| |

"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 11th Jun 2021

Overnight News RoundUp

Gangrene, Hearing Loss, Show Delta Variant May Be More Severe

  • The coronavirus variant driving India's devastating COVID-19 second wave is the most infectious to emerge so far. Doctors now want to know if it is also more severe.
  • Hearing impairment, severe gastric upsets and blood clots leading to gangrene, symptoms not typically seen in COVID patients, have been linked by doctors in India to the so-called Delta variant. In England and Scotland, early evidence suggests the strain - which is now also dominant there - carries a higher risk of hospitalization.
  • Delta, also know as B.1.617.2, has spread to more than 60 countries over the past six months and triggered travel curbs from Australia to the USA. A spike in infections, fuelled by the variant, has forced the UK to reconsider its plans for reopening later this month, with a local report saying it may be pushed back by two weeks. Singapore found that the mutation accounted for 95% of the local COVID samples linked to variants of concern. Higher rates of transmission and a reduction in the effectiveness of vaccines have made understanding the strain's effects especially critical.
  • 'We need more scientific research to analyze if these newer clinical presentations are linked to B.1.617 or not,' said Abdul Ghafur, an infectious disease physician at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, southern India's largest city. Ghafur said he is seeing more COVID patients with diarrhea now than in the initial wave of the pandemic.

New Enemy

  • 'Last year, we thought we had learned about our new enemy, but it changed,' Ghafur said. 'This virus has become so, so unpredictable.'
  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hearing loss and joint pain are among the ailments COVID patients are experiencing, according to six doctors treating patients across India. The beta and gamma variants - first detected in South Africa and Brazil respectively - have shown little or no evidence of triggering unusual clinical signs, according to a study by researchers from the University of New South Wales last month.
  • Some patients develop micro thrombic, or small blood clots, so severe that they led affected tissue to die and develop gangrene, said Ganesh Manudhane, a Mumbai cardiologist, who has treated eight patients for thrombotic complications at the Seven Hills Hospital during the past two months. Two required amputations of fingers or a foot.
  • 'I saw three-to-four cases the whole of last year, and now it's one patient a week,' Manudhane said.

Baffling Clots

  • India has reported 18.6 million COVID cases thus far in 2021, compared with 10.3 million last year. The delta variant was the primary cause behind the country's deadlier second wave and is 50% more contagious than the alpha strain that was first spotted in the UK, according to a recent study by an Indian government panel.
  • The surge in cases may have driven an increase in the frequency with which rare COVID complications are being observed. Even still, Manudhane said he is baffled by the blood clots he's seeing in patients across age groups with no past history of coagulation-related problems.
  • 'We suspect it could be because of the new virus variant,' he said. Manudhane is collecting data to study why some develop the clots and others don't.
  • Doctors are also finding instances of clots forming in blood vessels that supply the intestines, causing patients to experience stomach pain - their only symptom, local media have reported.
  • Some COVID patients are also seeking medical care for hearing loss, swelling around the neck and severe tonsillitis, said Hetal Marfatia, an ear nose and throat surgeon at Mumbai's King Edward Memorial Hospital.
  • 'Every person is showing different symptoms,' in the second wave, she said.
Gangrene, Hearing Loss Show Delta Variant May Be More Severe
Gangrene, Hearing Loss Show Delta Variant May Be More Severe
The coronavirus variant driving India’s devastating Covid-19 second wave is the most infectious to emerge so far. Doctors now want to know if it’s also more severe.
Biden says biggest vaccine donation 'supercharges' battle against coronavirus
Biden says biggest vaccine donation 'supercharges' battle against coronavirus
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that a donation of 500 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to the world's poorest countries would supercharge the battle with the virus and comes with "no strings attached." Biden, speaking alongside Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay ahead of a G7 summit, thanked other leaders for recognising their responsibility to vaccinate the world.
UK to donate more than 100m surplus vaccine doses, says PM
UK to donate more than 100m surplus vaccine doses, says PM
Boris Johnson says the UK will start donating coronavirus vaccines to poorer countries in the next few weeks. More than 100m surplus doses will be delivered in the next year, he announced ahead of the G7 summit. US President Joe Biden has promised half a billion doses of Pfizer vaccines to 92 low and middle-income countries and the African Union. The first 5m doses from the UK will be given by the end of September, with another 25m by the end of the year. The prime minister said: "As a result of the success of the UK's vaccine programme we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them.
