a preprint paper last week, a group of researchers from both academia and U.S. health agencies reported their findings of the immune correlates for Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine.
New Yorkers largely back mayor's vaccine mandate to dine out
New Yorkers largely back mayor's vaccine mandate to dine out
New Yorkers interviewed by Reuters on Monday were largely backing the push by the city's mayor, Bill de Blasio, to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter restaurants, gyms and other businesses. The policy is set to launch Tuesday as the delta variant continues to make progress. With vaccines widely available, political leaders were combating the latest surge in infections with shots and masks rather than ordering businesses to close and Americans to stay home as they did last year.
As Delta spreads, some travelers double up on COVID-19 vaccine in U.S.
As Delta spreads, some travelers double up on COVID-19 vaccine in U.S.
Alison Toni felt lucky to get Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine in Chile earlier this year. A month later, she was in Minnesota getting vaccinated again. Toni, an American living in Chile, was visiting her parents in Minneapolis in April when she got her first Pfizer shot at a CVS pharmacy. She traveled back for the second dose in June. She did not disclose being previously vaccinated.
Hong Kong reclassifies 15 countries as 'high risk' for COVID-19
Hong Kong reclassifies 15 countries as 'high risk' for COVID-19
Hong Kong's government said it would upgrade 15 overseas places including the United States, Spain and France to "high risk" from "medium risk" by Aug. 20, meaning international arrivals from those countries will face lengthened quarantine due to a resurgence of the coronavirus. The government said arrivals from Bangladesh, Cambodia, France, Greece, Iran, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States would all face the new restrictions, according to a statement released on Monday.
Vaccine patents battle intensifies as poor nations struggle in war on coronavirus
Vaccine patents battle intensifies as poor nations struggle in war on coronavirus
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech plan to fill and finish vaccines at a manufacturing hub in South Africa from next year. The two companies have pledged to make 500m doses available to 100 low-income countries but few other companies have promised substantial supplies. Top global health officials have become increasingly exasperated with the industry’s inability to boost access and clashed with pharmaceutical executives at a WTO meeting last month, according to two people familiar with what was said.
Brazil races to get the coronavirus vaccine despite president Bolsonaro's skepticism
Brazil races to get the coronavirus vaccine despite president Bolsonaro's skepticism
Rodrigo Lucas thinks of himself as a Bolsonaro man. He has supported Jair Bolsonaro’s demands that the coronavirus be treated with unproven and ineffective medications. He has condemned the Brazilian president’s critics on social media. His background image on Twitter is of Bolsonaro. And he describes himself as “right wing to the root.” But there’s one place where Lucas, 37, has refused to follow Bolsonaro: vaccine skepticism.
Businesses tempt Covid vaccine shy with vouchers and discounts
Businesses tempt Covid vaccine shy with vouchers and discounts
Asda, National Express and lastminute.com are among companies that will offer incentives to customers who get vaccinated against coronavirus. The group of businesses join Uber and Bolt, the taxi companies, and the takeaway service Deliveroo, which have said they will give discounted rides and meals to customers who have had a jab.
Australia purchases Pfizer vaccines from Poland as COVID-19 infections spike
Australia purchases Pfizer vaccines from Poland as COVID-19 infections spike
Australia has purchased about 1 million doses of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine from Poland to add to its inoculation efforts in Sydney and its home state, which on Saturday entered a snap lockdown amid record new infections. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday the extra vaccines would start arriving immediately and over half will be directed to 20- to 39-year-olds in New South Wales, as the state reported its second largest increase in locally transmitted infections
Indian state brings COVID vaccines to migrant workers’ doorstep
Indian state brings COVID vaccines to migrant workers’ doorstep
As a health worker swabs the skin on his arm with an alcohol wipe and prepares the syringe, Kartik Biswas feels an overwhelming sense of relief. He is finally about to receive his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of a drive by the southern Indian state of Kerala to inoculate some of the country’s most marginalised people: migrant workers.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Covid-19 Criticism
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Covid-19 Criticism
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned amid criticism over his Covid-19 policies, bringing renewed uncertainty to a government that has been marked by political infighting since Malaysia’s longtime ruling party lost in the wake of one of the world’s largest financial scandals. In a speech Monday, Mr. Muhyiddin said his last ditch effort to shore up political support so he could see through the pandemic recovery had failed. “There were those who were greedy for power instead of prioritizing the lives and livelihoods of the people,” he said of political rivals.