Brazil plans to allow vaccinated people not to need face masks -Bolsonaro
Brazil plans to allow vaccinated people not to need face masks -Bolsonaro
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday that the health minister was preparing a measure to no longer require face masks for people who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus or previously infected. Bolsonaro, who has opposed lockdowns and social distancing despite his country having the second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak, said in a speech that quarantines should be only for infected people. "They are useful for people who are infected," he said, adding: "Quarantines are for those who are infected."
COVID-19: Vaccine passports or proof of negative test to be used at Wembley for Euro 2020 matches
COVID-19: Vaccine passports or proof of negative test to be used at Wembley for Euro 2020 matches
Vaccine passports will be used at Wembley as one of the ways to allow supporters to attend matches at Euro 2020, UEFA has said. Fans will be required to show proof of full vaccination against coronavirus or a negative lateral flow COVID-19 test within the previous 48 hours before being admitted into the stadium, which is due to host all three of England's group games this month - including their clash with Scotland on 18 June. Their opening match against Croatia on Sunday will be the first time proof of being jabbed is used at a sports event, and people heading to any of the upcoming games will be able to use the NHS app - or the Scottish or Welsh vaccination record services - to show that it's been at least two weeks since they had their second dose.
Danes ditch masks, allow more Euro 2020 fans in lockdown deal
Danes ditch masks, allow more Euro 2020 fans in lockdown deal
Denmark will ditch the use of masks and allow 9,000 more fans to attend European Championship soccer matches in Copenhagen, its government said on Thursday, under a deal to ease lockdown rules. The Nordic country has avoided a third COVID-19 wave with broad lockdown measures introduced in late December and has gradually reopened as infection rates have dropped. With the new deal, 25,000 fans will be allowed to attend European Championship matches taking place in Copenhagen, up from around 16,000 fans.
Wear masks in Euro 2020 crowds, warns EU health body
Wear masks in Euro 2020 crowds, warns EU health body
Euro 2020 fans should avoid attending games if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and wear masks in stadiums allowing around 50% capacity, a European Union agency urged on Thursday, amid concern the tournament could spread infections. The European Championship, postponed last year because of the pandemic, starts on Friday for one month with 11 countries hosting games and stadiums allowing fans back. Budapest aims for full capacity while Saint Petersburg and Baku will have 50%. Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Rome and Seville will use between 25% and 45% of capacity, while Munich will use a minimum 22% capacity and London's Wembley - which hosts the final - a minimum 25% for the initial games.
G7 expected to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries
G7 expected to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects the Group of Seven to agree to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries during its summit starting on Friday, and help innoculate the world by the end of next year. Just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden vowed to supercharge the battle against the coronavirus with a donation of 500 million Pfizer shots, Johnson said Britain would give at least 100 million surplus vaccines to the poorest nations. Johnson has already called on G7 leaders to commit to vaccinate the entire world by the end of 2022 and the group is expected to pledge 1 billion doses during its three-day summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay.
Germany starts rolling out a digital EU vaccination pass
Germany starts rolling out a digital EU vaccination pass
Germany on Thursday started rolling out a digital vaccination pass that can be used across Europe as the continent gets ready for the key summer travel season. The country’s health minister said starting this week vaccination centers, doctors practices and pharmacies will gradually start giving out digital passes to fully vaccinated people. The CovPass will let users download proof of their coronavirus vaccination status onto a smartphone app, allowing them easy access to restaurants, museums or other venues that require proof of immunization. The vaccination passport should be available to everyone in Germany who is fully vaccinated by the end of this month, Health Minister Jens Spahn said.
U.S. to raise COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property issues with WTO, may take time -Tai
U.S. to raise COVID-19 vaccine intellectual property issues with WTO, may take time -Tai
The Biden administration is committed to efforts to waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines and will raise the issue with the World Trade Organization (WTO), but it may take time, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on Thursday. "We will actively participate in text-based negotiations at the WTO that will be needed to make this happen. And this may take time given the complexity of the issues involved, but our goal remains to get vaccines to as many people as fast as possible," Tai said in remarks to an AFL-CIO union event. U.S. President Joe Biden last month backed a proposed patent waiver for vaccines targeting the novel coronavirus that advocates say could help boost availability amid the pandemic.