Outspoken COVID vaccine critic Cardinal Burke is on a ventilator after catching coronavirus
Outspoken COVID vaccine critic Cardinal Burke is on a ventilator after catching coronavirus
Raymond L. Burke, 73, has criticized the safety and rollout of COVID vaccines. The cardinal is on a ventilator in Wisconsin, where he caught the virus. He was often seen walking mask-less, with rosary beads, in Rome. In May, he decried 'totalitarian' vaccine mandates and said they could lead to 'microchips' so that people can be 'controlled by the State.' He has not said if he's been vaccinated
In a tweet over the weekend, his team urged people to 'pray the Rosary for him'
Sri Lanka replaces health minister as COVID outbreak worsens
Sri Lanka replaces health minister as COVID outbreak worsens
Sri Lanka’s president has demoted his health minister, who publicly endorsed sorcery and magic potions to battle COVID-19, as infections and deaths hit record highs. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office on Monday said Pavithra Wanniarachchi’s health portfolio had been given to Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is also the government spokesman.
Protesters in France denounce COVID health pass rules for fifth weekend
Protesters in France denounce COVID health pass rules for fifth weekend
Protesters have marched in cities across France for a fifth consecutive weekend against rules compelling them to show a COVID-19 health pass for daily activities, but in lesser numbers than a week ago. Crowds rallied through the streets of Paris, Marseille, Nice, Montpellier and other towns, waving placards reading "Pass=Apartheid" and chanting "Freedom, freedom".
Japan extends, expands coronavirus emergency as cases surge
Japan extends, expands coronavirus emergency as cases surge
Japan’s coronavirus state of emergency will continue through Sept. 12 rather than finishing at the end of this month as initially planned, the government decided Monday. With the virus continuing to spread in the country, the state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa, and three other regions which began in July will be extended and expanded. The measures were enforced throughout the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics, which took place with no spectators from the general public at many events. With the latest extension, the emergency will remain in force during the Tokyo Paralympics, which open Aug. 24 and close on Sept. 5. “The surge in infections is reaching alarming record highs,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said after meeting with other ministers about the move.
Sydney records deadliest day of COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne lockdown extended
Sydney records deadliest day of COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne lockdown extended
Sydney lockdown extended statewide as Australia faces 'worst' COVID episode
Sydney lockdown fines raised as Australia faces 'worst' COVID-19 situation
Research sheds light on how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19
Research sheds light on how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19
In a preprint paper last week, a group of researchers from both academia and U.S. health agencies reported their findings of the immune correlates for Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine. The study demonstrated the link between the level of antibodies in a person’s system and how protected they are against Covid-19, validating the hypothesis that antibodies could be used as a measure that signifies overall protection.
GSK, CureVac say their COVID-19 vaccine shows promise in monkey trial
GSK, CureVac say their COVID-19 vaccine shows promise in monkey trial
GlaxoSmithKline and CureVac said a study on macaque monkeys showed their jointly-developed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate to be "strongly improved" in protecting against the virus compared with CureVac's first attempt. The encouraging news on its "second-generation" vaccine gave CureVac's German-listed shares an 8% lift, as the stock gradually recovers from a slump in June when the German biotech company's first vaccine candidate recorded a disappointing 48% efficacy in mass testing on humans.