COVID-19:'We have 30 doses... we need two million' - the mountain kingdom left behind in the race to vaccinate the world
COVID-19:'We have 30 doses... we need two million' - the mountain kingdom left behind in the race to vaccinate the world
Lesotho's Flying Doctor Services serve 11 isolated clinics in this rugged and impoverished nation. The government-run unit is assisted by a Christian charity called the Mission Aviation Fellowship and together they provide medical services and emergency treatment to communities that are completely inaccessible by road. As COVID-19 spreads and mutates in southern Africa, its members have been asked to deliver and administer vaccines to much of the nation. Lesotho acquired a batch of 36,000 AstraZeneca vaccines through the UN-backed COVAX facility in March and health workers were prioritised for their first dose.
Covid-19 ventilators donated by Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi left abandoned in warehouse
Covid-19 ventilators donated by Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi left abandoned in warehouse
Life-support machines donated by the footballer Lionel Messi are sitting abandoned in a warehouse in Argentina despite a brutal second wave of infections leaving hospitals desperate for supplies. Through his foundation, the Barcelona star had sent 32 ventilators by private jet in August last year to his home town of Rosario. For almost a year, however, the machines have been left unopened in an airport repository, pending authorisation from the national health regulator. The case has baffled the Messi Foundation, which had successfully delivered medical equipment to Argentina only a few months before, in May last year.
Covid-19: Robin Swann says 2019 normality a long way off
Covid-19: Robin Swann says 2019 normality a long way off
"Normality, as we knew it in 2019, is still some way off," the health minister has said. The remarks by Robin Swann were in a briefing document from the Department of Health to the NI Executive. Mr Swann said Northern Ireland is "not yet at a point where we can set a date for an end to social distancing". The health paper also said testing for coronavirus over the past few days has indicated that up to 25% of new cases here may be the Delta variant. The document warns of another possible "significant fresh surge" of positive cases and hospitalisations by late summer or early autumn.
Lockdown rules could be eased in ‘mix-and-match’ approach instead of all at once
Lockdown rules could be eased in ‘mix-and-match’ approach instead of all at once
Boris Johnson may take a ‘mix and match approach’ to ending lockdown restrictions amid a surge in cases of the Delta coronavirus variant. Billed as ‘freedom day’, June 21 is the earliest date that all remaining limits on social contact are set to be lifted. It means nightclubs could open again for the first time in more than a year, while restrictions on weddings and other large events would no longer apply. However, the number of coronavirus cases has jumped by 74% in a week, with another 7,540 infections recorded yesterday – the highest daily jump since February 26, when 8,523 cases were reported.
EU foregoes 100 million J&J vaccines, considers donating other doses - sources
EU foregoes 100 million J&J vaccines, considers donating other doses - sources
The European Union decided not to take up an option to buy 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ.N) COVID-19 vaccine and is considering donating another 100 million optional shots, if ordered, European officials said. The discussions show a drop in confidence in the one-dose shot, which was initially touted as crucial for a successful vaccination drive in Europe, but has been largely relegated to a back-up choice after safety and supply problems. The EU at the end of March let the term to order 100 million extra doses lapse, three European officials with direct knowledge of contracts with vaccine makers told Reuters, revealing a confidential clause of the contract with J&J which had not been previously disclosed.
Tokyo vaccination centre to offer shots to younger people as Olympics loom
Tokyo vaccination centre to offer shots to younger people as Olympics loom
The main coronavirus vaccination centre in the Japanese capital of Tokyo will begin booking shots for people under 65 from Saturday, media reported on Thursday, as it ramps up inoculation efforts before the 2020 Olympics open next month. Japan began vaccinating front-line health workers and elderly people in February, but the slow pace compared with other major industrialised nations has spurred calls for the Tokyo Games to be delayed again or cancelled. Opening up vaccinations to most citizens may help the government ease concern the country is unprepared to host tens of thousands of foreign athletes and Olympic officials as its healthcare system struggles with a fourth wave of infections.
Paytm, Infosys offer India help in COVID vaccine bookings: Report
Paytm, Infosys offer India help in COVID vaccine bookings: Report
Paytm, Infosys and MakeMyTrip are among companies seeking approval in India to provide online COVID-19 vaccine bookings, the head of the government’s tech platform has said, as the country tries to make it easier for its huge population to book shots. The government relaxed rules last month to potentially allow third-party apps to offer vaccine bookings and has taken back control of procurement from states following delays and shortages. It also faced initial problems with its own vaccine booking platform. About 15 state agencies and private companies, which also include Indian healthcare giants Apollo and Max, and online pharmacy 1mg, have asked to be allowed to offer vaccine bookings, RS Sharma, head of the government’s panel managing the CoWIN vaccination registration platform, told Reuters news agency.
Pfizer to provide U.S. with 500 million COVID-19 vaccines to donate to world
Pfizer to provide U.S. with 500 million COVID-19 vaccines to donate to world
Pfizer and German partner BioNTech said on Thursday they have agreed to supply the U.S. government with 500 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to donate to poorer countries over the next two years. The two drugmakers will provide 200 million doses in 2021 and 300 million doses in the first half of 2022, which the United States will then distribute to 92 lower-income countries and the African Union, they said. The shots, which will be produced at Pfizer's U.S. production sites, will be provided at a not-for-profit price.
AstraZeneca says working with Southeast Asian nations on vaccine deliveries
AstraZeneca says working with Southeast Asian nations on vaccine deliveries
AstraZeneca says it is working closely with Southeast Asia governments to ensure its COVID-19 vaccine is supplied "as quickly as possible", after reported delays in deliveries of orders from a Thai plant owned by the country's powerful king.
UK going in wrong direction on Covid cases with ‘pockets’ of unvaccinated people, says government health chief
UK going in wrong direction on Covid cases with ‘pockets’ of unvaccinated people, says government health chief
The country is going in the wrong direction on coronavirus cases with pockets of unvaccinated people in some areas remaining at risk, the head of the UK’s Health Security Agency has warned. Dr Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the new body, set up in the wake of the coronavirus crisis said it was still too early to make a decision on ending lockdown on June 21 and the next week would be crucial. She said it was vital local health teams targeted older people who were yet to be fully inoculated against Covid-19 and praised the efforts of teams in Bolton where the rate of patients being admitted to hospitals had dropped in the past week.
Government ran secret coronavirus outbreak exercise five years ago
Government ran secret coronavirus outbreak exercise five years ago
The UK government ran a secret exercise mimicking the outbreak of a Covid-like virus outbreak in 2016. Exercise Alice, as the project was called, involved the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and was carried out nearly five years ago. The exercise envisioned an outbreak of MERS, the so-called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, which is a coronavirus, according to newspaper The Guardian.
UK's health minister denies claim he lied during pandemic
UK's health minister denies claim he lied during pandemic
British Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic following a series of damaging allegations from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s former top adviser. Facing questioning from lawmakers, Hancock said Thursday that he had “no idea” why Dominic Cummings had a dispute with him and that he’d become aware that Cummings had wanted him fired. “I’m not responsible for anybody else’s testimony, but I’m really pleased to have the chance to come here to be able to tell you the truth,” Hancock said. Two weeks ago, Cummings told lawmakers investigating the virus outbreak in the U.K. that Hancock “should have been fired” for a series of lies and for a litany of errors during the pandemic. Among the charges, Cummings said Hancock had claimed that during the early stages of the pandemic that people discharged from hospitals were being tested for the virus before going back to their nursing homes.
Pfizer cuts Norway's COVID-19 vaccine deliveries, rollout delayed
Pfizer cuts Norway's COVID-19 vaccine deliveries, rollout delayed
Pfizer (PFE.N) has cut July deliveries of its COVID-19 vaccine to Norway by 400,000 doses, delaying the Nordic country's vaccine rollout, the company and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) told Reuters on Thursday.
A 'Universal' Coronavirus Vaccine to Prevent the Next Pandemic
A 'Universal' Coronavirus Vaccine to Prevent the Next Pandemic
In the past 20 years alone, three coronaviruses have caused major disease outbreaks. First came the original SARS virus in 2002. Then, in 2012, MERS was identified. In 2019 SARS-CoV-2 emerged, setting off a global pandemic. Hundreds of other coronaviruses are known to be circulating in bats and other animals. Scientists have warned that some of them could emerge in the future and potentially infect people. Our current COVID-19 vaccines were specifically designed for SARS-CoV-2, but what if a next-generation vaccine could protect against both known and unknown coronaviruses? Scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Md., are working on a so-called universal coronavirus vaccine. Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad is leading the effort.