German panel recommends all 12-17-year-olds get COVID-19 shot
German panel recommends all 12-17-year-olds get COVID-19 shot
Germany's vaccine advisory committee updated its guidance on Monday to recommend that all children and adolescents aged 12-17 be given a COVID-19 vaccine, citing further safety data and increased risks posed by the more infectious Delta variant. The committee, known as STIKO, had previously recommended that only children and adolescents with pre-existing conditions be given a coronavirus vaccine
Coronavirus and flu vaccines could be COMBINED this winter
Coronavirus and flu vaccines could be COMBINED this winter
One shot of a Covid jab and flu vaccine would save time and be more convenient
Making one jab is 'obviously preferable', head of vaccine facility VMIC said
It comes as a decision on whether boosters are needed is yet to be announced
Young kids more likely than older kids to spread COVID-19 to household
Young kids more likely than older kids to spread COVID-19 to household
A Canadian study in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that while younger children are less likely than older children to be the index COVID-19 patient in their home, they are more likely to spread it to household members. The study involved 6,280 households with COVID-19 index patients 17 years and younger from Jun 1 to Dec 31, 2020. Of the 6,280 households, 1,717 (27.3%) experienced SARS-CoV-2 transmission to a median of two siblings or caregivers in the household 1 to 14 days after index patient diagnosis. Children aged 0 to 8 had higher odds of transmitting the virus, but those 3 years and younger had the greatest infectivity
Updated: Pfizer, Eli Lilly and J&J roll out COVID-19 vaccination rules as delta makes case for mandates
Updated: Pfizer, Eli Lilly and J&J roll out COVID-19 vaccination rules as delta makes case for mandates
Right as several countries seemed to be getting a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic, the delta variant crashed onto the scene, sending case counts soaring again and throwing re-opening plans into limbo. With cases expected to continue ticking up before Labor Day, the argument for vaccine mandates is growing. For many drugmakers, several of whom led the charge on the therapeutics and vaccines taking aim at the pandemic, vaccination requirements are becoming the norm. That now includes two of the leading vaccine developers, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, as well as antibody maker Eli Lilly. Over the past few days, Fierce Pharma asked a range of biopharmas big and small about their evolving vaccination policies. While some companies have already gone public with their plans, others are deliberating how to approach the issue.
Scientists unlock clues to determining how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19
Scientists unlock clues to determining how safe vaccinated people are from Covid-19
Imagine peering into people’s blood and being able to pick up a simple marker of exactly how well protected they are from Covid-19. It’s a pressing goal for scientists who are still trying to understand what immunity to the coronavirus looks like, how robustly vaccines protect us over time, and how protected people are who’ve had and recovered from Covid-19. Now, a year and a half into the pandemic, researchers are starting to flesh out exactly what these “correlates of protection” look like, a step that could help track the durability of immunity and speed the development of additional vaccines. In a preprint paper last week, a group of researchers from both academia and U.S. health agencies reported their findings of the immune correlates for Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine.
Surgeon general worries about complacency on Covid-19 as cases surge and vaccinations lag
Surgeon general worries about complacency on Covid-19 as cases surge and vaccinations lag
Pfizer and BioNTech said Monday they have submitted initial data to the US Food and Drug Administration to support the use of a booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine.
The booster dose elicited a significantly higher antibody response against the initial strain of coronavirus and the Delta and Beta variants, compared to what was seen among people who got two doses. The booster dose seemed to be equally protective against the Delta and Beta variants as against the original coronavirus.
Devastated Indonesian parents mourn children lost to COVID-19
Devastated Indonesian parents mourn children lost to COVID-19
At a hospital in Indonesia’s Sikka regency, funeral workers have come to collect a small coffin left outside the emergency ward. It is light enough for the two workers to carry with ease. Inside is the body of a two-month-old baby. Her name was Maria.
China's new local COVID-19 infections fall for sixth day
China's new local COVID-19 infections fall for sixth day
New local COVID-19 infections in China declined for a sixth day, official data showed on Monday, as most regions pulled the latest outbreak under control, while others kept up vigilance by adding mass testing or delaying school re-openings. In its lowest daily tally since July 24, China reported 13 new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases for Sunday, the data from the National Health Commission (NHC) showed.