Moderna files for U.S. authorization to use its COVID-19 vaccine in teens
Moderna files for U.S. authorization to use its COVID-19 vaccine in teens
Moderna Inc said on Thursday it has filed for U.S. authorization to use its COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents aged 12 through 17, potentially offering healthcare providers and pediatricians an easier-to-store shot ahead of the return-to-school season in the fall. The company is the second drugmaker to seek regulatory nod for use of its vaccine in the age group, as the U.S. tries to vaccinate more young people. Vaccinating children has been considered key to achieving "herd immunity" and while they mostly develop only mild COVID-19 symptoms or no symptoms, younger people still remain at risk of becoming seriously ill, and can spread the virus.
J&J CEO says Americans will need to receive COVID-19 vaccine boosters for 'several years'
J&J CEO says Americans will need to receive COVID-19 vaccine boosters for 'several years'
Johnson & Johnson's CEO said on Wednesday that he believes people will likely need boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine for years to come. During The Wall Street Journal's Tech Health conference, Alex Gorsky said that not enough people have gotten vaccinated around the world to prevent the spread of highly infectious variants. Until that happens, he says Americans may need to get an annual shot, just like they do with the influenza vaccine. 'We could be looking at this tagging along with the flu shot, likely over the next several years,' Gorsky said.
Delta COVID-19 variant has the potential to become
Delta COVID-19 variant has the potential to become "more dangerous"
Public health officials Scott Gottlieb and Anthony Facui have warned against letting the Delta COVID-19 variant spread. Two doses of the vaccine still offer protection, one expert says. Estimates report the Delta variant is the most common in the UK, threatening the rollback of lockdown measures.
Covid: Indian variant about 60% more contagious than Kent strain
Covid: Indian variant about 60% more contagious than Kent strain
The Indian variant of the coronavirus is 60 per cent more transmissible than the Kent strain, an official estimate is expected to conclude today, as scientists said that delaying the end of
FDA Extends Shelf Life of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
FDA Extends Shelf Life of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Johnson & Johnson said on Thursday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended the shelf life of its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine from three months to four-and-a-half months. The health regulator's decision was based on data from ongoing studies, which demonstrated that the vaccine is stable at 4.5 months when refrigerated at temperatures of 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 degrees Celsius), the drugmaker said.
High COVID vaccine uptake may protect the unvaccinated
High COVID vaccine uptake may protect the unvaccinated
Higher levels of COVID-19 vaccination in a population are tied to lower rates of infection in unvaccinated youth younger than 16 years, who were ineligible for the vaccine at the time of the trial, according to an observational, real-world, Israeli study today in Nature Medicine. Researchers from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa led the study, which involved mining vaccination records and COVID-19 test results gathered during a rapid vaccine rollout in 177 communities. They found that vaccination rates in each community were linked to a large subsequent decline in COVID-19 infections in the unvaccinated youth. For every 20 percentage points of vaccinated people in a population, on average, COVID-19 test positivity declined about twofold.
Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine scores longer shelf life just as millions of doses were set to expire
Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine scores longer shelf life just as millions of doses were set to expire
Just as states were scrambling to administer millions of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 doses set to expire by the end of June, the FDA has swooped in to give the jabs a bit more time on the shelf. The U.S. FDA has extended the shelf life for J&J’s single-shot vaccine from three months to four and a half, the drugmaker said Thursday. The agency based its decision on ongoing stability studies that found the vaccine could last longer when kept at refrigerated temperatures. Dwindling demand for COVID-19 vaccines, coupled with safety concerns clouding J&J’s shot, have led to a larger-than-expected stockpile of doses after the U.S. halted the shot in April, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week. In order to work through the backlog, the federal government has suspended shipments of the vaccine so states can catch up, the newspaper later reported.
More transmissible, wilier variant makes Covid-19 vaccinations even more crucial, experts say
More transmissible, wilier variant makes Covid-19 vaccinations even more crucial, experts say
It’s getting even riskier to remain unvaccinated. The United States, as a whole, is still in good shape for the summer of reunions and revived activities. But for those who haven’t been immunized against Covid-19, there is a new concern: the emergence of yet another coronavirus variant, one with a nasty combination of features that makes it even more dangerous than the other strains that have caused global alarms. The variant, known as Delta, was first spotted in India and helped power that country’s recent explosive outbreaks. Also called B.1.617.2, it seems to be the most transmissible version of the coronavirus seen thus far, but also carries some ability to get around the body’s immune protection generated after vaccination or an initial infection. (There’s also some evidence that it is more likely to cause severe disease, though researchers are still trying to confirm that.)
As more kids go down the ‘deep, dark tunnel’ of long Covid, doctors still can’t predict who is at risk
As more kids go down the ‘deep, dark tunnel’ of long Covid, doctors still can’t predict who is at risk
At 14 years old, Kate Dardis knows what pain feels like and how to work through it. An accomplished gymnast accustomed to training four hours a day, she has met a competitor this year that she can’t beat with exercise or sheer willpower — yet. Rarely sick before a stomachache kept her home from school for three days in October, the Bloomington, Ill., eighth-grader was hit by a headache in January that still hasn’t loosened its grip. Her heart races. Her body aches. She gets winded climbing stairs and feels dizzy when she changes position. Concentrating on schoolwork is difficult remotely and exhausting in person. Kate learned last month from a team of doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital that she is suffering from the post-Covid syndrome better known as long Covid. Her Covid-19 test was negative last fall after some teammates and coaches at her gym tested positive, but in February an antibody test ordered by her pediatrician confirmed she had been infected with Covid-19.
AstraZeneca vaccine linked to slightly higher risk of blood disorder
AstraZeneca vaccine linked to slightly higher risk of blood disorder
Data from Scotland’s Covid vaccination programme has revealed a possible small increase in the risk of a treatable and often mild bleeding disorder after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. Doctors examined the medical records of 5.4 million people in Scotland for instances of blood clots, unusual bleeding, and a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), where a reduction in blood platelets can lead to easy bruising, bleeding gums and internal bleeding. The analysis conducted with Public Health Scotland found the risk of ITP was marginally higher in the 1.7 million people who had received a first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine than in a comparison group that did not receive the shot up to 14 April 2021.
India reports more than 6,000 daily Covid deaths — highest ever in the world
India reports more than 6,000 daily Covid deaths — highest ever in the world
India’s health ministry data showed 6,148 deaths were recorded over a 24-hour period, as daily reported cases remained below 100,000 for the third consecutive day. The fatalities rose after one of India’s poorest states, Bihar, revised its total Covid-19 related death toll on Wednesday from about 5,400 to more than 9,400, accounting for people who died at home or in private hospitals, Reuters reported.
NHS told to identify patients actually sick from Covid-19 separately to those testing positive
NHS told to identify patients actually sick from Covid-19 separately to those testing positive
Hospitals have been told to change the way they collect data on patients infected with coronavirus to differentiate between those actually sick with symptoms and those who test positive while seeking treatment for something else. The move would reduce the overall number of patients in hospital for coronavirus as until now data from hospitals has included all patients who tested positive for Covid-19, regardless of whether they had symptoms or not. NHS England has instructed hospitals to make the change to the daily flow of data sent by NHS trusts and told The Independent that the move was being done to help analyse the effect of the vaccine programme and whether it was successfully reducing Covid-19 sickness.
Two Australian states on COVID-19 alert after infected woman's interstate travel
Two Australian states on COVID-19 alert after infected woman's interstate travel
Two Australian states are on COVID-19 alert after an infected woman and her husband travelled from Victoria, the epicentre of country’s latest outbreak, through the states of New South Wales and into Queensland, visiting dozens of sites enroute. Authorities in New South Wales and Queensland are rushing to trace close contacts and locate virus hotspots. The couple may face criminal charges for breaching COVID-19 border restrictions.
Covid-19 now increasing in every part of England, says PHE
Covid-19 now increasing in every part of England, says PHE
Covid-19 case rates in all regions of England have increased, according to the latest weekly surveillance report from Public Health England. North-west England saw the largest rise, with 149.6 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to June 6, up week-on-week from 89.4. This is the highest for the region since the week ending February 21 and is also the highest of any region in England. South-west England has the lowest rate: 20.8, up week-on-week from 9.7. Case rates in England have risen among almost all age groups, Public Health England said.