COVID-19 hospitalization rates for adults in their 30s hit record highs amid Delta variant surge
COVID-19 hospitalization rates for adults in their 30s hit record highs amid Delta variant surge
Dr. James Lawler addressed the alarming hospitalization rate among the young
'So this is not only the pandemic of the unvaccinated in the U.S., it's a pandemic of the young now,' he said. He called it a 'myth' that young people don't get very sick from the coronavirus. New COVID-19 hospital admissions for patients in their 30s reached an average of 1,113 per day for the week that ended Wednesday/ That average daily hospitalization rate had jumped 22.6 percent from 908 in the previous seven days. The data shows that thirtysomethings made up 170,852 out of more than 2.5 million new hospital admissions for COVID-19 since August 2020
With millions unvaccinated, Palestinians fear school year coronavirus surge
With millions unvaccinated, Palestinians fear school year coronavirus surge
Recorded cases in West Bank, Gaza are on the rise but still low; health official in the Strip speculates it has seen enough infected to reach herd immunity
US COVID-19 cases back to pre-vaccination levels
US COVID-19 cases back to pre-vaccination levels
For the first time since February, the United States reported more than 900,000 COVID-19 cases last week—with the country represented 20% of global cases—a sign the pandemic surge caused by the Delta (B1617.2) variant has stalled the progress made by an aggressive vaccine rollout that dampened cases this spring and summer. Cases are on the rise in 46 states, according to USA Today. Hot spots continue in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oregon, Hawaii, and Mississippi. Oregon reported 11,564 cases in the week ending Friday, the paper said, topping its December pandemic peak by more than 7.2%. The United States reported 38,482 new COVID-19 cases yesterday and 382 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 tracker.
Workers try to flee Vietnam's biggest city as coronavirus crisis worsens
Workers try to flee Vietnam's biggest city as coronavirus crisis worsens
Thousands of jobless workers in Vietnam's biggest city are trying to flee to their hometowns, many on motorcycles piled high with belongings, following an extension of restrictions in the epicentre of the country's worst coronavirus outbreak yet. But authorities are anxious to prevent them leaving Ho Chi Minh City and potentially spreading the virus to other parts of the country. Waves of motorbikes could be seen being halted at roadblocks around the city since Sunday. Television footage from nearby industrialised provinces showed factory workers on Monday dressed head-to-toe in protective clothing and rushing to board trains and buses in a similar attempt to flee the most affected areas.
North Macedonia reimposes restrictions as COVID-19 resurges
North Macedonia reimposes restrictions as COVID-19 resurges
North Macedonia has reimposed restrictions on access to cafes, restaurants and public events in a bid to subdue a fresh spike in COVID-19 infections and nudge citizens to get vaccinated, prompting public anger and protests. From Monday, those who want to go to restaurants, concerts or any public events will have to show a certificate of at least one COVID-19 vaccination or of recovery from the disease within the past 45 days.
Covid-19: Isle of Man care homes begin phased reopening
Covid-19: Isle of Man care homes begin phased reopening
Residential homes ran by Manx Care are beginning a phased reopening after they were shut amid rising cases of coronavirus. Eight care homes on the Isle of Man were closed to visitors and new admissions after "increased levels of community transmission". Reayrt-ny-Baie in Douglas will stay shut due to "the continued outbreak of Covid-19 in the home". It was the first care home to close in July after Covid cases emerged there.
Philippine health ministry says no corruption in $1.3 bln pandemic funds
Philippine health ministry says no corruption in $1.3 bln pandemic funds
Sri Lanka’s president has demoted his health minister, who publicly endorsed sorcery and magic potions to battle COVID-19, as infections and deaths hit record highs. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office on Monday said Pavithra Wanniarachchi’s health portfolio had been given to Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is also the government spokesman.