Portugal halts easing of COVID-19 rules in Lisbon as cases rise
Portugal halts easing of COVID-19 rules in Lisbon as cases rise
Most of Portugal will move to the next stage of lockdown easing next Monday but stricter rules will remain in place in the capital Lisbon due to a worrying rise in COVID-19 infections, the government said on Wednesday. Portugal imposed a nationwide lockdown in January to tackle what then was the world's worst coronavirus surge, but restrictions have been gradually lifted since mid-March and most businesses have already reopened. Across most of the country, restaurants, cafes and pastry shops, which now must close at 10.30 p.m., will be able to keep doors open until 1 a.m. from June 14, and there are no more restrictions on stores' opening hours.
Europe by ‘no means out of danger’ in fight against pandemic: WHO
Europe by ‘no means out of danger’ in fight against pandemic: WHO
The World Health Organization has urged Europeans to travel responsibly during the holiday season, as it warned that the continent was “by no means out of danger” in the battle against COVID-19. “With increasing social gatherings, greater population mobility, and large festivals and sports tournaments taking place in the coming days and weeks, WHO Europe calls for caution,” the WHO’s European head Hans Kluge told a press briefing on Thursday.
Abu Dhabi restricts many public areas to those free of COVID
Abu Dhabi restricts many public areas to those free of COVID
Abu Dhabi, the second-most populous emirate in the UAE, will restrict access to shopping malls, restaurants, cafes and other public places from June 15 to those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative. The new rules were announced late on Wednesday as the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates, has seen daily cases rise over the past three weeks. The UAE, which does not give a breakdown for each emirate, recorded 2,179 new infections on Wednesday, up from 1,229 on May 17. The restrictions will also apply to gyms, hotels and their facilities, public parks, beaches, swimming pools, entertainment centres, cinemas, and museums, Abu Dhabi's media office said
‘Intensity’ of Delta importations from overseas set UK on course for sharp rise in Covid cases, say experts
‘Intensity’ of Delta importations from overseas set UK on course for sharp rise in Covid cases, say experts
The “intensity” with which cases of the Delta coronavirus variant were introduced to the UK set the country on course for the sharp rise in infections now being recorded, leading scientists have said. Experts believe the Delta variant is 60 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha strain, which first emerged in Kent last year, and is fuelling the increase in cases recorded over the past three weeks. Infections appear to be rising exponentially once again. Some 7,540 cases were reported on Wednesday – the highest daily count since 27 February. Hospitalisations are also creeping up, though remain well below the peak seen during the winter wave.
Indian state sharply raises COVID-19 death toll prompting call for wide review
Indian state sharply raises COVID-19 death toll prompting call for wide review
An Indian state has raised its COVID-19 death toll sharply higher after the discovery of thousands of unreported cases, lending weight to suspicion that India’s overall death tally is significantly more than the official figure. Indian hospitals ran out of beds and life-saving oxygen during a devastating second wave of coronavirus in April and May and people died in parking lots outside hospitals and at their homes.
Covid-19 ventilators donated by Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi left abandoned in warehouse
Covid-19 ventilators donated by Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi left abandoned in warehouse
Life-support machines donated by the footballer Lionel Messi are sitting abandoned in a warehouse in Argentina despite a brutal second wave of infections leaving hospitals desperate for supplies. Through his foundation, the Barcelona star had sent 32 ventilators by private jet in August last year to his home town of Rosario. For almost a year, however, the machines have been left unopened in an airport repository, pending authorisation from the national health regulator. The case has baffled the Messi Foundation, which had successfully delivered medical equipment to Argentina only a few months before, in May last year.
David Hasselhoff joins German vaccine appeal
David Hasselhoff joins German vaccine appeal
Former “Baywatch” TV star David Hasselhoff is appearing in a video released by the German health ministry calling on people to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The video makes a play on Hasselhoff's 1989 "Looking for Freedom" album, which was popular in Germany after its title song become a soundtrack for the fall of the Berlin Wall. "Aermel hoch! ("Sleeves up!"), Hasselhoff says in German in the video released on Monday that had already been viewed on Twitter almost 200,000 times by Wednesday.